Dan Gould

I agree, Rooster, it sounds pretty bad. Not only do I like the one-by-one method, but I also like the personal delivery we do at our house, no piles of packages, ours are hand-delivered. Can anyone tell I've gotten into the Christmas spirit?

1. The reed squeaks give it away-this has got to be Bird. You know that's why he got the nickname, right? 2. Smooth yet rough, yin and yang in equal measure. Considering that she does everything "rough" I'm going to say its Tina Turner with Yanni. 3. Theme from Mighty Mouse, but this is the Jim Carrey version. Sweet!

"Lexington Avenue pressing, with dog slobber on it but makes a nice play copy." Oops, sorry, wrong parody.

And with two weeks to go, it'd have to be quick!

Really as far back as I can remember, its always been quite civilized in my house-one at a time (sometimes two if Dad felt things were dragging) so that each gift got its moment in the sun.

Methinks the "when we get to it Christmas Day" crowd all are childless! When I was younger, it was a huge, endless process, because in the morning we would do the "Santa" gifts to each of the kids, followed by brunch, followed by the equally lengthy exchanges of personal gifts from family member to family member. That reminds me of another poll topic ...

I think you answered your question with your description of BN as a "Larger" company: Large companies don't innovate very often and adopt so quickly to new selling systems, plus larger companies are likely to institute tighter controls on inventory costs and therefore require certain minimum sales which, if not met, lead to deletions. Maybe in that wonderful digital future I keep hearing about ....

Personally, I've never understood the Christmas Eve thing.

Who says it has to be two days, POTRICIA? And WHO named you Queen? There is one single determining factor that no one has mentioned: Would the members of Organissimo be willing to travel to hang? They are the linchpin-if they are willing to travel, then it ought to be majority rule.

A bit sensitive aren't we??? I just went looking for a Belushi pic to go with the "EXCUUUUUUUUSSEE MEEEEEEEE!" line and happened to find that one. Do whatever you want whenever and wherever you want. But aside from the supposed symbolism, what possible purpose is served by Lansing? Think any non North Americans are gonna make it to Lansing? At least they can actually book a flight to St. Louis.

There's something wrong with a city that's easy to get to, is a major metropolitan area, has a significant jazz history, and is located pretty darn close to the center of the US? Well EXCCUUUUUUUUUSSSEEEE MEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And what a small world, Burt ended up at Florida State University, where I would matriculate 20 years ago! But did you know that back then he was "Buddy" Reynolds????

Nah, I'm saving my energy in case we have the much discussed Organissimo "get together". I'll duct tape you to a tabletop and play Evan Parker and Johnny Dodds for a couple of hours. Will that be simultaneously, or will I not be able to tell the difference? And if you'll look at the get-together thread, it looks like we're circling around St. Louis, possibly in June, so you might get your shot. Of course, it might behoove me to stop losing weight between now and then, it might be tougher for you to pin me down on that table.

Jim, you shouldn't have the impression that I was "unhappy" with your discs. Just because your tastes are wider than mine-I mean, I'm not pissed off at hearing Threadgill or Braxton or whoever. I just happend to learn many years ago that, among many, those are two artists (assuming they were on the test as some have guessed) I don't get into. I think that my Don't Know, Don't Care (DKDC ) shorthand was taken as an indication that I was offended or annoyed. Rather, I was simply hearing styles that I am not fond of. Is that so wrong? After all, we're all entitled to our likes, as well as our dislikes. So, don't promise anything on your next test, and I for one promise that I'll sign up for it when the time comes. After all, we've shared enough music that I just know you've got good stuff to put on one of these!

Happy Birthday, Dmitry!

