GA Russell

There will be a kickers' tryout in San Diego George Washington's birthday. https://3downnation.com/2026/02/17/28-kickers-set-to-participate-in-cfl-showcase/ https://www.cfl.ca/2026/02/17/fourth-annual-cfl-kicking-showcase-headed-to-san-diego/ ***** Four noteworthy unsigned free agents https://www.cfl.ca/2026/02/17/4-compelling-free-agents-still-on-the-market/ ***** Eastern free agency recap https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/article/cfl-east-division-free-agency-recap-redblacks-make-a-splash-argos-ticats-retool/ ***** The Ticats will have a new end zone section. https://3downnation.com/2026/02/17/hamilton-tiger-cats-to-expand-in-stadium-fan-zone/ ***** Zach Collaros is thinking that this year might be his last. https://3downnation.com/2026/02/17/winnipeg-blue-bombers-qb-zach-collaros-says-2026-cfl-season-could-be-his-last/ ***** ***** ***** *****

Happy Mardi Gras!

I recently re-sorted my CDs into boxes. New (unheard) box sets New singles New Vocals Miles Monk/Newk/Coltrane EMI family jazz Christmas Surf Guitar and Surfing Bossa Nova Heard box sets Heard jazz Heard '60s rock Recently Heard

Free Agent analysis https://www.cfl.ca/2026/02/16/mmqb-4-offensive-free-agency-fits-that-make-sense/ ***** Ottawa analysis https://3downnation.com/2026/02/16/ottawa-redblacks-embrace-change-dive-into-cfl-free-agency-to-overhaul-roster/ ***** Calgary analysis https://3downnation.com/2026/02/16/calgary-stampeders-return-to-tradition-settle-for-tweaks-in-2026-cfl-free-agency/ ***** Gregor MacKellar has signed with the Redblacks. https://3downnation.com/2026/02/16/ottawa-redblacks-sign-offensive-lineman-gregor-mackellar-sources/ ***** Martez Ivey has signed with the Redblacks. https://3downnation.com/2026/02/16/ottawa-redblacks-sign-2024-all-cfl-west-division-ol-martez-ivey/

Art: Episode 10 https://artpepper.bandcamp.com/track/art-episode-10-2

Free agent Shayne Gauthier will not be returning to the Bombers. https://3downnation.com/2026/02/14/winnipeg-blue-bombers-move-on-from-veteran-shayne-gauthier/ ***** Sask analyses https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/riderville-roundup-february-15-2026/ https://3downnation.com/2026/02/15/breaking-down-saskatchewan-roughriders-depth-chart-after-2026-cfl-free-agency/ ***** Edmonton analysis https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/the-2026-edmonton-elks-free-agency-re-cap/

