Teasing the Korean

Nino Rota - Fellini's Roma - UA (70s tan and brown label) This is the only copy of this LP I've ever seen. I wonder how rare it is. Or not.

I always heard that this album was uneven at best, not very good at worst, so I never sought it out. Then I ran across a used CD copy. I was surprised to find out that, with the bonus tracks, there is a whole album of the Lee Morgan/Oliver Nelson date. And being that I love Oliver Nelson, that was enough for me. First I listened to the album as released, and I did feel that it was all over the map, not in a great way, but not in an awful way either. Then I listened to the four bonus tracks with Oliver, which liked. I then played around with the programming, and I think if you listen to the 6 Oliver Nelson tracks together, they form a pretty solid record. Likewise, if you listen to the 4 quintet tracks by themselves, they are also pretty solid. So, if the original album was kind of jarring, on the CD you get one-and-a-half good, if not really great, albums. I was puzzled by Bob Blumenthal's description of "Yesterday" as a "rock tune," but whatever.

I hate to get all technical, but the chord is either a C7b5 or a C7#11. Part of the differentiation is functional, and part of it may be completely arbitrary, even if the latter is never admitted. In most practical situations, you're generally safer using the latter; although depending on how it's used in the context of the tune and the melody note, the former may be more appropriate. But I've never encountered the #4 designation - that I can recall, at least.

Last night: Martial Solal and the European All Stars - Telefunken (mono)

Maybe, but if it works in the context of the tune, it doesn't matter. If it sounds good, it's worth incorporating into the arrangement.

I don't have an answer to your question, but: If it's your arrangement, why not go with what you like? It's not at all unusual for an arranger to incorporate improvisational elements from a famous earlier recording of a tune (s)he's arranging.

My current keyboard (Alesis QS8) is more than 10 years old now and I'm thinking about an upgrade. Any consensus regarding a good, portable digital piano for regular gigging that has both a realistic action and good built-in piano samples? At this point I'm not really interested in other features or samples - just something that I can lug around that sounds and feels reasonably like a real piano. Thanks!

My exotica combo does a version of "Mating Call" - vibes, piano, acoustic bass, and two percussionists.

Various - Blue Brazil, Vol. 2 ("Blue Note" - actually Odeon).

Airto - Identity (Arista, 1975). I just saw him live on Thursday and he KICKED!

Why would anyone buy a Jim Flora album cover and listen to the record inside??? Instant disappointment.

His solo piece was incredible - A one man carnaval. They did a nice version of "Casa Forte" by Edu Lobo.

Well, hopefully Don Tiki will be playing while you're there. They do full-on jungle exotica: http://www.dontiki.com/

The Marian McPartland Bossa album is the best record she ever made. I have two copies!

This is the third greatest album ever made, next to "Jazz Heat, Bongo Beat" and "Satan in High Heels." My copy is beat to hell. Is there a reissue?

The Byrds - Fifth Dimension - Columbia (2-eye, mono). Mono version is MUCH ballsier. On the other hand, there is a LOT of filler on this album.

As I'm sure you've experienced, a lot of jazz sessions for a couple of years were taped in stereo but originally came out on mono LPs. The stereo versions, for better or worse, began to show up on later LP pressings and/or CDs.

Joao Bosco - Tiro de Misericordia - RCA (Brazil, 1977) Similar to Toquinho's 70s stuff.

Luiz Henrique - Barra Limpa - Verve (stereo)

Coincidentally, he is a sideman on an album I just picked up. Never heard of him before.

McCoy Tyner - Super Trios (Milestone) 70s twofer of two trio sessions.

Dom Um Romao S/T - Muse

Duke Ellington - The Ellington Suites - Pablo

Joe Harriott/John Mayer - Indo Jazz Suite - Atlantic (red and purple label, mono).