John Tapscott

Track 3 "Ostinato" from this CD. A very exciting track with powerful trumpet playing over a strong rhythm section pattern which combines elements of swing and Latin. Not going back and forth between the rhythmic patterns but somehow combining them. The track is structured rather than free but very adventurous and forward looking. In fact, the whole album is excellent. Jazz music at a very high level of invention. I've just listened to it 3 times. Maybe my favorite Ellis. Great sound, too. Don Ellis trumpet; Paul Bley, piano; Gary Peacock, bass; Gene Stone or Nick Martinis, drums.

Agree. My first impression is that the solos are very long, as if Pearson was giving everyone lots of space to keep them happy. I would have preferred to hear a bit of more of Duke's arranging, or perhaps a bit better balance between ensemble playing and solos. Mickey Roker is very a busy drummer and this wouldn't be a issue at all if the ensemble were a just bit stronger in the mix. But overall, it's still pretty good and definitely worth hearing. There's some solid big band music here.

Watched the Argos/Stamps game. It was a good game. The Argos seem to have the Stamps number. It will be interesting to see the power rankings this week. With the way Collaros is playing the Argos will have a very interesting decision to make in the off-season - which quarterback to protect (teams can only protect one before the expansion draft). Hard to imagine them not protecting superstar Ray, but he's what 33, 34? and Zach represents the future. He could well be a major star in this league.

I helped arrange the deal for this to be issued on SteepleChase and went into Streeterville Studios in Chicago to transfer the tape and edit the "endings and beginnings" for the lps. Nils says he made further edits. Great performance and all should hear it. Yep, it's superb. Hadn't heard it in a long while and had forgotten just how very, very good it is.

As I take a big breath and kick myself for all that I'd be leaving behind:

"Take the A Train" from Disc 1 of A wonderfully swinging and uplifting version of the song we've heard a thousand times, with variations on the theme, great solos, and nice background riffs. The main theme is not heard until the out chorus.

Welcome to the club. This Board is a budget buster for very many (perhaps all) of us!

This is a good one. I have the Steeplechase LP. Don't know about CD.

You would probably enjoy this:

It's a good one, but for me most two piano recordings are one piano too many. Generally too much effort required to figure out who's playing what and when. I'm lazy. Hope you exempt Albert Ammons and Pete Johnson from that, John! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIVJw8yX6GY Well, I said, "most." And watching two pianists visually is no problem at all, quite entertaining, actually. Listening can be a different story though. This one for example, is a muddle to my ears; a poor mixing job (very hard to get right with duo piano albums)

It's a good one, but for me most two piano recordings are one piano too many. Generally too much effort required to figure out who's playing what and when. I'm lazy.

I have the double LP, haven't listened to it for a long time, just pulled it off my shelves the other day, and read the notes - haven't listened to it yet. It was on Palo Alto, I believe. It was the brain-child of Dr. Herb Wong who was co-producer and more responsible for the recording than Helen Keane.

Likewise. Many Happy returns, Dan.

Ditto, and thanks for the site. Glad it's back. Couldn't believe how much I missed it when it was down. Even had to visit the AAJ forum for a fix.

From the Mobley Mosaic Disc 5, track 1 "Don't Get Too Hip" Sonny Clark's solo is just about the "hippest" piano solo I've ever heard!