John Tapscott

Not going to pick a single track. Every track is just a "sterling" example of what makes Silver's music so good and enjoyable.

It's listed at about the 40 second mark - Dizzy, Sahib Shihab, Wade Legge, Nelson Boyd, Charlie Persip.

Here it is: http://www.woofyproductions.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=WPCD94

Another Wong story posted today by Steven D. Harris on the Kentonia email list: Many years ago, Herb mentioned to me that when he got married, there was only one band he considered using to play for his wedding: that was of course the Herman Herd. (I wonder if Woody revised his 1939 record of Golden Wedding, which he was still playing on occasion up through at least the Third Herd.) Herb also mentioned that he recorded the event in stereo which I think took place in 1967. That would make a great CD release today, as it would probably be a "first" in the history of jazz: "WOODY HERMAN: LIVE AT HERB WONG'S WEDDING!" SDH

Another tune dedicated to Herb was Nat Pierce's chart for Woody Herman called Dr. Wong's Bag. (Wong was a huge fan of the Herd). R.I.P. Dr. Wong - you were a great enthusiast and promoter of jazz.

'45-'54; '55-'64 (or 5) 95% + of the music I listen to is jazz and the jazz that I enjoy most comes from those years or has roots in that era. (I also enjoy jazz rooted in the earlier swing era).

Good choice. Certainly up there with my 60s favourites as well. Agreed. Great album.

Duke Ellington - The Great Paris Concert (rec. '63, not released until '73) (if that doesn't count I would choose between The Far East Suite and His Mother Called Him Bill) Mingus - Black Saint and Sinner Lady Miles Davis in Europe Coltrane Live at Birdland

I would like both of these, but I'm hesitating over sound quality. I honestly found the sound on the Jacquet/Parker CD well below Uptown's usual standards and almost unlistenable (yes, I know the source was not great to begin with).

Both the McGhee and the Jackson CD's are available for ordering now at the Uptown website. http://www.uptownrecords.net/home/store/99.html

I have it, Tom. Listened to it not long ago, actually. You're hearing right. While I don't think it's an essential Dizzy album, it's a good and entertaining (as always with Dizzy) release. That band with Moody and Barron was very good. Gillespie was still pretty much on top of his game, trumpet wise, in the early to mid 60's.

I find Kellaway to be a very creative and interesting player. I should listen to him more often. Here are several CD's that I have enjoyed over the years:

Wow! Those are some great choices. A very good read.

Wow! Should be a good evening of music, Bill. Look forward to a report. Well yes, certainly a good evening! Atzmon is a very powerful player - his physique, extrovert approach, showmanship and volume reminded me of Cannonball (yes, I saw him too!) You wouldn't have noticed this in a recording studio, but in the smallish room in Wilmslow (audience of 60) with no mics Alan was clearly out-blown when both were on alto, something that never happens when he's paired with Greg Abate. After the first number Alan retreated to a ballad and brought out his baritone, only to have Gilad say it looked "like an Israeli weapon". Gilad also came up to expectations by inserting quotes from Fiddler on the Roof into "All the Things You Are" and on "My Funny Valentine" his clarinet had a decided klezmer sound, his coda leading into a klezmer rhythm which was eventually picked up by Alan and even by local pianist Vinnie Parker! Nice report, Bill. Thanks. I've never heard Atzmon, but he sounds like someone I would like. I'll have to check him out.

Wow! Should be a good evening of music, Bill. Look forward to a report.

OK - 2nd time in a week. "Easy Living" from Could have chosen "Come Rain or Come Shine", equally as good. Love this CD. Can't file it away just yet.

Hadn't heard it for a while, but I really enjoyed "West Side Story Medley" from The CD sound is great, the band is tight and inspired, the soloists are good, Rich's solo is shorter than the usual live versions. A great Bill Reddie arrangement. Lead trumpeter Bobby Shew left his blood on this chart (literally, according to later Rich lead trumpet players).

Great story. I can understand your disappointment at the personnel changes Don, but what we would give to see that exact band today!!

Aha! So when we see who wrote the liner notes, we'll know who the procrastinator is!

"Passion Flower" from Not only is Hodges exquisite but the band plays the arrangement superbly and the whole performance is enhanced by the fine recording quality.