GA Russell

Guitarist Pete McCann Flexes Jazz-Rock Muscles On "Pay for It on the Other Side," Set for July 20 Release by McCannic Music Recording Features Ten Originals, Performed by McCann's Longtime Quintet With Saxophonist John O'Gallagher, Keyboardist Henry Hey, Bassist Matt Clohesy, & Drummer Mark Ferber CD Release Show Thursday, July 12, At 55 Bar, NYC May 29, 2018 Pete McCann's trademark infusion of postbop jazz with roots-rock grit and energy reaches a new peak with the guitarist-composer's July 20 release of Pay for It on the Other Side (McCannic Music). McCann's sixth album, and his third with the quintet of alto saxophonist John O'Gallagher, pianist/keyboardist Henry Hey, bassist Matt Clohesy, and drummer Mark Ferber, packs a hefty punch that emphasizes the confrontational aspect implied by its name. "It sounds like an aggressive album title," McCann acknowledges, noting that on one level, the title refers simply to the toll he pays every morning when he crosses the George Washington Bridge from New Jersey into New York. He adds, though, that if there's a confrontation at work in the music, it's one that takes place in the afterlife. "I'm fascinated by the spiritual implications of karma," he says. "How we treat people and the environment and the consequences of that." Far from ethereal, mystical meditations, however, McCann's ten new compositions are earthy and direct. Tunes like the title track, "Mud Flap," and "Conventional Wisdom" land with a crunch, loaded with driving rhythms and intense, instantly memorable hooks. Even more tranquil tunes like "Yonder" and "Indemnity," and jazzier, more overtly complex pieces like the angular swinger "Is April Okay?" and the bluesy, noir-ish "Floor Three," are delivered with an immediacy and command that grabs the listener's attention from the moment they begin. The music also carries a strong sense of synergy that McCann attributes to the chemistry at work within the band. "These musicians have the ability to read and play anything I put in front of them, yet also bring their own creativity to the project," he says. "They have the ability to flesh out what I'm thinking even before I say it." He wrote the music on Pay for It on the Other Side with the band members specifically in mind. "I definitely heard John O'Gallagher's alto voice on all this music," he says. "Henry has so many ideas for sounds and different instruments. His playing is so unique, walking a fine line between terrific jazz piano, funky clavinet, accordion, organ. He's like a one-man band. And I love the way Mark and Matt work together. They have an amazing sense of time and feel." Pete McCann was born in 1966 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and raised there in a bustling farm household. Radio and turntable played sounds of country, rock 'n' roll, and heavy metal, and thus the pathway to a life in music came into view. Pete's love affair with the guitar began at age eight, when his mother persuaded the local music store to take him at an early age for lessons. As a junior high and high school student, he attended Shell Lake Jazz Camp, 80 miles from Eau Claire, for six summers in a row. Master classes in jazz improvisation with teacher Mike Irish and weekly guitar lessons with Russ Moss provided further inspiration. At University of North Texas, he studied with Jack Peterson; during his junior year, he attended a summer program at the Banff Centre in Alberta, studying with Kevin Eubanks. Arriving in New York shortly after his 1989 graduation, McCann gigged with the East Down Septet, performed with Erwin Vann's Worlds project, and subbed for Ben Monder in the Maria Schneider Orchestra. He has also worked with Lee Konitz, Brian Blade, and Dave Liebman, as well as the Mahavishnu Project (in which he was endorsed by John McLaughlin himself), Patti Austin, Grace Kelly, and Curtis Stigers. McCann is also a member of the quartet Spin Cycle, co-led by drummer Scott Neumann, whose ties with the guitarist date back to college days, and saxophonist Tom Christensen. That group debuted in 2016 with Spin Cycle; their 2018 follow-up is Assorted Colors. McCann made his first recording, Parable (1998), in a quintet setting featuring bassist Tim Lefebvre and drummer Matt Wilson. Two more albums with varying lineups followed before McCann's current quintet coalesced for 2009's Extra Mile and 2015's Range. Pete McCann and his quintet will perform a CD release concert at the 55 Bar, NYC, on Thursday 7/12 (10pm start, two sets). Photography: Dennis Connors "Is April Okay?" from Pete McCann's "Pay for It on the Other Side" Web Site: petemccann.com

I stumbled upon this book yesterday. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016UEUIF6

Joe, when I was in school a music professor once said that it was fairly common when recording for classical maestros to speed up the tempo faster than what the composer had in mind, for the purpose of fitting the piece on the record without interruption.