BANDCAMP DOWNLOAD PRE-ORDER WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM MARCH 13, 2026. 'Soft Machine is not just a band, it's an ever evolving concept.' Notes by Sid Smith 'Thirteen’ is the thirteenth studio album by classic British band Soft Machine. Comprising thirteen brand new tracks, the album marks a new chapter in the group’s 60 year history. Soft Machine is one of the greatest UK avant/jazz-rock bands of all time. Originally one of the Canterbury Scene bands, their work, from their earliest performances as a psychedelic band who were contemporaries of, and shared stages with Syd Barrett’s Pink Floyd and the Jimi Hendrix Experience, all the way to being one of Europe’s best known ‘fusion’ bands has influenced several generations of bands, and continues to be name-checked by today’s hip experimentalists. Whilst the line-up of Soft Machine may have changed many times since the heady days of the late 1960's, the band's spirit of musical adventure, and the ease with which it freely avoids being pigeonholed has stayed a constant – as it moves from powerful progressive jazz rock to atmospheric psychedelia to free improvised jazz to ambient loop music. ‘Thirteen’ features legendary guitarist John Etheridge who has been with the band over 50 years in superb form. Whilst all four members of the band contribute compositions, the album’s main composer is saxophonist, flautist and keyboard player Theo Travis who wrote six of the album’s thirteen tracks, including the longest most progressive track of the set ‘The Longest Night’ (clocking in at just over 13 minutes). The newest member of the group is drummer and composer Asaf Sirkis. Former Soft Machine drummer and songwriter Robert Wyatt said of Asaf – “I’ve known Asaf’s gifts for years, certainly enough to say that as far as I can see there’s nothing he can’t do when he puts his mind to it.....his kit skills just keep expanding but what really gets to me are his ethereal, haunting compositions....” The album is incredibly broad in its breadth and scope. Tracks include ‘Pens to the Foal Mode’ which is a completely free group improvisation; ‘Open Road’ a rocky track which sees the band soaring on all burners with fiery solos by both Etheridge and Travis; the ballad ‘Disappear’ which starts with ethereal looped flutes and develops into a beautiful piano led and drum less miniature and ‘Turmoil’ penned by bassist Fred Baker which brims with deranged fuzz bass, manic solos and an almost unhinged clamor. ‘Daevid’s Special Cuppa’ sees a cameo by founder member Daevid Allen (his guitar part being recorded years earlier, and the track built around it) in a psychedelic tribal set piece with soprano sax, guitar and duduk (a haunting Armenian traditional wooden flute like instrument) floating over hypnotic rhythms. Produced by Theo Travis. Recorded by Ru Lemer at Temple Music Studio, Surrey April 2025. Mixed by Andrew Tulloch at the Blue Studio, London August/September 2025 Mastered by Andrew Tulloch at the Blue Studio, London November 2025 Cover artwork is by Turkish artist Esra Kisir Gokcen.   SOFT MACHINE confirmed and announced dates: John Etheridge – electric guitar Theo Travis - tenor & soprano saxes, flute, Fender Rhodes piano, electronics Fred Thelonious Baker – bass guitar Asaf Sirkis - drums & percussion Mar 19 - London, UK (Ronnie Scott’s) Mar 20 - Chelmsford, UK (Hotbox) Mar 28 - Halesworth, UK (The Cut) April 07 - Manchester, UK (Band on Wall) Apr 08 - Ambleside, UK (Zeferrelis) Apr 09 - Kinross, UK (Green Hotel) Apr 11 - Birmingham, UK (Conservatoire, Bradshaw Hall) Apr 16 - Bellinzona, Switzerland (Teatro Sociale) Apr 18 - Breno, Italy (Teatro delle Ali) May 03 - Gouveia, Portugal (Gouveia Art Rock Festival) May 14 - Deal, UK (The Lighthouse) Jun 12 - Paris, France (Le Triton) Jun 20 - Yealmpton, UK (Community Centre) Jun 21 - Exeter, UK (Phoenix Arts Centre) Jul 03 - London, UK (New Cross Inn) Jul 24 - Teramo, Italy (Piazza Sant’Anna, MoonJune Festival) with special guest Gary Husband (keyboards) Aug 15 - Cropredy, UK (Cropredy Festival) Oct 16 - Tilburg, Netherlands (Paradox) Oct 17 - Aachen, Germany (Musikbunker) Oct 18 - Hamburg, Germany (Nica Jazz Club) Oct 20 - Vienna, Austria (Porgy & Bess) Oct 22 - Budapest, Hungary (Off Kultur) Oct 24 - Munich, Germany (tbc) Oct 25 - Furth, Germany (Kofferfabrik) Oct 27 - Passau, Germany (Café Museum) Oct 30 - Chur, Switzerland (Streaminghall) Oct 31 - Wintertur, Switzeralnd (Gaswerk) Nov 01 - Russelheim, Germany (Das Rind) Nov 28 - Sutton, UK (Sound Lounge) Dec 03 - London, UK (Cadogan Hall, with Colosseum) Dec 05 - Southampton, UK (1865, with Colosseum) Many more shows to be announced soon. Sorry, no USA dates this year.   SOFT MACHINE, The MoonJune Years SOFT WORKS (2002-2004) SOFT MACHINE LEGACY (2004-2014) SOFT MACHINE (2015-2026 and onwards) https://softmachine-moonjune.bandcamp.com ELTON DEAN HUGH HOPPER ALLAN HOLDSWORTH JOHN MARSHALL JOHN ETHERIDGE THEO TRAVIS RIY BABBINGTON FRED BAKER ASAF SIRKIS

Cherokee ("a Valentine Freebie") From 1975, with Blue Mitchell and Lou Levy. https://artpepper.bandcamp.com/track/valentine-freebie-all-month

Disc Three (the album)

Disc One I am reading his book A Cure for Gravity, so I opened this up.

Disc One 1952 - 1954

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

A former executive reminisces. Not the product of research and investigation.

Elroy Face has died at 97. RIP. I read a book about pitching not too long ago, and it said that to throw a forkball one must have unusually large hands. I had his bubble gum card in 1960.

