JSngry

Exactly. Firsthand source material doesn't always make for a better book, but it does make for better source material from which to go! I would love to get a good accounting of Wesley LaViolette... Ted Gioa, maybe? But he's turned into a self-proclaimed "honest broker", and, I mean,how does work, exactly? It should speak for itself that one is, right?

I concur. But who's around now who could do it full justice?

They're both recommended, but the Stein seems to have more of an inside perspective about Gil the person, which in turn seems to illuminate Gil the artist, especially in terms of work habits and productivity.

People might forget that Gil was old enough to have already done the "arranger for hire" thing in the 1940s. Plus, he was very stubborn about doing things on his own terms. Plus, he was at this point a notoriously slow worker (maybe or maybe not related to his cannabis habit?) I think that Verve had greater expectations than what they actually got. Seriously, read the Stein bio. It's a fascinating read, and it explains a lot of things.

Astrud did not command universal respect at that time. Read the Stephanie Stein Gil bio. A very good and illuminating read.

What did the bartender do?

IIRC, Gil was under contract to Verve and was assigned that project, about which he was not enthusiastic.

Mowdonna Fireside - Gospels For The New Gods

This is a good record.

Executive Producer Hank O'Neal?!?!?!

Yep.

Ever eat the nut inside a peach pit? It looks and taste very much like an almond.

Indeed. Now playing Volume 2, which drops a notch (but just a notch, just one) in the Geniuses Bounding Unbounded department. It's still quite the sight to aurally behold.

Alabama Peru - LANDED!!!

Live at the Vanguard. These people are crazy, in the totally best way. Warne is literally everywhere at once, and Mosca... kicks out the jams.

Fwiw, the Mapleshade 30% off 3 or more CDs is legit. The site didn't automatically give it, but an email inquiry was promptly addressed and the adjustment made. Also, I ordered on a weekend (Saturday) and the order got here yesterday (Wednesday). Considering that P&H is built into the item price pre-discount. I'd say that's pretty much one helluva good deal.

Moanin' Frankie - Oh, Those Bases On Balls!!!

At the time, I remember thinking that it sounded like ECM without the jazz. Haven't thought about it since then. But obviously he enriched many peoples lives with that. RIP

I still like IG Culture. No reason at all to not have "jazz" improvisation here. No reason at all.