Jazzmoose

Whew! Thank you, thank you, thank you. There's one maddening memory nailed down! Ten more and I can sleep tonight!

That would have been a somewhat appropriate comment for Disc One, Track Two. And that's as much of a hint as I'm giving about any of this. And that's enough for me to guess that it's a soundtrack to a cartoon. Thirties era. Probably Merry Melodies. Which leads me to another thought: I wonder how much influence Carl Stallings has on my musical brain? Probably more than I'd want to know! But back to the thread...

Here comes the string of posts as I catch up; sorry guys! One problem when musicians react with nonmusicians, or when musicians and educated listeners react with those of us with less musical knowledge and such is that we may not have the terminology to explain exactlywhy something er..."sucks" in our opinion. I wish I could have explained exactly why I didn't like the last track of the second disc, but I simply don't have the musical knowledge and the vocabulary that goes along with it to coherently explain. You'll just have to bear with us here...

Okay, to wrap 'er up so I can read the damned thread... Disc Two, cont. 7. Manic, intriguing, but essentially it doesn't pull me in. The head isn't enough to hang a hat on. (Yeah, I know; nonmusicians shouldn't try musical puns...) It's one of those tunes in which I love the solos, but not the "whole". I'd love to hear more from the baritone... 8. Another one where one musician stands out and makes me want to hear more, but for some reason doesn't satisfy. In this case, the pianist. I like the work, but I don't love it... 9. Same thing here. Now, if you get the baritone from 7, the pianist from 8, and the sax here, we might have something... 10. Just give me the title so I can start looking for it. Thumbs up. Whoo hoo. Etc. (Yeah, I like this one...) 11. You know how some songs are arranged "just off a bit", and this builds the tension, and really makes for an intriguing mix? Well, this one misses that target. I'll pass. All in all, I can't help but think that the double disc thing just didn't work for me, and that I tried to put too much intense listening into too short of a time period. It particularly shows on the second disc. I'll have to give it a revisit in the future when the pressure to comment NOW isn't there. To be honest, I do hope that not too many follow Jim's lead and come up with a two disc set... Now to catch up with the thread!

Back again; second post of what's shaping up to be a series of three. Not knocking the CDs, Jim, but I'll be glad when I can finish and read the rest of the thread! Disc One, cont. 14. Nice on the ears. I'm more curious about when this was recorded than who recorded it. 15. This is one of the unfortunate problems I find with these Blindfold Tests. I want to finish, so I can read the thread, and feel obligated to finish to justify my participation. However, this tune is a perfect example of something I might ordinarily enjoy, but I'm just not in the mood for it today. Several of the tunes I've heard on these discs (meaning all the way from the first test) are ones that I really like, but on first listen just didn't work because it wasn't the type of music I was interested in hearing at the time. I assume this makes sense... Disc Two: 1. And what am I in the mood to here today? This one will do quite nicely! The only annoying thing about this one is that it's another one of those tunes that I recognize but can't remember the title. I'd never make it as a musician; I can't remember song titles for shit anymore. And I know this is one I should remember. Arrghh! Reminds me a lot of Bitches Brew, but better. (There; that should be a safe comment, as long as it's not on Bitches Brew... ) Add it to the list; I like this one! 2. Interesting stuff. The more I hear, the more I like it. Except one thing: that is the most boring drummer I've heard outside of rock. (Yeah, I can't wait to find out what favorite of mine I've insulted, but what the hell; gotta go out on a limb once in a while, just for the view!) In fact, if I can learn to deal with the drum machine, I mean drummer, I'd like to have this one. 3. Jeez, I'm not sure what this is; let me ask my wife...even she will know! 4. I listen to these things once all the way through, and then listen again before writing my comments. The main thought that occured to me on first listen to this one was: Will you fuckers please play another note!!!! Remembering that, I just couldn't face a second listen. Sorry, but this one drives me up the freakin' wall... 5. Excellent! This one is great; obviously played by artists who look at hot jazz as a living art rather than a museum piece to be "preserved"! I don't know who any of these people are, but I sure hope it's a group I can add to my shelves! Next time, #6 on till the end of the second disc...maybe later tonight.

What a great list of memories, Bruce! (But add Frederick Brown, and I'll be happier!) Unfortunately, I've been away from SF for so long, I had no idea that Knight had passed. Sad news.

Darn, I'm late...but happy birthday anyway, Dmitry...at least with cognac, no one ever tells you to spit...

Bet it's late...

Two things: exposure to more variety than I would ever reach on my own (and hopefully the discovery of new "can't live without" music!), and the chance to listen without my brain trying to file the music before I even hear it.

Is that horse dead yet?

I have the standard A to Z by artist for jazz, but gave up on chronology. Hell, if you find the artist you should be able to find which disc you want, right? Well, so far... My C/W, Rock, Classical and New Wave sections are just thrown together. That covers the CDs... How do I organize my LPs? I don't. Most recently played is to the right; most neglected to the left. The search I abhor in CDs I love in vinyl. Go figure...

I thought of the Asimov books right away when I saw the Mule posting as well. Didn't have the heart to ask him if there was any connection. Or maybe I did and just....forgot about it...

