GA Russell

Global Draft Results https://www.cfl.ca/2025-global-draft-tracker/ ***** Draft analyses https://3downnation.com/2025/04/27/2025-cfl-draft-rankings-defensive-backs/ https://3downnation.com/2025/04/28/2025-cfl-draft-rankings-specialists/ https://3downnation.com/2025/04/29/3downnations-2025-cfl-draft-top-25-prospect-rankings/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/04/28/top-20-canadian-draft-prospects-for-2025-cfl/ https://3downnation.com/2025/04/28/top-eight-specialists-in-2025-cfl-global-draft/ https://3downnation.com/2025/04/28/top-10-position-players-in-the-2025-cfl-global-draft/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/04/28/mmqb-3-burning-questions-for-cfl-draft-week/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/04/28/cfl-draft-set-to-turn-dreams-into-reality-on-tuesday/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/04/28/3-things-to-know-ahead-of-the-2025-cfl-draft/ https://www.cfl.ca/everything-you-might-have-missed-ahead-of-the-2025-cfl-draft/ https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/best-player-or-positional-need-how-the-riders-should-approach-the-cfl-drafts-tomorrow/ https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/who-the-edmonton-elks-should-take-for-the-2025-cfl-draft/ ***** The Spring Scouting Bureau report was released yesterday. https://3downnation.com/2025/04/28/spring-cfl-scouting-bureau-canadian-receiver-elic-ayomanor-jumps-to-top-spot/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/04/28/elic-ayomanor-vaults-to-top-spot-in-spring-edition-of-cfl-scouting-bureau/ ***** Alexander Hollins has signed with the Elks. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/04/28/edmonton-elks-sign-receiver-alexander-hollins/ https://3downnation.com/2025/04/28/edmonton-elks-sign-former-b-c-lions-receiver-alexander-hollins-after-cflpa-grievance/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/edmonton-elks-sign-wide-receiver-alexander-hollins-ahead-of-training-camp-1.2297164 ***** The Ticats traded Matthew Peterson to the Bombers for Kyle Samson. Draft picks were also exchanged. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/04/29/ticats-land-dl-kyle-samson-in-draft-day-trade-with-bombers/ https://3downnation.com/2025/04/29/winnipeg-blue-bombers-acquire-canadian-rb-matthew-peterson-in-trade-with-ticats/ ***** Stanley Bryant will turn 39 May 7, and will be the league's oldest non-kicker. https://3downnation.com/2025/04/27/winnipeg-blue-bombers-ol-stanley-bryant-officially-cfls-oldest-non-kicker/ ***** Sask news https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/riderville-roundup-april-27-2025/ https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/ranking-the-last-10-saskatchewan-roughriders-first-round-picks/ ***** Obby Khan has been elected Manitoba's Leader of the Opposition. https://3downnation.com/2025/04/27/longtime-cfl-player-obby-khan-voted-new-leader-of-progressive-conservative-party-of-manitoba/ *****

Cyrus Chestnut Rhythm, Melody and Harmony Impacting April 29th, 2025 Format: Jazz # Artist and Track Title Time 1. Cyrus Chestnut - Cured and Seasoned (Instrumental) 05:35 2. Cyrus Chestnut - Autumn Leaves (Instrumental) 05:34 3. Cyrus Chestnut - Ami's Dance (Instrumental) 06:41 4. Cyrus Chestnut - Prelude for George (Instrumental) 06:44 5. Cyrus Chestnut - Twinkle Tones (Instrumental) 05:18 6. Cyrus Chestnut - Song for the Andes (Instrumental) 06:10 7. Cyrus Chestnut - Big Foot (Instrumental) 05:26 8. Cyrus Chestnut - Moonlight in Vermont (Instrumental) 03:20 9. Cyrus Chestnut - There Is a Fountain (Instrumental) 05:17 Cyrus Chestnut's Latest Release on HighNote Records Cyrus Chestnut Rhythm, Melody and Harmony HighNote Records HCD 7363 Cyrus Chestnut - piano Stacy Dillard – tenor saxophone (tracks 1, 2, 6 & 7) & soprano saxophone (tracks 3, 4, 5 & 9) Gerald Cannon – bass (except track 😎 Chris Beck – drums (except track 😎 Airplay Starts Now • Suggested tracks 2. Autumn Leaves 5:32 • 3. Ami’s Dance 6:40 6. Song for the Andes 6:10 • 7. Big Foot 5:25

Since everyone else is listening to Gary Burton today, I have opened this up. I picked it up during a 2021 oldies.com 99-cent sale.

