John Tapscott

The Argos are getting hot at the right time. Ricky Ray has been the league's best QB since returning from injury late in the season. Really seemed to catch fire after a lack-lustre start. He's on the same page as his receivers now (and Argos finally have some good ones; receivers have been a real problem area for them until this year.) The Ray deal shows you that sometimes it's OK to trade propsects for a veteran player, esp. a QB. Haven't follwed the CFL enough this year to make an informed prediction about the Grey Cup. It should be a dandy; indoors, no weather issues. I well remember the last time the Argos played the Stamps in the Grey Cup (at least I think it was the last time). 1971- Calgary 14, Toronto 11, with running back Leon "X-Ray" McQuay fumbling the ball on a sloppy field just as the Argos were in good position for a tying field goal. Game over. Joe Theismann was the Argos QB, and they were heavy favorites. Time for the Argos to avenge that loss.

with Ray Drummond and Roy Haynes - fine record

Get it, Tom! My view is that if Capitol won't keep the thing in print, then we should be glad that someone has made it available.

I always love to draw out the Phil Woods haters on this Forum. Such melt-downs, even at the mention of his name.

I know Jim wouldn't go near this but I'd buy it in a heatbeat and a click of the mouse: The Complete RCA recordings of Phil Woods (would have to include "Live at the Showboat", though)

Well, it's not just a matter of individual musicians, but a group of excellent and compatible musicians working together. Very few did it better, IMO, than the Herman Herd of the Mosaic Select (philips) and Mosaic single (Columbia) period (late '62-'65). And among the arrangers for that band was the incomparable Bill Holman. You've got to start with Holman because musicians love playing his charts. Jake Hanna, Chuck Andrus, Nat Pierce, Bill Chase, Phil Wilson, Sal Nistico, man, those guys were on fire. Woody always had a smile on his face. Who wouldn't?

This is the only Curson as leader album that I own, and it's a good one. R.I.P.

I want my notice!!!!

5 CD's. Some really prime stuff on this set.

I'm of very little help because I too have the CD (and it's pretty good), and you're right - no arrangers are listed. Track 8 "Down Home" is probably a Shorty Rogers chart since it's a Shorty original. Is Pete Peterson still around? Why not do a google search, email him and ask him. P.S. Well, there you go. Jim nails it, as usual. Yes, Don Schamber, recognize his name from somewhere - a Chicago based arranger, IIRC.

Just listened to the samples on NPR and ordered. Can't be without this one, I'm afraid. No lunches in Nov. But I'll survive somehow!

Two tracks Keen and Peachy followed by Pennies From Heaven from Disc 2 The first has a marvelous solo by Bennie Green (who is excellent through both sets IMO), and the 2nd has a very fine solo by Hank. Great stuff all around.

Fade-outs.

Thanks for the b'day greetings, everyone! It was a busy day with not much time for music but I did get a chance to watch another DVD in my recently acquired Jazz Icons 5 series. Today - the Johnny Griffin, very enjoyable.

I don't care what Miles said, or even our dear Chuck, for that matter. That was a very fine band, often excellent. The only thing I will say is that the track Feather chose for the blindfold test was rather strange and not totally representative. Remember that it was a Garnet Brown chart and honestly, it wasn't among the band's finest moments. Certainly I wouldn't include it on a a "Best of Thad Jones/Mel Lewis" compilation.

Happy Birthday, Marcello!!

All true, except that I believe "Balanced Scales = Justice" was by Tom McIntosh. Brookmeyer's chart on 'Presenting' is his original "ABC Blues" , a real tour de force and one of my all time favorite big band charts and performances.

Paul Desmond

"Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" - MJQ Mosaic set, Disc 2 Track 2