Joe G

We are waiting to see how things shape up. Is it our bad luck to finally release our CD during a war? Or will people be more interested because they want some relief from the carnage? I don't know. A good friend of mine feels that the act of creation in art forms such as music is an act that runs counter to the violence, apathy, and whatever else you don't like in the world. I agree. (this sounds like a topic for a new thread... let me think about that.) Economics was a major factor in the end of the big band era; now we see it affecting the small groups, making them even smaller. But we musicians are supposed to come up with creative responses to the challenges that present themselves, aren't we? The times, they are a'changing...

I was originally going to say "a twenty dollar gig". Just didn't seem right to me, though....

I have listened to a hell of a lot of Sco over the last 12 years, but I haven't come across those titles. A friend of mine had a vinyl copy of a record with Scofield and Abercrombie from the late 80's, but I can't remember the name of it. The liner notes were humorous; Abercrombie wrote this long rambling homage while Sco's contribution was something like, "This shows what can happen if your name is John, you play guitar, and are from Connecticut." I'm going to see the J.S. Band next week in Ann Arbor. Should be great. I saw them in Detroit late last year, in a double bill with the Joshua Redman Band (Sam Yahel and Jeff Ballard subbing for Brian Blade). I was disappointed that Sco's set was so short. I was just getting started! So I'm really looking forward to next week. The first time I saw him live was with Joe Lovano in '92. I think they were touring in support of What We Do. Great band. But I think his current band is the best since Groove Elation. Thanks for starting up a Sco thread! B)

Hey, I'm a diverse drummer with jazz background if you ever find yourself in that situation again. I've been playing for 5 years and my instructor happens to be the drummer for the wonderful band, organissimo. I'm only 18 and I'm not sure what your expectations are, but I have good feel, love to juss play with a tight combo (have a cd wit my previous combo), and I can lay down all styles. The catch (if this was directed at Soul Stream exclusively) is that he lives in Texas, I gather. That's a looong commute for a 100 dollar gig.

To bring this back to the original topic, I have been very fortunate to play with some very good drummers for the last 8 years or so. Before that, there were some that were merely adequate, but then so was I. I haven't played with a truly bad drummer since high school, when we all sucked! But the guy I'm thinking of was also very immature, so having two strikes against him made his position in our band very precarious indeed. Haven't seen the guy in more than a decade; I don't even know if he still plays music.

He can take the rappin' he can take the scrappin' but he ain't gonna stand for no back stabbin'!!

That was a very interesting article, Johnny. Much to think about. This is strange: I just went over to the Dixie Chicks website, and for the hell of it, tried to register and post a note of support. When I submitted my info, a message popped up that someone already registered with the login name of Joe Gloss. Okay...so I changed it to Joseph. Resubmit. Now a message tells me that someone already registered with my e-mail address! What the fuck!

In fact, I remember you doing just that one night, Jim. It was at Villegas. The guy was just sitting in, but it became so unbearable that you finally started kicking organ bass. Jesus. Of this bass player, Rodney Whitiker had said, "If this were a military organization, and it was your turn to be on guard duty, you'd all be dead!

Bear in mind, however, that the political climate is highly charged these days. Our minds are very much preoccupied with all that's going on, and with all the media outlets constantly speaking of war, it's only natural that discussion forums such as this one would be dominated by often heated political debates. In time, hopefully, a decisive conclusion will be reached concerning Operation Snuff Saddam, and once again we can turn our attention to that which we love: music, music, music. And beer. And snowboarding. And...

You guys have my undying respect. B)

Haven't they recently re-released that entire series? I just picked up two African compilations not long ago. Jazzmoose, I mentioned Hamza El Din on the other thread, but it bears repeated mention: he is a master. Totally captivating music.

The Mickey Hart album I like is called At the Edge. Planet Drum is not quite as good, but still interesting. Those are the only two I've heard. The book he wrote called At the Edge is pretty cool, too. Also, the "world" series he produced for Rykodisc is superb. Especially Eclipse, by Hamza El Din (oud, vocals and percussion), and Venu, with Hariprasad and Zakir Hussain. Timeless music that I never get sick of hearing.

Hey Vibes, I was a Slayer fanatic for a while. Reign In Blood was the ultimate speed metel album for me at the time. I can't believe those guys are still at it! And the Beastie Boys--Paul's Boutique was great. (It's a trip, it's got a funky beat, and I can bug out to it!) Jim, I wish I could remember the names of those Hungarian musicians we saw the same year as Yuri. They were great, too.

Sandwiched in between the metal years and jazz, for me, was the alternative scene of the early 90's. "Goo" was a good album. (I don't wanna; I don't think so....) Was Daydream Nation the album with the candle on the cover? If so, I had that one too. I also checked out most of what you mentioned here, and some more besides. Did you (or anyone) every check out Bad Brains? I against I is their best album, I saw them in Detroit and it was one of the best rock concerts I've seen.

Thank you Mark, and Jim! Your posts made my day.

Have you seen the guy who plays pedal steel with the Blind Boys of Alabama? Man does that dude smoke! He goes for a distorted tone through a Fender amp; sounds incredible.

I purposefully tried to think of the most obscure stuff in my collection. The Bulgarian music I'm referring to is highly energetic dance music, although Americans could not dance to it, as it's all crazy odd-meter stuff. B3-er will have to help me because I can't think of any names right now. There was recently a trend in "Balklan jazz", (sp?) some of which was interesting. The best album of that I know of is Brad Shepik's "The Well". Excellent. I have heard a little of the women's choirs that you mentioned. That is beautiful music. Speaking of hiphop and the Tallis Scholars, my wife had MTV on the other day and there was a rap video that featured a snippet of the Miserere by Allegri! It was weird; I wasn't sure what the concept was. There were doves flying into the sky as the music played. Must have been symbolic of the afterlife. My favorite renissance cd is one by Ensemble Pan, though I can't remember the name of it. (I'll check when I get home). The harmonies (all in "just" intonation) are absolutely radiant.

GITBACK!

Ever listen to Bulgarian wedding music? How about Hearts of Space-type stuff(Steve Roach, Mickey Hart, etc.)? Or Renissance music? (I like the Tallis Scholars and Ensemble Pan-gorgeous stuff)

I think I was in a band with that guy!

Nice to read about the good work and all the exposure you're getting. What is your role in this endeavour? (are you John Ewing on percussion?) And, what's up with this: I really liked the creative interplay. This is probably to the chagrin of one of the saxophonists, who loudly whined about not wanting his name in print. Despite his asinine attitude, he was a talented musician, and the rest of Monktail is also talented, professional, and very entertaining. ? JSngry, I like the all-stars idea. Seriously, I hope that just once before we all call it quits, our paths might cross and we can share the stage for a couple of jams.

Obi-Wan has trained you well... but you are not a Jedi yet.

I'm thinking....organissimo!

I now own those KEFs, and have no complaints. Warm sound, good bass response.

Hey! How'd you sneek that in there ahead of my post!??!?