Christiern

But does an album titled "We're Goin' Up" not belong in the religious forum?

As busy as he must be these days, I thought he's never get around to paying me for that hat factory. YOUR ATM CARD This is to remind you concerning your contract payment $7.5 Million which was autheorized by the federal Governmen, to pay to you as one of the honest contractor.However,i want you to let me know if you have received your payment to enable me put it in Government. therefore your address, working ID, phone number and occupation are needed for us to complete this assigned transaction. Reply to this email:(www.skyebk01164@live.com). Mr. President Goodluck Jonathan Direct phone: +234-70-68-48-31-33

OMG!

I remember wishing he had been more interested in the music and less interested in the cash register. He did produce some fine albums, but there was an awful lot of talent going to waste for the sake of wider appeal.

The story continues....

While I usually agree with Lon, I strongly suggest that you totally skip the reissue produced by Phil Schaap. It is unworthy of Goodman, Columbia, and good ears.

This could have been an interesting interview, but Marc Myers' questions and lack of follow-up (when the answer cries out for one) reflect the gutless disc-jockey approach of old. For example, the large signature explanation was really too lame. I remember that there was talk about Creed having on his office wall awards that belonged in Coltrane's possession. But, of course, John Hammond did that sort of thing, too.

I don't know what you're responding to... This from sonnymax: "The 18th Century was the "Age of Enlightenment". Currently, we are living in the "Age of Entitlement".

You mean, he wasn't proposing marriage? Not even a toast?

I know that these are trying times that can easily lead to desperation, but—in the names of Allah—what kind of a proposal is Saif making? Hmmmmmm My names are Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi, the son of the present president of Libya. I am contacting for an urgent assistance.As you can read and see in the media, my family is presently undergoing tough time in the hand of the masses due to his long stay in power as the president of Libya for over 40 years now. I await your reply concerning my proposal. Regards, Al-Islam Gaddafi

and try to have them on time from now on!

I have posted more audio of Alberta Hunter (December 1981). She talks about herself, her outlook on life, her travels, etc. The post also contains a couple of excerpted examples of the sophisticated Alberta who sang at London's Dorchester Hotel in 1934, and "Black Shadows," her big production number from the British film, Radio Parade of 1935. Next week, I will post a follow-up with Barney Josephson (who owned The Cookery, as well as Café Society Uptown/Downtown), taped that same afternoon. Here is a direct link

This morning, without any contact made by me, I received 12 e-mail messages from Facebook. Some were requests to be "friends", some were dating requests. I know that it is a huge understatement to say that this is a very popular gimmick, but it is outrageously intrusive and not at all to be trusted. There really has to be a way to get these bastards to leave you out of their money-making loop.

Thank you, Allen. It obviously works—I have noticed quite a number of visits originating at FaceBook. I wondered how that happened. You didn't by any chance mention the naked pictures of Kate Smith, did you?

Having finally rid myself of FB, I am no loner bothered by intrusive "friends." Today, however, I received the following: I have not made any attempt to "get back on"—I really hate these pushy people!

Great photos, Rolf! Love that old Chevy and the touch of color (not so effective on you ). Did you find Hard-Hearted Hannah? Good to see that you are getting around.

I have their "Footlight Favorites" album.

I admire Shatner for so brilliantly reinventing his public persona. The man has a great sense of humor and he does not at all mind making himself the brunt of it. Can he sing? Well, yes, but rather painfully. I don't mind that at all, being a great fan of Florence Foster Jenkins. Shatner sings far better than I ever could, so I ought not criticize him for that aspect of his considerable talent. I would rather listen to Shatner sing just about anything than sit through a Sondheim number rendered by Bernadette Peters and Mandy whatshisname—they are, imho, the epitsemy of boredom.

I have added more audio of Alberta talking about the old days, how well Italians make lasagna, and Sophie Tucker. No, as far as I know, no Italian made Sophie, but the lady had a keen interest in Alberta's songs. This will take you directly there.

No, because it isn't just about my blog. There are so many really good jazz and blues blogs out there, so I thought it would be a good idea to have one spot on the Big O where we all could share our discoveries and perhaps discuss what jazz bloggers are posting. Most bloggers list other blogs and forums that they recommend, so it can work both ways. I will stop thinking about placing an Organissimo link on my blog, and just do it.

I notice that there have been several threads about old and new blogs. Would it not be a good idea to add a Jazz Blogs category? There are more and more of them and many are both interesting (as in "fun") and informative. Most of us visit these sites, so why not dedicate a category to them? If there was such a thing, I would—for example—know precisely where to tell my fellow members and visitors that I have added to my blog the first of several posts featuring audio reminiscences by Alberta Hunter.

I think Shawn has cracked this case.

In 1981, I took a friend out to dinner for his birthday. He had never been to the Russian Tearoom, so that's where we went. My friend was/is a big Elizabeth Taylor fan, so imagine how perfect my little birthday gift became when she entered and was seated at the next table. Other big celebrities were dining there, but all eyes turned to Ms. Taylor when she walked in, and I think they remained there. She was appearing on Broadway in The Little Foxes.