HutchFan

Nico was one helluva bassist. Oh yeah.

I especially love Healing Force and Evidence of Things Unseen from that set. Two terrific solo piano outings.

Speaking of . . . Hugh Ragin - Feel the Sunshine (Justin Time, 2002) with Assif Tsahar (ts, b cl), Craig Taborn (p), Jaribu Shahib (b), Tanni Tabbal (d), and Bruce Cox (d)

I don't have that record -- but I totally agree re: Hugh Ragin. I first became aware of him in David Murray's Octet and Big Band. Ragin's solos ALWAYS stick out (in a good way), they're so ear-catching and musical. Not sure whether there's anything to this -- but Ragin has always struck me as a musical descendant of Joe Newman. They have a similar sort of warmth in their sound.

Next up: David Murray Trio - The Hill (Black Saint, 1988) with Richard Davis and Joe Chambers Beautiful.

Two by Ben Webster -- with Kenny Drew, NHØP, and Alex Riel, rec. in Denmark in 1965 and

Lee Konitz with Warne Marsh (Atlantic, 1955) Love the music, love the Claxton cover photo.

Louis Hayes / Junior Cook - Ichi-Ban (Timeless, 1976) and Shelly Manne - 2-3-4 (Impulse, 1962)

Now listening to: Mel Tormé - Tormé - Orchestra Conducted by Marty Paich (Verve, 1958) The pairing of Tormé's voice and Paich's arrangements . . . I second that motion. George deserves it!

Now playing: Willis Jackson - Legends of Acid Jazz (Prestige) Originally released as two LPs: Blue Gator and Cookin' Sherry; recorded in 1959 & 1960 with Bill Jennings (g), Jack McDuff (org), and others

Now playing: Joanne Brackeen - Invitation (Black Lion; originally released on Freedom) with Clint Houston & Billy Hart, rec. 1976 This trio was Stan Getz's rhythm section at the time. You can tell they've been playing together regularly -- because they are locked in. It's exciting, kick-ass music-making.

Brackeen is an amazing pianist, IMO -- and, yes, she often played with Clint Houston. Brackeen & Houston also made several excellent recordings together. This one is perhaps my favorite of theirs: Another duo album -- like Prism with Gomez. Nice!

Yes, Pauer's music is terrific -- and it's wonderful to hear that he was such a friendly person. I really like Third Plane. Tony's definitely not "in the background" -- although it's Ron's album, so he's featured a bit more prominently.

Nope. Just a coincidence.

First listen: Egberto Gismonti - Música de Sobrevivência (ECM, 1993)

Attila Zoller - When It's Time (Enja, 1995) and Arthur Blythe - Retroflection: Live at the Vanguard (Enja, 1994)

Now on my turntable (prompted by Peter's Sonny Stitt post above): Sonny Stitt - Blues for Duke (Muse, 1978) with Barry Harris, Sam Jones, and Billy Higgins; rec. 1975 A heartfelt tribute. One of my favorite Stitt albums.

It's been a piano trio morning. Now: Earlier: and

Now: Earlier:

Now: Sides C & D - 1966 recordings with Larry Willis (p), Don Moore (b), and Jack DeJohnette (d) Earlier: with David "Fathead" Newman

Next up: An Evening with Cleo Laine and the John Dankworth Quartet (DRG) Recorded in AU in 1972

Dakota Staton - Confessin' (Groove Merchant) LP 2 - originally released as Madame Foo-Foo (1972) featuring Richard "Groove" Holmes