I guess I should look for some video.

Did Ted's swing make the bat bend?

I have not seen anything about the Athletics. Are they playing their home games in Sacramento, as I read last fall?

That was one of my first jazz albums. Still a favorite!

Rick Zamperin and Simoni Lawrence will be the Ticats' new radio team. https://3downnation.com/2025/04/25/hamilton-tiger-cats-hire-rick-zamperin-simoni-lawrence-as-radio-broadcast-duo/ ***** The Riders have let go Ryquell Armstead. https://3downnation.com/2025/04/25/saskatchewan-roughriders-release-former-nfl-rb-ryquell-armstead-one-other/ https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/riders-running-back-competition-recedes-with-release-of-ryquell-armstead-on-friday/ ***** Draft analyses https://3downnation.com/2025/04/26/2025-cfl-draft-rankings-linebackers/ ***** I had the Ronnie Knox and Jim Bakhtiar cards. ***** The new football!

👍 This reminds me of a Bob and Ray routine.

Surprisingly quiet compared to the previous year's rousing performance.

Draft analyses https://www.cfl.ca/2025/04/25/where-to-watch-the-2025-cfl-draft/ https://3downnation.com/2025/04/24/2025-cfl-draft-rankings-offensive-linemen/ https://3downnation.com/2025/04/25/2025-cfl-draft-rankings-defensive-linemen/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/04/24/cfl-stars-offer-unique-perspective-on-25-cfl-draft-prospects/ ***** Devonte Williams has retired. https://3downnation.com/2025/04/23/ottawa-redblacks-rb-devonte-williams-retires-from-cfl/ ***** Brandon Dozier has signed with the Ticats. https://3downnation.com/2025/04/24/hamilton-tiger-cats-sign-american-db-branden-dozier-one-other/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/04/25/ticats-add-two-defensive-backs-including-veteran-branden-dozier/ https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/hamilton-tiger-cats/monson-brings-in-a-familiar-face-tiger-cats-sign-db-dozier/ ***** Stewart Johnston began his reign as Commissioner yesterday. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/04/24/stewart-johnston-introductory-press-conference/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/04/24/lifelong-cfl-fan-stewart-johnston-ready-to-lead-as-commissioner/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/04/25/meet-the-new-cfl-commissioner-his-vision-for-the-future-of-the-league/ https://3downnation.com/2025/04/24/the-anti-ambrosie-stewart-johnston-measured-in-introduction-as-cfl-commissioner/ https://3downnation.com/2025/04/24/cfl-expansion-not-a-primary-focus-for-incoming-commissioner-stewart-johnston/ https://3downnation.com/2025/04/24/how-stewart-johnston-became-the-cfls-15th-commissioner/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/stewart-johnston-officially-begins-tenure-as-commissioner-of-the-cfl-1.2294356 https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/johnston-discusses-stance-on-expansion-his-vow-to-make-the-cfl-a~3121524 https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/johnstons-goals-for-cfl-include-growth-game-enhancement-and-ensu~3121522 ***** Best pass rusher discussion https://www.cfl.ca/2025/04/24/who-is-the-best-pass-rusher-in-the-cfl/ *****

In Out and Around is my favorite album.

