Dan Gould

Thanks for posting that, Conrad. Bell is one tough hombre - but he's lucky that ignoring his situation didn't kill him like it killed his father. One thing the article didn't mention - did Bell use chewing tobacco? Or was the cancer caused by something else? Meanwhile, some very encouraging news in today's Globe. The Red Sox may not have a closer, a shortstop, or know what to do with Manny, but:

:g MG Hey - and how come these geezers didn't RECOGNISE the record? Because, as Lou Donaldson would say, that music is not "for fusion or confusion musicians."

You make it sound as if most of Blue Note's output in those years is spoken of in "hushed, reverential tones". Not everything deserves that treatment, though maybe its that Blue Note Mystique that covers everything. Personally, I don't regard "The Latin Bit" or "Feelin The Spirit" or "Tippin' The Scales" as "classic" by any means. Just good, solid, enjoyable sessions. So on that basic, I can't identify "classic" Blue Notes that leave me cold. Of the ones you identify, I definitely cannot fathom anything less than superlatives for Cornbread.

Uh, Ray? Any thoughts on this?

OK. Thanks for putting so much thought into it.

What makes you suggest this if I say that these are the finalists? I've got the "usual Blue Note sound" covered, and I got the Wilson Mosaic a couple of years ago.

Its been a long-standing tradition that I ask dear old Mom for a Mosaic set each Christmas. She likes it cuz its easy to order, and I like it cuz its usually the only time I get a Mosaic set. The finalists are listed above, in order of current preference, but I'm having a hard time picking. That's where you come in. Keep in mind that I own several of the Crusaders LPs, so that's why they are pulling up the rear. Dizzy would be number one if there was more than one record with Hank on it, though I am sure I'll enjoy the rest ('cept maybe the session with overdubbed vocals). With Buddy, I don't have a problem with his drumming, I'm not sure what I'll think of his vocals, but I am interested in the Sweets, Webster, and Criss dates in particular (I do have the Verve reissue of one of those Sweets records). So, put yourself in my shoes. Which would you go for? Edit: Yes, I know I butchered "small" in the Rich title

Yeah, I saw that. It seemed not to make sense even if they do want Trot back, because he was making 6+ million a year, and in arbitration, there is a 20% maximum you can cut someone's salary. Do they want to pay that much to a fourth outfielder? Kapler and Mirabelli weren't surprising simply because offering arbitration to them, they aren't covered by the rules on draft pick compensation for free agents (they're play was too crappy). They did offer arbitration to Alex Gonzales, who has already signed with Cincy, just to get the draft pick of a category B player. Strange that they didn't offer it to Loretta, who should be an "A" player. But after they did the same with Graffanino last year, and he accepted when they didn't have room for him, they probably didn't want to deal with that again. Its obvious they are committed to the youngster as far as as 2B goes, and they signed Alex Cora as insurance. Here's the weird thing: They did offer arbitration to Keith Foulke. Now, they declined the team option right after the season ended, which was for something like 7.5 million. They paid him the buyout and he then (somewhat surprisingly) declined the player option of 3.5 million, saying he wanted to be closer to his family in Texas or somewhere in the southwest. So why do they offer him arbitration? If Keith is all about the money, where is he going to get an offer of 7+ million for one year? Remember, you can't ask for a bigger paycut than 20%. I guess they are certain that he is committed to playing elsewhere and won't just grab for the money. Given the buy-out they've already paid, if he took arbitration, he'd be like a 9 million dollar crappy middle reliever!

I think you need to better define "classic" jazz. Any reissue or vintage old recording? Only by the acknowledged "masters"? Are all era's of a "master" fair game? What if I purchase a Dizzy Gillespie from the '70s? Is that "classic" or not?

What's his preference when it comes to sammitches?

Some interesting nuggets out of Boston: Schilling had a Q&A session at some public event, and he not only said that Manny really does want out, he also suggested that its reached a point where if Manny doesn't get his wish, he may not really be 'all there' mentally next season. I can't imagine he'd tank it for an entire season but who really knows? Meanwhile, the Globe is reporting that its "likely" that the Red Sox will offer Trot Nixon salary arbitration by today's deadline. If they really want Trot for another year (and given his earlier comments, he's probably likely to accept) that has to mean they are committed to dealing Manny. Otherwise, presuming Drew is signed shortly, Coco or Wily Mo have to be on the way out, if Nixon is on the way back. And where does Manny go? Rumors continue to swirl about San Diego, which has been a regular trade partner lately. SP Jake Peavy may be available, and they have a lefty 1b who hit very well in his first year. That's a deal I could go for, as Peavy appears to have the stuff to make it in the AL (he's led his league in ERA and SOs at least once in the last three years). Schill, Peavy, Beckett, Paps and Wakefield would look awfully good. Schill, Matzusaka, Peavy, Beckett and Paps would be positively sick, especially with four of them 26 or younger heading into next season. One thing to worry about would be Peavy adjusting to a far less pitcher-friendly park than Petco, however.

Those are great ideas, Al, but do we have reason to believe that Concord is thinking in that way?

I beg to differ, Ray. No one, and nothing can redeem that steaming pile. (And yes, I have the Ammons CD) Not horrible, Dan, but I've got a little pop ditty that you might enjoy on my upcoming BFT (others, though, might not think so highly of it). Actually, it's the one track I'd bet you'd easily identify. Are you programming Gene Harris' version of "Ode to Billy Joe"? Then I'm in!

I beg to differ, Ray. No one, and nothing can redeem that steaming pile. (And yes, I have the Ammons CD) Dan, I beg to differ with you. -_- I hated the tune until I heard Sarah Vaughan sing it - absolutely divine! Well, mileage has been known to vary.

I passed on this one in favor of satisfying more of my blues jones. But I can say that the dealer ships quick (just don't expect a lot of communication), so if anyone wants to grab it its right here sealed for $6. edit: FYI, shipping is a little steep at $3.50 for media, $8 for Priority.

I beg to differ, Ray. No one, and nothing can redeem that steaming pile. (And yes, I have the Ammons CD)

um, yeah.

Well I'm glad he enjoyed his last project.

When you consider the state of writing skills among young people today and factor in that she probably didn't go to a normal 8 hour a day public school past the age of 12, I am not remotely surprised at the state of her writing skills. Her PR people, however, ought to be fired. Unfortunately, chances are that they are also in their early twenties, subject to the same "education" system, and therefore incapable of recognizing bad writing or rampant grammatical errors.

Did you realize the review was doctored before or after winning the bid? I realize your interest is independent of Yanow's review ... For the moment, I'm at the seller for doing what he did. But do report back on your purchase and tell us which review is more accurate.

Let's not forget that a lot of used records come from people who are no longer concerned about vinyl vs CDs, but rather the soundtrack of the particular place they're now residing. Their survivors are the ones who are keeping the record store well stocked in Born in the USA and Yackity Sax.

Most women like ascension much more than the alternative.

What, is the new date a state secret? Or did the email just say the date is changed. B&N's website gives "November 2006" and also lists it as usually available in 1-2 weeks, so they're not accepting "pre-orders". Amazon still says November 30.

Here's a rather amusing National Lampoon parody of the whole situation: Seinfeld Lost Episode You have to load up their media player and find the clip, but its worth the wait.