Eric

Very, very sweet

To balance my earlier comments, he was a very affable guy and seemed to enjoy himself and the crowd. There was a great high point that I forgot to mention - his cover of White Light, White Heat (the Lou Reed reference jogged my memory ). Now THAT smoked!!! Eric

I was looking forward to this as I enjoy his music (Scary Monsters, Heathen, Station to Staion, Lodger, etc.). While the show had a few fun moments, it was for the most part a little slow. He did play a bunch of stuff off his latest album and it sounded kind of arty/interesting, but also kind of self-indulgent. The rap on Bowie has always been that he is a style-hopper, never really creating anything that is really HIS. I guess that is OK if you are Journey, but then Journey does not have the reputation that Bowie does. Anyway, I think the genre-hopping is partially what lead to my likewarm response. I also think some of his "artier" stuff simply does not translate well to a live environment (for example, "Sunday" off Heathen). The other thing that is perhaps unfair and perhaps offbase is that it seems much of his music seems to be a 2nd rate attempt at re-creating various styles of American music. I am not sure exactly why I felt this way, other than as the show went on, it became more apparent. I also got the sense that he is probably one of the more overrated "rock artists" out there. Not that it is bad, but frankly a lot of it just felt superficial. The older I get the more I prefer local bands - regardless of genre (country, jazz, blues, you name it) - that just have fun. I really prefer the closer proximity you have to the musicians, the ability to dance if you want and the ability to see someone you really like over and over. I guess my dependence on the musical hype machine is finally starting to fade ... Eric

For better or worse, seems that a lot of Prince has somewhat of an "unpolished" sound, which is at times charming, at times annoying. BTW Brandon, what track are they playing on MTV? PS - You are a brave man for sporting that Royal's cap ...

Great choice ... this is one that I was kind of skeptical about, but have grown to love it. Eric

as a father of three, all I can add is a big "no doubt" ... plus if you train 'em right, they will grow up to love music just like we do let us know how she likes Prince ...

I would opt for credit counseling too. They may help you understand the implications of the bankruptcy option. Good luck - time is on your side! Eric

Spurred by a chance to see him live (which unfortunately did not come to pass), I have embarked on a re-discovery of the purple one. Jim says it a hell of a lot better than I can, but it is amazing how many bases the guy can cover. While funk may be his calling card, I really think of him as simply a pop/rock artist, who can pull off whatever he wants to convey the thoughts/emotions that happen to be on his mind. I bought Musicology last week and been listening to it quite a bit. It really is a wonderful mature/funky/fun slab 'o work. Will definitely have legs in my CD player this summer ... Eric

Name of the band is Levee Town, I have seen them 4-5 times the past six months. Here is a link to their site: http://www.leveetown.com/ How to describe these guys? Well, they are a (mostly quartet), with bass, guitar, drums and harp. I happen to love Freddie King, Albert King and Buddy Guy, and judging from their sound, I would guess these guys do too. They can cover a lot of ground - from the slowest, greasiest, grindinist blues to more of a classic Chicago sound to a kind of funky shuffle sound. BTW, the lead guitarist is a complete montster. I love his tone - very rich and stinging and very hot when it needs to be. One of the most emotionally involving musicians I have ever seen, regardless of genre. And he plays a LOT on his guitar, you really have to see him to appreciate his range. Most times I have seen these guys at BBs where they play almost non-stop for four hours and often induce the kind of frenzy/euphoria I know I am looking for after a less than inspiring week at the office Eric

Universal UCCU 5236(MPS)New Pass,Joe/Intercontinental 1995 Definitely worth picking up if you are a Pass or jazz guitar fan. Eric

Yeah, I snagged it too and like it. Classic Prince ... gotta love that 2nd cut ... something about pimps and circumstance ... very minimalistic, very fun-kay and very Prince! Eric

Supposedly he put on a very good show Tues night in KC ...

Too weird ... I also have "Go" in a black metal frame in my listening area ... Yeah, but does your listening room have a Lazy-Ass leather recliner?? No, just a green naugahyde (sp???) version, that aside from my lps and CDs, was pretty much all I got from 17 years of hell (err ... marraige) Feeling much better off, BTW ...

Too weird ... I also have "Go" in a black metal frame in my listening area ...

I voted for this one - a sentimental favorite as it was my first Wayne lp. Tough poll - as mentioned, a lot of it seems to depend on mood. Eric

no doubt ... never heard of this one ... anybody know it?

Ah yes ... (the US version with Donald Byrd versus KD) (almost like one of those kid picture games where you have two similar pictures and you have to figure what is different - in this case, the Japanese version has "quintet" and the colors of the design have been transposed)

I know no French and have ordered from there ... Brad is right ... if you are an Amazon US lemming (count me in), you just go through the motions and it all seems to work out just fine ...

Wow - that would have been cool. He is playing at Kemper at this very moment ... wish I was there! Anyone heard the full N.E.W.S. album? I have his new one - Musicology. What I've heard so far I like ... Eric

Wow - I have never seen 90% of these either - pretty cool Wasn't the Mobley an original issue though? Eric

I am pretty excited about all of these. The line-up for the live Hutch tracks looks pretty good, although I have never heard the original version of Now. The Silver will be what it is, but I am sure there is some worthwhile music tucked away. I love the Hill, have had it on lp for years. The Young will be nice - not my favorite by him, but it defintiely worth hearing/owning. The Wilson is probably the only one I am "just OK" with. I have the TOCJ and while I love most of his stuff, this one doesn't quite "catch" for me, Morgan notwithstanding. Still ... a big ole HOORAY! Eric

substitute "I keep playing it in my car" and ditto the rest ...

Does anyone have a general sense as to how many of these tracks are still "rare" or unissued? I am guessing quite a few have come out on Conns or RVGs ... Thanks

http://www.jazzdiscography.com/Labels/paloalto.htm Several Palo Alto recordings were later released by the labels the artists moved on to. Meredith D'Ambrosio's excellent Little Jazz Bird was put out by Sunnyside, and Blue Note rereleased Diane reeves' Palo ALto recordings. Holy irrelevant factoid Batman ... I saw at the bottom of the list that the label was established by Jim Benham in 1981. For those investors out there, that is the same Jim Benham of the now-defunct Benham mutual funds. I know this because the company I worked for in KC, American Century mutual funds, bought him out in 1995. I knew he played the trumpet but had no idea he started the label. Maybe he can take the $50 million we paid him and re-juvinate things! Anyway, I have a few of the Quicksilver titles, including those by Phil Woods, Pepper Adams, McCoy Tyner and Denny Zeitlin. I think the one by Mal Waldron is also available. I bought mine at CD Universe - you could do a search there for the label to see what else is available. Eric