GA Russell

The Rolling Stones - Satisfaction In Concert: The Classic Broadcasts 1964-1966 (4 CDs) - $17.99 https://www.amazon.com/Rolling-Stones-Satisfaction-Broadcasts-1964-1966/dp/B01N5SBBBB/

Laurie Pepper is asking for the name of this 1975 recording of Art with Blue Mitchell. Anybody know? https://artpepper.bandcamp.com/track/dont-pay-just-name-it-please

MLB has purchased Rawlings. I suppose the day will come that all MLB equipment will be made by Rawlings, so then MLB will not have to share the merchandise revenue. Anybody have a better guess? RIP. He pitched for the Pirates when I lived in Pittsburgh.

Continuing with the players' votes... Best Rising Star - James Wilder https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/28/best-in-the-league-2018-rising-star/ ***** Fastest - Speedy Banks https://www.cfl.ca/2018/06/01/best-in-the-league-2018-fastest/ ***** Best Playmaker - Diontae Spencer https://www.cfl.ca/2018/06/04/best-in-the-league-2018-playmaker/ ***** Most Underrated - Luke Tasker https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/14/best-in-the-league-2018-underrated/ ***** Best Trash Talker - Simoni Lawrence https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/18/best-in-the-league-2018-trash-talker/ ***** Best Shutdown Defensive Back - Tommy Campbell and Chris Randle https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/18/best-in-the-league-2018-trash-talker/ ***** Most Physical Defender - Kyries Hebert https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/07/best-in-the-league-2018-physical-defender/ ***** Best Quarterback - Bo Levi Mitchell https://www.cfl.ca/2017/06/14/quarterback-2-final/ ***** Best in the Clutch - Justin Medlock and Ernest Jackson https://www.cfl.ca/2017/06/07/best-in-the-league-clutch-2/ ***** Best Hands - SJ Green https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/25/best-in-the-league-2018-hands/ ***** Toughest - Mike Reilly https://www.cfl.ca/2018/05/11/best-in-the-league-2018-toughest/ ***** Best Pass Rusher - Charleston Hughes https://www.cfl.ca/2017/06/05/best-in-the-league-pass-rusher-2/

And now to wrap up the off-season headlines, I've found some articles about last year's Grey Cup which I did not previously post. Enjoy! http://3downnation.com/2017/11/24/redblacks-fan-records-argos-practice-puts-instagram/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/11/25/video-real-talk-with-nik-lewis-what-stamps-qb-bo-levi-mitchell-is-like-behind-the-scenes/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/11/26/arthur-will-grey-cup-appearance-change-argos-fortunes/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/11/26/video-real-talk-with-nik-lewis-grey-cup-week-a-players-perspective/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/11/26/r-nations-guide-picking-grey-cup-team/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/11/26/mayors-tory-and-nenshi-trade-barbs-on-twitter-ahead-of-grey-cup/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/11/26/stampeders-seek-grey-cup-redemption-upset-loss-redblacks-last-year/#comments http://138.197.137.206/2017/11/26/rider-fan-guide-grey-cup-105/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/11/26/seven-grey-cup-stats-matter/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/11/26/stamps-marquay-mcdaniel-blames-teammate-grey-cup-loss/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/11/27/shawn-lemon-chirps-charleston-hughes-grey-cup-win/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/11/27/former-ticat-cassius-vaughn-plays-huge-role-grey-cup-win/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/11/27/video-argos-celebrate-stunning-grey-cup-comeback-victory/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/11/27/argos-qb-ricky-ray-celebrating-first-deciding-on-future-later/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/11/26/grey-cup-picks-who-you-got-in-the-big-game/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/11/27/grey-cup-mvp-remembers-legend-flutie-snow/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/11/27/arthur-football-team-lovable-misfits-now-grey-cup-champs/#comments http://www.3downnation.com/2017/11/27/toronto-fans-say-let-snow-argonauts-defeat-stampeders-win-cfl-finale/#comments http://www.3downnation.com/2017/11/27/argonauts-grey-cup-rally-set-tuesday-afternoon/#comments http://www.3downnation.com/2017/11/27/stamps-rb-jerome-messam-refuses-interviews-devastating-loss-grey-cup/#comments https://3downnation.com/2017/11/27/signs-drake-watches-argos-win-grey-cup/#comments https://3downnation.com/2017/11/27/argos-return-home-celebrating-grey-cup-win/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/11/27/grey-cup-ratings-see-double-digit-jump-2017/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/11/28/toronto-rally-grey-cup-champion-argonauts-set-today/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/11/28/argos-celebrate-grey-cup-win-rally-toronto/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/11/29/five-keys-recovery-abusing-body-mind-grey-cup/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/12/01/no-redblacks-no-problem-ottawa-105th-grey-cup-smashing-success/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/12/01/dickenson-breaks-down-mitchells-grey-cup-game-ending-interception/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/12/01/alberta-premier-goes-running-argos-jersey-settle-bet-ontario-premier/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/12/01/drake-poses-grey-cup-picture-argos-buzz-toronto-grows/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/12/01/podskee-wee-wee-episode-96/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/12/06/leafs-throw-shade-city-calgary-hosting-grey-cup-champs-flames-game/#comments http://3downnation.com/2017/12/07/noted-riders-fan-leafs-coach-mike-babcock-poses-argos-grey-cup-picture/#comments

