Uncle Skid

Braxton - Quartet (Birmingham) and Quartet (Coventry). These have been on my "want list" for way too long. Time to pony up the cash and git 'er done.

Charlie Rouse – Red Rodney "Social Call" is one I'd consider a "must-have" -- plus, there are NO trombones on that record!

And thank you to DTMX for the reviews of the shows I missed -- I really wish I could have seen BassDrumBone in particular -- I've been playing a lot of Braxton Quartet (w/Gerry Hemingway) stuff lately.

His name is "Damion Reid". I too enjoyed his playing a lot and made the point of telling him so afterwards and learning his name. He seemed like a very nice guy too. He is on the Robert Glasper trio CDs. I plan to check those out soon. Thanks, Bol.

Sounds like she was asked a question, and answered it matter-of-factly. Of course, it might be different if she had called a press conference just to make that announcement. I heard that story too but am cynical enough to think it could have been a "plant". Well, that thought occurred to me as well, so maybe it was calculated to generate "controversy". If it was, it worked.

If the article is accurate, I have to disagree with Chuck, and Big Al as well: Sounds like she was asked a question, and answered it matter-of-factly. Of course, it might be different if she had called a press conference just to make that announcement.

Chick Corea - The Song of Singing (Blue Note)

Well, I had an absolutely wonderful time -- great music, conversation, food, and beer. Wish we could have a larger board "hang" -- was hoping to meet DTMX & GregK, and to see Joe again. Lazaro was there for both trio shows, and I'm looking forward to his (and Chuck's) take on those events. Rudresh put on a great show. My only complaints: I couldn't see Vijay (not that big of a deal), and I couldn't hear Vijay (bigger problem). The music was mostly from Mahanthappa's recent Codebook recording. My favorite: his tune called "The Decider", which was inspired by the "foibles of our fearless leader". I'm fascinated by the various "influences" in his music -- Indian music, philosophy, mathematics. Scheduled drummer Dan Weiss was replaced by another musician (anybody catch his name?) that was outstanding. I've never seen anybody play that intense and fast yet remain solidly musical at all times. I caught the last few tunes of Carnival Skin's set at the Firefly. Wish I could have seen more -- Perry Robinson was captivating. Second time I've seen (and enjoyed) Hilliard Greene on bass, as Chuck, Lazaro, and I saw him earlier this year in Michigan with Steve Swell/Gebhard Ullman/Barry Altschul. The Faruq Z. Bey Project on Saturday afternoon was my first introduction to his music. Chuck filled me in on the details -- I need to check out more from his various groups, including the Northwoods Improvisers. His poem/tribute to Albert Ayler was a highlight, although the audience did have trouble hearing parts of it, especially when the band got louder. I saw only the first set of The Trio, but that was enough to leave me speechless. I had seen Roscoe once before, but even that didn't adequately prepare me for this concert. Greg's description was spot on, as I also didn't know what to expect from Lewis' laptop. I was afraid that it might detract from the music, but that wasn't the case at all. Three master musicians/improvisers/composers on stage together, in an intimate setting, surrounded by people there "to listen": a truly unforgettable evening.

Two great records! Yesterday, at Encore Records in Ann Arbor: Roscoe Mitchell "Song for My Sister", Jimmy Smith "The Sermon" (the non-RVG version), Anthony Braxton "Vancouver Duets" (w/Marilyn Crispell), and Chick Corea "The Song of Singing" on vinyl.

Got it on EMusic... great stuff!

Most hotels are booked solid, but I was able to find a room at a Holiday Inn not too far away. Looking forward to hearing Rudresh tomorrow night!

James Curulewski did a solo album? Holy crap!

Nice! Thanks for posting that link.

What's the deal with the $2.50 shipping costs? Not a problem, of course, as long as that goes to the cause as well.

"oh, by the way, I think you're an idiot aloc" As are the Canadian versions of Sapporo and Foster's.

Dump the crocs. I'll box 'em up and send them to you tomorrow.

Actually, Skid is bored with Skid's threads, as well. (dang, I now I sound like aloc! ) I'm pretty much inept when it comes to shopping for clothes. True story: my best outfits were chosen with the assistance of my 14-year old daughter.

Well, my name is Mark... I'll leave it to you to draw your own conclusions...

Me, too! Guess jeans, pink izod polo shirt (w/collar up, of course), Member's Only jacket... knit tie for special occasions.. Seriously, I spend most of my time working in my home office, so it's jeans and t-shirts here. When I visit client sites, I usually try to roughly match whatever their employees/managers wear -- nice shirt, something that's not jeans, but never any ties. Most electrical engineering/software people I work with are usually in jeans all the time anyway, so I'm occasionally over-dressed. I know I'm becoming an old fart when I see younger people in offices wearing flip-flops and shorts and find that totally inappropriate. This ain't the damn beach!

Happy Birthday, Tom! I've really enjoyed all the photographs you've posted... outstanding!

You been hangin' w/Unkle Skid?

Happy Birthday, DC!!!

From a popular atheist/agnostic forum: EverLastingGodStopper Also, both clever and offensive at the same time: Chuck Fristians disclaimer: IIRC, the second one was eventually shortened to just "Chuck", as most people, including non-religious types, found it inappropriate. I agree.

Probably Cecil Taylor.

Thanks for the help Jim and Glenn -- very much appreciated. I was able to find both versions Jim mentioned (on EMusic). Also, two more swingin' versions from Ella Fitzgerald and Rosemary Clooney. Once I have the lyrics in my head, I'll go back and see if this arrangement makes more sense to me... I'm betting it will! -- Mark