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Cosmos - Carl Sagan Just finished "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince". A wonderful and sad book.

A very difficult decision....like choosing a favorite limb. If forced, I'm going with "Black Fire".

What shocks me is that it's already getting deleted (it's only been around for a few years...). Wasn't "Friendly Fire", the one he did with Joe Lovano, deleted after only a couple of years as well? What the hell is going on?

The Osby disc is particularly good, as is the Solal. Moran's disc is nice, but not as good as his subsequent stuff IMO.

Two of the best American movies of 2005 are out on DVD today. A History of Violence Good Night, and Good Luck

This is a wonderful disc. Not quite on par with "Dusk", which I consider to be a masterpiece, but still an amazing collection of music. Andrew's music is so advanced and complex and weird....I just love it.

I'm guessing Paulie will be one of the ones to go this season.

Thanks Kalo!

I don't think that the lack of jambands at Bonnaroo signals the end of jambands per se. Bonnaroo has been an incredible success since it began. For such a large festival, they have had an incredibly successful record of safety. With the exception of the regular drug offenses, there have been hardly any injuries, or acts of violence or theft at any of the festivals. I will guess that this is because Bonnaroo has typically been a "jamband" festival, and for the most part that audience is not particularly criminal minded or violent. They are just looking to go out, sit in the sun, party, and hear some music. This track record has caught the eye of many who are viewing Bonnaroo as now being the premier music festival in the country, especially when compared to the disasters of other past music festivals. As the word now gets around, groups of many diverse backgrounds are seeing this as an opportunity to showcase their music to an audience who is actually interested in the music, and where the probability of riots, fights, or burning shit down is very low. In summary, its become an attractive place for musicians of all genres to play to an attentive audience, while at the same providing a low risk of association with destructive behavior. I was at the first Bonnaroo in 2002, and aside from the logistical nightmares that most festivals encounter during their premier events, I remember it as an incredibly positive and fun experience. Will the festival always be this way? Who knows....probably not is my guess. Its bound to start attracting the "trolls" sooner or later in greater numbers, but for now, I say more power to Bonnaroo. This year's lineup looks excellent.

I saw Berkman last year at the Green Mill with Dick Oatts, Ugonna Okegwo, and Gerald Cleaver. It was a fantastic show. Was looking forward to seeing him this weekend, but I've come down with a nasty cold and the Green Mill is one of the smokiest places in chi town.

Welcome! I've yet to explore the ECM-New Series, but as for ECM, I've been a big fan ever since I've gotten into jazz. The one getting the most play lately has been Marc Johnson's "Shades of Jade".

Has anyone heard Jaleel Shaw before, either live or on record? I heard that the kid can play. I think he has a CD on Fresh Sound New Talent. Any comments?

I thought "Silver & Gold" was a nice record. Not as good as his early stuff, of course but a good record nonetheless.

Happy Birthday!

Even though I'm not a big Hank Mobley fan, this one is my favorite recording of his. I enjoy this album very much. To me, Hank always sounds more inspired when he plays with Philly Joe Jones. And Grant Green's playing on here is a real treat.

Thanks Rob! I'm sure that's the group. Appreciate your help.

I saw that Joe Lovano is coming to a venue near here and would like to see him. The flyer says "Joe Lovano Quartet". I checked both the venue's information, as well as his website, but I can't seem to find out who the members of his quartet are. Does anyone know who he's touring with now? I figure it can't be Hank, George and Paul.....that would just be too good to be true. Thanks!

Willie is a true treasure....one of the best soloists I've heard. Wish I could make it....have fun Mark!

I'd like to see some Sam Rivers, and more Bobby Hutcherson.

So my local used CD store all of a sudden got a boatload of OJC's that were in great condition and selling for only $5.99 each. I bought 5 of them, and I think that this one might be my favorite. Rouse is KILLING on this...probably the best I've heard him play on record, and Blue Mitchell solos are beautiful. Such a tight, compact album....I love it. As much as I love the classic Blue Note sessions, there's something about these sessions on Riverside, Prestige, etc. that has such a loose, relaxed jam session feel to them. The musicians really shine in these settings. Lets hope this music will always remain availiable.

Yeah, I saw Ornette a couple of years ago too here in Chicago, and it was one of the best concerts I've ever seen. Can't wait for this new disc!

I watched this event. She was superb.

"Lady from Shanghai" got delayed....this project will be different. I would cringe if Norah was appearing in a film directed by anyone other than Wong Kar Wai, but this for some reason makes sense....I could see her a as a figure in one of Wong's mind trips. However, with a $50 million dollar budget, who knows if this will be in the vein of his previous films. Will the great Wong Kar Wai sell out?

Great group! Glad you got the chance to see them. I highly recommend the CD "Mean Ameen" on Delmark, which is an excellent document of this band.

Its fine, Allen. Opinions are allowed in this thread!