Ken, I wish I could attend, but -- as you know -- I've got other commitments on that date.
I expect that the music will be wonderful, and I hope you raise lots of $$$ for this excellent cause.
Best wishes!
I've never warmed to Gulda's jazz playing, but I think his classical recordings are very special indeed. One particular favorite: Gulda's recordings of Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier are some of the best I've ever heard. (I'm partial to the set that he originally recorded for MPS, which was subsequently reissued by Philips.)
Buddy Tate & the Muse All Stars - Live at Sandy's (Muse)
Tate's companion album from this gig, Hard Blowin', is very fine. But I think this one is even better. Lots of credit goes to the primo rhythm section.
Last night & this morning:
While these LPs aren't exactly "top-shelf" Ellington, I still really enjoy them. It's good fun to hear these pop tunes being given the Ducal treatment.
Duke Ellington - The Private Collection, Vol. 7: Studio Sessions, 1957 & 1962 (Saja / Atlantic)
Paul Gonsalves & Clark Terry are in the spotlight on many of these cuts. To this listener, that's always a good thing.
Yes, a fantastic performance.
I think I'd award the blue ribbon to Dex for his playing on "Body & Soul." He makes that old warhorse sound fresh.
NP:
Thelonious Monk - Paris 1969 (Blue Note)
The quartet is rounded out by Charlie Rouse and two sidemen with whom I'm unfamiliar: Nate Hygelund (b) and Paris Wright (d).
Jaki Byard - There'll Be Some Changes Made (Muse)
This LP has been on my radar since I went on a big Byard bender several years ago. I finally got around to ordering it today.