mikeb

These are all still available, and I will post more in just a few minutes!

Bringing this back to the surface, one more time ...

Right now: Freddie Hubbard - Red Clay

I will not tell my mother about the $10,000 for an Elvis LP ... she had all of his records until 1966, when she moved to Wisconsin and left them in the old house ...

Yes, "enthusiastic" would be a good word ... though there is just something inherently wrong with ST singing on "Every Breath You Take" by The Police. Guess you couldn't leave him out since it WAS the jam session portion of the evening. Getting back on topic, I always enjoyed the AC/DC tune "Heatseeker", though I would suspect that true fans might flame me for that. For some reason, I get the idea that might have been the band's "sell out" phase ... or it might be viewed that way by some.

I agree wholeheartedly with brownie on Jaspar's JIP discs. They are all wonderful!

Right now: Milt Jackson - Goodbye

Saw them on the Rock & Roll H of F ceremonies the other night. Still kicking ass, though I thought it was a HORRIBLE decision to let Steven Tyler (who inducted them) sing with them. The more I see Tyler, the more annoying I find him. I used to think he was a pretty cool guy ... oh, well ... They've never been a favorite of mine, but I respect them for persevering this long!

Also glad to know that it might have another go in the future. I was at work without a sound card!

As usual , Lon's hit the nail on the head -- I think the Strings were kind of the brainchild of Richard Evans and Esmond Edwards at Cadet studios. I think Evans arranged most, if not all, of the material, which was generally "hits of the day", with a few standards and a few originals thrown into the mix. I don't believe there were any "big-name" artists involved in the recordings, mostly players I've never heard of and some chaps who were on the cusp of 'name recognition': Phil Upchurch, Cleveland Eaton, Lenny Druss, Charles Stepney. We know their music, perhaps (wasn't Eaton with Ramsey Lewis for awhile?), but the names might be a bit foggy. Soul-jazz with violins, violas and cellos. Not for everybody, but I dig it (for the most part). The SS had a really nice version of "Burning Spear" that I assume was its "big hit". Not much info on AMG, but the group and most sessions are listed. And some more info, with sound samples (I think) here: http://funky16corners.tripod.com/8_evans_2.htm

I have the Emmons as an import (he's listed as "Buddie" on the cover !) and have dug the heck out of it. "Indiana" is the best jazz standard for a steel player, IMHO. I like the Ashby, which I have on vinyl. Definitely has that late-60's Richard Evans/Cadet sound ... a little jazz, a little rock, a little funk. It's not for everyone, but I dig it. The Ray Brown is good, but not essential, to my ears. As far as jazz cellists go, Oscar Pettiford was the best in my book, and Ray comes up a bit short of that. Hell of a bassist, though!

Isn't Hicks on Booker Ervin's "Structurally Sound" as well? Whomever tickles the ivories on that session is BAAAD!

Today: Billy Higgins - Bridgework Soulful Strings - The Magic Of Christmas (it's freakin' hot in my office!!!) & Play Gamble & Huff ... guilty pleasures Virgil Gonsalves/Steve White - In Hollywood Tiny Grimes - Tiny In Swingville Gene Harris - It's The Real Soul Donald Harrison - Free To Be

Wonderful, indeed. Often overlooked, but a talented multi-instrumentalist. I didn't realize he was on Manny Albam's "Jazz Goes To The Movies" -- I picked that up several weeks ago, but haven't taken the time to listen to it yet. It will get bumped to the top of the stack now!

I think this link has all of them listed: http://www.fantasyjazz.com/html/newacidjazz.html

Right now: Stan Hunter & Sonny Fortune - Trip On The Strip In need of an OJC reissue, IMHO!

Well, if I was going to pay $360 for a set, the Jones/Lewis would be in the running. GREAT music, IMHO ... I think the only set I've purchased from a source other than Mosaic was the Larry Young -- ~ $130 on eBay. Back in '99, if I remember correctly.

I have to listen to Booker in small doses. Outside of "Structurally Sound", I find I can't take too much of him in one listen. Too intense for these ears, I suppose ... But I'm glad to see he has a lot of support here!

The guys are in the "Top 10"! Nice work, fellas ...

Freddie McCoy - Soul Yogi Wally Richardson - Soul Guru Duke Ellington - Yale Concert David Hazeltine - Class Trio Meets Eric Alexander Woody Herman - Early Autumn John Hicks - Songs In The Key Of Clark

I think I may have been that guy! Didn't have QUITE that much hair ...

As would I! Provided they don't come out before May 1st ...

I think I called them about the Carmell Jones at least a month in advance and pre-ordered ...

I second this suggestion!

Right now: Johnny Hodges - Don't Sleep In The Subway Schmaltzy at times, true, but it has some great playing by Johnny and others!