Free Agent analyses https://www.cfl.ca/2026/02/13/which-team-made-the-biggest-splash-in-free-agency/ https://www.cfl.ca/2026/02/13/5-big-play-free-agent-receivers-still-available/ https://www.cfl.ca/2026/02/13/9-sneaky-good-free-agency-signings/ ***** Dionte Ruffin has signed with BC. https://www.cfl.ca/2026/02/13/lions-sign-defensive-back-dionte-ruffin/ https://3downnation.com/2026/02/13/b-c-lions-sign-former-montreal-alouettes-starter-dionte-ruffin/ ***** The Elks have let go Martez Ivey. https://www.cfl.ca/2026/02/13/elks-release-offensive-lineman-martez-ivey/ https://3downnation.com/2026/02/13/edmonton-elks-release-former-all-cfl-west-division-selection-martez-ivey/ ***** Sask analysis https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/piffles-top-5-questions-for-the-riders-after-free-agency/

Free Agent analyses https://www.cfl.ca/2026/02/12/5-free-agency-signings-that-are-perfect-fits/ https://www.cfl.ca/2026/02/12/5-free-agent-signings-to-watch-in-2026/ ***** Kurleigh Gittens, Jr., a favorite of mine, has signed with the Ticats. https://www.cfl.ca/2026/02/12/ticats-sign-receiver-kurleigh-gittens-jr-to-two-year-contract/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/article/tiger-cats-sign-veteran-receivers-gittens-jr-shemar-bridges/ https://3downnation.com/2026/02/12/hamilton-tiger-cats-sign-canadian-receiver-kurleigh-gittens-jr-sources/ https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/hamilton-tiger-cats/tiger-cats-add-the-consistent-hands-of-wr-gittens-jr/ ***** The Elks have announced their coaching and operations staffs. https://3downnation.com/2026/02/12/edmonton-elks-unveil-coaching-staff-add-former-ticats-lb-nic-cross-as-football-operations-assistant/ https://www.cfl.ca/2026/02/12/elks-announce-coaching-staff-football-operations-personnel-for-2026/ ***** Winnipeg analyses https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/bombers-explode-on-day-1-of-free-agency-reflections/ https://3downnation.com/2026/02/12/that-eventually-bites-you-in-the-ass-winnipeg-blue-bombers-change-status-quo-in-cfl-free-agency/

