[Most interesting/favorite James Spaulding context]

Please don't take this as a 'slam' of Spaulding, but:

Each night, before I go to bed, I pray that I will wake up liking (or, at least, understanding/accepting) Spaulding. Then I could thoroughly enjoy all of these otherwise-great recordings. (Well, I'm not much of a Mobley fan either, but at least I understand/accept his approach. The man articulates like he's got a mouthful of ball bearings.)

Hey, to each his/her own. It took me a while to appreciate some other players that I now REALLY love, so, perhaps, someday...

As my mother would say, more Spaulding left over for those of you who dig him!

[ANYBODY INTO MOUNTAIN BIKING?]

I hope I didn't sound like I was putting down mountain biking. I just happen to prefer its spiritual father. CX is definitely a bit harrowing, especially for beginners. Basically, the bike isn't 'the right tool for the job'. But riders walk away (or hobble or stagger or get-carried-away-on-a-stretcher...) with some great technique.

If you get a chance, watch a CX race sometime. Great racers (which I am not) are impressive to watch.

[Nominations for future "albums of the week"]

Perhaps before we listen to Pres, it would be useful to get some perspective on the tenor saxophone BEFORE Pres came on the scene.

After Pres' arrival, it seems that his approach was emulated so often that it became the norm (Getz, Gray, Sims, Eager...) But Pres was a groundbreaker.

Accordingly, let's set the stage with a little Coleman Hawkins.

Hawk with Benny Carter from the early 30s. A little Chocolate Dandies, perhaps. Maybe something with Wayman Carver on flute. (Trying to think of one recording with all these elements...)

And our Pres review might benefit from the inclusion of some work on clarinet.

Sorry for the long-winded post.

[ANYBODY INTO MOUNTAIN BIKING?]

For the tough types among you, lose the suspension, the cushy tires and the comfy handlebars. Ditch the high-powered brakes; develop a little finesse instead. One or two chainrings ought to be enough; if you can't quite handle the climb, bail off, shoulder your bike and run. And don't confine yourself to established, even groomed trails; throw in a few obstacles that force a dismount and portage.

Say what?

Say cyclocross.

- BeBop

Racing CX since 1977

P.S. New Englanders ESPECIALLY have not excuse.

[Nominations for future "albums of the week"]

Stretching the limits a bit, chronologically and stylistically...

Some Lester w/Basie from late thirties, or Jones-Smith, Inc.

Some Lester w/Billie

Anthony Braxton - For Alto

Mezz Mezzrow - Pick it

Definitely some Satchmo

ODJB

Second: Ornette circa 1959

Looking forward to starting to participate.

[Fav Lee Morgan Leader BN Stuff]

Quite a poll, Soulstation. Ever thought of going to work in politics? (I won't mention any specific party names.) Or in marketing (Four of five dentists surveyed...)

[LF Cassettes on Nostalgia Label]

I'm trying to track down a couple of recordings on the Nostalgia label, issued (only?) on cassette. Anyone know a source? Thanks.

[Big Band Bloviation]

I've got (probably) the whole D'Imperio-as-leader catalog (for reasons that probably aren't even clear to me; I just keep picking these up as I find 'em). I would say that it's all of a consistently high quality. Solid, swinging sidemen. Great tune choices - many forgotten/overlooked gems.

[Most interesting/favorite 'Wayne Shorter' BN]

I voted for Schizophrenia. Then I voted for Schizophrenia.

[Jazz musicians: One name is all you need...]

Satch

Jaws

Zutty

Baby

Chet

Gerry

Griff

Dolphy

Newk

Vice-Pres

PC

G-Man

How about a few that leave one guessing:

Sonny?

Red?

[Jazz musicians: One name is all you need...]

Bird

Diz

[Just an idea...]

I've been listening to Face to Face lately. A Mosaic Select sounds like a good idea.

[How WHERE you listen affects what you enjoy]

My life has changed a lot over the past few years. Once upon a time, I spent most of my listening time in a chair in from of a home stereo rig. Later, most of my listening time was spent in a car. Lately, I'm listening more on portables with headphones.

I find music with a broad dynamic range - say Fred Herch at Villiage Vanguard - impossible to enjoy completely in a car or through headphones. I'd rather listen to something with with a narrower dynamic range - something drawn from 78 rpm recordings for instance.

The task/distraction of driving also changes what I am interested in listening to. I don't listen to challenging music in the car.

...and you?

[Your Favorite Not-Originally Issued Blue Note]

How's 'bout Dizzy Reece Comin' On?

Okay, okay, The Procrastinator is better, but Reece is worthy of a sympathy vote.

[lee morgan and who?]

Hank's not my favorite among the tenor men listed, but I can't break the association with Lee Morgan - Hank and Lee are the front line on one of the first hard bop sessions I ever heard - 'A1'. This slab of vinyl still spends more time on my turntable than just about any other.