HutchFan

I'm taking some time off from work for the holidays. So this morning, I drove up to McKay's, a giant music & book store in Chattanooga. I spent the better part of the day there. I took my time, looked through a lot of stuff, including their bargain bins. Here's what I brought home: 22 CDs and 21 LPs. And the total -- out the door -- was less than $100. All of the classical LPs were one dollar each (!) -- including those six Philips LPs, all of which are in pristine condition. The Genesis Wind & Wuthering LP is a Charisma label UK import, also in NM- condition. W & W is one of my desert-island albums. I've already got the ATCO US vinyl and the CD. But I couldn't resist; it was the most expensive title of the day at $10.99. Reputedly, the Charisma is the best sounding version. We'll see. A nice Christmas haul, eh?

Yes. I was a huge Rush fan in high school and college. So I recently picked up Geddy's book, and I've really been enjoying it. It's also prompted me to go back to their music. And I'm loving it (still).

Really enjoying this. What a voice Valerie Simpson has!

Now spinning: This isn't bad. But it's not nearly as good as I would like it to be. The music strikes me as very "studio-y" and docile. Nobody ever lets loose. I suppose it's telling that this album never was issued in the U.S. . . . I pulled it off the shelf to see if I still felt the same way since my last listen, and I do.

The Land of FIRE and ICE!

More Larry Willis:

"The Ire of the Hip" !!! What a great phrase! Somebody should claim that as a name for a band -- or at least an album title. BTW, I like The Koln Concert too. But just not quite as much as Facing You.

Still in heavy rotation at my house: Tamba Trio (RCA Brazil, 1975) So groovy & musical. Luíz Eça should be more well-known in jazz circles. (Although you could probably say that about half the musicians in this thread. ) Also: Larry Willis - Sanctuary (Mapleshade, 2003) A terrific album. Larry Willis' musical spirit often reminds me of Bobby Hutcherson's. Both men have a similar soulful sophistication, warmth, and openness.

Yes, I have the CD version, but it was first issued as a 2-LP set in 1972. Yep. Coltrane's "Stardust" is on a different 1970s 2-fer titled (appropriately enough) The Stardust Sessions. I only know because I also have this album in my collection.

Next up: Coltrane's Sound (Atlantic, rec. 1960)

Thanks!

CD compiles two of Coltrane's Prestige LPs: Traneing In and Soultrane, both tenor-plus-rhythm dates with Red Garland, Paul Chambers & Art Taylor Looks fascinating. Both music & book.

Just wrapped up my workday. Now unwinding with a jigger of bourbon and this Braz-jazz classic: Azymuth - Light as a Feather (Milestone, 1979) Far Out UK CD reissue Always happy to share the love!

Now playing: Terumasa Hino Sextet - Fuji (Victor, 1972) Terumasa Hino (tr) with Takao Uematsu (ts), Kiyoshi Sugimoto (g), Mikio Masuda (p, el p), Yoshio Ikeda (b), and Motohiko Hino (d) I have a U.S. version of this superb LP, issued as part of Catalyst's short-lived "International Jazz from Japan" series. But I'm not in my music room right now. No turntable. So I'm streaming it.

Balliett's such a talented author that I always enjoy his writing -- even when I disagree with his musical point of view. He sometimes says downright silly things, like calling Max Roach's drumming "ugly." But I suppose you've got to take the bad with the good and the good with the bad. And the good definitely outweighs the bad, IMO. My 2 cents.

Ain't music GRAND!

Masahiko Sato, Masami Nakagawa, Sabu Toyozumi, and Toshiyuki Miyama & New Herd - Nayuta Gensei (Columbia JP, 1976) More "Star Trek" meets Sun Run at the far edge of the galaxy. As on Yamataifu, all compositions are by Masahiko Sato, but I think the cumulative impact of this album may be even MORE impressive. Yes! I've heard that once or twice -- but I need to circle back 'round to it.

Toshiyuki Miyama & His New Herd / Masahiko Sato ‎- Yamataifu (Toshiba, 1972) Otherworldly sonic vistas that owe as much to contemporary classical music as they do to jazz.

Hampton Hawes Trio featuring Leroy Vinnegar with Donald Bailey - High in the Sky (Vault, 1970)

Now Vol. 5 -- with Fajardo -- from The Complete Cuban Jam Sessions set:

Now streaming: The Complete Cuban Jam Sessions (Panart/Craft, rel. 2018) Volume 1: Under the direction of Julio Gutierrez

Yeah, I've been digging it. It's chamber jazz -- sort of like the Jimmy Giuffre 3 with Ralph Peña & Jim Hall. But instead of sounding distinctly U.S. American, imagine the music coming from mittel-Europe. Yeah, I saw that reissue. I have -- and really enjoy -- Common Cause from that set. (Joe Chambers on drums!) But I don't know the other two. I'd be willing to bet that they're terrific. Not without going broke!

Now playing: Attila Zoller with Hans Koller & George Mraz - The K&K 3 in New York (L+R, 1980) CD reissue by Solid

Elis Regina - Montreux Jazz Festival: Gravações Inéditas (WEA-Warner Arquivos, rec. 1979)