John Tapscott

I think it depends on the context. Left to his own devices it may seem that he overplays. I have a DVD of Oscar solo from Montreux '75 in which I would say he overwhelms the performance with too many notes. Oscar was a perfectionist and a very competitive cat and I think his atittude was that no one, but no one, was going to better him in public performance. There are times in some of his later MPS recordings where the sheer number of notes makes the whole performance seem more like flash than substance. On the other hand there are some pretty good examples of Oscar "cooling it" and fitting into the context very well. and and and Good balance on these:

Hope the studio your son is working in has a better piano than van Gelder's. Maybe it's just me, but I often find the van Gelder piano sound a bit strange, esp. on recordings from the 80's and 90's. Not out of tune or unpleasant, but certainly not as strong as the piano sound from other studios. Fairly rapid right hand runs don't sound quite as crisp and distinct as on recordings from other studios. Almost an electric piano sound at times.

"Round Lake Burnt Hills - a very interesting Peter Leitch compostion from this very interesting CD. Listened to the whole CD 5 times in a row on a recent car trip. Excellent jazz music.

I have the one with Allred. It's good. Here's another good one I have - duo with Eric Reed.

Just what I would have said, though perhaps in not such a "hip" manner. It's OK, worth getting at the price.

Thanks for the tip. Will have to acquire. Looks great. I have a couple of the LP's.

I enjoy Swana's playing, but he is under-represented in my collection. The only one I have of his is this: Also as a sideman on the Mike Melito CD Larry mentions and on this Peter Leitch CD

Don't know about that recording, but it definitely happens on Woody Herman's Herd at Monterey recording. I think the plane can actually be heard a couple of times, once during Victor Feldman's vibes solo IIRC (obviously a relatively low volume spot in the program). Tom 1960 is right about the background sounds on Shelly's Black Hawk recordings. But they all seem approriate to the venue.

Drummer Kenny Washington, who is reported to have a MASSIVE record collection.

Canucks fan here. I was hoping they would win (1st Stanley Cup, Canadian based team, etc. though the Bruins actually have more Canadian-born players). But I've got to say, the Canucks blew it big time. They SUCKED. After the Bruins first goal last night, they just packed it in. It was like they were the road team. Luongo and the Sedins, give me a break, they were awful. And the Bruins played it perfectly. The Canucks were outplayed and BADLY outcoached. Not having two centers on for the face-off that led to the Bruins first goal was a major blunder. Sometimes the Bruins had THREE centers out for defensive zone face-offs. Vigneault was deer-in-the headlights the whole series. Wasn't able to adjust.

More than surprised. Shocked. I loved the Dave McMurdo Jazz Orchestra and their recordings (mostly on Sackville, but a couple of other labels, too). Dang, this is sad news. RIP Dave.

Oh yeah!! And it gets even better after disc 1. A monster set, no other way to put it. Overall, I think this was the best writing and band of Toshiko's career. Right now: Another great Mosaic set.

Happy Birthday to Phil Nimmons. Phil is a very creative and interesting writer (and clarinetist.) Takes musical risks in the best jazz tradition. And his music swings! Here's the best place to start listening to Phil Nimmons' music.

Just ordered one from Grooves-Inc.

Ray Bryant, RIP. And thanks for the wonderful music.

Let me also add since I own the above releases, "Radio Waves" is a very fine outing. Mark Feldman recommended it to me. Brian Lynch, Ralph Moore and Gary Smulyan are on the front line. Actually, when I gave a to Dancing in the Dark above I was thinking of Radio Waves. I got them confused because Lynch and Smulyan are on both. Radio Waves is the one I have and it is indeed an excellent outing. A few days ago I ordered Dancing in Dark from Mark (along with a few more!)

Yes, I've ordered a couple of CD's from them. My experience with them was just fine. Good prices. And world-wide free shipping. Don't know how they do it.

Me too. That's a good one, maybe my favorite, but all 4 Fedchock NYBB CD's are worth hearing and owning. There's some good YouTube clips of Fechock's band, as well.

Posted again to say that if you are the fence about this set, get off and get it!!! Great music. Fabulous sound. A top-tier Mosaic set.

"Gerrylike" from Nick Brignola's "Flight of the Eagle" (Reservoir) - not sure it's the "best", but it is a nicely swinging track and the melody really sticks with me.

I don't have Dark Blue, but do have Dancing in the Dark and I concur with Dan - it's a very strong date. Almost anything with Smulyan on it (as leader or sideman) is good. Another strong Reservoir date is Peter Leitch's "A Special Rapport" with Hicks, Drummond and "Smitty" Smith. Jay Collins' "Uncommon Threads" is a good one, too. There have been rumors that Reservoir is winding down. I don't know for sure, but there are a few signs. They haven't recorded a new CD for nearly three years. Their latest release is the re-issue on CD of a 1987 Jed Levy date (which is very good BTW), and every CD in the catalogue is now available for $10 (and the shipping rates are very low, no matter what the quantity). They used to use some kind of on-line marketer for their CD sales, but when you do an on-line order now, it is sent to you directly by owner Mark Feldman. So, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket, this is a good place to spend it. http://www.reservoirmusic.com/

A fairly recent CD with Jimmy Wormworth on drums. He really lights up this Tardo Hammer date.

Happen to be listening to a dandy at the moment - Nick Brignola - "Things Ain't What they Used to Be"- Last Set at Sweet Basil (superior IMHO to the First Set CD) I really enjoy the music on the Reservoir Label. Some favs: Nick Brignola - On a Different Level Nick Brignola - Tour De Force All the John Fedchock NY Big Band CD's Joe Puma - Shining Hour Valery Ponomarev - Profile J.R. Monterose/Tommy Flanagan - A Little Pleasure Rob Schneiderman - Back in Town Gary Smulyan - The Real Deal John Hicks - Beyond Expectation Peter Leitch/John Hicks - Duality Dick Berk - Let's Cool One Kenny Barron - The Moment Jon Mayer - Full Circle Pete Malinverni - Theme and Variations Hod O' Brien - Live at Blues Alley (all 3 volumes)