Today was Paulette Godard's birthday. She was a cousin of Jake Gaudar's. (It is also the birthday of Ian Hunter, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in 1970.) ***** The Hall of Fame statue has been moved to Tim Hortons Field. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/23/hall-fame-statue-finds-new-home-hamilton/#comments ***** The Board of Governors approved all of the rules changes proposed by the Rules Committee. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/23/cfl-approves-rule-changes-illegal-contact-no-longer-reviewable/#comments ***** Duron Carter spent an entire day at Rider practice playing defense. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/23/duron-carter-spends-entire-riders-practice-playing-defence/#comments ***** There are mixed opinions of Johnny Manziel's CFL prospects. Bill Polian thinks he will do great. Doug Flutie thinks he will find the temptation to be lazy to be great. Warren Moon thinks his chances of success are no better than 50/50. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/24/doug-flutie-johnny-football-easy-get-lazy-cfl/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/25/warren-moon-says-playing-in-the-cfl-an-ego-crusher-for-johnny-manziel/#comments ***** Bear Woods had back surgery, and will be out a month. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/25/argos-lb-bear-woods-has-back-surgery-could-be-out-one-month/#comments ***** The Ticats traded Davon Coleman to BC for a 4th round pick. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/25/ticats-trade-dl-davon-coleman-to-lions/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/25/ticats-traded-davon-coleman/#comments ***** The Als cut Josh Freeman, so he retired. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/26/alouettes-quarterback-josh-freeman-retires/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/26/alouettes-actually-cut-josh-freeman-retired/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/27/alouettes-did-not-give-qb-josh-freeman-any-signing-bonus-money/#comments

The Yardbirds Story (4 CDs) - $8.25 prime https://www.amazon.com/Yardbirds-Story-CD-Clambox/dp/B000H8SEAI/

Let's try to finish up with the off-season news. final draft analyses http://3downnation.com/2018/05/15/3downnation-podcast-cfl-draft-rankings-stud-supplemental-prospect-usports-east-west-bowl-recap/#comments ***** #1 pick Mark Chapman is holding out. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/20/first-overall-pick-wont-ticats-training-camp/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/24/ticats-and-no-1-pick-mark-chapman-far-apart-in-contract-negotiations/#comments ***** Trent Richardson has not arrived at camp, and has been placed on the suspended list. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/20/riders-put-rb-trent-richardson-on-the-suspended-list-to-start-training-camp/#comments ***** Argos training camp preview http://3downnation.com/2018/05/20/argos-training-camp-preview-part-2-defense-special-teams/#comments http://3downnation.com/2018/05/21/argos-turn-the-page-after-grey-cup-championship-season/#comments ***** Derek Dennis has returned to the Stampeders. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/20/comfort-calgary-draws-star-lineman-derek-dennis-back-stampeders/#comments ***** Jake Harty is out with a torn ACL. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/22/riders-canadian-receiver-jake-harty-suffers-torn-acl/#comments ***** The Riders let John Ojo go. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/22/riders-release-former-cfl-star-db-john-ojo/#comments ***** Jeremy Zver has decided to retire. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/22/regina-native-riders-canadian-ol-jeremy-zver-retires/#comments ***** Adam Bighill turned down an NFL offer to sign with the Bombers. http://3downnation.com/2018/05/24/lb-adam-bighill-turned-down-nfl-offer-to-sign-with-bombers/#comments ***** More later.

Vijay Iyer June 3 Charleston, SC (Spoleto Festival) June 16 New York, NY (Le Poisson Rouge) June 22 Katonah, NY (Caramoor Center) June 25-30 New York, NY (The Kitchen) Craig Taborn June 6-9 Charleston, SC (Spoleto Festival Residency) Django Bates June 19-20 New York, NY (Jazz Standard) June 23 Rochester, NY (Rochester Jazz Festival) June 25 Ottawa, ON (Ottawa Jazz Festival) Thomas Strønen June 21 San Diego, CA (The Athenaeum) June 26 Baltimore, MD (An Die Musik Live!) June 28 New York, NY (Scandinavia House) June 29 Washington, DC (DuPont Underground) June 30 Rochester, NY (Rochester Jazzfest) Maciej Obara Quartet June 19 New York, NY (Dizzy’s Coca-Cola Club) June 22 Edmonton, AB (Edmonton Intl Jazz Festival) June 25 Victoria, BC (Victoria Intl Jazz Festival) June 26 Vancouver, BC (Vancouver Intl Jazz Festival) June 28 Ottawa, ON (Ottawa Intl Jazz Festival) June 29 Rochester, NY (Xerox Rochester Intl Jazz Festival) Bill Frisell June 7 Burlington, VT (Discover Jazz Festival) Till Fellner June 6-7 Minneapolis, MN (Orchestra Hall playing Mozart K466 with Minn Orch and Kent Nagano) © *2018 ECM Records US, A Division of Verve Music Group. All rights reserved.

