Guy Berger

Perhaps the non-Americans can chime in here, but a lot of stuff I've read suggests that pornography outside the US is often even more extreme. Guy

In my opinion, Wynton has the knack of creating expectations in his audience. I don't think it's a conscious thing, rather I think it's a character trait. This goes way back to his days as a "Young Lion" - i.e as a promising young player - someone of whom great things were expected. Simon, It looks like most of the hope is being generated by Dewey Redman and Ornette's name. Most people here seem indifferent (at best) to Wynton's presence. Guy

But who really cares if the music is good? (Admittedly, that is a big if.) Guy I meant to say: "If the music is good, who cares?"

But who really cares if the music is good? (Admittedly, that is a big if.) Guy

"Rated X" is from around the same time as On the Corner (1972). Guy

I guess it's crazy to make any major judgments based on one game, but I don't think the Lakers are going to lose any games this year. And you are totally right about the Mavs -- barring any major trades, this team is going to be a major disappointment after the last three years. Guy

Maybe they will finally kill Kim Bauer this year. Keep your fingers crossed. Guy

This is probably my favorite jazz ensemble (except maybe the '69 quintet) and so it's hard to pick anything specific. But I'd have to say Filles de Kilimanjaro because it's so unique and opened a bunch of interesting doors that very few musicians have entered since. Guy

It's an awesome movie. Guy

1) Yeah, I think enough time has passed. It started in the 80s but I think the fact that we are seeing some of today's young lions trying to come to terms with this music is pretty remarkable. 2) I'd guess either "Circle in the Round" (which was his first 60s recording to feature electric guitar) or "Water in the Pond" (which was the first to feature electric keyboards). Both were recorded in late '67. Some people point to "Eighty One" (from ESP), but it's more boogaloo than rock. 3) His hip problems, I think. Guy

By the way, it's interesting that despite his heavy bias against the electric music (he also has a bias against the 2nd Quintet music), Chambers is capable of giving credit to it. He has good stuff to say about Filles, In a Silent Way, and Bitches Brew. He becomes stingier with the later stuff, but realizes how visionary "Rated X" was. Guy

I hate digipaks. Anyway, the 24 bit version (which is also available in a jewel case) sounds waaaaaaaaay better than the previous version. (Edit: the other version is not a digipak but rather the mini-LP that JAW mentions. I imagine the music is identical, but I hate that type of packaging.) Guy

An amazing album. Guy

Allen also plays on one track from Medeski Martin & Wood's "The Dropper". Guy

I recently picked up a 2CD set of Alexander Scriabin's Piano Sonatas. Any comments on these intriguing pieces? I know Sun Ra was a big fan of this guy. Guy

I've only heard 5 of Hill's 60s albums so I'm not exactly a comprehensive source, but I'd have to say Kenny Dorham. Dolphy, for sure. Tony Williams. It would have also been cool to have a session with Andrew, Eric, Tony and Bobby Hutcherson. The obvious one is Wayne Shorter, because he is also an eccentric and exciting musical thinker. It would have been increasingly interesting as the 60s drew to a close. Trane would have been interesting too. Guy

Add "The Real McCoy" and "Adam's Apple" to this list. Guy

Amen - a great album. Also, it's an excellent choice to play for people who aren't jazz fans. They'll be groovin' to "The Turnaround". Du dut, du du du dut.... Guy

The lineup of Davis/Shorter/Corea/Holland/DeJohnette, represented by a bunch of live recordings in 1969. The cool thing about this group is that it put together intense inside/outside playing with electric piano and some rock ideas. The setlists included a mix of older tunes ("No Blues", "Milestones", "Round Midnight"), '60s Quintet material ("Masqualero", "Footprints") and late 60s pieces ("It's About That Time", "Sanctuary", "Miles Runs the Voodoo Down"). Not sure if it's still active, but www.darkfunk.com had a bunch of these shows on realaudio. The March 70 recording is a different from the '69 gigs. The rock/funk-to-free jazz ratio is higher, and the group sounds different (Holland plays some e-bass, Corea adds all those crazy effects to his instrument, and Airto provides percussion). Guy

I agree, they are all worth hearing. I would put the March '70 Fillmore release with Shorter (It's About that Time) and the Dec '70 Cellar Door recording (Live Evil) at the top of the list. And yes, the Lost Quintet stuff was incredible. (Listening to a March '69 gig right now.) Guy

I found a cool interview with Lloyd here. The comments about Kenny G and barbeque sauce are hilarious. Guy

Amen... I still give the Birdland dates a slight nod over these, but I'm revisiting them and they are great. "Minor's Holiday" is a STUPENDOUS performance by everyone concerned! Guy

Check out Thomas Chapin's Sky Piece. He plays bass flute on the title track and maybe a few other tunes (it might be the more common type on the others), and it's absolutely haunting. I think you can download the track free at amazon.com. Guy

Here is another interview. What an arrogant bastard. Guy

It seems like Jurek's reviews fall into either the "sort of gushing" category or the "extremely gushing" category. Guy