White Lightning

I interviewed Yusef Lateef yesterday. It was also a video interview. He told me some great stories on mingus, Roland Kirk and Dolphy. I'll post a link to the short vid when it'll be on line. I also him play last night with the Belmondo Bros. It wasn't a perfect gig, but I loved it, warts and all. Lateef's recent Album "Influence" is actually under the French Belmondo Bros. name. It's a double CD. The first CD is more third streamy penned by Lionel Belmondo. The 2nd CD is more Jazzy and it includes some of Lateef's music, including remakes of some of Lateef's Jazz Moods (Savoy) tunes. Lateef's chops are not what they used to be, but hey - the man is almost 86. But when he speaks thru his axes he's really saying something. Lateef's flute work is great. His sound is still golden. The flute is now Lateef's main Axe. Lateef's chops on the tenor is not that strong, but he still can tell a great story on it. The one thing that is was sad to listen to is his Oboe work. Not good at all. All in all - I would recommend to give "Influence" a spin, even several spins. You'll like it I believe.

Happy Birthday, Wes!

Happy belated BDay, Jim

Happy Belated Birthday, Vic!

Sad news. He was a fine player and arranger. His music will live on!

Congrats, Guys!!

My favorite.

Don't have it yet, although It's on my wish list. If it's as good as Lonnie Smith's Live @ Club Mozambique with the sa,e line up - it must be a great one.

Very sad news. RIP.

Another Bassist that is easily recognizable is Buster Williams - for his sound and the way he bends his notes. The othe Bass players I can usually identify Are Mingus, Wilbur Ware, Haden and PC.

Agree! The Cuneiforms are great. I especially partial to "Travelling Somewhere" - an amazing CD!

Happy B-Day!!

Apropo, Here's MY Dolphy (the Ginger Cat, not my niece...)

As a matter of fact, No one can tell for sure it's Dolphy on that recordings, not even the Dolphy-ite experts.

I too like Bernstein's "Diaspora" CDs, especially "Diaspora Soul". I've heard several of the Sex Mob CDs and it left me cold.

I'll add 2 excellent new releases: Not in Our Name - LMO. Afriques 20 - Either/Orchestra

LTD has something to say to all of you: -->> Click <<--

I just bought it from Djangos, just becasue of the recommendations on this thread. I'll report upon receiving it. Thanks for making me spend more money, guys...

This is a trend that is going on for a year or so: a Pop, Hip Hop or a Rock star thinks to himself: I need to re-invent myself as a sophisticated cat - I'll do a Jazz Album. I'll throw in a few standards, assemble a few musicians, and voila - A new and improved Star is born! And I'm not talking William Shatner here, I'm talking about "serious" singers. Someone needs to tell these guys that Jazz isn't only about singing with a real drum kit instead of a machine and doing some standards.

Unbelievable!

Happy Birthday!!

And another article:

Another precedent set by Einat:

Happy New Year!