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Grant Green, Sunday Morning (Blue Note, NY USA), and Gene Ammons, Free Again (Prestige/Bellaphon).

I just saw Cassandra Wilson in New Orleans, and she has a really good band that includes Charlie Burnham on violin, Kevin Breit on guitars and Lonnie Plaxico on bass. One thing I enjoyed about her (in addition, of course, to her gorgeous voice and the wonderful songs) was the evident joy she took in the playing of her band.

May 23, 2015: Nicole Mitchell Indigo Trio, Meca, Houston May 24, 2015: Randy Weston and Company, Trinity University, San Antonio May 29, 2015: Cassandra Wilson, Miller Theater, Houston May 29, 2015: Shelley Carrol, Free Man, Deep Ellum June 4, 2015: Eric Gales, Guitar Sanctuary, McKinney June 5-6, 2015: Eric Gales, T Bone Walker Blues Festival, Longview June 6, 2015: Indradeep Ghosh, University of St. Thomas, Jones Hall, Houston June 7, 2015: Eric Gales, Hat Tricks, Lewisville June 11, 2015: Ginger Baker, One World Theater, Austin June 12, 2015: Marcus Miller, One World Theater, Austin June 12, 2015: Ginger Baker, Dosey Doe, Houston June 13, 2015: Marcus Miller, Granada Theater, Dallas June 13, 2015: Zac Harmon, Babb Bros., Dallas June 17, 2015: King Sunny Ade, Paramount Theater, Austin June 18, 2015: King Sunny Ade, Annette Straus Square, Dallas June 20, 2015: Bill Evans, Brookhaven Village, Norman, Oklahoma June 20, 2015: Chris Thomas King, The Auditorium, Eureka Springs, Arkansas July 2, 2015: Ignacio Berroa, Miller Theater, Houston July 17, 2015: Buddy Guy, Moody Theater, Austin July 31-August 2, 2015: Satchmo Summerfest, New Orleans September 6, 2015: Buddy Guy, Bedford Blues Festival September 10, 2015, Billy Childs, Austin September 17, 2015: Billy Hart Quartet, Fort Worth Public Library Fall, 2015: T.N. Krishnan (violin), Austin October 11, 2015: Zakir Hussain, Dave Holland, Amit Chatterjee, Shankar Mahadevan, Riverbend Centre, Austin October 18, 2015: Buena Vista Social Club, Dell Hall, Austin October 24, 2015: Arthur O'Farrill Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, Cullen Theater, Houston October 27, 2015: Nels Cline and Julian Lage, Mighty Duck, Houston October 28, 2015: Nels Cline and Julian Lage, Cactus Cafe, Austin October 29, 2015: Nels Cline and Julian Lage, Kessler Theater, Dallas November 6, 2015: Azar Lawrence with Jeff Tain Watts, Cullen Theater, Houston December 5, 2015: Melissa Aldana and Crash Trio, Cullen Theater, Houston January 22, 2016: Dave Douglas, Uri Caine, Don Byron, Austin March 19, 2016: Guillermo Klein Y Los Guachos, Cullen Theater, Houston April 9, 2016: Terell Stafford, Austin April 16, 2016, SF Jazz Collective, Cullen Theater, Houston

I can answer, as I believe I have all of his leader recordings. His most guitar focused recording is the most recently released one--Travelin' Man, on JSP. It is quite good. Also, while you're at it, Son of A Bluesman (also a recent release) features an absolutely great guitar instrumental, Nana Jarnell.