Caravan put out consecutive albums in '70 and '71, and in my dorm room Side 2 got most of the listens.

Brad, I remember when Bob Dylan said (maybe mid-'90s) that most people had an attention span of only 20 minutes, and that length would be suitable for an album!

In the LP days, I was very content with 35-40 minutes. Now with box set CDs, I'm good for about 60 minutes; then I need something entirely different.

Clint Walker has died at 90. RIP. His Cheyenne was the first of a number of Warner Bros. westerns on ABC which has their own unique feel. https://www.bing.com/search?q=Clint+Walker&filters=tnTID%3a"7254F090-362D-4cf8-9BA3-1E0CA74E5CA2"+tnVersion%3a"2484598"+segment%3a"popularnow.carousel"+tnCol%3a"14"+tnOrder%3a"39b38a3c-3c37-4704-ba83-102fd0d3ae29"&FORM=BSPN01&crslsl=1630&efirst=11

Camps open today. Here are more previews. https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/19/primer-team-team-look-2018-training-camp/ https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/19/ultimate-cfl-training-camp-survival-guide/ http://3downnation.com/2018/05/16/training-camp-preview-riders-back-grey-cup-contenders/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/16/green-cast-training-camp-preview-darian-durant-bonuses/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/17/ticats-training-camp-preview-part-1-offence/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/19/ticats-training-camp-preview-part-2-defence/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/17/stampeders-training-camp-preview-wait-happened/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/18/bombers-open-training-camp-mostly-set-roster/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/18/riders-hold-practice-humboldt/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/18/3downnation-podcast-critical-training-camp-questions-cfl-team/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/18/argos-training-camp-preview-part-1-offence/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/18/lions-training-camp-preview-hervey-not-wasting-time/#comments ***** Johnny Manziel has signed with the Ticats. I'm skeptical because I don't think that winning the Grey Cup is on his bucket list. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/19/johnny-manziels-ticats-contract-details/#comments https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/19/social-media-erupts-signing-johnny-football/ http://3downnation.com/2018/05/19/johnny-manziel-says-hes-signed-ticats/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/19/three-things-know-johnny-manziel-signing/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/19/cfl-commish-ambrosie-statement-on-johnny-manziel/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/19/ticats-officially-announce-johnny-manziel-signing/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/19/full-video-johnny-manziel-introductory-ticats-press-conference/#comments https://www.cfl.ca/live/2018/05/19/live-press-conference-ticats-introduce-johnny-manziel/ http://3downnation.com/2018/05/19/succeed-johnny-manziel-must-fully-embrace-cfl-reality/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/19/johnny-manziel-says-cfl-isnt-just-pitstop/#comments https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/19/oleary-manziel-long-haul-ticats/ https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/19/derel-walker-hes-one-of-those-players-thats-going-to-bring-excitement/ https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/19/quote-board-manziel-saying-right-things-early/ https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/19/jones-manziel-faces-tough-competition-start/ https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/19/oleary-manziel-signing-will-create-ripple-effect-across-cfl/ https://www.bing.com/search?q=Johnny+Manziel+CFL&filters=tnTID%3a"40461002-BF9D-4e21-BD2A-28BC57C73B92"+tnVersion%3a"2479105"+segment%3a"popularnow.carousel"+tnCol%3a"19"+tnOrder%3a"1c751a87-5047-4623-8826-19f6c4065fd8"&FORM=BSPN01&crslsl=2771&efirst=18 ***** Tampa Bay has released Jeff Knox, Jr. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/18/former-riders-lb-jeff-knox-jr-released-by-tampa-bay-buccaneers/#comments ***** Adam Bighill has signed with the Bombers. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/19/former-lions-star-lb-adam-bighill-signs-bombers/#comments https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/19/bombers-ink-former-bc-star-lb-adam-bighill/ ***** 3DownNation has posted its final off-season power rankings. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/17/3down-power-rankings-eskimos-take-top-spot/#comments ***** The Ticats and the City of Hamilton have settled their lawsuit regarding Tim Hortons Field. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/17/city-hamilton-ticats-reach-settlement-stadium-lawsuit-sources/#comments ***** Da'quan Bowers has changed his mind, and decided to retire. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/18/eskimos-dl-daquan-bowers-retires/#comments ***** Nick Moore has retired. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/18/former-lions-bombers-receiver-nick-moore-retires/#comments ***** The Eskimos have cut John White. http://www.3downnation.com/2018/05/19/eskimos-cut-rb-john-white/#comments https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/19/report-eskimos-cut-veteran-rb-john-white/ ***** BC has cut Mic'hael Brooks. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/18/lions-release-dl-michael-brooks/#comments ***** Nik Lewis has retired (as a player). http://3downnation.com/2018/05/17/nik-lewis-says-hes-granted-release-moving-alouettes/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/17/alouettes-announce-nik-lewis-retired/#comments ***** The Als cut Jovan Olafioye, and he promptly signed with BC. https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/19/report-als-release-starting-left-tackle-olafioye/ ***** Dan West has signed with the Redblacks. https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/19/redblacks-sign-dan-west-eve-camp/ ***** The Als have cut Tevaughn Campbell. https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/19/als-release-tevaughn-campbell-sign-draft-picks/ ***** Jeremy Lewis has changed his mind, and decided to retire. https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/19/lions-sign-first-round-pick-godber-lewis-retires/ ***** The Argos received their Grey Cup rings Friday. https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/18/double-blue-gets-gc105-bling/ http://3downnation.com/2018/05/18/argos-receive-105th-grey-cup-championship-rings/#comments

