Will post some thoughts later (in a bit of a rush just now), but the Taylor/Braxton was quite awe-inspiring. Even greater than I could have imagined! One of the most remarkable evening's music I have ever seen.
Harry Beckett, for sure!
Byron Wallen.
I think Steve Waterman is at least Gerard's equal in that vein.
Of the younger guys, Tom Arthurs is a far more interesting player.
I don't think Henry Lowther or Kenny Wheeler would fit within my claim about 'London' players, but just to chuck the names in the mixer...
Interesting you should suggest Presencer in this thread...I think he's a fine player, but not outstanding, even amongst London trumpet players (all IMHO!).
There are so many stories like this about Jarrett it's difficult even to think about giving him the benefit of the doubt. What an idiot he is. I'll tell Mr Jarrett what's disrespectful - his bullshit neo-con piano ramblings.
Rant over
p.s. would love to know how the Leroy Jenkins tribute sounds!
I like the Ted Daniels a lot.
A couple more Shepps which might count on 'For Losers'.
On a slightly different tip, I guess, there's some great stuff on the newish Kalaparusha and the Light album on Delmark, as well as from 8 Bold Souls...
I like it too, but I think some people might not because of the fair chunk of doo-wop that's on it. BUT, the track "I'm Gonna Unmask The Batman" saves the day for me every time.
love it too!
I'm a huge fan of the 'Concert for the Comet Kohoutek'. It's essential for me and my tastes!
I'm also very fond of the 'Live in Paris at the Gibus' gig - very plugged-in, very wild!
I had no idea! Listening again, I should say - I still think they struggle, but actually, a lot of my reaction is that I just don't like what they're doing - all those pedals from Willis are really not nice to my ears!
I would hope that most people with an artistic/cultural conscience would turn down anything offered them by 'our' establishment; and - in *most* cases - be slightly alarmed at being selected in the first place.
Not to criticise Shearing - I would imagine perception of these things varies greatly amongst his generation, for example, but still...
I can't get with Corea at all, and really don't enjoy his playing. That said, IMHO he completely smoked in Circle - I guess I really like the way he's pushed by Braxton, Altshul, and an early Dave Holland (although Holland and Corea together these days would be close to my idea of purgatory).
Chavs and wankers - 2 reasons I stay out of GB.
Nah - it's chavs, wankers and toffs.
Let's not get all nationalistic....you never know where it might lead us
As (some kind of a general, but not very workable) rule, I don't tend to identify with Shorter's stuff, but in this case...well, tought to think of an alternative to 'Free For All'! Griffin on the Monk date, I guess!