No, but they are at Jazz Standard in New York this Thursday to Sunday, which I'm sure would be fun to hear. The Gil Evans Project directed by Ryan Truesdell The Gil Evans Project directed by Ryan Truesdell In April 2011, jazz scholar and conductor Ryan Truesdell thrilled a packed Jazz Standard as he lead a star–studded big band through a breathtaking performance of music from composer/arranger Gil Evans’ 1961 album Out Of The Cool. In the spring of 2012, a century after Evans’ birth in Toronto, Ryan and the Gil Evans Project returned to our stage to celebrate their new ArtistShare CD Centennial, featuring previously unrecorded Evans compositions and arrangements. Voted Record Of The Year by the Jazz Journalists Association, this album won the GRAMMY Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement (for the track “How About You”) and also was nominated for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album and Best Arrange­ment featuring a Vocalist (“Look To The Rainbow,” with Luciana Souza). The New York Times called Centennial “an extraordinary album,” while AllAboutJazz.com hailed “a US national treasure that de­serves a place in the Smithsonian Institute and every jazz record library.” For this return engagement, Ryan Truesdell and the Gil Evans Project release their new live record, Color Lines, which was recorded just a year ago on our stage – make your reservations now! Ryan Truesdell – Director Steve Wilson, Dave Pietro, Donny McCaslin, Tom Christensen, Alden Banta, Steve Kenyon – Reeds Adam Unsworth, David Peel – French Horn Augie Haas, Tony Kadleck, Scott Wendholt (5/14), Mike Rodriguez (5/15-17) – Trumpets Ryan Keberle, Tim Albright (5/14), Marshall Gilkes (5/15-17), George Flynn (bass trombone) – Trombones Marcus Rojas – Tuba Wendy Gilles – Vocals Lois Martin – Viola James Chirillo – Guitar Frank Kimbrough – Piano Jay Anderson – Bass Lewis Nash – Drums Mike Truesdell – Percussion

Sonny Stitt, Black Vibrations (Prestige), and Art Blakey, Andthenagin (Prestige).

Sonny Still seems almost appropriate. Oops. I can't see close up with my glasses on any more. Continuing to catch up on some late Prestiges. Hampton Hawes, Blues for Walls, and Dexter Gordon, The Jumpin' Blues.

Gene Ammons and Sonny Still, Together Again for the Last Time (Prestige), and Art Blakey, Buhaina (Prestige)

Sad story. http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/Fight-over-blues-legend-B-B-King-goes-to-court-6248937.php

Brother Jack McDuff, The Natural Thing (Cadet), and The Charlie Parker Story No. 1 (Verve, trumpet label)

Charles Lloyd, Journey Within (Atlantic)

A toss up between The Magnificent Ambersons and A Touch of Evil.

Gil Evans, Svengali (Atlantic)

Art Farmer, Sing Me Softly of the Blues (Atlantic mono, Japanese)

Yesterday, I was lucky to attend the second Saturday of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. The facility was overwhelmed by the enormous crowd--beautiful weather and Elton John is very popular it appears. Fortunately, I am indifferent and was able to enjoy a very full day of excellent music, despite some difficulty moving about the fair grounds. Commencing in the Blues Tent with 90 year old Howlin' Wolf sideman (1956-1968), pianist Henry Gray. Unfortunately he's on electric piano. An okay set. Next up, Chris Thomas King, who starts with a fine acoustic version of Hard Time Killing Floor. His set is pretty diverse, with excellent high energy blues guitar work, a piano feature, and perhaps best of all, a song dedicated to King Oliver featuring guitar and clarinet. Next, to the NOCCA Pavilion for the Calvin Johnson Quintet, which proved to be a really good group (Tenor sax, trombone, piano, bass guitar and drums). All players are first rate. Saxophonist Calvin Johnson is my favorite discovery from attending this festival. Now was the time to settle into the Jazz Tent for the rest of the day. First up, Astral Project, a New Orleans group featuring Tony Dagradi on tenor sax, Steve Masakowski on guitar, James Singleton on bass and John Vidacovitch on drums. The usual quartet was expanded to a septet on this occasion, adding trumpet (Jamil Sharif--saw him with two different groups at the festival, a really excellent trumpet player), alto sax, piano (Michael Palerra), and percussion (Bill Summers). Another good group. Next, the big event, Charles Lloyd Quartet (Joe Sanders bass, Kendrick Scott on drums, Gerald Clayton piano). Really enjoyed this set. Finally, to conclude the day, Terance Blanchard's E-Collective. Not smooth jazz, rather a crunching fusion group. Very good set. It then took a mere two hours in line to get transportation out of the fairgrounds. Oh well, it was worth it.

In DeSoto? I'll be darned.

