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I too heard him years ago with Miles Davis and also with Michael Brecker and had mixed emotions. About seven or eight years ago I took the opportunity to hear him live again in the intimate context of the 55 Bar in New York (where he often plays on Monday and/or Wednesday nights when not touring), and my reservations were quickly obliterated. He has really matured into a wonderful improviser. He plays softly with great beauty and can still crank it up with great force as well (he actually plays at low volume more than high). I've been lucky to hear him at the 55 Bar seven times in the last eight years, and this has become one of my favorite live music experiences in recent years. And his recordings over the last decade or so, as you note, are all good.

The above recommended Le Super Biton National de Segou collection features amazing guitar playing by Mama Sissoko. I've purchased his solo effort, Soleil de Minuit, and like it a lot. Any other recommendations for Mama Sissoko?

Eddie Bert, Musician of the Year (London issue of Savoy recording) Mugsy Spanier, This is Jazz Broadcasts, set 1 (Circle 10 inch)

Currently enjoying the Neil Smith Quintet, which includes Ray Drummond on bass and Stacy Dillard on tenor sax.

Last night, Buddy Guy with Jonny Lang at Winstar Casino (on the Oklahoma side of the Texas-Oklahoma border). This turned out to be an excellent concert. The venue has surprisingly good sound; very clear and not overloud. Buddy was in fine form, playing a mixture of classic blues songs and compositions from his recent studio albums (I'm 74 Years Young had to be updated to his current age of 76). He played for about 45 minutes before bringing out Jonny Lang, departing from the stage, as Lang took over for two songs. I liked his guitar playing; his singing is about what one would expect. Then Buddy returned, and they played several songs together, with Buddy in the lead. The presence of Lang seemed to keep the program more focused than usual, and there was little of the abrupt song changes that are usual in Buddy Guy concerts. Essentially, it was a varied and dynamic 90 minute concert. Buddy Guy remains a strong and vital performer.

The Compositions of Thelonious Monk (Riverside mono, blue label)

I enjoy his work immensely through Electric Byrd. Unfortunately, the two times I saw him live (circa middle 1980s and early 1990s), his playing was greatly diminished.

At least until the sound stopped being broadcast in the second set; I gave up after awhile.

Tonight's group is quite enjoyable (Joe Martin, bass and leader, Mark Turner, tenor sax, Kevin Hays, piano, and Nasheet Waits, drums).

Count Basie, Afrique, arranged and conducted by Oliver Nelson (Flying Dutchman) Oliver Nelson, Live from Los Angeles (Impulse) Oliver Nelson, Jimmy Forrest, King Curtis--Soul Battle (Prestige)

Also coming to Dan's Silverleaf in Denton: Thursday, Apr 18 Ignacio Berroa with Lynn Seaton and Stefan Karlsson http://www.5passion.com/ignacio/

Baby Face Willette, Mo Rock (Argo)

I heard him with Ronald Shannon Jackson and the Decoding Society in the late 1980s, in a band with two guitars, bass and drums; his excellence on guitar really stood out.

Jazz at the Philharmonic, volume 10 (Mercury ten inch)

Willis Jackson, Live Action (Prestige, blue label mono) Jazz at the Philharmonic, volume 9 (Mercury ten inch)

Sekou Batourou Kouyate Et Sa Cora. A pretty short CD (only 28 minutes), but very nice solo kora, recorded in 1976. http://www.dustygroove.com/item.php?id=rcrcw2jshv&ref=featured.php&refQ=cat%3D32

I've seen him a couple of times before (most memorably with Mal Waldron and Reggie Workman), but what I heard made me want to travel to Houston next month to hear Cyrille with Oliver Lake and Reggie Workman.

That was pretty outside for Smalls. I only heard the last thirty minutes but hope to hear more tonight.

Just turned this on, sounds pretty interesting (Ethan Iverson, Tim Berne, Sam Newsome, and Andrew Cyrille).

Last night, I heard one set by the Ari Hoenig Trio, with Uri Caine on pain. Pretty nice. As was the Sunday late night set, especially Spike Wilner's piano and Melissa Aldana's tenor.

Dizzy Gillespie, Jambo Caribe (Limelight).

Went to bed at 1:30 a.m. CST, after the cat got up. Projecting what I might listen to over the next week, if I am able: Tonight: The late night set led by Spike Wilner, as Meiissa Aldana is supposed to in the band. Monday night: Ari Hoenig, with Uri Caine on piano. Tuesday night: Smalls Little Big Band--usually led by Frank Lacy, with Josh Evans on trumpet and Stacy Dillard. Wednesday night: Late set led by Noah Preminger.

Gary Burton, Something's Coming (RCA black dog). Herbie Hancock, Takin' Off (Blue Note, blue label)

Yesterday, in the mail came, Stacy Dillard, One (Smalls) and Leni Stern, Smoke, No Fire. And I ordered Billy Hart Quartet (High Note).

Note the cat sound asleep on top of the piano, in the midst of the now quintet sized Stacy Dillard group.