This one is now at Amazon's lowest price - $10.99 prime https://www.amazon.com/Come-Spy-Us-Secret-Songbook/dp/B00IC5IJNK

Buffalo Springfield - What's That Sound? (Complete Albums) (5 CDs) - $30.54 prime pre-order https://www.amazon.com/WHATS-SOUND-Complete-Albums-Collection/dp/B07CPLPGLK

Every Friday I receive an email from oldies.com which highlights the day's new releases. Today's email included this one! Quite a surprise. https://www.oldies.com/product-view/70611P.html?c=ON3242&utm_source=OLDIES.com+Emails&utm_campaign=77a2b38544-send_3242&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f79786119b-77a2b38544-187732661&goal=0_f79786119b-77a2b38544-187732661&mc_cid=77a2b38544&mc_eid=6703a4b92e

oldies.com has Lloyd McNeil's Asha for $21.11. https://www.oldies.com/product-view/45863P.html

Some of the guys drafted have attended NFL mini-camps, but none were offered contracts. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/14/no-1-cfl-draft-pick-receiver-mark-chapman-not-offered-contract-new-york-giants/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/15/no-contract-offers-for-canadian-players-invited-to-nfl-rookie-mini-camps/#comments ***** New Orleans has released Adam Bighill. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/14/former-cfl-standout-lb-adam-bighill-released-by-saints/#comments https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/14/bighill-released-nfls-saints/ ***** The Bombers have released Matt Coates. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/14/bombers-release-canadian-receiver-matt-coates/#comments https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/14/bombers-release-coates-sign-three-draft-picks/ ***** Mathieu Girard will come out of retirement to return to the Ticats. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/14/mathieu-girards-surprise-return-big-boost-ticats-offensive-line/#comments https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/14/ticats-girard-comes-retirement/ ***** Nik Lewis has retired. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/15/nik-lewis-on-retirement-decision-ive-come-to-terms-with-it/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/14/alouettes-veterans-chip-cox-and-nik-lewis-considering-retirement/#comments https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/15/nik-lewis-trolling-us-hanging-em/ ***** Frank Beltre has signed with the Argos. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/15/argos-sign-former-stampeders-dl-frank-beltre/#comments ***** The Argos have released Jeff Mathews. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/16/argos-release-former-ticats-qb-jeff-mathews/#comments https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/15/argos-release-quarterback-jeff-mathews/ ***** Simeon Rottier has retired. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/16/eskimos-ol-simeon-rottier-retires-least-now/#comments https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/16/rottier-retires-six-seasons-esks/ ***** Ottawa camp preview http://3downnation.com/2018/05/16/redblacks-training-camp-primer-battles-every-position/#comments ***** Hamilton camp schedule http://3downnation.com/2018/05/16/ticats-release-training-camp-schedule/#comments ***** 5/16 checking down https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/16/checking-latest-rookies-qbs-report/

