Milestones

Of course...I should have known! And it was used in Looney Tunes--Bugs Bunny in "What's Opera, Doc?" or one similar to that. Make that "Rabbit of Seville."

This is a weird question, but I really want to know what is the Classical music played on the end credits of Help (the Beatles film). I have probably not seen the movie in 20 years, but that tune is in my head...it's an ear worm. I had thought it was Rossinni, but now I don't think so. It is so very familiar-sounding. Can someone tell me?

I thought this was about pop songs played by Black Sabbath!

One could add Arthur Blythe, Lester Bowie, Henry Threadgill and Adams' cohort Don Pullen--guys deep in the tradition but also with free and exploratory leanings. They could go "out" and still be accessible.

I have been fortunate to have seen Randy Weston four times in concert, and I may not be done. The man is still going strong! I am presently listening to Blue Moses.

Happy birthday to Randy Weston--90 years old. He's had a long and productive life, and he is not just among the best living jazz musicians, but one of the best who has ever lived.

So do we call Mingus Big Band a "ghost" band? If so, it's one of the best there has ever been in. I think the big band started up around the time Adams passed away, so I'm not sure if he was ever a part. But he was a key player in the 7-piece group on Mingus Dynasty: Next Generation--a fine record.

I love this tune in its various incarnations.

Mingus Moves in indeed a fine record--one of the best from Mingus' last decade.

Adams and Pullen both left us much too early.

Anyone into the music of George Adams? He seems like a somewhat forgotten figure, despite his great work in some late-period Mingus and of course the quartet with Don Pullen. I remember back in the day being very pleased with Breakthrough by Adams/Pullen on Blue Note, and I had their second Blue Note album also (on cassette) which was nearly as good. But the group never got the visibility is deserved. I know he played for quite awhile with Gil Evans (I don't know this work), and he made some appearances with Tyner. Spotify is allowing me get a good look at the Pullen/Adams group.

The Marsalis is pretty nice. Sonny Rollins also did "Glocca Morra" on Blue Note.

I've listened to "Danny Boy" by Bill Evans, Wycliffe Gordon, and George Benson. I'm not sure where else to go for Irish tunes by jazz artists, or Irish music with a jazzy slant.

Yes, indeed the loss of a great figure in music.

You can't make claim to know American music without bringing in Johnny Cash...in a big way. Some jewels from his late career: "Spiritual" and "Rusty Cage" from Unchained. "God's Gonna Cut You Down" from American V.

Cheadle seems to have Miles' voice down pretty well.

I have to second DeJohnette on the record 80/81--amazing and very exciting.

"Greatest living" anything is presumptuous--that is true. But I'm going by what I've seen/heard in concert and what I have heard on record, which is pretty narrow next to your experience.

I would say he is likely in the top 5 drummers ever, and probably the best living drummer. However, to some extent I do factor in his skills as composer and band leader. I'm never disappointed in DeJohnette. So much good stuff, but two records that quickly come to mind are Special Edition (with Blythe and Murray) and Parallel Realities (with Metheny and Hancock).

At first that sounds astonishing. But then...not really. Mr. Carter has been everywhere, and he always adds something to a session. If he only did the stint with Miles and a few trios (like those with Hank Jones and Tommy Flanagan), he would be an immortal. But there is, of course, so much more.

R.I.P., Mr Bley, a fine contributor to the music.

I like Tony's playing relatively late playing in trios with Hank Jones and Tommy Flanagan. Some of the other stuff (like the quintet), I'm still not so sure.

Miles' fierce reactions are interesting, in that it is known that both Ornette and Eric Dolphy cited Bird as a major influence.

Hard to say. Ornette did not play trumpet on his early recordings, including (I believe) the entirety of the great Atlantic sessions. Miles was already pronouncing his opinions on free jazz.

One that doesn't get mentioned much is the record with Ornette, New and Old Gospel. I think it's a pretty remarkable piece, especially the track "Old Gospel." Ornette sticks to trumpet throughout, which is probably why some are not fans.