Uncle Skid

After being out for awhile, I just signed up again... I can't believe how much they have added in the last year or so. I logged in (with my original email/password), just to check their current pricing -- and then logged out. Very soon after that, I got an email for "50 free downloads" if I rejoined -- I was already thinking about it, so that just made the decision even easier. Things that look interesting: Mal Waldron & Steve Lacy - At the Bimhuis 1982 Steve Swell's Nation of We - Live at the Bowery Poetry Club (4 tracks, md655321) Steve Swell / Perry Robinson - Invisible Cities Misha Mengelberg - Four In One Martial Solal - Exposition Sans Tableau Billy Bang - Vietnam: Reflections Cuong Vu - Bound Ornette Coleman - Sound Grammar (already have it on CD, but highly recommended!) Plus, lots of Duke Ellington, Paul Bley, and a whole bunch of Albert Ayler that I haven't heard yet: Bells/Prophecy, New York Eye And Ear Control, Slug's Saloon Vol. 2, Spirits Rejoice, and the Holy Ghost box set (!)

Emptyin' the frig of various odds and ends. Just finished a Foster's "Special Bitter" in the world-renowned "Oil Can". Next up: Leinenkugel's Original. When that's gone, it's Michelob, in cans, if I'm still thirsty. At least the Old Milwaukee is finally gone!

Re: "Fear of a Blank Planet" and "Stupid Dream": After only a few spins each, and reserving the right to change my mind, of course, I prefer the older record. My initial impression is that there is more variety, shading, and subtlety in "Stupid Dream". I was pleasantly surprised to hear saxophone and flute(!) on a record that also has some pretty hard rockin' moments. I think jmjk mentioned it earlier, but Chris Maitland's drumming was also a highlight for me. I suppose it's inevitable that PT would be compared to Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Radiohead et. al., but the 2nd tune on Fear sounds like Houses of the Holy or Physical Graffiti -- but in a good way. PT gets that balance of light/heavy done in a way that works for me. But, I also hear things that remind me of Disintegration-era Cure (among other things), so it's hard to generalize. Overall, to both records...

Any thoughts on Howard Zinn's People's History of the United States: 1492 to Present? I know this is a somewhat controversial book (and may not qualify as "no axe to grind"), but it's my understanding that his scholarship is solid. I read this a few years ago, and I've been following this thread with interest -- thanks for the recommendations thus far.

Oh yeah? Well my dad sat next to Lou Rawls on a plane!

Dang, guys, I'm totally feelin' left out here! I've got "Fear of a Blank Planet" and "Stupid Dream" on order... should be here tomorrow or Monday.

Great record! Ron also plays cello on this one... which IIRC, is also part of the Tyner Mosaic Select.

Wow, there's a name from my past! I went to high school with Fred in north Wilmington, DE! Not only that, but cello was my second instrument (still playing the piano for my livelihood), and I played in our modest school orchestra (seated ahead of Fred, actually). I had not heard that he was known as a jazz cellist, nor heard anything of him these nearly 30 years! Fred is on a record discussed here -- highly recommended!

That's just someone attempting to cash in on recent (tragic) events. That same Mosaic set sold for $187 just 10 days ago.

Another enthusiastic recommendation for Complete Communion! I know the OP asked for the same instrumentation, but (to my ears, anyway) these records are similar in overall sound and conception: Archie Shepp - Four For Trane (Impulse) Archie Shepp & The New York Contemporary Five (Storyville)

LOL @ Aggie!

Speaking of the Velvet Lounge, I don't have a whole lot of Delmark stuff, but I really enjoy this one: Ernest Dawkins' New Horizons Ensemble - The Messenger: Live at the Original Velvet Lounge. There's also a DVD of this performance. Really makes me wish I had been there!

I see that we already have "Forum Rules" and a general help section that covers the technical aspects -- how to post, use of control panel, etc. Maybe we should also have a "New Users: Read this First!" page that could cover some of these issues that seem to come up frequently? This really seems to be a Forum Netiquette problem, and I do agree with Chuck that it is not unreasonable to expect people to use the search function. But, being that this board presumably draws people with widely different levels of computer/internet experience, it might make sense to consider this addition.

Happy Birthday, Mark! I also enjoy all the photographs... thanks!

I also found it painful to think that he was talking to an 11 year-old like that, but fail to see how this is "newsworthy". It's a private, family issue, and should be dealt with accordingly. I honestly don't want to hear "the full story", just like I don't give two shits about who's the father of Anna Nicole's baby, or countless other distractions that the media deems important.

My sentiments, as well. His music has truly enriched my life, and, like only a few other artists, I can recall clearly the first time I heard many of his recordings. And with repeated listenings they just keep getting better and better...

Happy Birthday!

Just logged in here, no problems.

My jacket was light grey. I guess I'll stop pickin' on Al for now.

Don't worry Chuck... I can totally hook you up with some Styx burns...

Also just put about 5k in the mail, including the first installment of 2007 estimated taxes. I hate like heck to write those big checks, but it's better than letting Uncle Sam use my money all year.

Our friend Al is probably too young to have owned a leisure suit. It's all about the red leather pants. Maybe some platform boots, a la Gene Simmons? Or not. But I'll bet anybody $100 he had a Members-Only Jacket and a knit-tie.

I've seen him several times in several different bands...always good! Are you going tonight, Agg? I've also seen him a few times. A solid player, for sure, but his playing has never really "hit" me yet. I'm interested to hear your impressions...

We all know you're a closet Christian rock fan, Alexander. 'Fess up now. You'll feel better.

I just sat there mesmerized for most of the show. Two thoughts came to mind: 1) I can’t believe that four human beings can make that much MUSIC, maintaining such a high-level of intense, yet controlled artistry through two forty-plus-minute sets, and 2) that it’s depressing that musicians of this stature aren’t playing to much larger audiences. Randy, really wish you could have been there… Altschul was amazing. Thanks again for posting this, Lazaro. A memorable experience, to say the least.