Alan Hall's Ratatet Addresses Current Turmoil in American Society with "Heroes, Saints and Clowns," Set for Release June 22 on Ridgeway Records Follow-Up to "Arctic," Critically Acclaimed 2016 Debut by San Francisco Bay Area Drummer/Composer & His Sextet CD Release Show with Ratatet Octet At Hillside Club, Berkeley, Saturday, July 7, To Feature Exhibit of Paintings & Photography by Hall May 16, 2018 San Francisco Bay Area drummer, composer, and bandleader Alan Hallturned to music when he found himself in the midst of what he describes as "some of the greatest turmoil our country has ever experienced." In order to cope, he penned the sonic vignettes heard on his new CD Heroes, Saints and Clowns,set for June 22 release on Ridgeway Records. Performed by his genre-bending sextet Ratatet, which was formed in 2014 and made its recording debut in 2016 with the critically acclaimed album Arctic, the seven musical portraits reflect people who inspired, empowered, or infuriated him during today's unsettling times. "It's just impossible to escape what's going on these days," says Hall, a native of San Jose and one of the West Coast's premier drummers and music educators. "This music is informed by what I see in the news, the violence, the police, the politics. At the same time, we have to keep our chins up. I'm also looking at personal heroes, people who help me stay positive." Heroes, Saints and Clowns brings together an impressive set of improvisers, including Paul Hanson on tenor sax and bassoon (acoustic and with effects); Jeff Denson on double bass and five-string fretless electric bass; trombonist John Gove; Dillon Vado on vibraphone and percussion; and Greg Sankovich on piano, organ, and keyboards. They're joined on several tracks by Oregon's Paul McCandless on English horn and oboe, and cellist Joseph Hebert. L. to r.: Dillon Vado, Jeff Denson, Paul Hanson, Alan Hall, John Gove, Greg Sankovich. Together they use an electro-acoustic sonic palette to interpret a program of improvised and through-composed music ranging from the satirical to the sublime, from the serene to the disruptive. Hall, who blurs boundaries between composition and improvisation, uses his ensemble as a brush to paint musical portraits ranging from chamber jazz and tone poems to pieces with the moodiness of Mingus, the zaniness of Zappa, and the serialism of Stravinsky. That Hall's compositions lend themselves to being described in terms usually applied to the visual arts is not surprising given that he is a master of both the drum brush and the paint brush. Initially inspired by an exhibition of Alexander Calder sculptures he saw at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Hall has become an accomplished visual artist who creates work under the name A. Miguel Hall. He uses individual and mixed media as well as digital abstract photography (the cover to Heroes, Saints and Clowns is one of his works). Hall honors the American abstract painter Agnes Martin with the through-composed piece named for her that closes the new album. "It seems that, at any given time, one art form or the other -- visual or musical -- will demand expression, and the other must wait," says Hall. "I can't seem to be fully engaged with both simultaneously, which suggests they're both drawing on the same source, whatever that may be. This is very interesting to me, but my goal is to have both fully activated at the same time." Born (1958) and raised in San Jose, California, Alan Hall stood out early on as a precociously talented drummer. His band director at John Muir Middle School, Tony Nigro, started hiring Hall for gigs before he started high school. Part of a brilliant wave at Berklee College of Music in the late 1970s, Hall ended up teaching at the school from 1986 to 1993. A significant influence on Hall's development as a musician was his two-year course of study (1983-1985) with drummer Alan Dawson, himself a longtime member of the Berklee faculty. While Dawson had left Berklee before Hall matriculated there, the younger drummer received tremendous guidance from Dawson not only in the area of jazz drumming but in the school of life as well. "One thing about Alan was his devotion to the seriousness of the craft," Hall shared in a 2016 interview with former student and fellow Bay Area drummer Niels Myrner. "His project was refining his craft to the highest level. That standard of excellence had a very strong impression on me." Moving back to California, he settled in the East Bay and started playing with Dave Eshelman's Jazz Garden Big Band, which quickly established him as a first-call accompanist. Collaborating with veteran touring masters like Art Lande, Paul McCandless, and Rebecca Paris and younger stars such as Geoffrey Keezer and Ed Simon, Hall has provided the rhythmic foundation for more than a dozen leading ensembles over the past 25 years. A dedicated educator, he continues to teach at Cal State University East Bay, the Monterey Jazz Festival's Summer Jazz Camp, the California Jazz Conservatory, and Jazz Camp West, as well as seeing private students. Hall is thinking bigger and smaller with Ratatet, breaking out smaller lineups for particular pieces and adding new instrumentalists for others. He recently submitted a piece to NPR's Tiny Desk contest which featured an octet with an acoustic guitarist and cellist added to the lineup. "There is so much more to explore with this group!" he says. The Ratatet Octet -- the same band featured on Hall's Tiny Desk video -- will be performing a CD release show at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar Street, Berkeley, on Saturday 7/7, 8:00 pm. A selection of paintings and photography by Hall will be exhibited and for sale during the concert. The Ratatet Sextet (with Sheldon Brown subbing for John Gove) is scheduled to play the San Jose Jazz Festival, Sunday 8/12 at 4pm, on the Gordon Biersch Stage. Photography: Lincoln Adler (band), David Belove (Alan Hall) "Demographic Shift," from "Heroes, Saints and Clowns" Web Sites: jazzdrumming.com / ratatet.com Like: Bandcamp: alanhallandratatet.bandcamp.com/releases

I am reminded of the fact that when Monk joined Riverside, OK had him record two albums of standards before moving on to his own compositions.

