Sundog

Fairly ironic don't you think? Since Charlie Christian pretty much invented the prototypical warm overdriven guitar tone that rockers have come to know and love when he turned up to be heard over the Goodman Orchestra.

Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy piano in the rhythm section very much. I was just listening to the Miles At The Blackhawk material the other day and was totally blown away by Wyton Kelly's mastery. He swings so hard, and really drives the soloists to higher levels with his own highly refined unique brand of comping. It's a joy to hear. I really don't consider one instrument better than another. All other things equal (and they rarely are), I believe the guitar is more flexible because of the way it's tuned as opposed to a piano. That's all I was really trying to say. The two players that immediately come to mind when I think of exceptionally creative rhythm players are Jim Hall and Barry Galbraith. I would also give Pat Metheny some "props" in this category. There's a real palpable energy that comes out in Pat's rhythm playing (especially acoustic) that I've rarely experienced in other players. He's coming from a totally different point of view than Jim & Barry but I find him equally enjoyable. Regarding Marty Grosz is must admit that I have not really been exposed to his music. I know you have mentioned him before and he's on my long list of artists to check out. Can you recommend an album that characterizes his style?

No doubt about that. I'm of the opinion that the price was lowered because there are many alternatives that more or less perform equally well and cost much less. I'm also of the opinion that Apple's addition of new models in the marketplace always coincides with old products losing market share (coolness). Apple now only innovates when there is a business need to do so. They lost their cutting edge status many years ago as far as I'm concerned.

As a rhythm instrument I really prefer the sound of the guitar over a piano. In the right hands, the voicings that can be achieved are so much more open sounding and complex than a piano. Of course their aren't many players with the dexterity and creativity to pull this off consistently. Additionally, IMO few guitar players actually exploit this strength. Most are more interested in concentrating on soloing and when asked to comp behind a soloist they rely on more common approaches which a pianist can do perfectly well, thereby reinforcing the stereotype that pianists are better rhythm players.

Er...the cool factor is still going strong. Jobs still commands the front cover of national news weeklies: The iPod mini comes in several colors. Also, you can send your regular iPod to ColorWare and for 50 bucks, they'll paint it for you. Also, you can get songs from an iPod to your hard drive. There are several hacks out there for Mac and PC that allow one to do this. Obviously I'm not a big iPod fan. But, don't believe everything you read! It's mostly marketing hyperbole. If they were really so "cool" entry level iPods would still be comanding $399. I was not aware of the different color schemes. Make mine "Burnt Sienna" B)

The cool factor finally wore off. Apple now actually has to compete with the rest of the market on equal footing. Can purple, green, and red iPods be far behind?

Never Fear Jazz Is Here!

Mingus and Company, Blues and Roots Why? If you have to ask. Seriously, there's an energy that still reverberates almost 50 years later from that recording. Something special happened during that one!

......getting home after the Sunday paper has arrived gets old awfully quick!

Agreed. You know things are bad when you look over at your drummer after a song has ended and he says half-jokingly "Wait for it...." (the applause that is). Seconds immediately turn into an eternity! About three months ago at the conclusion of a set I actually put my guitar down, walked off stage, sat down at the nearest table, and applauded the band. It may of been perceived buy some as an unprofessional smart ass thing to do. In reality, it was just an attempt at some self deprecating humor. I wish more people enjoyed jazz!

I like the fact that as a band we have a collective personality that is not necessarily like any one of the individual members. It's totally a unique entity unto the band, that really only comes out in "live" situations. It's a cool thing to experience. Also, playing out live really forces you to live in the moment. You have to, or else you would never get through. Once you more or less surrender to this fact, it makes things so much easier and better. It's really a pretty important life lesson. I suspect that we all could stand to live a little more in the moment. B)

Thanks for the link DrJ. It's obvious the me that you are very happy with your recent upgrades. I'm glad you are enjoying the music your new system is producing. That's really what it's all about! Despite some of their specs, the Sophia's are very tube friendly. I've auditioned them a couple of times. Once, powered by high end Balanced Audio Technology tube gear including a BAT CD player as the source, and another time hooked up to a middle of the road Denon A/V receiver with a $250 dollar Sony CD/SACD player. I think you might know which I liked better. However, the Denon/Sony combo sounded amazing! Which is reassuring since I will be phasing in other system upgrades around the speakers over time. I actually will be using a Denon 5803 A/V receiver for awhile since I'm dismantling my surround setup in favor of my dream two-channel system. Just to give you all some perspective I have about 2700 pieces of music in my collection. About 1200 of which are vinyl. I ain't no audiophile! I'm a music lover first and foremost. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, I got a lot of those 12X12 black boxes with the silver lettering on the spine too!

I had the same reaction when I first heard her. I'm a sucker for Soul Music and she does have some serious potential. I just hope the powers that be don't try to make her the next Pop Star Diva. Also hope that as she gets a little older and has some life experiences that she starts to write her own material.

No apologies needed for There She Goes. That's a great mix. I will be pulling out the La's album, as well as some XTC very soon for my listening pleasure. Probably some Kinks too while I'm in the neighborhood!

Cool story! I hear the connection most clearly on Summertime and But Not For Me from the My Favorite Things album. It's fairly subtle, however I don't think I'm too far out in making the connection. The way that Coltrane finishes certain phrases with that "quaver" really reminds me of Von. Conversely, Von's atonal sheets of sound flourishes at times remind me of Trane. Of course the power of suggestion and recent memory can be strong, and I was coming off a Von Binge!

The La's Now there's a great album! I bought this album based on a recommendation given by Eric Clapton of all people. It was one of those "what are you listening to now" fluff pieces in a guitar magazine. This album has an authentic British Invasion feel without being one bit derivative. I'm pretty sick of There She's Goes (It's been used in one too many feminine hygiene product commercials ). However to rest still sounds very fresh (pun intended). Awwwhh No, Don't Go Down To Doledrum!

Re: Out of Sequence Numbering Maybe Mosaic doesn't want the general public to know exactly how many sets have been sold at any given time?

My Next Speakers???

Great band, Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks Striking It Rich is a really fun and eccentric album.

I've been listening to a lot of Von Freeman lately getting "psyched" for his new release, which is quite good btw. Anyway, after listening to to all this Von I put on Coltrane's My Favorite Things and was struck at times by the uncanny similarity in tone, and phrasing by these two artists. Up until now I've viewed Von's tone like no other. Now I'm not quite so sure. Anyone else ever make this association?

For me it's all about personal taste. I'm seriously considering dropping 12K on speakers. The very thought of spending that kind of money on speakers would drive many crazy. Hey, the more practical side of me from time to time even second guesses the wisdom of this decision. Bottom line is that I really appreciate music and I want it played back in a manner that fits my personal taste. I've been thinking about going this route for the better part of three years, so I wouldn't consider it a rash decision. Trust me when I say, the only reason I even consider doing this is to enhance my listening experience for purposes of enjoying the music even more than I already do. I don't give one shit about keeping up with the Jones' or acquiring some perceived level of status with this impending purchase. So think what you will, but know that I will very happy when the day finally comes. And yes, I do know that $12,000 equates to about 1333 RVGs.

Well said wolff... An informative book that can be had for less than the price of 3 RVGs.

Got an outdoor gig latter today. It's probably going to get rained out though.

If you include sideman dates, based on sheer volume and quality of output, it's got to be Joe. That guy was everywhere. Of course the same could be said about Wayne, Herbie, and Jackie. These are all guy that epitomize the Blue Note sound in one way or another.

That's the ticket not 4:35. I hear it.