GA Russell

Free Agent analyses https://3downnation.com/2025/01/15/star-pending-free-agent-lb-wynton-mcmanis-omni-important-for-toronto-argonauts/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/15/free-agency-most-wanted-a-dominant-pass-rusher/ ***** Ed Hervey says that he will not begin contract negotiations with Geno Lewis until after Lewis becomes a free agent, so that everyone can see about what he is worth. https://3downnation.com/2025/01/14/i-will-not-pay-him-300000-eugene-lewis-questions-leads-to-ed-hervey-rant/ ***** SFU has officially decided to end its football program. https://3downnation.com/2025/01/15/simon-fraser-university-finalizes-decision-to-axe-football-program/

I received today this email, which is referred to as a "corrected" version. Mack Avenue Music Group Announces Partnership with Strata-East Records Strata-East: The Legacy Begins Digital-Only Anthology Available February 21, 2025 The digital-only anthology Strata-East: The Legacy Begins, available February 21, 2025, celebrates the revolutionary spirit of one of the most influential artist-owned independent jazz labels in history. This anthology, a partnership between Mack Avenue Music Group and Strata-East, brings together iconic tracks that embody Strata-East’s commitment to artistry and creative freedom. Featuring the explosive brilliance of Charles Tolliver and Stanley Cowell, the soulful expressions of The Heath Brothers, Charlie Rouse, Shamek Farrah, Pharoah Sanders, and more, the collection showcases cult classics from the label’s deep catalog while honoring the extraordinary artists who shaped its legacy. This release not only marks the launch of the partnership between Strata-East and Mack Avenue Music Group but also delivers the label’s highest-quality audio anthology and is available digitally for the first time. A reflection of Strata-East’s dedication to spiritual jazz and social consciousness, this compilation invites listeners to rediscover classics or experience them anew. Strata-East: The Legacy Begins celebrates the timelessness of this music while marking the start of an exciting new chapter. "Strata-East Records is very proud to be partnering with Mack Avenue Music Group, whose passion, values, total commitment, and deep love for the music, mirror ours," Tolliver said. "This is an exciting time and together with Mack Avenue we can’t wait to bring you, our fans around the world, new essential high-quality masters of the Strata-East catalog. We’ve gone back to the origins so that you can totally immerse yourself in this great music, the emotions, artistic and creative freedom that exemplifies Strata-East. There is a lot more to come and to be announced, so stay tuned!” Will Wakefield, Senior Director of A&R for Mack Avenue Music Group, said: "We are excited to partner with Charles, Ched, and the Strata-East team to bring this beloved music to the world with the highest quality audio and care taken to preserve its purest form. We can't wait for everyone to hear what we have coming." Specializing in avant-garde and post-bop jazz, Strata-East’s notable albums include Tolliver's Music Inc, Cowell’s Musa: Ancestral Streams, Charlie Rouse’s Two is One and Billy Harper's Capra Black. Strata-East addressed social and political themes resonant with the Black Arts Movement. Its pioneering approach to artist rights has inspired generations of musicians and independent labels, cementing its place in jazz history. Strata-East's roster featured timelessly influential musicians who intertwined music with spoken word in response to their cultural moment. This includes Sanders, known for his spiritual and avant-garde explorations that inspired a shift in mainstream jazz offerings. Despite its short period of recorded music output, Strata-East's commitment to artistic freedom and high production standards earned it a revered place in jazz history. Its pioneering approach to artist rights and control has inspired generations of musicians and independent labels, contributing to a vibrant and diverse musical landscape. More information to come in the following weeks. Strata-East co-founder Charles Tolliver performing at LPR for Winter Jazzfest 2025. | Photo by Lev Radin Strata-East: The Legacy Begins Mack Avenue Music Group/Strata-East · Release Date: February 21, 2025 For more information on Strata-East, please visit: www.serecs.com  # # #

January 16 Irving Mills - 1894 Ethel Merman - 1908 Bob Bogle - 1937 Ronnie Milsap - 1943 Jim Stafford - 1944 Sade - 1959 ***** Dizzy Dean - 1910 Joe Horn - 1972

January 15 Gene Krupa - 1909 Captain Beefheart - 1941 Ronnie Van Zant - 1948 ***** Frederick Stanley - 1841 Andrea Martin - 1947