Yesterday was Free Agent Day. I haven't seen anything inconsistent with last week's reports. Apparently nobody changed his mind. Here are a few articles which summarize the day. https://www.cfl.ca/2026/02/10/a-team-by-team-look-at-2026-cfl-free-agency/ https://www.cfl.ca/2026/02/10/3-impactful-signings-on-day-1-of-cfl-free-agency/ https://www.cfl.ca/2026/02/11/3-busiest-teams-on-opening-day-of-cfl-free-agency/ https://www.cfl.ca/2026/02/11/grading-every-teams-2026-cfl-free-agency-so-far/ https://www.cfl.ca/2026/02/11/a-look-at-9-new-faces-in-new-places/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/article/cfl-free-agency-tracker-follow-the-latest-as-day-1-kicks-off/ https://3downnation.com/2026/02/10/2026-cfl-free-agency-live/ https://3downnation.com/2026/02/11/every-cfl-teams-gains-and-losses-in-2026-free-agency/ ***** And here are some names that either I missed last week (or don't remember), or waited till this week to come to terms. Devodric Bynum to the Stampeders. https://www.cfl.ca/2026/02/10/stamps-sign-american-defensive-back-devodric-bynum/ ***** Mario Alford to the Ticats. https://3downnation.com/2026/02/10/hamilton-tiger-cats-sign-former-saskatchewan-roughriders-returner-mario-alford/ https://www.cfl.ca/2026/02/10/tiger-cats-sign-returner-receiver-mario-alford-reciever-tyson-middlemost/ https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/hamilton-tiger-cats/tiger-cats-upgrade-special-teams-with-super-mario-alford/ ***** Trevor Reid to the Ticats. https://3downnation.com/2026/02/10/hamilton-tiger-cats-sign-former-riders-left-tackle-trevor-reid-after-nfl-stint/ https://www.cfl.ca/2026/02/10/ticats-sign-offensive-lineman-trevor-reid-to-two-year-contract/ ***** Charbel Dabire to the Ticats. https://3downnation.com/2026/02/11/hamilton-tiger-cats-sign-former-saskatchewan-roughriders-dl-charbel-dabire/ https://www.cfl.ca/2026/02/11/ticats-sign-defensive-lineman-charbel-dabire/ https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/hamilton-tiger-cats/tiger-cats-add-muscle-in-the-middle-with-dt-charbel-dabire/ ***** Jovan Santos-Knox to the Blue Bombers. https://3downnation.com/2026/02/10/jovan-santos-knox-agrees-to-terms-with-winnipeg-blue-bombers/ ***** Keric Wheatfall to the Ticats. https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/hamilton-tiger-cats/tiger-cats-fire-up-offense-with-wr-wheatfall-and-ol-reid/ https://3downnation.com/2026/02/10/hamilton-tiger-cats-sign-former-winnipeg-blue-bombers-receiver-keric-wheatfall/ ***** Tyron Vrede to the Roughriders. https://3downnation.com/2026/02/10/saskatchewan-roughriders-sign-global-special-teamer-tyron-vrede/ ***** Braydon Noll to the Alouettes. https://3downnation.com/2026/02/10/montreal-alouettes-sign-former-riders-ol-braydon-noll/ ***** Andre Miller to the Argonauts. https://3downnation.com/2026/02/10/toronto-argonauts-sign-former-ottawa-redblacks-receiver-andre-miller/ ***** Dawson Pierre to the Lions. https://3downnation.com/2026/02/10/b-c-lions-sign-dawson-pierre-following-release-by-ottawa-redblacks/ ***** Fraser Masin to the Ticats. https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/hamilton-tiger-cats/punter-fraser-masin-brings-his-powerful-leg-to-the-hammer/ https://3downnation.com/2026/02/10/hamilton-tiger-cats-sign-former-first-overall-cfl-global-draft-pick-fraser-masin/ ***** In regard to money... https://3downnation.com/2026/02/11/official-ottawa-redblacks-make-jake-maier-highest-paid-backup-qb-in-cfl/ https://3downnation.com/2026/02/11/official-ottawa-redblacks-make-a-j-allen-highest-paid-linebacker-in-cfl-salary-cap-era/ https://3downnation.com/2026/02/11/official-edmonton-elks-make-malik-carney-highest-paid-american-defensive-player-in-cfl-salary-cap-era/ https://3downnation.com/2026/02/11/official-edmonton-elks-make-coulter-woodmansey-highest-paid-offensive-lineman-in-cfl-salary-cap-era/ https://3downnation.com/2026/02/10/official-ottawa-redblacks-make-greg-bell-highest-paid-american-running-back-in-cfl/ ***** Winnipeg analysis https://3downnation.com/2026/02/11/how-do-the-winnipeg-blue-bombers-look-after-cfl-free-agency/ ***** Sask analyses https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/riderville-roundup-february-8-2026/ https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/opinion-saskatchewan-roughriders-quiet-in-free-agency-for-a-reason-they-dont-need-to-make-any-splashes/ ***** Barry Wilburn has died at 62. RIP. https://3downnation.com/2026/02/08/grey-cup-winner-super-bowl-champion-barry-wilburn-killed-in-house-fire/ ***** Craig Butler will be an assistant coach at Western this year. https://3downnation.com/2026/02/11/former-cfl-player-coach-craig-butler-joins-western-mustangs/ ***** Jim Robson has died at 91. RIP. https://3downnation.com/2026/02/10/b-c-lions-mourn-passing-of-legendary-broadcaster-jim-robson/ ***** Here is more on the league's $10 million increase in revenue in 2025. https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/cfl-2025-season-yields-10m-in-league-wide-revenue-growth/

