HutchFan

Thanks for the recommendation. For those albums, I might actually plop for the CD. . . . Since those two LPs are the trio's first/oldest recordings, they are the most difficult to find in good, playable condition on vinyl.

Over the last few years, I've been hoovering up Ramsey Lewis LPs -- from the beginnings up thru, say, his mid-70s stuff -- as I come across them in record stores. Over here in the U.S., at least, they're very inexpensive. For my money, his most interesting stuff happens from Dancing in the Street (1967) through Upendo Ni Pamoja (1972).

Ramsey Lewis - Maiden Voyage (Cadet, 1968) Charles Stepney's and Cleveland Eaton's arrangements for voices & strings on this LP are ridiculously soulful. Jazz, the church, and late-60s pop in perfect equilibrium.

A few more quality albums featuring Arnold's drumming: - Chick Corea - The Complete "Is" Sessions (Solid State/Blue Note) - Gust William Tsilis - Pale Fire (Enja) - Mickey Tucker Trio - Sweet Lotus Lips (Denon)

The Family of Mann - First Light (Atlantic, 1974) Flute – Herbie Mann Tenor Saxophone – David Newman Guitar – Sam Brown Keyboards – Pat Rebillot Bass – Tony Levin Drums – Steve Gadd Percussion – Armen Halburian Congas – Carlos "Patato" Valdes (tracks: A1) I wonder why Mann released this one LP with a band name -- The Family of Mann -- unlike all of the albums that came before and after, which were released as "Herbie Mann" records. Anyone know?

Incredible record. One of Martino's best, IMO.

Now spinning: Luiz Eça - Antologia do Piano (Philips Brazil, 1976) Eça is probably most well-known for his work with the Tamba Trio/Tamba 4. He released this solo piano LP after they disbanded. Beautiful music.

Yep, I've heard/streamed Exonerated Flea -- but I'll have to pick up the Wounded Bird reissue at some point.

You're raising her right!

Now: Wounded Bird CD reissue There's a bunch of heavyweights on this record -- Billy Harper, Joe Farrell, Ralph Towner, George Mraz -- but it's David Friedman's vibes & marimba that are really grabbing my ear tonight.

I love that album. Phew! Tempting!

I ordered a few CDs and two LPs from Dusty back in early December. As of December 20th, my shipment just seemed to disappear somewhere in an Atlanta distribution center. I kept checking the USPS tracking, and it wasn't moving. It seemed like it was just... gone. A few weeks back, I contacted the USPS, and they told me it was likely lost. The folks at Dusty were willing to work with me -- but most of the stuff I'd ordered was used, so replacement wasn't an option. I made peace with the fact that the package had disappeared. Big bummer. Here's the kicker: Today, it showed up on my doorstep, just like it had fallen out of the sky. 46 days after DG shipped it. That's a long time -- but feel lucky to have it at all. Music that's back from the dead!

I think In Berlin is Leon Thomas' finest album too. Now playing: Real Gone Music CD reissue

This morning: Leon Thomas - Blues & the Soulful Truth (Flying Dutchman, 1972) Last night: Leon Thomas - In Berlin with Oliver Nelson (Flying Dutchman, 1971)

Stan Tracey Quartet - The Return Of Captain Adventure (Tentoten) Recorded live at the 100 Club, London, 1975

Nancy Wilson - I Know I Love Him (Capitol, 1973)

Next up: Herbie Mann - Mississippi Gambler (Atlantic, 1972) Back cover: Mann channels the spirits of Rhett Butler and Bret Maverick on this one.

Now spinning: Michal Urbaniak & Urszula Dudziak - Tribute to Komeda (MPS, rec. 1972) Michal Urbaniak (vn, el-vn, ts, ss); Urszula Dudziak (vo, perc); Zbigniew Seifert (vn, as); Tomasz Stanko (tr, p); Attila Zoller (g); Roman Dylag (b); Peter Giger (d); Armen Halburian (perc) Released as We'll Remember Komeda in Europe.

Reflexionen [Urs Leimgruber, Don Friedman, Bobby Burri, Joël Allouche] (Timeless, 1984) I only stumbled across this music this last year. Great album, a happy discovery. Lovano's most interesting band, I think.

What are your impressions, jhoots? Hard to surpass the classic film version from 1930.

Now spinning this CD: Luis Bonilla - I Talking Now! (Planet Arts, 2009) with: - Trombone – Luis Bonilla - Saxophone – Ivan Renta - Keyboards – Arturo O'Farrill - Bass – Andy McKee - Drums – John Riley

Archie Shepp - The Cry of My People (ABC/Impulse, 1973) Such monumental, visionary music! In lesser hands, this would be a sprawling mess -- but Shepp somehow shapes this music into an all-encompassing, TRANSCENDENT vision. From where I'm sitting, this belongs in the same exalted company as Max's Lift Every Voice & Sing, Oliver Nelson's Black, Brown and Beautiful, and Billy Harper's Capra Black. Of course, all of these artists -- to a greater or lesser extent -- are standing on Ellington's shoulders, and that's why Shepp concludes the album with "Come Sunday." Schoolchildren should be studying this stuff.