Dave James

Chris, I think the "ballad heavy" Jimmy Smith you're referring to may be "Jimmy Smith Plays Pretty Just For You". I have this one. Not a good date. Sounds very harsh to my ears, although the tune selection is fine. "Cherokee" is another Smith date I can live without. Although I have the Smith Mosaic, that's one that doesn't see the light of day very often. I realize that's probably as close to Blue Note blasphemy as one can safely come, but I just can't get into this one. I am a fan of "Standards". Great Burrell. Up over and out.

The local public radio jazz station here in Portland (KMHD) has this in heavy rotation. I'm planning on picking it up. Also, don't forget that Mr. Edwards shows up on a DVD release from the Steve Allen produced '50's TV show, Jazz Scene USA. His group plays a handful of Edward's compositions, one of which is "Sunset Eyes", a tune I consider to be a minor jazz classic. What makes this DVD doubly appealing is that he's splitting the bill with Cannonball Adderley. This is the Zawinul/Lateef version of the Adderley band and they are really on fire. The sound is very good. Well worth picking up. There's one other Edwards DVD that's also available. It's a career retrospective called "The Legend of Teddy Edwards." I haven't seen this one so I can't comment on it, but I have read a couple of complimentry reviews. Up over and out.

Not sure about you, but I find myself checking the Blue Note website 2-3 times a week just to see if anything is going on with the bulletin board. Mostly just force of habit. As you probably know, they've had the same message posted there for quite some time, the one that says "we'll be back soon" or words to that effect. Anyhow, that got me thinking. Have you considered how you will react if the BNBB does manage to reconstitute itself? Will you register...will you post...or will you continue to let Organissimo satisfy your Jones for jazz discussion? Seems to me at this point, the BNBB would be largely redundant, that what you post here would be the same thing you'd post there. I guess the real question might be do you feel any brand loyalty towards Blue Note in that that board is what got us to where we are today? Or, were you left with such a bad taste in your mouth when the BNBB vaporized that it's good riddance and thanks for the memories? Just curious. Up over and out.

I'll stick my neck out on a couple of folks who have not yet been mentioned. Both are what I would call acquired tastes, one male, one female. The former would be Chet Baker, especially early to mid-50's Chet before he got crispy. Although, having said that, I'll admit that even late period Chet has its own peculiar allure, not at all unlike Billie's Lady in Satin. The woman is Blossom Dearie. I find her to be truly unique. She has a fair number recordings available from her days with the Verve label. She also sang with a European vocal ensemble called The Blue Stars of France. Those CD's are much harder to come by. If you haven't ever heard her, she's worth checking out. No guarantees here, though. Like I said, an acquired taste. If I was to dip myself in more populated waters, I'd have to go with Anita O'Day. I bought her Mosaic set a couple of years ago only because the price was too good to pass up. To say I was pleasantly surprised would be a major understatement. I've since become a big fan. She's a remarkable talent. I'd challenge anyone to find a jazz singer who exemplifies the term to a greater degree than Ms. O'Day.

Yes, it is, in fact, that Dave James. I must admit I'm flattered that anyone would remember me from the halcyon days of the early Blue Note Bulletin Board. I haven't posted for several years, but I have kept an active, albeit, lurker's eye on the proceedings. I've certainly been tempted to immerse myself in the fray, but wound up choosing otherwise. Maybe I'll do so from time to time. It's not like I'm out of opinions. Unfortunately, there are still some workplace constraints that must be carefully negotiated. I do like this board. It has some of the good characteristics of the early iteration of the BNBB and something of the same community feel. It's always nice to see the old, familiar names sharing their knowledge, thoughts and ideas. That's still the best way there is to learn about the music. Up over and out.