HutchFan

Yes, he plays wonderfully here.

Me too! Yeah, it's a good one. But I think Beirach's many duo collaborations with Liebman are even better. For example, Forgotten Fantasies (A&M-Horizon, 1976) is one of my desert-island discs. Nobody ever seems to talk about it -- but I think it's stinkin' brilliant.

The James Gang Gang Green Grant Green

Now on my turntable: Mal Waldron Plays the Blues (Enja, rec. 1971) with Jimmy Woode & Pierre Favre Tremendous.

Excellent.

Next up:

Spinnin' this again:

These aren't "quintets" -- but they date between Shorter's departure and Autumn '71: - Miles at the Fillmore – Miles Davis 1970: The Bootleg Series, Vol. 3 (April & June 1970) -- with Grossman, Corea & Jarrett - The Cellar Door Sessions 1970 (December 1970) -- with Bartz & Jarrett There may be others. I'm not certain.

Yeah, I'm lucky.

I was hoping to see Hussain perform in March at Big Ears. Alas . . . R.I.P.

And now on to Happenings, which is my favorite Bobby Hutcherson album (on most days):

I have no difficulty whatsoever understanding that sentiment. Over the years, I've collected (nearly) everything that Hutcherson ever recorded -- both as a leader and sideman -- across his entire career. For me, Medina was the first Hutcherson album that blew my mind & made me want to hear all of his music. And it just so happens that I'm now listening to . . . Medina.

My boss gave me a $100 gift card for Christmas, so I splurged and bought three Bobby Hutcherson LPs -- Happenings, Oblique, and Medina -- even though I already have these albums on CD. Now spinning: This is the first Tone Poet I've ever heard, and -- I've gotta admit -- the AQ is remarkable. Of course, the music is stupendous. But I knew that already.

Liebman is a hustler. The man does not coast. He's continued to grow and evolve, making terrific music throughout his long career. I admire that.

More Monk: Disc 2

This again:

Just a first impression: It's excellent, comparable to The Tokyo Concert. But Gomez's bass is more prominent.

Dave Liebman Quintet - Doin' It Again (Timeless, 1979) with Terumasa Hino, John Scofield, Ron McClure, and Adam Nussbaum