Here's a surprise. Andrew Buckley has retired. He is going to go to med school. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/07/stamps-shocker-canadian-quarterback-andrew-buckley-retires/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/07/stamps-qb-andrew-buckley-sacrifices-one-dream-pursue-another/#comments https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/07/stamps-andrew-buckley-announces-retirement/ ***** Victor Butler has retired. This may be a contract renegotiation strategy. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/07/accusing-argos-holding-hostage-victor-butler-files-retirement-papers/#comments ***** This year's Vanier Cup will be played in Quebec City. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/07/attendance-sagging-usports-moves-vanier-cup-back-laval/#comments https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/07/vanier-cup-return-laval-2018-2019/ ***** Bo Lokombo has signed with BC. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/07/lions-bring-back-canadian-lb-bo-lokombo/#comments https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/07/lions-bring-back-national-lb-bo-lokombo/ ***** The Riders will enshrine Jim Hopson and John Terry into their Plaza of Honour. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/08/davis-hopson-terry-worthy-inductees-riders-plaza-honour/#comments https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/08/terry-hopson-latest-additions-riders-plaza-honour/ ***** Edmonton's 2017 profit was only $430,000. due to injuries. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/09/injuries-take-toll-eskimos-bottom-line/#comments ***** Kevin Elliott has signed with BC. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/09/lions-sign-receiver-kevin-elliott-pays-way-b-c-mini-camp/#comments https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/09/kevin-elliott-among-five-receivers-signed-lions/ ***** Alan-Michael Cash has signed with the Als. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/09/alouettes-repatriate-dl-alan-michael-cash/#comments https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/10/als-re-invest-veteran-dt-alan-michael-cash/ ***** Rich Stubler will be the Als' DC. Kahlil Carter will become a scout. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/10/kahlil-carter-steps-alouettes-defensive-coordinator-personal-reasons/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/10/kahlil-carter-stepped-defensive-coordinator-alouettes/#comments https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/10/kahlil-carter-steps-als-d-coordinator-stubler-take/ ***** Travon Van has signed with BC. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/10/lions-sign-former-eskimos-redblacks-rb-travon-van/#comments https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/10/lions-sign-free-agent-rb-travon-van/ ***** 2016 Hec Crighton winner Noah Picton has signed with the Argos. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/10/argos-sign-canadian-qb-noah-picton/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/10/canadian-qb-noah-picton-going-to-learn-from-a-room-full-of-greats-with-argos/#comments ***** Here's another big surprise. Darian Durant has retired. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/11/darian-durant-announced-retirement/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/11/bombers-say-blindsided-durants-decision/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/11/bombers-paid-durant-70k-bonuses-want-back-reports/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/11/davis-end-darian-durant-proved-doubters-wrong/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/11/3down-podcast-darian-calls-quits-reaction-mega-news-week/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/12/darian-durant-quit-riders-2016-report/#comments https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/11/veteran-qb-darian-durant-announces-retirement/ https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/11/bombers-extremely-disappointing-durant-retirement/ https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/11/numbers-show-durant-exits-no-shortage-milestones/ https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/11/highlights-a-darian-durant-retrospective/ https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/11/oleary-durant-anywhere-regina-never-comfortable-4/ https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/12/green-colour-nye-durants-legacy-riderville/ ***** J'Michael Deane has retired. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/11/canadian-ol-jmichael-deane-retires/#comments ***** Here is a recap of the Redblacks' off-season. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/12/recapping-ottawa-redblacks-off-season/#comments ***** Joe Scannella has died. RIP. I met him at the '78 Grey Cup. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/08/former-alouettes-head-coach-joe-scannella-dies-age-89/#comments https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/08/cfl-alouettes-mourn-loss-former-coach-joe-scannella/ ***** Chris Milo will be a scout for the Eskimos this year. https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/08/esks-add-milo-homer-scouting-staff/ ***** 5/9 checking down https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/09/checking-tolivers-return-job-opening-calgary/ ***** The league is releasing day-by-day the names of the players voted by their peers as the "Best in the League." Clutch - Ricky Ray https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/04/best-in-the-league-2018-clutch/ Physical Defender - Kyries Hebert https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/07/best-in-the-league-2018-physical-defender/ Toughest - Mike Reilly https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/11/best-in-the-league-2018-toughest/