Okay, I don't want to miss the whole discussion, so I've decided to post my comments in several blocks. If I wait until I'm ready to cover the whole disc, who knows when I'll do it? Anyway, I don't know who any of these people are, so any artist guesses are just that. This is more my reaction to the stuff than anything else. 1. Mark's musical pet peeve number one: Pianists who, when they hear "give me a pickup" respond with an eighteen wheeler, if you'll pardon the poor pun. Then he gets to solo again in the tune? Anyway, I like the sax, and what I take to be a flugelhorn(?) solos. The piano solo was interesting after I got past my "what? more piano?" reaction. The left hand is pure Monk, but the right hand is nothing like Monk, at least to my ears. Weird... Sure wish I could remember the name of this damned song! 2. I have not the slightest clue what this is, or even what decade it's from. I would guess no later than the forties, but possibly as early as the twenties. Beats me! Doesn't do much for me. 3. This reminds me of Don Ellis, but the time signature is too easy. Nice stuff, but wouldn't make my short list of stuff to explore. 4. If Mingus isn't in the room, he ought to be. This music is a much better argument for accepting Jesus than anything I've read or heard from the Christians here or that I know. I'll definitely be making a note of who this is and where it comes from. Uh...but that guitar just shouldn't be there. Not sure I like that at all. 5. Whew! Is it warm in here, or is it just me? Good stuff! 6. This, on the other hand, kind of puts me to sleep. The singing is too straight, and the music is too stringy. I'm sure my wife would love it, but I'll pass... 7. Love it! Is this Mingus? It reminds me of some of the free stuff I've heard by him, but unfortunately haven't heard in years (note to self: gotta get more Mingus!), things like Eclipse, but I'm going by years-ago memories here. 8. Well, it was nice, but didn't really stand out for me. 9. Okay, I'm getting visions of Taj Mahal and no front teef here...my foot likes it, but I'm not sure. 10. Mighty fine stuff! What is this? Sounds like a tap dancing drummer doin' his thing...cool! 11. Interesting. Sounds like something the Original Dixieland Jazz Band would have done, with all the sound effects, and fits into the WWI theme. Don't know if I'd ever want to hear it again, but you never know... 12. I'm guessing AEC, who I'm completely unfamiliar with, only because if that ain't Roscoe Mitchell, he should sue. I like it; another one for my wish list. This one is absolutely subversive!! 13. Another "cool, but doesn't stand out". You know, the kind of thing that I'd pick up if the boss tripled my salary, but as things stand, doesn't make my "want list". It's good, just doesn't tickle my fancy. But it might at another time, you know? Okay; that's enough for now...more later!

I don't know if anyone else is a "fan" of Jack T. Chick and his evangelistic comics, but if you are, you'll appreciate this site. Particularly if you're also a H.P. Lovecraft fan... Who will be eaten first? Edited to fix that embarrassing, glaring, moronic mistake. "Sight" indeed!

The day crawled into the bedroom on little cat's feet...until some wise guy yelled HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!! Good luck on your day!

I have mixed emotions; on one hand I'd like to be able to access some of the info on those old threads. On the other, when it comes to my posts, I agree with Conn...

Just got mine today and I'm giving it the first spin. No comments yet, although the first track of the second CD just woke up the cat and got her howling. (This is good! Although she likes jazz, the wilder the better, she normally only sings to Hank Williams or Bob Wills!) First impressions: this is one damned entertaining set! (That and I want whatever track 7 of the first disc is!) More later...

Wow. We all know that this is part of the bargain when we let an animal into our home and hearts, but it sure hurts. I lost Godzilla five years ago, and Rhas a Ghul the year before that. If it's any consolation, Berigan, I'm completely over it now. Sure I am. Maybe by the time Moose decides it's time to shuffle off...

This is one of those rare cases where dial-up makes a web page better! I was reading the story while the photo loaded, and really feeling sorry for this dweeb. Then I scrolled up and looked at the picture. He can't trace us from there, can he???

Jesus...it's been a long time since I heard that name! One point about Santana, when I talk about digging Santana, i'm talking about the first two LPs by the group, which (due to my age and being surrounded by rock fans growing up) was my introduction to latin rhythyms. So you know I've got a soft spot in my heart for it just on the nostalgia. When I say "Santana", I'm really thinking "Jose Areas", so bear with me...

Well, I personally love the first two Santana LPs, although I admit I don't listen to them often (hell, I don't think there are any LPs or discs I listen to often; there's just too many of the damn things at this point!). I can't say I'm that much on later stuff... (And Clem, when I talk about new wave pop crap, I know it's new wave pop crap. But I don't feel any need to apologize to anyone who can glorify Quicksilver Messenger Service with a straight face...I assumed that if any fans of that group migrated to jazz, it would be Boney M. and Kenny G.! ------Jazzmoose, not feeling as hostile as this probably reads, honestly!)

Sorry 'bout that, Phil; faulty memory again! Thanks, Joe; I guess it's time for "post it notes" all over the computer...

Hold it right there, pardner; you're messin' with two o' my favorites now! (Well, okay...you can take Marty, but hands off the Man in Black!) Interesting to see the Carlos bashing here; I don't believe I've ever seen any before.

Here I sit, broken hearted...

Wait a minute...did you mean unarmed???