sal

I'd love to hear a recording of that jam with Henry, Fred Anderson and Hamid Drake that took place at the Velvet Lounge's fundraiser event. That was absolutely mind-melting.

There's a real nice one on the Johnny Hodges Small Group Mosaic.

Randy has a really beautiful sound. I've seen him only once, and what I remember most is how nice his tone was. Like a perfectly pitched bell.

He was the first one to say "beeyyyotch"

Nice. Any cats in Philly (or in driving distance of Philly) who have never seen Vonski before, I highly recommend you check this out! You'll be in for a treat.

Hey Shawn, If I were moving to Chicago and were looking for an apt. right now, I'd look south of the loop. It used to be a really bad area, but over the past few years they've been building units like crazy. Its a very up and coming type of neighborhood. The Velvet Lounge is near by, and you'd be a quick bus ride from work. You can always move just north of the Loop to the Gold Coast area (about a mile north of the Showcase). Its a bit more expensive, but worth it if you can swing it. Since you'll be living in an apt., it should be OK. Also, its pretty close to work. West of downtown in the Wicker Park/Bucktown areas are cool also. Really, if you want to remain close to the Loop, you can't go wrong. Pretty much all the areas around there are nice to live. The North Side is a nice place to live, but far from downtown. But the L and the bus routes make it pretty easy to get around. I'd just do an internet search, and if you find units that you like, myself and I'm sure the other board members from the area would be more than willing to help with more specific advice. Chicago is a big place. Good luck! Oh yeah, shoot me a PM if you are going to the showcase anytime soon. I probably won't be going until Roy Hargrove is in town.

Just picked this up based on the recommendations of this board. Can't wait to give it a spin tonight!

Thanks Chuck.

In the midst of all the hype surrounding the new Monk/Trane release, I thought it would be a perfect time to recognize the wonderful contributions of Shadow Wilson to the world of jazz. This guy is truly one of the under-recognized figures in jazz. He may not have been pyrotechnic like Elvin or Philly Joe, but when it came to pure, unadulterated swing, few could do it like he could. He has such a beautiful, steady pulse to his playing. His ride cymbal is just about perfect, and he always seems to hit the accent at the perfect time. He just creates such a really tight pocket that is so tasteful and never overwhelming in any way. It must have been a treat to be a soloist with him behind you. A musician's musician in every sense. Its great to hear him on the finest release of this year. His drums stand out even next to Trane's flights and Monk's playfulness. Beautifuly recorded as well. Here's to Shadow Wilson!

Anyone know where this can be purchased?

Before I go to sleep for about 12 hours, I wanted to say that I had a really great evening last night! It was great meeting you Joe, Jim and Randy. You guys are a fantastic group, and are well-deserving of all the success that has been bestowed upon you. Larry Kart, it was a pleasure meeting you as well. Hope you can join us at the Showcase for some future shows. And Mark, a great time as usual! I really wish I could have stayed for the second set, but I had to be up at 5AM this morning for the 9 to 5. I greatly enjoyed your show, and hope you guys can make it back to the Chi very soon! Sincerely, Sal

He's co-hosted the after-fest jam sessions at the Jazz Showcase with Ira Sullivan over the years. He is a fine player.

That is very sad news. He is one of the true geniuses of jazz...here's to his speedy recovery.

Anyone have any other Fritz Lang recommendations besides "M" and "Metropolis"? The only other ones I've seen on DVD are the Dr. Mabuse movies. Any good?

I am very happy that people are digging this.

Glad that you enjoyed it. Try "Prime Directive" next, and if you like that, seal it with "Extended Play: Live at Birdland", which is a monster.

I just saw this for the first time a couple of days ago. It is a profoundly moving, beautiful film. I went out and bought it the next day. The Criterion Collection DVD is fantastic!

I did hear "Surrender to the Air" many years ago when it first came out. I haven't heard it since, but would like give it another spin now that I've become familiar with more "out" jazz. I did enjoy it to a certain extent back then, but remember thinking that it was over my head.

Don't let negative posters shit on the parade, md655321.........thanks for starting this thread. I was a huge phan myself, and I agree that in many aspects they were better than the Dead. They were much better musicians, and their improvisations, while very different stylistically from the Dead's, were able to lead into some really gripping, intense musical territory that the Dead never could. Of course, the style of music was wildly different, and was often written to accommodate such whirlwind flights. I am in full agreement that their songwriting was nowhere close to the Deads, and for that reason I find myself listening to more Dead than Phish as I get older. But some of the greatest memories of my life were at Phish shows. I was lucky to be able to do the Alpine Valley/Deer Creek run almost every summer.....those were some great times. I would definitely see some more shows if they decided to reunite. Agree with the comment about their musical empathy being closer to jazz than rock.

Anyone else from Chicago going to attend besides Mark and myself?? C'mon people!!

Amen

Just picked this one up using the Borders coupon, and I must agree with the comments above, as well as all the positive word circulating through the jazz world. After one spin, I can say that is one of my favorites of the year so far. I was completely unfamiliar with Elaine Elias...what a player! She dominates this music. Sco and Lovano contribute beautifuly, and Joey Baron turns in another typically great performance. The album is recorded beautifuly, and the compositons are all very interesting. Kudos to Marc Johnson, and to ECM who have been turning out some fantastic albums this year.

Has anyone heard this new ECM release? The reviews for it have been unanimously glowing.

I saw them maybe 4 years ago at a music festival. They were a fun group to watch....very energetic and intense on stage. I liked their music, but agree with your comment that it is much more closer to jamband type stuff rather than jazz.

He reminds me of Stanley Turrentine a bit, but maybe that's because he covered those Turrentine songs on his first album. Anyways, I like his playing as well.