The Ticats are placing Joe Montford on their Wall of Honour. http://3downnation.com/2018/04/19/ticats-to-enshrine-joe-montford-on-wall-of-honour/#comments ***** The Ticats do not plan to re-sign Andy Fantuz. http://3downnation.com/2018/04/24/ticats-dont-plan-re-signing-andy-fantuz/#comments ***** The 2019 Grey Cup game will be held in Calgary. http://3downnation.com/2018/04/25/official-calgary-to-host-2019-grey-cup/#comments ***** Damon Allen has been named to the Canada Hall of Fame. http://3downnation.com/2018/04/26/cfl-legend-damon-allen-named-to-canada-sports-hall-of-fame/#comments ***** Here is a list of every Canadian drafted by the NFL since the AFL merger. http://3downnation.com/2018/04/26/every-canadian-selected-in-the-nfl-draft/#comments ***** Sask has released TJ Thorpe. http://3downnation.com/2018/04/27/riders-release-receiver-t-j-thorpe-six-others/#comments ***** Here is a list of Canadians trying out for NFL teams. http://3downnation.com/2018/04/28/canadian-nfl-undrafted-free-agent-rookie-mini-camp-tracker/#comments ***** The New York Jets have waived Micah Awe. http://3downnation.com/2018/04/29/former-lions-lb-micah-awe-waived-by-new-york-jets/#comments ***** Philadelphia has waived Elie Bouka. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/01/former-riders-db-elie-bouka-waivedinjured-by-philadelphia-eagles/#comments ***** San Francisco has waived Dexter McCoil. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/01/former-eskimos-defender-dexter-mccoil-waived-by-san-francisco-49ers/#comments ***** San Francisco has waived Bo Lokombo. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/01/49ers-waive-canadian-lb-bo-lokombo/#comments ***** The Argos have released Jeff Fuller and Alan-Michael Cash. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/01/argos-release-rec-jeff-fuller-six-others/#comments ***** Roy Finch has some legal problems in Oklahoma; so the Stampeders have placed him on the retired list. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/02/dramatic-arrest-last-month-stampeders-place-roy-finch-retired-list/#comments ***** Jerrell Freeman has retired. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/02/former-riders-lb-jerrell-freeman-retires-from-pro-football/#comments ***** Rory Kohlert has retired. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/04/canadian-receiver-rory-kohlert-calls-it-a-career-after-six-cfl-seasons/#comments

If you click on the band's website URL at the bottom of the above press release, you will find that the website's home page gives you the opportunity to listen to two tracks from the album. I recommend that you do that. I like all of the songs on the album (except one, which is too weird for me).

And here are some post-draft analyses. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/03/chapman-goes-no-1-first-round-cfl-draft-full-offensive-lineman/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/03/ticats-get-man-no-1-shore-offensive-line-bomben-trade/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/03/offensive-lineman-dominate-2018-cfl-draft/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/04/top-draft-pick-godber-likes-look-lions/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/04/nine-cfl-draft-classes-ranked/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/04/chris-jones-draft-strategy-now-crystal-clear/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/04/bombers-pick-simonise-thankful-get-second-chance-pro-football-career-bombers/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/04/green-cast-draft-mini-camp-music/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/05/ticats-draft-picks-fit-overall-plan/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/05/breaking-redblacks-draft-desjardins-sticks-script/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/04/canadian-qb-noah-picton-free-to-sign-anywhere/#comments https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/04/former-hec-crighton-winner-picton-goes-undrafted/ https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/05/lions-use-draft-continue-makeover-trenches/ https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/05/bombers-intrigued-draft-pick-rashaun-simonise/ https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/04/walters-bombers-receiving-corps-in-great-position-after-draft/ https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/04/touchdowns-value-picks-question-marks-draft/ https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/04/sunderland-elated-with-onyeka-pick/ https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/04/desjardins-offensive-line-depth-the-focus-of-redblacks-draft-2/ https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/04/oday-even-with-few-picks-riders-pleased-with-draft-outcome/ ***** Some of those picked will try the NFL first. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/04/riders-first-round-pick-ol-dakoda-shepley-received-substantial-jets-signing-bonus/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/05/lions-draft-pick-fb-david-mackie-accepts-invite-giants-rookie-mini-camp/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/06/canadian-nathan-shepherd-set-make-impact-nfls-jets/#comments