As my rather harsh reaction to certain elements of Jim's test has triggered some discussion about the "boudaries" of jazz, etc., I'm wondering what people are getting out of these things, and what they are hoping to get (aside from cool compilation disc(s)!) Are you looking to discover mindblowing connections between seemingly disparate music? Or just good tunes you didn't know about and may lead you to buy music you wouldn't otherwise have heard? Myself (and I can hear Chuck getting ready to slam me as I write), I am mostly hoping for exposure to music I don't know but would enjoy. I don't think I have the acute hearing to pick up on the things that others may find, but I do hope to hear good music I haven't heard before. A perfect example is Jim R.'s choice of the Guaraldi track. I haven't tried old Vince aside from the Peanuts music, and so this was a great introduction which will definitely lead to a purchase-I'm just trying to keep my buying down right now. I am more than willing to hear music outside of my comfort zone on these things but I don't anticipate radical re-working of my jazz interests. And its not because I'm shut off or rigid-I spent the early years of my jazzing exploring all sorts of styles, including many of the artists on Jim S.'s disc (if the guesses so far are close), and after 15 years of listening to this music, I think I know what I like. So what do you get out of the Blindfold test? New music Interesting juxtapositions free tunes or something else?

Couw, I well understand that the music other people want to share may be far afield from the jazz I myself like. What started this thread, partially, was my surprise at hearing JB and Marvin Gaye on Jim's discs. I accept that there are areas of jazz I don't get into (even if Chuck can't accept that fact and wants to give me shit about it)-my objection lies in going outside even the widest definition of jazz. But hey, everyone can do what everyone wants to do-no one is looking over their shoulders when they make up their discs. And I will continue to participate, don't worry about that. I just may have higher hopes for, say, Brad's disc than Rooster's This reminds me of a topic I wanted to launch ...

Chris: To answer your questions: 1.Watch for an announcement from the next BF compiler (couw) and e-mail or send a private message expressing your interest. If you want to help out with distribution, tell him at the same time-I know he needs the help! 2. You only participate in the BF tests if you contact the giver of the test. There is no presumption that everyone who has participated will participate in the future, its a blank slate. So, sign up when you know you will have time to participate. 3. Don't worry about inexperience. As someone (Tom Storer?) posted, at least 75% of guesses are wrong or "I don't know". Just give your responses to the music; if you can identify a song or think you know a soloist, go for it, but no one will look poorly at you if you're wrong-most of us are wrong, most of the time!

Well, I'm glad St. Louis is getting some support; the question is, can we do this to coincide with the Jazz Convention? Once again, here're some details from Euclid Records: JAZZ COLLECTORS TAKE NOTE- The International Association of Jazz Record Collectors annual convention will be held here in our hometown of St. Louis, MO, June 16-19. The last two days will be open to the public and will feature a Jazz and Blues only record and CD convention. We already have obligations from some of the best record dealers in the U.S. the convention will also feature live music, Jazz films as well as guest speakers. We'll be supplying more information as it develops but this will be an event NOT to miss! For more information about the IAJRC as well as membership info, check the website at http://www.geocities.com/iajrc/ There'd be lots to do at the convention alone, and St. Louis has its charms as well ...

Very true, Free For All. I got into Jeff through his tenure with Gene Harris and Ray Brown. Bout to listen to his leader dates on Lake Street and Mons. Great stuff!

I'm sorry but I cannot for the life of me understand Lansing or Duluth! C'mon, folks, International Jazz Record Collectors convention in a great city, St. Louis, mid-June, 2004. Including a two day CD and Record show with only jazz and blues! Euclid Records! Blueberry Hill bar in U. City! Petrofsky's for bagels! O'Connells for the best burgers on the planet! The Gateway Arch! The Cards! And I would say that getting to St. Louis, at least from within the States, is pretty darn easy. What is there to see or do in Duluth or Lansing?????

Can anyone shed some light on this 1978 album? I notice in Mike Fitzgerald's Savoy discography, it was the last in the 1400 series, which is described as "Mostly Gospel". But even if it is, I could definitely enjoy Houston's soulful sound on some soul uplifting tunes. Thanks in advance!

I don't think Mike has any interest in preserving the BN threads per se, he's just looking for ways to attract or keep traffic coming.

Now aren't you glad you got to hear a cut ahead of time on my BF CD?

Well, I'd say its fine so long as you do not intend to take the opportunity to mine the best answers from others and pass them off as your own.