relyles

Is there documentation that they did live gigs together? I don't know whether they did any live dates together in the 60s, but I do have a copy of 30 minutes from a radio broadcast of a reunion performance the group did in 1987 in Japan along with Woody Shaw, Ron Carter and Tony Williams. I was also fortunate to see McLean and Hutcherson with Andrew Hill and Billy Higgins a few years ago at City College. A historic gathering that I doubt will ever happen again. Think I will make the effort to get into the city for the McLean/Hutcherson/Moncur date.

Tonight I caught Andrew Hill in the first concert of the Hartford Jazz Society’s Jazz at the Atheneum Series at the Wadsworth Atheneum Aetna Theater in Hartford. With Hill were Greg Tardy on tenor, bassist Brad Jones and drummer Leroy Williams. I confess that when it comes to Andrew Hill I am not altogether objective. He is one of my favorites. I have heard him live about ten times in the past 16 years and I have never been disappointed. This concert was no exception. I got the sense that Hill made an attempt to keep the music somewhat accessible for this audience – most of whom I assume were unfamiliar with Hill’s music. Nonetheless, Hill’s characteristic sense of adventure was on display. Most of the compositions were familiar to any Hillaholic, but the arrangements were entirely different. Everyone played well – in particular Tardy. I have heard him with Hill on three occasions and this was the strongest I have heard him yet. Hill also played a considerable amount of piano, which I have heard he has not done much of recently. He stretched out a bit and always his distinctive playing was just as imaginative as ever. I spoke to Jones briefly after the show and he revealed that this was his first time playing with Hill. At times I did notice him paying close attention to the music sheets as if he were a little confused, but when he enjoyed himself and played he created some strong vamps – which are common in Hill’s music – and interacted very well with the rest of the group. The drummer was decent, but I must confess I would have preferred Nasheet Waits, who I saw play with Hill a little over a year ago. Overall, a memorable experience right in my backyard. For once I did not have to drive to New York to hear one of my favorites. The next two concerts are in May - Dave Douglas & Vacation Blues with Roswell Rudd, Brad Jones and Barry Altschul; and June - Greg Osby quartet with Megumi Yonezawa, Matthew Brewer and Eric McPherson.. I purchased tickets for the entire series as well as a membership to the jazz society for a total of $71 dollars. A very good deal if you ask me.

I am still waiting to receive mine that I ordered through half.com about a month ago. Two weeks ago the seller informed me (after an inquiry from me) that it was out of stock and it should receive it shortly. I am still waiting, but any minute now I may just cancel that order and purchase it elsewhere.

I was wondering about that one, too. I don't have it. Is it a good one? And how's the Max/Dizzy? AMG gives it one (1!) star... ubu I only listened to it once a while back in the car. I remember enjoying what I heard, but honestly I have yet to give it an attentive enough listen to give a credible opinion.

If I remember correctly, the recent Max Roach/Clark Terry recording includes several duets.

Agreed that this is a very good live set. Shaw and Allen get to stretch out a lot and their playing is very strong.

I heard Brown on Fred Anderson's CD. He is good and has promise, but nothing I heard was particularly remarkable at this point.

I primarily listen to my collection of unofficial live recordings on the JVC boom box in my office throughout the day. I save the official recordings for times when I can give the music a more attentive listen. Most of the time I am not listening very closely - instead I am basically evaluating the sound quality of the discs for trading purposes. There are occassions, however, where the music will grab my attention and I will really listen for several moments.

Two recent purchases that I highly recommend: Geof Bradfield/Noel Kupersmith/Ted Sirota - Rule of Three - Very impressive saxophone trio outing featuring three promising musicians on the Chicago scene. Mark Taylor - Circle Squared - Features Taylor (frhn), Myra Melford (p), Brad Jones (bass) and Matt Wilson (d). Very good compositions, solid grooves established by Jones and Wilson and inventive solos throughout by Taylor and Melford.

Sounds very interesting.

When I caught them late last year Carrington was also the star. She and Colley locked in for some very nice grooves. I think your description of Thomas may just be how he is. When I caught them, he seemed to be somewhat off to himself the entire evening as well.

I think those are some very practical suggestions. I have tried all of them at one time or another. Unfortunately, my addiction is twofold - (1) impulsive purchasing of CDs and LPs and (2) obsessive trading of unofficial live recordings. When I have one somewhat under control I am usually overly active in the other. I think my overall problem is an inability to control my constant desire for new music.

Don't know about Green, but I have heard a few unofficial live recordings of Hill with some interesting personnel: 1. Bennie Maupin, Reggie Worman and Pheeroan akLaff 2. Trio w/ James Lewis (bass), and Sunny Murray (d) 3. Duet with Andrew Cyrille 4. Von Freeman guesting with the Point of Departure septet at the 2000 Chicago Jazz Festival Also, I was in the audience a few years ago when Hill performed at City College in NYC with a group that included Jackie McLean, Bobby Hutcherson, Scott Colley and Billy Higgins. Memorable performance, but to me at times McLean seemed to be struggling with Hill's music. I have heard McLean live on several occassions and on this night he appeared to be "trying harder" than he has when I have seen him with his own group just blowing - as if it required greater effort.

Just for clarification, Farmer does not appear on the Astor Place release. The reference to Art Farmer was in relation to an unofficial recording of a live Cedar Walton performance that circulates among traders.

I think we have the same source in Taiwan.

If it is the one from the Blue Note in June of 1996 I have it and can confirm that its a keeper.

I picked this one up when it was first released years ago and was immediately impressed. Very interesting compositions and solid playing by the entire band.

Depending on how much you are willing to pay I saw a couple of copies listed on both GEMM and half.com.

I have it as well as Nicole Mitchell's other recording. I enjoy them both very much. I would not purchase it as a showcase for Drake, however, I do not hink he plays on every track and there is added percussion on most tracks. But as a a display of Mitchell's talents I recommend it.

I just ordered it. Thanks for pulling my coat. I probably should have read the AMG link first. I see it has been reissued on CD. How hard is the CD to locate?

According to the back tray insert it was recorded April, 2003.

If I remember correctly he also played guitar on a couple of tracks on Anthony Cox' Dark Metals. Sounded like he knew what he was doing to me.

I only listened to it once a while back, but remember enjoying it a lot.

I have the LP, but I purchased it in an ebay auction. Before I found a copy I tried several times to contact Moers through the website, but never got a response.

I still have not received my CD, but all week I have been listening to the Thad Jones Mosaic box set with his mid fifties Blue Note and UA recordings. I was familiar with Jones' reputation as a composer/arranger, but I had never before heard any of his small group recordings. I am really enjoying the Mosaic box and after hearing it I find it curious that Thad's trumpet playing is not discussed more often. This is also the first time I have really listened to Billy Mitchell who similarly impresses throughout. Great tunes and great playing. Really hoping the Hank Jones CD arrives today.