And now hot off the press, here is one man's grading of each team's draft, with the second link providing the analysis. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/04/every-draft-selection-graded-team/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/03/cfl-draft-live-grading-picks-happen/

The draft begins tonight at 8 pm eastern. You can follow it live here: https://www.cfl.ca/draft-tracker/2018/ ***** Here are more draft previews. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/01/game-changer-auburn-receiver-pete-berryman-late-add-cfl-draft/#comments http://www.3downnation.com/2018/05/02/the-son-of-a-marine-mark-chapman-ready-for-pro-football-deployment/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/02/cfl-draft-preview-riders-need-better/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/02/b-c-lions-trade-sacrifice-2019-first-rounder-deal-bombers/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/02/ticats-acquire-eskimos-first-round-pick-2018-cfl-draft/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/02/cfl-draft-offers-receiver-mark-chapman-another-path-pro-football-career/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/02/ticats-ol-ryan-bomben-traded-to-the-alouettes/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/02/edwards-bomben-deal-nets-top-pick-creates-big-hole-ticats-offensive-line/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/03/whos-talking-to-who-cfl-prospects-and-teams-that-interviewed-them/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/03/alouettes-get-rights-to-nfl-qb-alex-tanney-in-no-1-draft-pick-deal-with-ticats/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/03/cfl-draft-analysis-eskimos-set-build-already-solid-foundation/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/03/canadian-quarterback-late-addition-cfl-draft/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/03/cfl-draft-preview-live-chat-justin-dunk-drew-edwards/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/03/cfl-draft-analysis-b-c-lions-need-depth-big-way/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/03/cfl-draft-analysis-stamps-know-done/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/03/ticats-set-take-receiver-mark-chapman-first-overall-cfl-draft/#comments

The draft will be Thursday, so here are some previews. https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/01/ferguson-will-signings-south-impact-thursday/ https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/01/forde-ferguson-weigh-2018-cfl-draft/ http://3downnation.com/2018/04/30/draft-preview-assessing-ticats-canadian-talent/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/30/top-5-cfl-prospects-from-the-canada-west-conference/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/30/teams-inquired-alouettes-first-overall-pick-cfl-draft/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/30/draft-preview-examining-redblacks-drafting-history-predict-future/#comments http://www.3downnation.com/2018/04/30/draft-preview-alouettes-talent-little-depth/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/01/cfl-draft-preview-grey-cup-win-means-argonauts-pick-last/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/01/cfl-draft-preview-bombers-position-strength/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/23/alouettes-narrow-list-of-players-in-play-with-no-1-pick/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/26/krown-countdown-u-radio-cfl-draft-preview-edition/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/01/3downnation-podcast-cfl-draft-comes-focus-much-possible/#comments ***** Teams held their mini-camps last week, so here are some observations. http://3downnation.com/2018/04/23/ticats-mini-camp-different-june-jones-just-like-everything-else/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/23/two-big-questions-riders-mini-camp-opens/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/24/receiver-kevin-elliott-going-to-lions-mini-camp-on-his-own-dime/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/25/eight-things-learned-ticats-mini-camp/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/25/chris-jones-makes-his-feelings-on-the-riders-qb-competition-crystal-clear/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/25/redblacks-qb-trevor-harris-prepares-2018-new-mindset-regime/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/25/ticats-latest-chapter-tales-june-jerry/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/25/ullrich-b-c-lions-take-low-key-approach-big-off-season-opportunity/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/26/bombers-leggett-credits-fiancee-quick-recovery-torn-achilles/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/26/june-jones-influence-growing-within-ticats-organization/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/27/seven-players-stood-ticats-mini-camp/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/30/podskee-wee-wee-episode-106/#comments