I received this email today. Mack Avenue Music Group & Strata-East Reissues Charles Tolliver & Music Inc - Live at Slugs’, Volume I & II, Stanley Cowell - Musa: Ancestral Streams, Charlie Rouse - Two Is One Available Today on 180-gram Vinyl, CD and Digital Pharoah Sanders - Izipho Zam (My Gifts), Reissued on Vinyl for Record Store Day, Available Today on CD and Digital 32 Strata-East Titles are Available Digitally Today for the First Time Ever visit strataeast.mackavenue.com for all albums Through a recently announced partnership with Strata-East Records, Mack Avenue Music Group releases audiophile quality reissues of Charles Tolliver & Music Inc.’s Live at Slugs’, Volume I & II, and Stanley Cowell’s Musa: Ancestral Streams, and Charlie Rouse’s Two Is One. The three albums are available today on 180-gram vinyl, CD and digital platforms. Pharoah Sanders’ Izipho Zam (My Gifts), which was released on vinyl for Record Store Day on April 12, 2025, is also available today on CD and digital. Pressed at Record Technology Inc. (RTI) on 180-gram vinyl and mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio with audio cut directly from the original analog tapes, the vinyl editions come in high-quality, glossy tip-on gatefold jackets. Also available today, for the first time ever, are 32 albums from the Strata-East catalog on all digital platforms, in the highest-resolution available for these releases. Charles Brackeen | Rhythm X The Brass Company & Bill Lee | Colors Stanley Cowell | Regeneration Stanley Cowell | Such Great Friends (feat. Billy Harper, Reggie Workman, Billy Hart) The Descendants of Mike and Phoebe & Bill Lee | A Spirit Speaks Shamek Farrah | First Impressions Shamek Farrah, Sonelius Smith | The World of the Children John Gordon | Step by Step Billy Harper | Capra Black The Heath Brothers | Marchin’ On! (feat. Stanley Cowell) John Hicks | Hells Bells John Hicks | Steadfast Clifford Jordan | Glass Bead Games Cecil McBee | Mutima The New York Bass Violin Choir & Bill Lee | The New York Bass Violin Choir Billy Parker | Freedom of Speech Cecil Payne | Zodiac The Piano Choir | Handscapes The Piano Choir | Handscapes 2 Charles Tolliver | Charles Tolliver All Stars: Right Now…And Then Charles Tolliver | Live in Berlin at the Quasimodo Charles Tolliver & Stanley Cowell | Music Inc Charles Tolliver & Music Inc | Compassion Charles Tolliver & Music Inc | Live at the Loosdrecht Jazz Festival Charles Tolliver & Music Inc | Live in Tokyo Charles Tolliver & Music Inc Orchestra | Impact Various Artists | Strata-East: The Legacy Begins Harold Vick | Don’t Look Back ABOUT THE ALBUMS For the first time ever, Charles Tolliver and Music Inc’s Live at Slugs’, Volume I & II is released together in one set, presenting the full power of these historic performances in a unified collection. Recorded live in 1970 at the legendary Slugs' in New York City, the albums feature Tolliver’s fiery trumpet alongside an all-star lineup: Strata-East co-founder Stanley Cowell on piano, Cecil McBee on bass, and Jimmy Hopps on drums. These high-energy recordings capture the raw intensity and innovation of the Music Inc quartet, showcasing their technical brilliance and cohesive interplay. Remastered in stunning detail, this release unites two of the most celebrated live albums in jazz history for the first time on CD and digital platforms, as well as on 180-gram vinyl. The digital release features 3 never-before-released bonus tracks, totaling 41 minutes of unreleased music. The vinyl release also includes new liner notes by Marcus J. Moore and never-before-seen photos, making this release a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and collectors alike. Featuring stunning solo piano work by Strata-East co-founder Stanley Cowell, Musa: Ancestral Streams is a landmark album in jazz, celebrated for its intimacy and innovation. Recorded in 1974, it stands as one of the most significant solo piano albums of its time, blending jazz with classical, African, and Eastern influences. Cowell’s pioneering use of both electric and acoustic piano expands the expressive range of the instrument, creating a deeply personal and spiritual experience. Musa: Ancestral Streams is a cornerstone of the Strata-East discography, reflecting the label’s commitment to artistic freedom and genre-defining works. It not only highlights Cowell’s extraordinary vision as a musician but also exemplifies Strata-East’s role in championing boundary-pushing, artist-produced records. For the first time ever, this pioneering solo work from the famed pianist will be available on CD and digital platforms, as well as on 180-gram vinyl. The digital release features an alternate take on the classic “Travelin’ Man” as well as 3 additional never-before-released bonus tracks. The vinyl edition also includes new liner notes by Nate Chinen and never-before-seen photos, making this release a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and collectors alike. Charlie Rouse’s groundbreaking album Two Is One is a funk-infused exploration of jazz that embodies the innovative spirit of Strata-East Records. Originally recorded in 1974 and transferred from the original analog tapes, Two Is One fuses sophisticated soul jazz with post-bop and spiritual influences while highlighting stellar collaborations with guitarists George Davis and Paul Metzke, Cal Scott on electrified cello, and the incomparable Stanley Clarke on electric bass. For the first time ever, this classic from a saxophone legend will be available on CD and digital platforms, as well as on 180-gram vinyl. It also includes new liner notes by Syd Schwartz and never-before-seen photos, making this release a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and collectors alike. Izipho Zam (My Gifts) is a groundbreaking jazz masterpiece. Recorded in 1969, two years after John Coltrane's passing, and released in 1973 on Strata-East, the album features a 13-member ensemble, including Sonny Sharrock, Lonnie Liston Smith, Cecil McBee, and Leon Thomas. Blending Eastern influences with expansive jazz, Sanders’ genius is highlighted with "Prince of Peace,” showcasing Thomas' unique vocals, and the 28-minute title track, offering an exploration of dissonance and harmony with West African percussion and meditative chants. For the first time ever, this seminal work from a legendary saxophonist will be available on CD and digital platforms as well as on 180-gram vinyl, which features new liner notes by Syd Schwartz. Charles Tolliver & Music Inc - Live at Slugs’, Volume I & II Stanley Cowell - Musa: Ancestral Streams Charlie Rouse - Two Is One Pharoah Sanders - Izipho Zam (My Gifts) (CD & Digital April 25, Vinyl April 12 via RSD 2025) Mack Avenue Music Group/Strata-East Release Date: April 25, 2025 For more information about Mack Avenue Music Group & Strata-East’s partnership, please visit: strataeast.mackavenue.com For more information about Strata-East Records, please visit: www.serecs.com  # # #