Mack Avenue Music Group Announces Partnership with Strata-East Records Strata-East: The Legacy Begins Digital-Only Anthology Available February 21, 2025 The digital-only anthology Strata-East: The Legacy Begins, available February 21, 2025, celebrates the revolutionary spirit of one of the most influential artist-owned independent jazz labels in history. This anthology, a partnership between Mack Avenue Music Group and Strata-East, brings together iconic tracks that embody Strata-East’s commitment to artistry and creative freedom. Featuring the explosive brilliance of Charles Tolliver and Stanley Cowell, the soulful expressions of The Heath Brothers, Charlie Rouse, Shamek Farrah, Pharoah Sanders, and more, the collection showcases cult classics from the label’s deep catalog while honoring the extraordinary artists who shaped its legacy. This release not only marks the launch of the partnership between Strata-East and Mack Avenue Music Group but also delivers the label’s highest-quality audio anthology, transferred directly from the original master tapes and available digitally for the first time. A reflection of Strata-East’s dedication to spiritual jazz and social consciousness, this compilation invites listeners to rediscover classics or experience them anew. Strata-East: The Legacy Begins celebrates the timelessness of this music while marking the start of an exciting new chapter. "We are excited to partner with Charles, Ched, and the Strata-East team to bring this beloved music to the world with the highest quality audio and care taken to preserve its purest form. We can't wait for everyone to hear what we have coming," said Will Wakefield, Senior Director of A&R for Mack Avenue Music Group. Specializing in avant-garde and post-bop jazz, Strata-East’s notable albums include Tolliver's Music Inc, Cowell’s Musa: Ancestral Streams, Charlie Rouse’s Two is One and Billy Harper's Capra Black. Strata-East addressed social and political themes resonant with the Black Arts Movement. Its pioneering approach to artist rights has inspired generations of musicians and independent labels, cementing its place in jazz history. Strata-East's roster featured timelessly influential musicians who intertwined music with spoken word in response to their cultural moment. This includes Sanders, known for his spiritual and avant-garde explorations that inspired a shift in mainstream jazz offerings. Despite its short period of recorded music output, Strata-East's commitment to artistic freedom and high production standards earned it a revered place in jazz history. Its pioneering approach to artist rights and control has inspired generations of musicians and independent labels, contributing to a vibrant and diverse musical landscape. More information to come in the following weeks. Strata-East co-founder Charles Tolliver performing at LPR for Winter Jazzfest 2025. | Photo by Lev Radin Strata-East: The Legacy Begins Mack Avenue Music Group/Strata-East · Release Date: February 21, 2025 For more information on Strata-East, please visit: www.serecs.com  # # #

Cigar Page is offering another introductory special today. 10 good cigars (Oliva and Rocky Patel) for $19.99 with free shipping. Add a lighter for $5.00. https://www.cigarpage.com/cigarpage-com-canada.html

The Argos have traded Daniel Adeboboye to the Redblacks for a 2026 draft pick and a neg list player. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/14/redblacks-acquire-rb-daniel-adeboboye-in-trade-with-argos/ https://3downnation.com/2025/01/14/redblacks-acquire-canadian-rb-daniel-adeboboye-in-trade-with-argos/ ***** Bo Levi Mitchell 2024 highlights reel https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/14/bo-levi-mitchell-2024-cfl-highlights/ ***** Free Agent analyses https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/14/one-pending-free-agent-every-team-should-pursue/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/14/free-agency-most-wanted-a-do-it-all-defender/ ***** Tom Clements has retired. He was Green Bay's QB coach this year. https://3downnation.com/2025/01/14/cfl-legend-tom-clements-retires-from-nfl-coaching-ranks-again/ ***** Contrary to the report I posted Dec. 31 above, Geroy Simon has decided to become an exec with the University of Maryland's football program. https://3downnation.com/2025/01/14/official-geroy-simon-hired-as-general-manager-at-university-of-maryland/ ***** Khari Jones will be UBC's QB coach this year. https://3downnation.com/2025/01/14/longtime-cfl-player-coach-khari-jones-joins-ubc-thunderbirds-as-qb-coach/

Dillon Mitchell has signed with the Bombers. https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/winnipeg-blue-bombers-agree-to-one-year-deal-with-wide-receiver-dillon-mitchell-1.2235218 https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/13/bombers-mitchell-agree-to-one-year-contract/ https://3downnation.com/2025/01/13/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-former-edmonton-elks-receiver-dillon-mitchell/ ***** Free Agent analyses https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/13/mmqb-one-question-for-each-west-team-ahead-of-free-agency/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/13/free-agency-most-wanted-an-ace-special-teamer/

