HutchFan

Yeah, I agree that Henderson made some superb records for Milestone. Sonny and McCoy too -- and many others besides. NP: Abdullah Ibrahim - Zimbabwe (Enja)

Now listening to Joe Henderson's Milestone set, Disc 4: These cuts were originally released as In Pursuit of Blackness -- and three-fourths of Joe Henderson in Japan.

Earlier this evening: John Surman/John Warren - Tales of the Algonquin (Vocalion/Deram)

Now playing for the second consecutive time.

T.D., I agree with Larry. I think Maggin's bio of Getz is very solid -- and well worth reading. (However, I was somewhat disappointed with Maggin's Dizzy bio.)

Pim, if Anthony Braxton's music floats your boat, I'd strongly recommend Graham Lock's Forces in Motion. It's recently been reissued. I think it's one of the most interesting book-length portraits of an artist that I've read. Dave Liebman's What It Is: The Life of a Jazz Artist is another favorite. Features some very honest writing about the pleasures & difficulties of the jazz life.

I wish someone would reissue this: Helen Merrill with Gary Peacock Trio - Sposin' (Victor Japan, 1971) with Masahiko Satoh (p) and Motohiko Hino (d)

Enrico Pieranunzi Trio & Ada Montellanico with Lee Konitz & Enrico Rava - Ma L'amore No (Soul Note, 1997)

Very funny, Jim. But I don't think you have to lay down on a couch and dredge up childhood memories to make heads-or-tails of this music.

Dmitry - Please be sure to share your impressions when you've had a chance to hear it.

For my money, this is Jarrett's best solo-piano record:

I agree. KB was incredibly consistent, IMO.

Still in heavy rotation: Among other things, I'm really enjoying Dewey Redman's interplay with Billy Higgins on this one.

Anthony Braxton - Duets 1976 with Muhal Richard Abrams (Arista)

Helen Merrill - Music Makers (Owl)

I think Hungerford's approach is somewhat reminiscent of Gilels'. Hungerford is perhaps a shades less "Olympian" than Gilels -- but they have a sort of TOUGHNESS and "no nonsense" command in common. Or at least that's how I think about them. EDIT: I think Hungerford is underrated, simply because he recorded for Vanguard and never had much of a career as a concert artist. But Hungerford has been recognized by some connoisseurs, which I assume played a part in Piano Classics reissuing his LvB piano sonatas.

John Coates, Jr. - After the Before (Omnisound, 1978) Helluva record.

June Christy - Impromptu with the Lou Levy Sextet (Discovery)

The Buddy Tate Celebrity Club Orchestra - Unbroken (MPS/PAUSA) Enjoying this so much. Don't sleep on Buddy Tate!

Earlier today:

NP:

Billy Harper - Capra Black (Strata-East) Oh man. So good. Found this LP in a local shop a few days ago. Happily snapped it up -- especially at the (relatively low) price. Very nice upgrade from MP3s to vinyl.

The David Berkman Quartet - Start Here... Finish There (Palmetto) with Ugonna Okegwo (b), Dick Oatts (ss, as), Nasheet Waits (d)