Free For All

Nice photos, Mark. Did you take any of the guests (board members)? Group shot or anything like that?

I don't think referring to a player as "too technical" is really a criticism by itself. I mean, Clifford Brown, Booker Little, Woody Shaw, Freddie, Dizzy and others could be referred to as "too technical", but the difference is that they actually seem to have something musical to say- whereas with Arturo the technique is the show, not so much the content. Arturo may very well be a better trumpet player than all of the above, but to me he seldom says much musically except "look what I can do!" and that wears thin pretty quickly. It seems his mission is to prove he's badder than all the boys, but in the end he's proving just the opposite IMHO. He does put on an entertaining live show- he plays piano and percussion very well and his command of the trumpet is stunning, but that's about all you take with you at the end of the night. Carl Fontana had amazing technical command of the trombone, but I never thought of his playing as "too technical"- I was instead focused on the musical elements of his playing- phrasing, melody, harmony. Hardly even noticed that there was some badass technique on display. OK, maybe I noticed a little bit. Then there are other 'bonists who have comparable levels of technique but are so dependent on it (as an end in itself instead of a means to an end) that they fail to sustain long-term interest. I will not mention names........

I got a fever, and the only cure is more forest!

......and the Blue Note BB comes crashing down!

Got to love the K-Man! Just ordered these from him (her?)......

I don't think it's a big deal. When I joined the board (and before, when I was lurking) I spent some time looking around to figure out where to post new threads (and still goofed it up a few times). I think it becomes fairly self-explanatory quickly. I think the titles work out pretty well, you just need to get acquainted. BTW, welcome to the board uzed!

Looking forward to a report on the Chicago hang. I'm jealous. I hope the boys got to sample some Chicago delights (I'm talking food). Let's see.....Giordano's, Uno's, Carson's, various dog houses, Thai food, etc., etc, etc. Seems like we have lots of Chicago board members, hope they showed up. I think Chicago would be a perfect place for the boys to play. A funky, stanky good town. Is anyone taking pictures fer chrissake? Sheldon?

Ralph Towner solo guitar stuff. Some Eberhard Weber, probably not the stuff w/Garbarek cause he sometimes stresses me out a bit (after awhile). Shirley Horn, for me Here's To Life in particular (the one w/all those great Mandel arrangements) Ben Webster Music For Loving Jarret's Koln concert. Bill Evans for me too because I immediately start focusing on his changes and building process (the same way one does with Bach, isn't it interesting that there are so many parallels between those two?) and get my mind off of whatever was stressing me out. Bach cello suites. Getz, Konitz, Desmond. Sometimes Jug or Arnett Cobb! Certain Chet Baker sides. Some impressionism like Debussy (La Mer, for example). Certain Stevie Wonder (like Innervisions)

H a P p Y b I r T h D a Y C h R i S ! ! !

The Stubbedtoe-ranians? Wow. Sorry about that everyone.

Gee, Mike- it took you 12 whole minutes to respond. You got a girl in there or somethin'?

There's a new Miles box coming out?

Why don't you sleep on it?

Arthur Penn.

Alan, I hope everything gets resolved and settled for you soon. You're appreciated for your fantastic site as well as your participation here. Thanks for all you do! All the best!

Sometimes when I read the new releases at jazzmatazz I secretly wonder what Alan is wearing as he types. Is that wrong?

I spent the day slow-smoking a turkey breast (w/mesquite and hickory) while watching college football and listening to tunes. And mowing the yard. The turkey breast came out awesome. Unfortunately I was rooting for Notre Dame to beat USC...........did I mention the turkey breast?

Some people have a way with words.....other people.....no.....have......way...... -Steve Martin

A funny rat? Is that a bad thing?

Well put!

Wrong thread, Lon? Although it does sound delicious!

Here's some great Johnny Richards IMHO. AMG gives it 4 and a half stars, FWIW. Here's the review: "This CD contains one of the classic Stan Kenton albums, a six-part suite composed and arranged by Johnny Richards. The Kenton orchestra was expanded to 27 pieces for these dates including six percussionists, two French horns and six trumpets. With such soloists as tenor-great Lucky Thompson (on "Fuego Cubano,") trombonist Carl Fontana, altoist Lennie Niehaus, Bill Perkins on tenor and trumpeters Sam Noto and Vinnie Tanno, and plenty of raging ensembles, this is one of Stan Kenton's more memorable concept albums of the 1950s." Review by Scott Yanow

The long version of what Lon said- Whatever the source of the inspiration, I'm always heartened to hear that someone was fired up enough to pull out their axe. The hard part about pulling out an instrument that you have not played for awhile is the frustration of the "short-term chops". You feel great for a bit, then the lack of conditioning/maintenance kicks in. This is the moment of truth- does the instrument go back in the case, or does there arise a level of commitment/resolve to get back in shape? This is what can become tiresome about playing an instrument. There needs to be a consistent frequency of practice to stay strong (cardio) so you have the chops to work on musical considerations. Tony, I'm sending you good vibes and encouragement to continue long-term with your inspiration!