Derek Shulman - 1947 Didier Lockwood - 1956

Daggerboard Showcases A Pair of Iconic Musical Associates on "The Skipper and Mike Clark," Set for Release March 6 on Wide Hive Album Features Bassist Henry "Skipper" Franklin, Drummer Mike Clark Joining Core Daggerboard Duo of Erik Jekabson & Gregory Howe, Performing 10 Original Compositions By Jekabson, Howe, & Franklin   February 9, 2026 Daggerboard—the collaborative effort of trumpeter/composer Erik Jekabson and multi-instrumentalist/composer Gregory Howe—retrains its spotlight on the rhythm section with The Skipper and Mike Clark, dropping March 6 on Howe’s own Wide Hive Records. The titular characters are bassist Henry “Skipper” Franklin and drummer Mike Clark: two of the living legends of jazz, whose alchemy when brought together forms the core of the new album. Neither Franklin nor Clark is a newcomer to Daggerboard’s pool of collaborators. The bassist previously featured on their 2022 sophomore effort, the aptly titled Daggerboard and the Skipper; the drummer entered the fray two years later on Escapement (which also included Franklin). The two have been friends and collaborators, however, for going on three decades, evidencing a remarkable chemistry even after long silences between them. “We always could right away play together without saying anything,” Clark says. “I love Skipper. He’s a very close friend and a deep musician. His time is so strong.” However, their solid, powerful groove has never been quite so front-and-center on Daggerboard’s recordings as it is on The Skipper and Mike Clark. (The album also includes guitarist Dave MacNab, pianist Matt Clark, violinist Mads Tolling, and saxophonist Dave Ellis—also regular fellow travelers of Daggerboard’s—along with two new additions, vibraphonist Dillon Vado and conguero Babatunde Lea.) Its eight Howe-Jekabson compositions are clearly shaped around the rhythmic possibilities that the two bring to the fold. From the seamy, crawling opener “Desierto de Tabernas,” to the funky struts of “Runnin’ Into One” and “A Pride in the Prairie” to the mellow melancholia of “Tranquil Blue,” it’s the eponymous pair that provide definition and direction. Erik Jekabson and Gregory Howe aka Daggerboard at Wide Hive Records' Berkeley studio. Ironically, it’s Franklin’s two gentle contributions, “Tanzanian Skies” and “Ruaha Daybreak,” that seem to be the album’s most melodically inclined. Yet there’s some sleight of hand at play there, with “Tanzanian Skies” offering one of the bassist’s meatiest and most rhythmically complex solos and both tunes giving Clark’s virtuosic kit chops a serious workout. That said, there are wonderful melodic jewels to be found all throughout the record. “Changing Emphasis” is deliciously orchestral, featuring as its centerpiece a tough but thoughtful tenor solo from Ellis. The saxophonist takes another top-flight turn, this time on soprano, on “Brother Ranelin.” Clark and MacNab do gorgeous work on “Tranquil Blue.” Jekabson’s flugelhorn, meanwhile, takes the focus with a bravura display on “Street Sheik,” itself a moody and lyrical ballad. Bass and drums may get pride of place on The Skipper and Mike Clark, but it’s a tour de force for all involved. Daggerboard is the fruit of the creative union between Bay Area trumpeter and composer Erik Jekabson (far left) and composer, keyboardist, guitarist, singer, and percussionist Gregory Howe (near left) who is also the founder of Berkeley-based Wide Hive Records. Erik Jekabson, born March 23, 1973 in Berkeley, is a link in the chain of superior trumpeters to come out of Berkeley High School. His musical journey took him to Oberlin Conservatory, New Orleans, France, and New York, where he developed both his skills and his résumé. A homecoming at the age of 30 made him a permanent Bay Area presence, and in the intervening years he’s established a fearsome reputation around Northern California as not just a player and composer, but an arranger, bandleader, and educator. Gregory Howe, born in 1969 in Santa Barbara, came to jazz music through his father’s record collection. Though his initial impulse was to work in environmentalism—he studied political and environmental sciences at Massachusetts’ Williams College and worked in the environmental activist sector in ’90s San Francisco—music became a calling that he couldn’t ignore. He broke into the Bay Area music scene with the fusion band Liquid Ambar, then, in 1996, he founded Wide Hive: a café, live music venue, recording studio, and record label in San Francisco’s Mission District. Over the next three decades, Howe recorded and produced albums by the likes of Larry Coryell, Phil Ranelin, and Eddie Henderson (among many others), eventually moving his operations to Berkeley. Howe and Jekabson came together in 2014, when Howe recruited Jekabson to record trumpet parts for an album he was producing by Throttle Elevator Music (an early project of California saxophonist Kamasi Washington). The trumpeter became both a regular with TEM and a Wide Hive artist in his own right. He and Howe decided to initiate a project together, taking the name Daggerboard from the title of a track from the last TEM album. Their own first recording, 2021’s Last Days of Studio A, placed the duo at the nucleus of an assemblage that included Bay Area stalwarts like saxophonist Kasey Knudsen, organist Mike Blankenship, guitarist Mike Ramos, and drummer Mike Hughes. For the following year’s Daggerboard and the Skipper, Howe and Jekabson invited esteemed bassist Henry “The Skipper” Franklin to join them, with spectacular results. Another renowned veteran, drummer Mike Clark, signed on for 2024’s Escapement. The Skipper and Mike Clark, again featuring Franklin and Clark, is Daggerboard’s fourth album. Photography: Scott Chernis    Daggerboard EPK  Daggerboard Website  

Mike, this is the German edition of 75 Years of Capitol Records. https://www.amazon.com/75-Years-Capitol-Records-XL/dp/3836550288/ref=sr_1_3 I haven't seen it; but even if it does not include a discography, perhaps its index will include the title of what you are looking for.

Episode 53 https://artpepper.bandcamp.com/track/straight-life-episode-53-the-caper