Alexander Hawkins

Thank you for the kind comments! Interesting thoughts about Polar Bear...I have to say, I really couldn't abide them But yes - that final section...in fact, from the Taylor solo home, it was utterly overwhelming in its intensity. FWIW - I suspect, although wasn't of course 'clock-watching' during the gig, so am not completely sure of timings - that something (perhaps the duos and Parker's solo?) might be cut for the broadcast, simply because 'Jazz on 3' is 1.5 hours long, and usually includes at least a little talk, and I'm fairly sure there was more than this hour and a half's music. My guess also is that any subsequent release (and please, please, someone make it happen!) would only include the quartet. p.s. Thinking about it, Braxton at the RFH has been responsible for two of my 'deepest' musical experiences ever - Quintet (London) 2004 was recorded live at the London Jazz Festival (although even that show, which featured Dixon/Taylor/Oxley in the second half, didn't quite scale these heights!). Peculiar how one can be so emotionally indebted to someone one's never even met; but I guess that's music!

Scribbled some thoughts here!

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.

Yeah! That was a nice programme.

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!).

I probably don't know enough Ammons to give me a sense of context, but I really like 'Live in Chicago'. Is that Donovan aka 'Ajaramu'?

Thanks for the comments on the Jenkins! Would that be Jessica Pavone from the Braxton groups?

I love his recent 'Edge' CD with Taylor Ho Bynum, Ken Filiano and Andrew Drury!

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!

Jim - I totally take the point - but one would hope that everyone (musician or not) would be gracious and unassuming

So as not to answer my own question - Funky Donkey.

...all together now......

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!

That rhythm section is struggling badly IMHO..!

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).

Looks like a great event!

You've got Coventry and Birmingham as well, right? I love all three of the released dates from this tour. Great stuff!

This is a brilliant thread. Whatever the pictorial version of 'mot juste' is - well, that's it right there!

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