Sundog

Charlie Byrd was a terrific guitarist in many ways, but... I must say when it comes to Brazilian music, he never quite showed much understanding of the rhythmic aspects of the music. After listening to Joao Gilberto, Luiz Bonfa, Oscar Castro-Neves, Baden Powell, Roberto Menescal, Durval Ferreira, and any number of other veteran Brazilian guitarists, I find it kind of difficult to enjoy those Verve recordings with Byrd anymore. I'm not so sure that Charlie didn't understand the rhythmic aspects of the music. Maybe he's not totally "authentic" to the traditional style. But so what. I've always viewed his playing in this genre as an "american" take on Brazilian music. I mean that in the best possible way. I think he kind of boils the music down to the core and puts his own personal stamp on it. It's really a wonderul thing (that cross-pollination) that he a handful of other musicians managed to do in the early 60's. That music took off and still remains popular to this day. His bluesy, countryesque, lines add a real warmth to the music that you just didn't hear from other more "traditional" brazilian players at the time. Take a song like One Note Samba, he totally reharmonizes the first 8-bars in a beautifully simple, effective manner. It's certainly different than what Jobim would later record, but no less compelling to my ears. Charlie Byrd played like Charlie Byrd! That's cool in my book.

I voted for Jazz Samba. Getz & Byrd make it definitive in my book.

No list, however I just noticed that he played guitar on Sam Cooke's, Another Saturday Night. With this news, now I'm really in an awful way... RIP Barney.

Great set, fair price. I picked mine up through Zweitausendeins for about $25 american, about a year ago.

Heard a nice version of In Walked Bud off this album the other day on the radio. Very good interplay, and fine soloing throughout. It really caught my ear. Anyone own this album? Care to comment?

A coworker bought this album and gave it to me to listen to over lunch today. In a word....underwhelmed. I like most Diana Krall to some extent. This is probably my least favorite so far. I'm fairly sure that repeated listenings won't change my opinion. Oh, well. As we say in Chicago, wait until next year...

Thank you.

Chuck knows of what he speaks. A whole different discussion though. I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on KB. I gather your not his biggest fan? That's certainly cool. Would appreciate your perspective on his playing. Of course, I'll understand if you decline. As the saying goes, if you have nothing good to say...

Billy Preston- Will It Go Round In Circles Played that sucker to death!

A couple other points... Re: Kenny Burrell, by listening to Kenny in a trio setting you really get a sense how he approaches his instrument. The way he "comps" around the melody is very telling and readily apparent. Essentially, he's creating extremely inventive, in the pocket, chord melody arrangements. These types of recordings also really showcase his arranging skills, which I believe are a bit underrated. Check out 12-15-78, Live At The Village Vanguard for plenty of examples of his prowess in a trio setting. The other thing about Kenny is that he is one of the "baddest" when it comes playing the blues. The obvious choice of albums that illustrates this point is Midnight Blue . The whole ablum is great, however, let me just say that if your looking for KB. blues cliches Citlins Con Carne and Mule are great songs to study. A few other random points about Kenny in no particular order... 1) Check out the way he interacts with Shirley Scott on Stanley Turrentine's album Hustlin'. It's all about creating that good groove. I believe Trouble No.2 illustrates the point that I'm trying to make better than anything. Check it out! 2) Kenny has a "knack" for creating beautiful tag intros and endings. Two of my favorite are the intros. to Merry Christmas Baby off the album Have Yourself A Soulful Little Christmas and the intro. to Since I Fell For You off the Round Midnight album. Very nice indeed! 3) Kenny can play Ellington! He seems to have a deep connection with the maestro's music. That's "F"ing cool in my book. Lot's of examples that illustrate this point. When Kenny plays Duke it's pretty much essential listening. Check out In A Mellow Tone from the album Laid Back. A favorite of mine at the moment. Lot's of bluesy turns! 4) Kenny is one generous player who above else serves the song. Listen for what he doesn't play! That's an education. 5) Kenny's got that feel. His sound and feel are so widely copied that it seems to be hardwired into every guitar player that came after him. Basically, what I'm trying to say is that he swings like a "Mother". Hope this helps.

Very good call. I whole-heartedly agree! Listening at this very moment to the Thad Jones & Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra Central Park North which contains Barry Galbraith. He deserves a thread!

A number of my favorites... Robbins' Nest Killer Joe Chitlins Con Carne Moanin' Bessie's Blues Blues For Alice Happy-Go-Lucky Local (Night Train) Sonny Moon For Two Doxy Blue Seven Minor Chant Work Song Coming Home Baby

Ouch! Should I Stay or Should I Go!

This is "stupid" question corner right? I mean Wayne Marsh!!!! B)

Anybody ever notice that if Wynton Marsalis and family didn't make records there would be a lot more room on shelves for Wayne Marsh albums?

I'm no Cornell expert but I do know what I like, so here are a couple of quick suggestions that are Cornell led sessions on Kokopelli. Not sure if these are still in print. Bop n' Blues Uncle Funky (Joe, I think this one is right up your alley) Check out his work with Aretha Franklin and Stuff. Also, make sure you listen to Brook Benton's Rainy Night In Georgia. One of the most soulful songs ever written. Due in no small part to Cornell's beautiful "ornamental" playing. P.S. I know what I'm listening to during my ride into work today! B)

Play them something you really like and explain why.

Kenny would sound good on a Sears and Roebuck painted plywood special! B)

Toots and The Maytals- Funky Kingston

I've done the requisite guitar player listening. I don't find myself listening to guitar players very often for new musical ideas. No slam intended, just a statement of fact. There are exceptions, guys like Pat Martino, Charlie Christian, Jim Hall, Kenny Burrell, and Cornell Dupree still really hold my interest. I'm much more likely to cop licks from Dexter, Sonny, Joe Henderson, or Stephane Grappelli these days. I guess it's just a natural evolution for most musicians to listen to their instrument of choice, and then brach out at some point. McCoy Tyner and Herbie Hancock also constantly amaze me. I'm sure it's only a matter of time until I revert back to a more guitar-centric mode of study. Change is good!

"Take Me To The Pilot" and be "Speedy" about it! Jason Moran He had me, then he lost me.

Pat Metheny Although I occasionally try to find him, and end up being more lost.

Some rockers with a little bit of soul thrown in..... Muddy Waters- Rolling Stone Marvin Gaye: What's Going On Kinks- I'm Not Like Everyone Else Clash- I Fought The Law

Freudian keystroke? No, just trying to cook dinner, wash the dishes, post, and talk on the phone at the same time. Oh yeah, chewing gum also! Anybody up for Pasta E Fagioli?

Yeah I got the JJ sex a couple of months ago. Thought it was getting pretty ripe. How about Cooper/Holman/Rosolino? Woody Herman? Don't want to miss those.