Late

Paul just reminded me of two more of my favorite documentaries: Word Wars This one follows professional Scrabble players both at home and in tournament. I adore this film, and not simply because I love Scrabble — the characters are something else. And ... a poster here (Randy) is in the film! Game Over Gary Kasparov vs. IBM. Ostensibly about chess, but really about ... IBM crushing Kasparov's soul? Both documentaries get a big thumbs-up from me. And, yes, The Fog of War is excellent. Haven't seen the others listed (yet), but have especially been meaning to check out the Bukowski doc. I've heard mixed reviews about Grizzly Man, but will have to see for myself, even though I don't have a strong interest.

Currently the only type of film I've been interested in is the documentary. There are so many fine documentaries out there — what are some that shouldn't be missed? Conversely, what might be skipped over? Some recent documentaries I've seen that come to mind and are worth recommending: 1. The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill I actually saw this one in San Francisco — then got to see the parrots, and director (by chance), in person afterward. Nothing overly intellectual; just a simple, endearing film. 2. Theremin I've seen this about four times now. Really a love story in the end, the film also gives a pretty good overview of Theremin's life. 3. My Architect Architect Louis Kahn's son traces his father's dual life. Unusually engaging, and you don't have to be an architecture enthusiast. I'm leaving out a ton, but thought you all might post some of your favorites with (hopefully) a micro-review.

This is the only James album I own. I dig it.

Both are great sets. The Mulligan was remastered by Malcolm Addey — the sound is tremendous. The first disc alone is worth the price of admission. I'm a little surprised at the enthusiasm for the Jones set. I love it, but only a few years ago it seemed that this Mosaic was receiving fairly lukewarm to cold reviews on this board. I'm glad to see the change of heart! This set has some monster tenor playing on it. I don't play it enough.

But what record was on the player?

This album is great at night and great in the morning. Heck, it's just great. Bags had a way of hitting the vibes — you just know it's him.

French roast. Strong. (Slightly hungover.)

A Lucky Thompson Mosaic Select would be very tasty. Probably even better than peanut butter.

Florin, the Colin title in question is titled simply Trois. Haven't spun it in some time now. Will have to change that today.

You're right. The Jimmy Carter (my last name, too) connection is blatant.

Brand name? Freshly ground? Is it bad for you? Good? I confess: I like it on English muffins.

Nah ... Tony (Chaney)'s child lives on ... Still — The Hated Music kicks my buttocks.

Actually, I think I like Sonny Stitt better on baritone than I do on alto. (Blasphemy!)

St. Remy brandy. But only because I spent most of the day working in a quarry.

A belated addendum — maked sure to snatch up the Randy Weston OJCs. You won't be sorry! (Even if you have the Mosaic Select.)

"Pedro, just listen to your heart ... that's what I do." I am now the proud owner of the Napoleon Dynamite soundtrack, talking doll, and (limited edition!) coaster set. SWEET! (I know, I'm a dork.)

Two more "obscure" discs, both in-print, both by John Tchicai: The "strings" here are really John Coxon and Ashley Wales of Springheel Jack — creating soundscapes (both acoustic and sampled) that Tchicai improvises over (on alto and/or bass clarinet). Tchicai really pours his heart into the proceedings, unleashing some beautiful and fragile solos. Every track's a winner, except perhaps the last: Tchicai recites a poem a la Yusef Komunyakaa. It's alright, but I would have preferred an all-instrumental set. Still, it's the last track, and that's what the stop button is for (!) Then there's this title on Black Saint: Tchicai on tenor with two basses and drums. Freakin' great. If you think Tchicai fizzled out after the 60's, this is the disc to get to challenge that assumption. Tchicai's use of space and off-meter fragments to create a string of "melodies" is simply haunting.

Have you heard it, Mike? I've always wondered about that album. I bet it's good! (It's also available on compact disc as a Japanese mini-LP.)

The more I listen to Sam Rivers on soprano, the more I like it. Not just a "doubler" to my mind. His playing on soprano seems fairly distinctive from his playing on tenor. Now, the sopranino — there's a horn I could probably do without. Braxton, Ochs ... I just can't get into the toy horn. When Lacy played the sopranino, he just made it sound (to my ears) like his soprano.

Finally landed a copy of this one — very nice record! The comparison to Out to Lunch is apt. Anyone interested in that recording would do well to seek out this one.

This session is very much worth owning. Massey is no great technician on the trumpet, but his ideas are carefully executed — you can really hear him thinking. Hugh Brodie is also interesting on tenor. He plays under a strong Trane influence, but still somehow leaves you wanting to hear more. And Julius Watkins? Probably not one of his better sessions, but it was still an inspired choice to have him make the band a sextet. Patti Bown's playing a pretty badly out-of-tune piano, but, not unlike Monk, makes it sing anyway. I dig her minimalist approach on this record.

Damn, this album just kills me. Feels like a small masterpiece. The Penguin Guide (at least the edition I have) pans it — what? A fantastic sounding album. A musical gem.

One of Hubbard's best on Blue Note, I'd say. What takes this session up a step — in addition to the fine soloing which could be expected just by looking at the line-up — is the choice of compositions. Not one, but two, Cal Massey tunes here. Both Hubbard and Shorter really dig into the changes with interest. It's also a nice change of pace to have Philly Joe on this session, as opposed to, say, Elvin Jones or Tony Williams. Philly's in great form here, his playing as crisp as ever. The old McMaster edition doesn't sound terrible, but is fairly boxed in. I hope the new RVG doesn't get too compressed. Regardless, the music is fine.

I wish Yazoo had a Peg Leg Howell release. In the meantime, where's the best place to look for his collected recordings?

Oh yeah — anyone else picked this one up? Kind of wonky sound, but nice playing!