I haven't heard it but there's a newly issued Mayall CD, live in 1967 with Peter Green. http://www.amazon.com/Live-67-John-Mayalls-Bluesbreakers/dp/B00T73ATC0/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1430504226&sr=1-1&keywords=john+mayall+live+in+%2767

He's on at least three Mayall records from the early 70s, (Jazz Blues Fusion, Movin' On, and Ten Years are Gone).

May 13, 2015: Shelley Carrol, Scat Jazz, Fort Worth May 14, 2015: ICP Orchestra, North Door, Austin May 15, 2015: Vijay Iyer, solo and with Brentano String Quartet, Tobin Center, Alvarez Studio, San Antonio May 15, 2015: Shelley Carrol, Free Man, Deep Ellum May 16, 2015: Edmar Castaneda, San Fernando Cathedral, San Antonio May 19, 2015: Eddie Gomez, Dan's Silverleaf, Denton May 20, 2015: Shelley Carrol, Scat Jazz, Fort Worth May 23, 2015: Nicole Mitchell Indigo Trio, Meca, Houston May 24, 2015: Randy Weston and Company, Trinity University, San Antonio May 29, 2015: Cassandra Wilson, Miller Theater, Houston May 29, 2015: Shelley Carrol, Free Man, Deep Ellum June 4, 2015: Eric Gales, Guitar Sanctuary, McKinney June 5-6, 2015: Eric Gales, T Bone Walker Blues Festival, Longview June 6, 2015: Indradeep Ghosh, University of St. Thomas, Jones Hall, Houston June 7, 2015: Eric Gales, Hat Tricks, Lewisville June 12, 2015: Marcus Miller, One World Theater, Austin June 13, 2015: Marcus Miller, Granada Theater, Dallas June 17, 2015: King Sunny Ade, Paramount Theater, Austin June 18, 2015: King Sunny Ade, Annette Straus Square, Dallas June 20, 2015: Bill Evans, Brookhaven Village, Norman, Oklahoma June 20, 2015: Chris Thomas King, The Auditorium, Eureka Springs, Arkansas July 17, 2015: Buddy Guy, Moody Theater, Austin September 10, 2015, Billy Childs, Austin September 17, 2015: Billy Hart Quartet, Fort Worth Public Library Fall, 2015: T.N. Krishnan (violin), Austin October 11, 2015: Zakir Hussain, Dave Holland, Amit Chatterjee, Shankar Mahadevan, Riverbend Centre, Austin October 24, 2015: Arthur O'Farrill Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, Cullen Theater, Houston October 27, 2015: Nels Cline and Julian Lage, Mighty Duck, Houston October 29, 2015: Nels Cline and Julian Lage, Cactus Cafe, Austin October 29, 2015: Nels Cline and Julian Lage, Kessler Theater, Dallas November 6, 2015: Azar Lawrence with Jeff Tain Watts, Cullen Theater, Houston December 5, 2015: Melissa Aldana and Crash Trio, Cullen Theater, Houston January 22, 2016: Dave Douglas, Uri Caine, Don Byron, Austin March 19, 2016: Guillermo Klein Y Los Guachos, Cullen Theater, Houston April 9, 2016: Terell Stafford, Austin April 16, 2016, SF Jazz Collective, Cullen Theater, Houston

