Free For All

True Renee story. I was at the jazz fest in Pori, Finland and had the opportunity to meet and hang with Renee and Billy Drummond. We were outside and it started to sprinkle at which point I couldn't resist saying "when it's Renee, it's Pori". She laughed politely and moved away. Billy gave me the evil eye. Lord help me, I just couldn't stop myself. BTW, their set was killin'.

Well, I'm ashamed to say I have NO idea who "Kid Thomas" is. Call me an idiot and then please educate me.

You know, I just HATE it when he does that. I don't care if he IS blind!

I predict the "more than 20" category will be the winner by far (knowing this crowd). Except for Conn500, of course.

I guess that's what you'd call Newk's Time.

Of course his tone is most recognizable 'cause there's two or three at once!

Have Jug and Arnette Cobb been mentioned?

Wow, Brad, you must already have YOUR Woody!

31 and a Woody on the way, if you know what I mean. B-)

Probably because you saw Mr. Holland's Opus so many times.

Yeah, THAT'S it! I'll start that big band arrangement and maybe chronologically alphabetize my CDs. And then I'll replace all those broken jewel cases and maybe finish reading all those Brad Mehldau liner notes. And then I'll.....<yawn>...and then I'll...i'l fibish mr fgohd..dder..prefhsdk..flanston....zzzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZ

Just spoke to our friend Rooster. He's been very busy as of late doing volunteer work for a local politicial candidate, and also he had a major computer meltdown. He sends his regards to all and assured me he'd be checking in in the next couple of days. I told him he was missed 'round here. Edit: Looks like 'Toon beat me to it!

I've been wondering myself. I'll give him a call and see what's up.

WTF! Is anyone else still unable to use this site? It's painfully slow and I still can't search. I'm about to give up on it entirely. Considering I just got a new computer and it has IE 6.0, I just don't get it.

Just so the trombonists don't go unnoticed I'll say JJ. With Teagarden and Bill Harris close behind.

Frank Rosolino was from Detroit. EDIT: ...and Pepper Adams too....

It looks to be a live-at-the-Vanguard series. Other sessions mentioned were Michel Petrucciani w/Jim Hall and John Abercrombie w/Michael Brecker. The Konitz was labeled "Volume 5" but I got the impression they might not be releasing them in order. We shall see!

I also enjoy "Tanya" from One Flight Up. The form of this mostly-modal tune is very long (which certainly helps the laid-back vibe) and I noticed a couple times the rhythm section was unsure of their place- they started to go into the walking four of the bridge a little too soon. They recovered very well, though (particularly NHOP) and created an "I meant to do that" moment. I hadn't noticed that before. B-) I also think the somewhat different sound of this one works well with the general attitude of the session; I don't think it's detrimental at all. And what a great session it is! I think RVG did a nice job on this one.

I picked up an interesting DVD the other day- Lee Konitz live at the Vanguard (with Roland Hanna, George Mraz and Mel Lewis). It looks like it was from around 1984, and the audio producer was Malcolm Addey (audio and video quality were excellent). The big suprise was some footage of Konitz from 1954 with Warne Marsh, Don Elliott, Mundell Lowe, Billy Taylor and Ed Thigpen (plus a bass player who was unidentified). Good stuff. Apparently this is part of a series- the box mentioned more becoming available soon. Has this been discussed before?

I'd bet you're right. Thanks! Reminds me of the label-related aliases- remember "Buckshot LaFonque", "Charlie Chan" and "George Lane"? EDIT: All alto players!

A-HA! I see. What label was McCoy signed to at that time?

I just picked up several of the new RVGs, including the long-awaited title pictured in my avatar. I didn't get the Freddie- already had it, like it OK but don't really feel a need to upgrade that one. The McLean was part of the Select, so that wasn't a priority. I did however get the Gordon (had it on the Blue Note box, but really like it and want to hear the RVG), the Henderson and the Tyner. Looking forward to hearing these! And of course if there are raves about sound improvement I'll probably get the rest of 'em. Damn this board- it hurts so good! I noticed that on the cover of In'n Out it lists all players except McCoy who is referred to as "etc.". Kind of odd- reminds me of the first season of Gilligan's Island where the Professor and Mary Ann were "and the rest". Sometimes life just isn't fair.

Yes, he got a gold record for it as a matter of fact. He sang it regularly right up to the end. Say what you will about Woody's vocal skills, he always sounded good singing Laura. Dignified, nostalgic, romantic and classy. IMHO.

..............gorilla my dreams...............