Final 2018 Scouting Bureau rankings http://3downnation.com/2018/04/12/final-2018-cfl-scouting-bureau-rankings/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/21/who-dropped-off-the-cfl-scouting-bureau-and-why/#comments ***** BC cut Alex Ross and DeQuin Evans. Ross quickly signed with Winnipeg. http://3downnation.com/2018/04/12/lions-release-qb-alex-ross-dequin-evans-sign-another-pivot/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/19/bombers-sign-former-lions-qb-alex-ross-one-pivot/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/19/familiarity-led-to-bombers-signing-qb-alex-ross/#comments ***** Kent Austin is out at Hamilton. He will remain on the payroll as a consultant. http://3downnation.com/2018/04/12/austin-ticats-go-collaborative-effort-front-office/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/13/3down-podcast-comings-goings-austin-henoc-johnny/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/13/ticats-players-wanted-austin-gone-came-back/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/15/kent-austins-ticats-legacy-complex-one/#comments ***** New Als coach Phil Sherman has another job! He is a head coach in something called the Your Call Football League. http://3downnation.com/2018/04/10/double-dip-alouettes-mike-sherman-coaching-team-call-football-league/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/17/alouettes-gm-sees-benefits-for-mike-sherman-double-dipping/#comments ***** John Salavantis will not be the Ticats' radio analyst this year, after 18 years. He will instead work on the pre-game show. Mike Morreale will be the new analyst. http://3downnation.com/2018/04/17/coach-sal-ready-new-role-ticats-radio-broadcasts/#comments ***** Now it can be told: Bo Levi Mitchell hurt his shoulder in Game 5 last year. It still hurts. http://3downnation.com/2018/04/18/bo-levi-mitchell-avoids-the-knife-while-rehabbing-shoulder/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/19/3downnation-podcast-finchs-arrest-bos-shoulder-bombers-profit-trents-a-fa/#comments ***** Winnipeg enjoyed a C$5.1 million profit last year. http://3downnation.com/2018/04/19/blue-bombers-profits-jump-5-1-million-2017/#comments ***** Every team came in under the salary cap last year. http://3downnation.com/2018/04/20/all-cfl-teams-come-in-under-the-salary-cap-during-2017-season/#comments ***** Ejiro Kuale, age 34, who last played in 2013, attended the Riders' Florida free agent camp! http://3downnation.com/2018/04/22/blast-from-the-past-two-time-grey-cup-champion-lb-ejiro-kuale-attends-riders-free-agent-camp/#comments ***** Pierre Lavertu has retired. http://3downnation.com/2018/04/23/former-no-1-pick-stamps-ol-pierre-lavertu-retires/#comments ***** The Riders cut Peter Dyakowski, Jeff Hecht and two others. http://3downnation.com/2018/04/24/riders-release-four-players-including-canadian-ol-peter-dyakowski/#comments

Edmonton has released Marcell Young, who missed much of last year due to injury. Young then quickly signed with BC. http://3downnation.com/2018/03/28/eskimos-release-db-marcell-young/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/11/lions-sign-former-eskimos-and-ticats-db-marcell-young/#comments ***** James Stanley has joined the Bomber staff as a defensive coach. http://3downnation.com/2018/04/02/bombers-add-former-ticats-coach-staff/#comments ***** Ottawa has released Kenny Shaw, Quincy McDuffie and Josh Stangby. http://3downnation.com/2018/04/03/redblacks-release-receiver-kenny-shaw/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/03/redblacks-release-quincy-mcduffie-and-josh-stangby/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/03/redblacks-releases-create-cap-space-questions/#comments ***** Brett Maher is set to sign with Dallas. So the Redblacks have signed both Sergio Castillo and Richie Leone. Also Brandon Stewart. http://3downnation.com/2018/04/04/former-redblacks-ticats-kicker-brett-maher-sign-cowboys-report/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/09/redblacks-sign-another-kicker-add-sergio-castillo/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/09/redblacks-sign-former-lions-kickerpunter-richie-leone/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/10/redblacks-make-kicker-signings-official-add-veteran-db-brandon-stewart/#comments ***** Jeff Hunt will step down as President of the Redblacks at the end of this season. http://3downnation.com/2018/04/10/jeff-hunt-stepping-president-redblacks/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/11/hunts-decision-step-testament-redblacks-health/#comments ***** Calgary's Deron Mayo has retired. http://3downnation.com/2018/04/10/injuries-force-stampeders-linebacker-deron-mayo-retire/#comments ***** Henoc Muamba has signed with Montreal. http://3downnation.com/2018/04/12/alouetttes-sign-canadian-linebacker-henoc-muamba/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/12/henoc-muamba-deal-means-alouettes/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/04/12/henoc-muamba-believes-the-future-is-bright-for-the-alouettes/#comments

RIP. I enjoyed an album of his on LaserLight from 1990. I'll go see if I can find it. https://www.amazon.com/Charles-Neville-Diversity/dp/B000001VNN/