Steve Tibbetts: guitar, piano Marc Anderson: percussion, handpan Michelle Kinney: cello, drones One-of-a-kind guitarist and record-maker Steve Tibbetts has an association with ECM dating back to 1981, with his body of work reflecting that of an artist who follows his own winding, questing path. The BBC has described his music as “an atmospheric brew… brilliant, individual.” Life Of, his ninth album for the label, serves as something of a sequel to his 2010 ECM release, Natural Causes, which JazzTimes called “music to get lost in.” Like the earlier album, Life Of showcases the richness of his Martin 12-string acoustic guitar, along with his gamelan-like piano and artfully deployed field samples of Balinese gongs; the sonic picture also incorporates the sensitive percussion of long-time musical partner Marc Anderson and the almost subliminal cello drones of Michelle Kinney. Tibbetts, though rooted in the American Midwest, has made multiple expeditions to Southeast Asia, including Bali and Nepal; not only the sounds but the spirits of those places are woven into his musical DNA as much as the expressive inspiration of artists from guitarist Bill Connors to sarangi master Sultan Khan. Life Of has a contemplative shimmer like a reflecting pool, with most of the album’s pieces titled after friends and family, living and past.. © *2018 ECM Records US, A Division of Verve Music Group. All rights reserved. Elina Duni: voice, piano, guitar, percussion Songs of love, loss and leaving. After two highly acclaimed albums with her jazz quartet, Elina Duni issues her most intimate recording to date. The entirely solo Partir features the Tirana-born vocalist, accompanied by her own piano, guitar and frame drum, interpreting songs from very diverse sources, from folk songs and chansons to songs of singer-songwriters. Here we find traditional music from Albania, Kosovo, Armenia, Macedonia, Switzerland and Arab-Andalusia as well as Jacques Brel’s “Je ne sais pas”, Alain Oulman’s “Meu Amor”, Domenico Modugno’s “Amara Terra Mia”, Elina’s own “Let Us Dive In” and more. Duni’s uniquely-expressive voice and pared-down arrangements locate a common thread of longing that runs through the material. Partir was recorded at Studios La Buissone in the South of France in July 2017, and produced by Manfred Eicher. © *2018 ECM Records US, A Division of Verve Music Group. All rights reserved. “Together since 2001, Swiss pianist Nik Bärtsch’s Ronin trim their sails and sharpen their already laser-like focus on Awase, the combo’s first studio release in eight years. Slimming down to a quartet seems to have only intensified Ronin’s near-telepathic discipline and unique triangulation of chamber minimalism, jazz improvisation, and crown-chakra funk. “Locked-in” only begins to describe the superimposed rhythmic cycles and uncanny interplay that defines (the group) as it navigates Bärtsch’s ever-expanding repertoire of “modules.” - Richard Gehr, Village Voice © *2018 ECM Records US, A Division of Verve Music Group. All rights reserved. Ketil Bjørnstad - A Suite of Poems Anneli Drecker: voice; Ketil Bjørnstad: piano Norwegian-Danish author Lars Saabye Christensen is one of Scandinavia’s most widely-praised and prolific contemporary writers. For many years now, in the course of his travels around the globe, he has been sending “hotel poems” to his friend Ketil Bjørnstad, inviting him to make music out of them. These literary postcards explore a range of moods. Bjørnstad says: “I feel very connected to the lonely, existential perspective of these poems, made in different hotel rooms.” For this recording, Ketil worked closely with singer and actress Anneli Drecker, former lead vocalist of pop group Bel Canto. Settings of poetry and other texts form a special category in Norwegian pianist-composer Bjørnstad’s discography and A Suite of Poems is a song cycle to put alongside such projects as A Passion for John Donne, Sunrise, and The Light. Marc Sinan / Oğuz Büyükberber - White Marc Sinan: guitar, electronics | Oğuz Büyükberber: clarinet, bass clarinet The guitarist and the clarinetist have worked together in many contexts since first meeting in Istanbul in 2009. The individual musical directions of the two players have effectively converged from opposite poles: Marc was trained as a classical guitarist in the western European tradition, but has increasingly been drawn to improvisation and Turkish material, while Oğuz grew up surrounded by Turkish music, and was originally self-taught before heading for the Amsterdam Conservatory, subsequently making his way as both improviser and composer. For White, both musicians provide new music. Sinan’s five-part “Upon Nothingness” includes his musical response to recordings of songs of Armenian prisoners deported to Germany during the First World War. These historic field recordings are woven into the fabric of Sinan’s pieces, which also make liberal use of electronics, blurring the distinction between the real and the surreal. © *2018 ECM Records US, A Division of Verve Music Group. All rights reserved.

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.