Milestones

We all have different experiences. I recall buying LPs and CD's and feeling that rush as I'd spin them and listen with full attention. That's a rare thing anymore.

The ultimate point that these days we tend to access a great deal of music that we don't listen to (or only partially listen to).

I have enjoyed groups with two guitarists (sometimes just two alone), but three has not really done if for me. In fact, I have been been checking out the recently released Saturday Night in San Francisco by McLaughlin, DiMeola, and De Lucia. I was never much into that group, even though I am a huge McLaughlin fan. A few outstanding tracks, such as "David" and "Beyond the Mirage." But in general too fast, too crowded, too showy. But I too like the jazz guitar band by Kenny Burrell, which featured Rodney Jones and Bobby Broom (plus bass and drums). I think I'm long past the point of being a speed freak, and too often that seems to be the purpose.

Could it be Dolphy himself on #3? It's either Eric or a dead ringer.

I would say Mingus Moves, Changes One, and Changes Two are the three essentials of Mingus' last decade.

Certainly a diverse set of tunes. The second track sounds a bit like Michael Brecker, but not his his organ album with Larry Goldings. It's probably someone influenced by Brecker. On the third I'm thinking Oliver Lake (in Dolphy mode) and David Murray. Maybe Jay Hoggard on vibes. The seventh track is a Mingus tune, but can't think of the title. It might be the man himself, as the players sound like George Adams and Don Pullen. Ah, the song is "Opus 4."

The "Song Book" records would be a good choice, especially Porter and Gershwin....thinking the same! 😀

Ah, that's a lot of stuff to consider. I guess Christmas is on my brain, with Thanksgiving (these days) being just a prelude to Christmas. But let's think about this. How often did Ella produce anything second-rate?

Not sure what's out there with Ella. I'm sure she recorded plenty of Christmas albums/songs. I have heard Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas--upbeat and more pop-oriented (even has Frosty" and Rudolph)." But there is also Ella Fitzgerald's Christmas, which has the traditional carols and features Ella's softer and more spiritual side. I prefer the latter record.

Damn, I missed this entirely. I tend to agree that jazz greats (and Carla was one) often don't get the obit they deserve. I have not been checking out the obituaries. Rather, my first instinct has been to listen to some of her music. I became a big fan relatively late in my passion for jazz. But Carla Bley was someone to follow--the music creative, moving, humorous. The big band records are the most memorable, but I also really like the 4+4 octet album. She could work it in any size, including those duo and trio albums. Great collaborators and collaborations--Charlie Haden, Steve Swallow, Lew Soloff, Gary Valente. Great musicians have to die, but their music does not. R.I.P., Carla.

I am really feeling my ignorance--in that I don't know nearly enough about the great Aretha Franklin. I owned only one of her albums (a good one) and otherwise knew her by the hits. Clearly a great a singer, but now I have to think one of the greatest EVER and I'm realizing howe diverse she was. On some of her albums you find players like Frank Wess, Bernie Glow, Snooky Young, Grady Tate, and many more. Kenny Burrell is a major presence on the jazzy small group records Yeah. So jazz was part of who she was, along with gospel, soul, blues, pop, and much more. It seems like she's always committed and highly expressive. Why the hell have I slept on Aretha Franklin?

Yep!

It was cool just to see some jazz greats talking, such as Randy Weston and Jimmy Heath (no longer with us) and Sonny (retired). There is a wonderful hour-long concert of Max and Weston on YouTube: San Sebastian, 1999.

I've had a CD for ages with two alternate versions, plus one extra tune: "Born to be Blue."

How much extra music is there?

I like To the Max for the variety and ambition--not that it perfectly captures all his skills, at top level at least. The late albums (usually quartet and the intriguing double quartet) have their fine moments, some good moments, some dud moments. No album masterpieces, as far as I can tell.

I will be checking this out. I have been listening to a lot of Max lately, especially work from his last period.

Yeah "Quadrangle" was instantly identifiable. Great tune and I always love Jackie's playing. #4 reminds me of Lovano in a trio setting, except it doesn't sound like him. George Garzone? #5 reminds me of early Mingus, but too low key. #7 is some jazz cello. Not Ron Carter. I can't think of many cellists. Abdul Wadud?

I'll just say, "Noel who?"

For a Scot, he made a fine Russian!

Anyone aware of Roger Waters remaking this classic album? What's the point? And he's been a prick about it (which is usual, from what I gather), not even telling his ex-bandmates about it. I listened to "Time"...sorry, his new version sucks.

David McCallum was fantastic. He was a talented guy in many ways. It's a toss-up as to which of two characters is more iconic: Illya Kuryakin or Ducky Mallard. He will be missed. R.I.P.

I would not be surprised. I know Wayne made some big contributions to Glengarry Glen Ross.

What is the deal on this piece? I know the original version (from late 40's, I think), but I'm not aware of anyone else covering it. The piece is not even to be found on Frank Kimbrough's Monk's Dreams. It's not bad, though hardly in the upper echelon of Monk's works. But it seems to be a real obscurity. LATER: So I guess it was written by Ike Quebec. I was thrown because I was looking at a Gary Smulyan album and there the composer was listed as Monk.