Free For All

I believe it's "Royale with cheese".

So I take it you didn't experience euphonium euphoria?

Thanks for the info, Dan. I have a hard listening to a favorite artist when he or she is recorded too far past their prime. I prefer to remember them in a more favorable light. I do realize that continuing to makes records may help keep hope alive, so I'm not totally against it as a theraputic practice, but it's often a little hard to listen to. It often seems to me that the record company is trying to squeeze every last bit of profit w/o regard for dignity or quality. Is that a fair assessment? I can't in good conscience buy some of these products, even though I may LOVE the artist. God bless you, Brother Ray............

Believe me, I understand what you're saying, guys. I know this stuff isn't for everyone. I do believe that the "lush Romantic string thing" (for which I am admittedly a sucker), when done right, is pretty effective when experienced at the right time. When the arrangements are cheesy it can be a chore to listen to- often its worth is determined only by the featured player, for example Clifford or Bird. I also loved Shirley Horn's Here's To Life, arranged by Johnny Mandel. I guess some people hated this one, but I really liked it. What can I say... I do like this one (the Kuhn) though. Nice arranging by Franzetti. I can see this one not hitting everyone the same. I love escapism, and that's how I catagorize this one.

Well put, maren. My feelings too.

My 2 cents... best "solo" ever...Jordan (come on, is there any doubt?) best "duo" ever.......Magic/Kareem (see above)

Mark, I don't mean to say that the employees are the only ones responsible- I agree that it's also the design of the devices that's at fault. But that being said, most times when I've asked a question at Borders (or Barnes & Nobles, or Best Buy, etc.) if the computer can't answer it, with a few exceptions, I'm pretty much on my own. Yes, that's how things are run these days, and I don't fault the workers, but I miss the days of the "knowledgeable employee" who could function off-the-cuff and actually seemed interested in helping you. At these places I often end up helping customers more than the reticent employees. And there's no slight intended to those who were doing a good job - they just seem to be in the minority. I just feel when I'm looking for help there's often an avoidance of eye contact, i.e., "I don't want to deal with you, I just want to quietly serve my time and go home". Since the "help" is usually of little use and more often than not accompanied by attitude, I'd just as soon be on my own when I go into the store. This is what I perceive pretty much everywhere I shop these days. And I'm a very low-maintenance customer. I wish some of the Borders, etc. employees who hang out here worked at the Borders I go to.........

I just picked this one up (courtesy of the Borders sale)- it was an unknown to me, an impulse buy, but I know of the arranger, Carlos Franzetti, and am an admirer of his work that I've come across. And I know I like Steve Kuhn, and I actually know the bass player, Dave Finck. This is an excellent CD! I'm listening to it late at night, and it's perfect for that time of day. Impeccable arrangements, great ECM recording, great playing by Kuhn and Finck. It might be a candidate for the CDs-to-do-it-by thread! Has anyone picked this one up? It's definitely mood music, but I'm loving it right now. Tasty! EDIT: As I listen to this, I'm detecting more than a little Bill Evans vibe from Kuhn. And Dave Finck is doing his best to be LaFaro-esque.

Sorry for your loss, Randy. Sounds like she was a very hip mom, and she was blessed with a great son!

Speaking of Wes Montgomery, do you have Smokin' At The Half Note? It's a must-have. Put it on your list if you don't have it. Wes plus Wynton, PC and Jimmy Cobb. Exquisite! EDIT: BTW, good thread title! You'll get LOTS of views I'll bet! :rsmile:

First off, good haul! Secondly, I understand your angst. The "security overkill" that's rampant these days is a huge pain in the ass. I particularly love taking off my shoes and belt at the airport and standing there with my arms extended while Skippy the Security Dude checks me out. We're all in the same boat- the innocent are constantly getting caught in the gears. I've just resigned myself to the reality that this is the way it's going to be for the forseeable future, whether in airports or retail stores. As is with many things, the technology has exceeded the operational skills of the average employee, so snafus will be frequent. I'm defiant about it- "Sure, check me out- you won't find anything wrong here!!!!". I find being cooperative makes the whole unpleasant experience end sooner.

Actually, just about anything by Neil Diamond would fit nicely here. It's funny- when you're young and/or single, "stupid drunk chicks" are what you seek. Once you're attached, they just get on your nerves.

I set off the security device about 1 out of 4 times at Borders. The sales clerks seem to be lax about de-activating the thingy. No big deal, I just turn around and let them check my stuff (usually they just wave me through)- I've never been hassled as far as a security dude. Actually the biggest hassle is taking the adhesive security thingy off once I get home. Wesbed, I'd say don't let it ruin your day. As long as people shoplift, there will be hassles for all. Part of life. Why not just let them look at your receipt and be on your way? I always figure that I'm not doing anything wrong, so let them have at me. Now, the most important question- whadja get?