Pere Ubu's David Thomas Dies at 71

I enjoy the Valentino series, but this one was below average. Take away all the writing about the detective's relationships with all the women in the book, and there's not much story left. By the way Joe, Criterion is mentioned on page 228!

The Easter Bunny brought me this Sunday. Disc One

Draft analyses https://www.cfl.ca/draft-tracker/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/04/23/top-3-cfl-draft-priorities-for-each-team/ https://3downnation.com/2025/04/22/2025-cfl-draft-rankings-quarterbacks-running-backs-and-fullbacks/ https://3downnation.com/2025/04/23/2025-cfl-draft-rankings-receivers/ ***** The Riders' Colton Hunchak has retired as a player, and has joined the Stampeders' coaching staff. https://3downnation.com/2025/04/22/veteran-canadian-receiver-colton-hunchak-retires-from-cfl/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/04/22/stamps-add-former-receiver-colton-hunchak-to-coaching-staff/ ***** Bombers analysis https://www.cfl.ca/2025/04/22/5-things-to-know-for-2025-winnipeg-blue-bombers/ ***** Ticats analysis https://www.cfl.ca/2025/04/23/top-of-the-depth-chart-hamilton-tiger-cats-3/ ***** Randy Ambrosie has written his Farewell Address. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/04/23/a-message-from-the-cfls-14th-commissioner-randy-ambrosie/ ***** Sask drafts review https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/ranking-the-5-worst-jeremy-oday-draft-picks-as-riders-gm/ *****

