Trumpet Guy

Hi Larry-- I hear the swing influence in Fru as well, but Joseph's playing is so light--its an interesting combination ultimately. I don't know Joe Thomas' playing. Any suggestions? Larry--I bought your book; can't wait to get to it! Congrats! It looks incredible!

Well, I've now got this Joseph/Fruscella tape and have listened. This is fantastic!! The sound is fine actually. My tape is edited so that its mostly just when the trumpets are playing. The guitar,bass and drums are clear,but edited. I don't know if Mel Lewis was hangin' at the Open Door in 55', but its someone like him... This tape is amazing.It sounds like its Don Joseph's gig, cause he is playin' his butt off! Definitely the most chops I've ever heard him display. He's frisky, funny, rhythmic(more than Fru)--quotes galore. You can hear him encouraging Fru as Fru is blowin'.These guys are having a ball; fantastic to finally hear. Laughing;funny endings;Fru even imitates an old fashioned vibrato on one tune to the chuckles of others. Don Joseph is a strange mix--you hear that dixie influence(even Armstrong),also a swing influence(that reminds me a little of Howard mcGhee ??)+ bop.He sounds fantastic! He must be feelin' it as he plays his high 'A' above high C;which no one would believe! Fru picks up on Don's influence, but I hear Miles and Chet in there. Man, when Tony plays a melody cloaked in whispers(Embraceable You), it is truly haunting. The songs played are interesting as quite a few are done up a step from the normal key.So, Now's The Time is in concert 'G'; I Got Rhythm in concert 'C'; What Is This Thing Called Love in concert 'D'. I've always said I wish I could take the "wayback' machine to the Open Door 1955. This tape almost transports me. I can feel the comraderie of the two trumpeters, which is inspiring to me.

Picked up this Oxley used yesterday 'cause I read your comments. Thanks for the tip Joe! I dig Dixon too!

Just ordered this from Barnes & Noble. Can't wait for it!! Congrats Larry!!

Will do Mike! Well--After sucking down my morning coffee, I just went to listen..The guy who burned it for me,messed up--no burn! So I'll have to wait 'til next week to listen What I know is Joseph and Fru are backed by unknown musicians.The tunes look very promising: Now's The Time Embraceable You I Got Rhythm S'Wonderful What Is This Thing Called Love Blues(Ash Wednesday Blues) The word is the sound is not good, but the trumpets are clear I can't wait to hear these 2 together!!

Hey Fru fans! Just wanted to brag, I mean report, that I scored a live 1955 Open door gig of Tony Fruscella & Don Joseph together!! Add it to the discography!

I always thought of Cherry's influence on "Four and More". Don Cherry and Rollins--I bet Mlles was aware of that Quartet!

Sure Miles knew their playing.I recall a blindfold test where Miles criticizes Booker Little's "just running 8th- notes style".I think he wanted more articulation and space. I think in "Jazz Rock", Miles praises Cherry. He was impressed that Don Cherry could play on rhythm changes and stop his solo at the bridge. Kind of funny! Myself--I think Don Cherry did influence Miles' mid 60's playing(Shapes,gestures,etc). I hear nothing in Booker that Miles ever used....

I forgot Miguel Zenon! That cat is another to watch!

I have to say my fave currently is Myron Walden. Talk about feeling! Also props to John O'Gallagher who's 2 cds are often in my CD player these days. "Abacus" on Arabesque & "Rules Of Invisabilty-Vol 1" on CIMP. Still love Coleman,Osby, Garrett but have been listening to them for 20 years now! Lots of great Alto's on the scene...Keep an eye on Jaleel Shaw & Jeremy Udden.

I caught "Fly" at the R-bar last night.Fantastic show!Good turnout considering how little it was advertised. No minimums.Same bar menu. I think The Regatta Bar/Blue Note are booking really interesting stuff.More than before.Sex Mob,Bob Belden,Greg Osby are all comin' right up! I played The Real Deal club recently.The acoustics are not made for Jazz, it seemed to me. Nice room though. I hope people support these places! Now if Ryles could get a competent booker...

Yeah Miles resurrected "Ife"--live shows between 12/81' & 8/82'. Mostly in the 2nd set medley of:Ife,Fat Time,Jean Pierre... Sidewinder!--You heard it ,if you heard the 2nd set--Either concert 4/20/82.This show is listed as recorded on channel 4 TV as well!!

PARTY POOPER!!

Fred Berry told me he was the original trumpeter in the Art Ensemble Of Chicago...

Thank you Larry Kart!! You've stated some beautiful truths for me--that I could never state...a type of musical honesty. Can't wait for the book!

Ralph Alessi--Vice & Virtue(w/drummer Shane Endsley) Taylor Ho Bynum--and only life my lush lament(w/drummer Eric Rosenthal)

Damn you guys are tough--

Dr.Eddie Henderson has spoke about his collection of live tapes of this band...

Don't forget those wacky "Santos Brothers" from Mexico Have not heard them(would love to),but Steeplechase has put out a few "jam" cds lately featuring 3 trumpets(Wendholt,Gisbert Ballou). A "Trumpet Tribute" on Trip Records--60's jam session recorded in Brooklyn w/Woody Shaw,Blue Mitchell,Kenny Dorham,Bill Hardman,Richard Williams and the less than stellar Walter Kelly.

Very cool!! Thanks for posting this,Chrome!!

Yeah--John Bailey is a killin' trumpeter!I'm a big fan of his playing.Should be better known...Cool to know he studied w/Woody Shaw... He and alto saxist Miguel Zenon make a great front line!!

Myron Walden--Like A Flower Seeking The Sun(NYC Records) w/Kurt Rosenwinkel,Dwayne Burno,Eric McPherson

Thanks Joe!That's nice of you to say! Are we label-mates yet?

Here I am! Great cd!!

Eddie Henderson-Sunburst