HutchFan

Ah. Understood. I've never seen him perform -- so I didn't realize that he "plays to the house" so much. . .

ubu - I'm curious: What is it about Joachim Kühn's playing that you find so distasteful? Do you think he overplays? Honest question. Just asking.

From Sweet to Matthew Sweet. . .

Along with the Ellington Centennial set that Mr. Mingus mentions in the first post, these boxes are at the top of my list: - Billie Holiday - Lady Day: The Complete Billie Holiday on Columbia (1933-1944) - John Coltrane - The Classic Quartet: Complete Impulse! Studio Recordings - Warne Marsh & Lee Konitz - Two Not One (Storyville) - Mal Waldron & Steve Lacy - Live at Dreher, Paris 1981 (Hatology)

I was a kid when that show was being broadcast. I loved it. I have vivid memories about the shows dedicated to space aliens and the Loch Ness Monster. But I doubt I would think so highly of it now.

Good article. Thank you for sharing.

Dmitry - I'm with you on the Dynavector high-output MC cartridge. I have the 10X5, and I've enjoyed it more than any comparably-priced MM that I've heard -- at least on my Rega rig. Unfortunately for Scott's friend, the Dynavector 10X5 retails for about $650. So it would likely gobble up too much of his overall 'table budget -- unless he went for something used. That said, there are plenty of used Regas -- Planar 3s, P3s, RP3s -- out there... I'm just sayin'...

Scott, I have an old Rega Planar 3 fitted with Dynavector cartridge. I love it. I know that the new Planar 3 is not the same table -- but I've read nothing but good things about it. I think it's priced around $950 without a cartridge. It's one your friend could consider. One thing: I would not recommend the Rega Elys cartridge. It's not awful, by any means. I just think you'd do better with something else. I've heard good things about Rega's Exact, which I think is the next step up from the Elys. I'm sure there are plenty of other options too. Also, if your friend is open to used 'tables, that would open up all sorts of options.

FWIW, Gettin' Around is one of my favorite Dexter records. I prefer it over all of Dexter's Blue Notes -- except (maybe) for Go. Different strokes and all that. . .

Quest - Natural Selection (Pathfinder)

The Adam Kolker is excellent. After listening via YT, I decided to order this John Lewis solo-piano CD: Afternoon in Paris (Dreyfus) I also ordered Chet Baker's Peace on LP (Enja, German pressing!) from Dusty Groove: I went for this LP for David Friedman's contributions as much I did for Chet's. I've really been enjoying Friedman's music lately. Looking forward to spinning this on my 'table, hearing the improved sonics -- since I now only have it as an MP3 download.

optatio - You unintentionally just gave me a good laugh. When I saw the title of this thread, I assumed that it was going to be about music with a left-leaning political point of view!

Sad news. R.I.P.

Seconded. ...both the birthday wishes and the Burton/Towner recommendations.

Very sad news. R.I.P. So many great ones are passing!

Damn straight.

Chopin: Preludes / Dmitri Alexeev (EMI)

Thanks for the heads-up on this, crisp! Exciting news.

Yep. I know that one and like it too.

Many thanks!

I've had that record on my "To Get" list for a long time. I've never heard it, but I bet it's great. What do you think, optatio?

Sad to hear this news. R.I.P. and thank you for the music.

I had the good fortune to see Larry Willis perform on Friday night at the Velvet Note, a local club. It was an excellent show, the highlight of which was a performance of "Flamenco Sketches." Very, very moving. Willis' sidemen were Curtis Lundy on bass and Jason Brown on drums. So glad I had a chance to see him. If you ever have an opportunity to see Willis perform, don't think about it -- GO!!!