HutchFan

Continuing with my recent Jackie & Roy-athon: High Standards (Concord, 1982)

I hear you. It's notable how the thing that prompts you to put Hanna well down your list is precisely the thing that prompts me to put him at the top of mine. Just another example: De gustibus non est disputandum. TtK - I think the trio format in jazz is sort of comparable to the string quartet format in classical music. That is, it's a miniature orchestra. Everything is stripped down to its barest essentials. In fact, the limitations in terms of color are part of the appeal of both formats. Not trying to convince anyone to dig piano trios, much less string quartets! Just a possible way of thinking about them.

Larry, I completely agree with you re: Hicks. He was tremendous -- and a wonderful example of a modern "two-hands" player. Although he was very different from Hicks, I think Roland Hanna was another exception to the right hand focus of many (not all) modern jazz pianists. At times, Sir Roland had a semi-classical thing going (in terms of his approach) that I've always dug. It set him apart from his fellow Detroiters. I'd listen to either of these guys in ANY context.

Now on my 'table: Tito Puente - The Legend (Tico, 1977) Coming up next: Mongo Santamaria - Dawn (Amanecer) (Vaya, 1977)

It's been fun collaborating with Dan. He's a cool guy. Plus there's quite a bit of overlap in our tastes in jazz -- so, naturally, I think his selections are right-on-the-money. For sure.

Now spinning: Japanese CD reissue on Solid/UltraVybe

I would say that Humes has a unique voice, very "little girlish." I dig it, but I can understand why others may not find it appealing.

Terrific.

Buddy Tate as a leader: and Buddy Tate as a sideman: I guess it's no coincidence that Helen Humes' phrasing reminds me of Jimmy Rushing.

I've now posted this week's three entries on my blog: - Baikida Carroll - Shadows and Reflections (Soul Note, 1982) - Air - 80° Below '82 (Antilles, 1982) - Chet Baker - Peace (Enja, 1982) Three really strong albums this week, I think. What say you?

Good Sunday morning, fellow jazz-ophiles. I'm enjoying my hot cuppa joe while listening to Maxine Sullivan's Uptown with the Scott Hamilton Quartet: Who could blame her? She has excellent taste in music!

Recorded in Half Moon Bay, CA in 1977 with Alan Broadbent (p), Frank De La Rosa (b), and Benny Barth (d) Whistle Stop is one of my BN faves too. Superb!

A new-to-me LP that I brought home today: So good. One of Turrentine's best albums, and one of the best LPs that CTI released... in this listener's humble opinion.

Yes! I agree.

Now on my 'table: Carmen McRae Sings "Lover Man" and Other Billie Holiday Classics (Columbia, 1962) 1981 Jazz Odyssey Series reissue

Now spinning: Helen Humes - Helen (Muse, 1981) with Buddy Tate, Joe Wilder, Norman Simmons, Billy Butler, George Duvivier, and Butch Miles produced by Bob Porter

Not a fan of vocals, eh?

d'Ambrosio is an interesting singer. Very, very quiet and inward -- at the other end of the spectrum from singers with powerhouse voices like Ella or Sarah. At times, d'Ambrosio reminds me of Irene Kral -- although, to my ears, her artistry isn't quite on Irene's level. (Admittedly, Kral is one of my very favorite singers.) In any case, here's the The Cove on d'Ambrosio's bandcamp page, if you'd like to give it a listen.

Next up: Meredith d'Ambrosio - The Cove (Sunnyside, 1988) with Lee Konitz, Fred Hersch, Michael Formanek, and Keith Copeland

Now on my 'table: Didier Lockwood - Out of the Blue (Gramavision, 1985) features a superb rhythm section: Gordon Beck, Cecil McBee, and Billy Hart

After some recent Ruby Braff talk on another thread: Dick Hyman & Ruby Braff - Manhattan Jazz (Musicmasters, 1987) and Etta Jones - Save Your Love for Me (Muse, 1981) Terrific!

Agreed. He shapes the sound of that record every bit as much as she does.