duaneiac

Nice that you got to see & hear Les Spann play in person. I'm sorry to hear his life had an unhappy ending. The last recordings I saw on Wikipedia for him were from 1966 (albums led by Sonny Stitt and Lockjaw Davis), yet he lived until Jan. 1989. So what was he doing for those final 22 years? Recent listening:

The MST3K version. A strong contender for the title of "Worst Movie Ever Made".

Various all-star groupings which included Charlie Haden, Lyle Mays, John Scofield, Joshua Redman, Terence Blanchard, Peter Erskine and Ernie Watts. Herbie Hancock is on one track.

Les Spann never gets a lot of attention and he may be easily overlooked among all the star players on these sessions, but he brought some real musical value to everything I've heard him on.

In addition to Getz, Sims, Cohn and Chaloff, this band also included Shorty Rogers, Ernie Royal, Red Rodney, Bill Harris, Terry Gibbs and Lou Levy.

This album is not quite what it implies. It includes 8 Rodgers & Hart songs performed by Ms. Wiley backed by a quartet (including Ruby Braff and Jo Jones) and 4 solo piano tracks by Ellis Larkins. The two never perform together here. Ms. Wiley's tracks were recorded on this date in 1954.

From 60 years ago today, July 6, 1957 -- With his big band including Lee Morgan, Benny Golson, Billy Mitchell, Al Grey, Melba Liston, Charlie Persip and Wynton Kelly (Mary Lou Williams guests on 2 tracks).

Disc 1, which has the concert of July 5, 1959. In the band at that time were Rolf Ericson, Bill Chase, Jimmy Knepper, Kent Larsen, Bob Knight, Charlie Mariano, Bill Trujillo and Jack Nimitz.

From July 3, 1967, with a big band which included Frank Foster, Jerome Richardson, Al Grey, Britt Woodman, Snooky Young and Joe Newman -- and Illinois Jacquet guests on "Flying Home".

More from Newport From July 7, 1963 From July 3, 1971

On this CD, supposedly recorded July 3, 1958 Mr. Berry states in his introduction to "School Days", " Three years ago as of the day before yesterday, I made my first recording.". Of course, even though he was there, he may not have been the most credible witness.

It's time for my annual visits from some Ghosts of Newports Past . . . From July 4, 1959 From July 1, 1960 Four sets, allegedly all from July 3, 1958. With the recent passing of Chuck Berry, it seems Kenny Burrell is the sole survivor from these performances 59 years ago. Some fine music, in pretty good sound. I assume they came from VOA broadcasts/sources as Willis Conover's introductions for each act are included.

Dick Hyman was scheduled to perform a duo concert with Ken Peplowski as part of the Stanford Jazz festival this week. However, I just read a notice that Mr. Hyman has had to "withdraw due to health concerns" and will be replaced by one of his proteges, Ehud Asherie. I saw that Mr. Hyman is scheduled to perform other dates this month, including a 90th birthday celebration in his honor as part of the Jazz In July series at the 92nd Street Y in NYC on July 18th, so I hope he this is just a temporary "health concern" and that he is back to good health soon.

There is something so satisfying and uplifting on "The Love I Lost" when Brother Teddy calls upon one and all to stand up and testify, to join in and sing/confess that "I lost it / Sorry I lost it". It's a quasi-religious disco experience.- something we just don't encounter these days.

Two very good albums from 19963, although her version of "Blowin' In The Wind" doesn't quite make the grade for me.

Hmmmmmm . . .

Earlier: Then: Currently: