John Tapscott

Happy Birthday GA! Interesting CFL season, eh?

Likely both.

Bill: This one if you can find it- Straight Ahead, The Story of Stan Kenton by Carol Easton Quite different than Sparke's book (though they complement each other quite nicely). Easton tells you all you need to know (and sometimes more) about Stan the Man. Kenton hated the book and apparently refused to autograph it, but a friend of mine who knew Kenton says it is pretty much spot-on. (I hate this cover, the original was much better, but I couldn't find an image that would fit). Thanks John. Have put in an order for a used a copy at 48p from an Atlanta supplier. Even with the shipping charge of £2.80, it's still peanuts! P.S. Atlanta supplier can't supply. Too good to be true, I suppose. Bill: I'll bet the U.K. library system has it somewhere. Kenton was quite popular in England.

Bill: This one if you can find it- Straight Ahead, The Story of Stan Kenton by Carol Easton Quite different than Sparke's book (though they complement each other quite nicely). Easton tells you all you need to know (and sometimes more) about Stan the Man. Kenton hated the book and apparently refused to autograph it, but a friend of mine who knew Kenton says it is pretty much spot-on. (I hate this cover, the original was much better, but I couldn't find an image that would fit).

I love Doug Watkins. The way he digs in on "Blues for Philly Joe" is, for me, the epitome of gutsy, swinging, big bottom bass playing. (I see that Paul Secor mentioned him above). But yes, you should check him out.

Happy 60th. Have a great day!

I recently read the book. I've read a couple of other Ellington biographies. I don't know about racism and all the rest. It doesn't really bring us any new insights into Ellington. (I admit to being a bit surprised at the extent of Ellington's financial problems - a recurring theme with many jazz musicians, it seems, especially with the IRS). I thought Teachout really raced through the last 10 years of Duke's life, as if he couldn't wait to get the thing finished. Overall there is a rather negative tone to the book and I often found myself wondering whether Teachout really "enjoys" Ellington's music. (Not that I believe a bio should be "hero worship" and Ellington was no saint, but there is something a bit "off" with the book and I can't quite name it).

When I saw the question I thought immediately of Miles in Europe, but IIRC it was 30 min/side more or less, and therefore not nearly as long as some mentioned above.

It's hard to answer Rooster's q, because Gerald's post PJ recordings are so darn consistent. All of them are worthy of attention and all contain some compelling music, no matter what the label - Trend/Discovery, Mama, Mack Ave. You certainly couldn't go wrong with sidewinder's choice of "Theme for Monterey". I would add this one as a personal favorite (not that it's necessarily 'better" than others), but it really appeals to me.

Not this, but the LP. Can't post the LP.

Herman has 3 as well, right? Capitol, Columbia and Philips.

Surprised there are ten left.

Don't forget Children of Lima which is all Broadbent's writing - Side one - Herd with the Houston Symphony Orch.; side 2- the Herd alone. IIRC Andy Laverne is the pianist , not Broadbent. I don't necessarily think it's a great record but I like it more than Scott Yanow does. http://www.allmusic.com/album/children-of-lima-mw0000879597

Especially as an arranger - Blues in the Night, Variations on a Scene, Reunion at Newport, Adam's Apple, Live in Silent Amber (the last four original comp/arr's). Lots more too, but those off the top of my head. I don't know that his piano voice came across quite as strongly in the Herd, because he was playing mostly the el p. (as did all the Herd pianists in the late 60's early 70's). And Herman had some really good ones - Broadbent, Andy Laverne, Harold Danko, Lyle Mays etc. I loved the Herd.

A wonderful recording IMHO, under-rated and overlooked (or looked down on perhaps), but this music swings like crazy.

I certainly like Broadbent, though his strong classical background sometimes gives a rather formal feeling to his music (as opposed to the looser spontaneity of the best jazz). IMHO, of course. He is a fine, swinging player, for sure. Here are several which I own and enjoy: I also have a couple of LP's on Discovery from the 80's which are actually my favorite Broadbent recordings. Everything I Love is especially good.

Really good sounding studio date, IMO (with Kenny Drew, NHOP, "Tootie" Heath).

Sure he's not to everyone's taste (and yes, most of his Columbia records were commercial messes) but there's a lot of great music on this Mosaic set: And he actually had a beautiful sound in the trumpet's lower register, too. For example in Shorty's Rogers arrangement of "What's New" recorded by Kenton.