JSngry

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.

Wow, Dan, you must have been REALLY offended by my discs! Would you like a refund? :g There were 3 "non-jazz" cuts on my two discs (using a definition of "jazz" that is not rigidly dogmatic and/or stylistically myopic), and a fourth that is by an artist whose "status" as a jazz artist is a matter of constant debate. All of these cuts were chosen with very specific musical reasons in mind, and as commentary on the music they precede, follow, or are sandwiched by. As well, 2 of these 3 are artists who have had a HUGE impact on the soul-jazz/funk-jazz favored by a lot of people here, so there is a relevance to their inclusion, because I think that there are some people who are unaware or underaware of these artists. My test, my opportunity to give them exposure, and I think that all compilers should have the same opportunity. As for obscurities, bring 'em on, I say, especially if they are things by artists we know or artists the compiler would like to give exposure to. Everybody we like, we had to hear for a first time somewhere, right? Why should that first time not be here? Also, knowing that "jazz" is a music with an incredibly deep and broad past and present, it stands to reason that the audience for it will consist of people with very diverse tastes. If a compiler wants to play to a "known quantity", so to speak, in terms of audience and genre, that's their perogative, but if a compiler wants to cross eras and mix up genres, that too should be their perogative. In my mind, the Blindfold Tests should be whatever the compiler wants them to be. If the compiler wants to make a "this is the only kind of jazz I like, and here's some of it", go for that. There's going to be some good music there. Similarly, if a compiler wants to do a "this isn't really jazz, but I think you might like it anyway because there's some connection", bring that on too. I view these tests as a wonderful opportunity to hear some stuff that other people are into that I'm not too familiar with, or am totally unfamiliar with. If I don't like, it, well hell, what did it cost me other than a few minutes out a day? And if I should get my coattails pulled to something really interesting, well, HOORAY! Jazz is a big music with global scope in both its influences and its exponents. Nobody's going to like it all. But that's life!

Jim also said that there would be things on there to offend every taste. I am a man of my word! Seriously - no harm done. An honest reaction is the best kind, no matter what.

The opinion of this Organissimo member is that Roy Eldridge was not just one of the greatest jazz trumpeter, no, greatest jazz musicians of all time, but was also a force of nature the likes of which have been few and far between. Hope that helps!

There are no rules to my knowledge. I have both LP-only & CD cuts, and was tempted to use private recordings as well. I decided not to, though. Bottom line - Give the people what you want them to hear!

Anybody who can quote the bylaws earns my respect and suspicion in equal measure.

Just remembered - Annie Ross' "Twisted" was on Prestige, and sold pretty well for them, I'm told.

Thanks for breaking the ice, Tom. Interesting responses, too. Sorry to "steal you thunder" on # 10, but I guess great minds think alike, eh?

No problem. DEEP it is. Yeah, that's me. No need to fear me in a dark alley unless your intent is to take that which is not yours to have or to collect for less than was agreed upon.

Chris, we've got a thing going where interested members of the board participate in a Blindfold Test. One person compiles a CD of cuts of their choice, and sends them out without any annotation. The recipients then post their impressions/guesses of the music, and the answers are eventually revealed for further discussion. No Leonard Feather-type gimmickry going on either. Just people sharing music that they think deserves a braoder and/or "unpredjudiced" hearing. I suppose the guessing phase is a bit gimmicky, but it's true to the (alledgedly) true premise of Feather's invention - to get a response uncolored by preconceptions of what somebody "should" sound like. We've had pretty good discussions on all three so far, and mine is the fourth. Hence this thread. If you'd liek to participate, follow the instructions at the beginning of the thread. But I know there are many who don't like the general idea, so whatever works for you. Threre's a cut or two on mine that I know you'd have some illuminating commentary on. If not the actual cuts, then definitely the artists. So if you'd rather jsut wait until the anwswer thread comes up and jump in there, feel free. Hope this clarifies everything.

Maxwell's parents were Russian immigrants, right? Seems like I've heard that somewhere. I have a hard time imagining Sal Nistico w/Benny. Too much overt burn. Zoot fit REAL nice though. That "On The Alamo" solo is SWEET. Wonder why RCA's never reissued the album. Maybe they no longer own the rights?

Thanks, Brad. I appreciate it muchly. We oughta be getting some discussions going soon, eh?

BTW, good to see you back, Chris. As always, your input is welcome. Y'all work it out, ok? Too much good stuff here to go to waste.

Yeah, the audible power struggle going on during "Titter Pipes" is a trip. I'm surprised that Benny let that one get out.

Say Danny, did you ever talk to Mel (or anybody else who was on it) about that Goodman Russia tour? The record is good, but there's times when the tension is hard to miss. Any anecdotes would be appreciated. BTW, is "Danny" all right, or do you prefer "DEEP" in cyberspace?

Thanks. Will do.

I run Ad-Aware regularly. Wouldn't dream of not doing so. Is Spybot something to be used in conjunction with, or in place of, Ad-Aware?

Hard as a rock? Hell, it IS a rock!

Then let's go for 200! Each one bring one.

I'd think you have to have a sense of humor to choose to play the damn thing in the first place! Hey - some of my best friends are trombonists...

Sid Catlett had a serious mojo.

THAT and about a gallon of espresso and I'm in heaven. Dude, if I ingested all that sugar and caffiene all at once in addition to my regular regimen, I WOULD be in heaven. Literally...

Are we going to play "Break The Server"?

Happy birthday, and what's your secret?