Three days of the First Weekend of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. On Friday, commencing in the Jazz Tent with a bracing set by Kidd Jordan and the Improvisational Arts Quintet (William Parker on bass, Alvin Fielder on drums, plus two pianists I didn't recognize). Celebrating his 80th birthday. Next, to the NOCCA (New Orleans Center for Creative Arts) Pavilion for Jason Marsalis Quintet, playing compositions of Ellis Marsalis. Younger players, okay but not too compelling. Back to the Jazz Tent for flutist Kent Jordan (son of Kidd Jordan). Front line of flute, clarinet and tenor saxophone (the impressive young New Orleans player Calvin Johnson) had an interesting sound--a strong set. To the Blues Tent for Louisiana singer/guitarist/harmonica player, Kenny Neal. Another excellent set. Finally to the Jazz Tent for Snarky Puppy. The place was packed; Snarky Puppy has a very young and enthusiastic fan base, it appears. Two songs in, I was still trying to decide whether I liked the band or not when the day's festival was abruptly cancelled due to violent thunderstorms. Saturday: More bad weather, right as I was arriving. Blinding rain/high winds, the Jazz Tent and Blues Tent are jammed with people. Eventually, I am able to enter the Blues Tent, in time for Mali's Vieux Farka Toure's set (highly anticipated by me). The son of Ali Farka Toure, the apple did not fall very far from the tree--the set is incredible. Next, back to the Jazz Tent for Cassandra Wilson, performing material from her new Billie Holiday tribute. Another terrific set (group includes Kevin Breit on guitar, Charlie Burnham on violin, and Lonnie Plaxico on bass). Finally, closing the day with the Kenny Garrett Quintet. This set far exceeded my expectations, it was very intense. Now that was three great sets in a row. Finally, Sunday, starting in the Blues Tent for 74 year old blues player Little Freddie King, who was superb. One description calls him a combination of R.L. Burnside and Junior Kimbrough, but his guitar playing is more polished, and his voice (unlike his guitar, rather aged) sounds a bit like a faint echo of Lightnin' Hopkins (his cousin). A bit later, in the Jazz Tent, the concert is billed as Victor Goines and the Fauberg String Quartet Present Charlie Parker With Strings. The set was actually more varied. There were only four short songs adapted from Bird With Strings--the string quartet was augmented by a fifth string player, an oboist, and harpist on those songs. They were fun to hear live, Goines' alto stuck close to the melody (Charles McPherson would be a much better choice for this project). Various other configurations performed--an Astor Piazzola composition by the string quartet, a couple of jazz quartet pieces (Ellis Marsalis sitting in one one). Best of the set actually were two original compositions for cello and piano (Ellis Marsalis the pianist/composer on one and Michael Palerra the pianist/composer on the other). Next, Donald Harrison leads NOCCA alumni (including Irwin Mayfield) in a jam session. There's a ringer in the house--they are setting up a Hammond B3--yes, Dr. Lonnie Smith on organ. Turns into a fantastic set, also with Detroit Brooks on guitar. After that, I reluctantly head to the airport and back to Dallas.

It's a nice store, with a friendly staff; I go there once a week. The location is a bit awkward at present, being in the thick of 635 construction hell. They don't have much in the way of CDs, just a few used ones. Lots of LPs though (mosty used, some new). I haven't yet failed to find something I wanted on a visit. There's a large selection of classical records as well. And a giant selection of bargain LPs that I've never had the strength to even attempt to look through. http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/dc9/2014/10/can_josey_records_be_dallas_iconic_record_store.php

Where do you go in DFW to get Record Store Day releases? I found the Larry Young at Josey Lane Records (the last copy they had, it appeared), and the Getz at Dead Wax in Carrolton (they had more copies of both the Young and the Getz and they may well still be there--this is a tiny store near Babe's (right next to a Twisted Root) which otherwise has nothing much of jazz interest). Have not heard of either of those stores, thanks, what other secret DFW stores do you go to? Alas, In Dallas I really just patronize the main HPB and various smaller HPBs, and Josey Lane Records. The latter has been open for a few months and is pretty good--a nice large store, I'd recommend your going there--a large selection of jazz LPs and most not priced too high. It's on 635 and Josey Lane, on the right access road heading west, next to a boot store and a motorcycle shop. As for Dead Wax, the only reason to go there is to pick up jazz RSD releases, as they seem to get a supply and don't seem to have jazz fan patrons. They even had the Miles Davis 10 inch box set, but at $80 for something that I already had in multiple versions, I passed.

Where do you go in DFW to get Record Store Day releases? I found the Larry Young at Josey Lane Records (the last copy they had, it appeared), and the Getz at Dead Wax in Carrolton (they had more copies of both the Young and the Getz and they may well still be there--this is a tiny store near Babe's (right next to a Twisted Root) which otherwise has nothing much of jazz interest).

I heard the album performed live in January, and I've listened to the CD quite a few times; personally I have really enjoyed most of it. Nice trumpet player too.

Harry Edison, Mr. Swing (Verve trumpet label mono), and The Modern Jazz Sextet (Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Stitt, John Lewis, Keeter Betts, Percy Heath, Charles Persip) (Verve mono).