Michika Fukumori Brings Renewed Hope and Confidence To "Eternity and a Day," To Be Released June 6 By Summit Records Pianist-Composer's Fourth Album Features Seven Original Compositions, Four Beloved Standards In a Trio with Bassist Steve Whipple & Drummer Adam Nussbaum   April 22, 2025 Pianist-composer Michika Fukumori’s increasing assurance and inherent optimism both come to the fore on Eternity and a Day, her marvelous fourth album, set for a June 6 release on Summit Records. A trio album featuring bassist Steve Whipple and esteemed drummer Adam Nussbaum, it also includes four jazz standards and seven original compositions—the first record on which her own writing forms the majority. It is also the first of Fukumori’s albums on which she serves as her own producer. Hence her rising confidence as both an artist and a technician is clear. The optimism, too, is readily apparent with just a listen. Indeed, one can see the hope emanating out of some of her titles, including “Another Tomorrow,” “Our Future (Reiwa),” and “There Is Always Light.” Fukumori also locates it in the album’s title track. “While an ordinary day can feel eternal, its fleeting nature reminds us to cherish and live each day deeply,” she says. “This idea permeates the entire album, offering a message of embracing each moment with light in our hearts and a sense of purpose.” The music does just that. “Acaso” immediately evokes joy in its sprightly Brazilian rhythm and sunny, eager melodic trajectory. Both “Another Tomorrow” and “Port (The Departure)” ring with the readiness for a new adventure. And perhaps no other track redounds with hope and embrace of the day more than “The Light of Dawn,” a beautiful, graceful reminder of the bliss that comes with seeing in a new morning. It’s not just Fukumori’s formidable originals that express these sentiments, however. One can’t miss them in the carefree raptures of Fats Waller’s “Jitterbug Waltz,” the breathless romance of Nicholas Brodzky and Sammy Cahn’s “Be My Love,” or even the ingenious interweaving of Chopin’s “Prelude Op. 28, No. 4” with Jobim’s “How Insensitive.” The pieces are as carefully chosen and deftly executed as Fukumori’s originals, another example of Eternity and a Day’s assured grasp of jazz tradition. Michika Fukumori was born in the city of Iga, Mie Prefecture, on Japan’s main island of Honshu. She grew up in a small rural town nearby. She was only three years old when she began playing piano; by the time she was six, she was composing her own melodies. Initially studying classical music, she quickly found a passion for jazz as well. Still, classical composition was Fukumori’s field of choice when she matriculated at Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Music. But that was only the beginning of her studies. Upon graduating from Aichi Prefectural, she moved to Tokyo, where she fell under the tutelage of celebrated jazz pianist Colgen Suzuki and began a jazz piano career of her own. She worked in the various clubs in Japan’s capital city while continuing her studies with Suzuki (learning how to arrange for big bands in the process). Arriving in New York in 2000 to study music at City College of New York, Fukumori found herself a protégée of jazz titans Geri Allen and Ron Carter—and also engaged piano master Steve Kuhn, her personal hero, as a private teacher (a role he would maintain for nearly two decades). Earning her master’s degree from CCNY in 2003, Fukumori built a reputation and an audience working at New York’s top-tier jazz clubs: Lenox Lounge, Cleopatra’s Needle, Antique Garage, Arturo’s, Jazz at Kitano, Zinc Bar, and the legendary Blue Note. She also began a tradition of annual visits to her homeland, where she has a separate but no less enthusiastic following. Fukumori recorded her first album, Infinite Thoughts—a collection of standards and her original title track—in 2004, in a stellar trio with bassist David Finck and drummer Billy Drummond. Her next effort, 2016’s Quality Time (joined again by Drummond along with bassist Aidan O’Connell), included four originals, while her solo recording Piano Images (2018) brought the quotient up to half originals, half standards. On Eternity and a Day, for which Fukumori also serves as producer, her own compositions outnumber standards for the first time. Fukumori’s upcoming NYC performance schedule includes the following: Sun. 5/4 & Sun. 5/18 Arturo’s, 106 W. Houston St. (solo, 7-11pm); Sat. 5/17 & Sat. 5/24, Antique Garage Tribeca, 313 Church St. (trio, 7-10pm); Sun. 6/1, Sun. 6/22, & Sun. 6/29 Arturo’s (solo, 7-11pm). She has also booked a tour of Japan 8/21-9/21.    EPK: Michika Fukumori "Eternity and a Day"  Michika Fukumori Website  

Kickers' pay (I didn't know that Cody Grace is a back-up quarterback.) https://3downnation.com/2025/04/21/the-cfls-10-highest-paid-kickers-and-punters-for-the-2025-season/ ***** Top 3 Cornerbacks https://www.cfl.ca/2025/04/21/mmqb-ranking-the-cfls-top-3-cornerbacks/ ***** I guess we can see here whose scouting departments have been better than everybody else's over the past thirty years.

I hope everyone has enjoyed his Easter. Remember, Monday is Half-Price Chocolate Day! ***** DB pay https://3downnation.com/2025/04/20/the-cfls-20-highest-paid-defensive-backs-for-the-2025-season/ ***** Sask news https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/riderville-roundup-april-20-2025/ *****

Worthwhile. Some years ago I read a WSJ article about MacDonald which suggested that his early novels might be up my alley.

Happy Easter, my friends! ***** LB pay https://3downnation.com/2025/04/19/the-cfls-15-highest-paid-linebackers-for-the-2025-season/