Paging Hardbopjazz! Mr. Nessa has summoned you! Respond, or suffer the consequences!

Yes, plus then we won't have to waste so much time searching for all the great smart-ass comments!

Mrs. Free for All and I are playing in the pit orchestra for "The Producers" for two weeks. A rare occurance where our musical worlds intersect. ("Honey, you're playing sharp!" "No...I'm....NOT.....sweetheart!!!!") This is a very funny show- much great Mel Brooks non-PC humor. It's the touring version, no big stars, but the cast is really good. And I'm only hearing them, since I can't see from the pit. Not a jazz gig, but cha-CHING! BTW, Happy weekend everyone!

H a P p Y b I r T h D a Y i M p O s S i B l E !!!!

Saxman, please come back.......if just long enough to clean up the mess you left. Please delete all those threads you started- you can leave one so all the smart-ass comments you're going to receive will be easy to locate. For us, that is. Man, you're really barkin' up the wrong tree here. There is some serious knowledge here that you could benefit from, but given the nature and attitude of your posts, I expect you could care less. Not a big "smooth" audience here. Even less of an audience for bullshit insults. You'd best be on your way. Sorry to be harsh, dude- but you brought it upon yourself......

With all due respect, patricia, I cracked up when I saw your categories- "singers" and "musicians". It's just an old joke, you know, singers aren't musicians.........

Wow, it's an honor to be the starter of this birthday thread! Happy Birthday Uncle Joe! I sure enjoy your posts and general insight around here, and I look forward to meeting (and maybe even playing with) you and the boys sometime soon. You're the best! Hope you have a great day! Keep up the good work- we need more Joe recordings! H a P p Y b I r T h D a Y j O e !

There are certain players that should just be around FOREVER. You just feel good knowing that they're out there doing their thing somewhere. I feel that way about Elvin, definitely. And Clark Terry. And Ray Charles. And the other Jones, Hank. I felt that way about Thad. And Blakey. And Miles. We all have our favorite cats. But Elvin......he has been a part of SO MANY of our "desert island" recordings... Trane....JJ....Larry Young.....his own bands.....etc.- I love my Elvin Mosaic. He's DEFINITELY one of those whose presence on a recording will tip the scales towards purchase. If he's hurting, I hope his pain ends ASAP. But I will feel a huge hole where he used to be. Here's to ELVIN JONES! EDIT: BTW, the groove he plays on Angelica (from Duke&Trane) ALWAYS makes me grin..........

Not much going on outside of Iowa City, but there's a great b-3er in Des Moines named Sam Salamone (sp.?). I don't know where he might be playing, but there are some places on Court Avenue (near downtown) that occasionally have live jazz, and it'd be worth checking to see where he might be performing. There's also a Des Moines Big Band that plays on Mondays at the Spaghetti Works (also on Court Ave.) which is run by Jim Oatts (brother of saxophonist Dick). When I first started playing with the DMBB, the lead trombonist (an early mentor of mine) was Steve (aka TOAD) Stewart- his son is drummer Bill Stewart. I grew up in Iowa- got a great education and was exposed to great jazz, but there's NO PLACE to gig, so everyone leaves. That's why the average age there is so high- young people tend to split. Good luck! BTW, any Organissimopolitans planning on making the Iowa City festival this July? Maybe we can organize a hang.........

To me, Mahler is to music what William Faulkner is to literature. Dark, brooding, often verbose, requires a lot of focus to get through, but ultimately very much worth the effort! I think the piece you're going to hear, Peter, is, as Rooster said, more accessible. Great harmonies in Mahler. He's created some great moments for brass sections, if I may indulge my own preference.

I heard form a reliable source that his health is deteriorating. From what I understand he's been fighting cancer but has discontinued treatment. What an amazing life he's had, though! How many artists have trancended as many genres as him? Rock, R&B, country, jazz, pop, etc. He brings a classy element to anything he does, IMHO. His music is always uplifting and comforting. A true icon in every sense of the word. He's one of those guys that you wish would be around forever.............

Cool looking map Rooster! Looks like a mosaic...... ......mmm...............Mosaic...........must...buy...Shorter/Morgan...set....... Boy, that one county in the middle of N. Dakota is really hanging in there with the "soda" thing while all around them are opting for "pop". In Iowa, too- is that Iowa City?