After taking a year's sabbatical (despite receiving offers), Jonathan Kongbo has signed with the Elks. https://3downnation.com/2025/01/12/edmonton-elks-sign-refocused-canadian-dl-jonathan-kongbo/ ***** Free Agent analysis https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/12/free-agency-most-wanted-an-explosive-pass-catcher/

January 13 Lester Sill - 1918 Gwen Verdon - 1925 Joe Pass - 1929 Daevid Allen - 1938 Suggs - 1961 Trace Adkins - 1962 ***** Tom Gola - 1933

Felix Mantilla has died at 90. RIP. One of MLB's first Puerto Rican players dies at 90

The league will not have a Touchdown Atlantic/Pacific game this year. https://3downnation.com/2025/01/11/cfl-wont-hold-neutral-site-touchdown-series-game-in-2025-report/ ***** AJ Ouellette says that his diet this off-season will be 90% animal products. Free Agent analysis https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/11/5-pending-free-agents-that-could-breakout-in-2025/ ***** Here is a list of the Canadian and former CFL players who are now with the NFL playoff teams. https://3downnation.com/2025/01/11/every-canadian-and-former-cfl-player-in-the-2025-nfl-playoffs/

January 12 Mississippi Fred McDowell - 1904 Tex Ritter - 1906 Jay McShann - 1916 Ray Price - 1926 Ruth Brown - 1928 Glenn Yarborough - 1930 John Berg - 1932 William Lee Golden - 1935 Ronald Shannon Jackson - 1940 Long John Baldry - 1941 Maggie Bell - 1945 George Duke - 1946 John Etheridge 1948 Ricky Van Shelton - 1942 Brian Culbertson - 1973 Mel C (Sporty Spice) - 1974 ***** Tim Horton - 1930

Miles at The Fillmore: Miles Davis 1970: The Bootleg Series Vol. 3 4 CDs - $33.19 prime https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HSCDX70

Here is the league's Transactions Page. https://www.cfl.ca/transactions ***** The Argos have traded Folarin Orimolade to the Stampeders for Cameron Judge. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/10/stamps-acquire-orimolade-from-argos-in-exchange-for-judge/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/toronto-argonauts-acquire-canadian-cam-judge-send-folarin-orimolade-to-calgary-stampeders-in-trade-1.2233902 https://3downnation.com/2025/01/10/toronto-argonauts-trade-dl-folarin-orimolade-to-calgary-stampeders-for-canadian-lb-cameron-judge/ ***** Because the Lions signed James Butler, they immediately let go William Stanback. Stanback promptly signed with the Redblacks. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/09/lions-release-veteran-running-back-william-stanback/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/bc-lions-release-veteran-rb-william-stanback-after-adding-james-butler-1.2233239 https://3downnation.com/2025/01/09/b-c-lions-grant-veteran-rb-william-stanback-early-release/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/10/quick-landing-redblacks-sign-rb-william-stanback/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/ottawa-redblacks-sign-newly-released-veteran-rb-william-stanback-1.2233306 https://3downnation.com/2025/01/10/ottawa-redblacks-sign-veteran-cfl-rb-william-stanback-sources/ ***** The Elks have let go Dillon Mitchell. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/10/elks-release-receiver-dillon-mitchell/ https://3downnation.com/2025/01/10/edmonton-elks-release-american-receiver-dillon-mitchell/ ***** Free Agent analyses https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/10/ferguson-5-potential-landing-spots-for-eugene-lewis/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/10/free-agency-most-wanted-a-coverage-master/ ***** This is a surprise to me. The Als signed David Cote. I like him, but when he was hurt last year, he was replaced by Jose Moltas, who was terrific. Will we see a training camp battle? https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/10/alouettes-sign-national-kicker-david-cote-to-one-year-extension/ https://3downnation.com/2025/01/10/montreal-alouettes-sign-k-david-cote-to-a-one-year-contract-extension/ ***** Brock Sunderland has joined the Bombers' scouting staff. https://3downnation.com/2025/01/10/former-edmonton-elks-general-manager-brock-sunderland-among-trio-added-to-blue-bombers-staff/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/10/bombers-add-to-scouting-staff-including-brock-sunderland/ ***** The Ticats have bulked up their scouting staff. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/10/ticats-add-three-to-front-office-staff-including-alex-russell-as-director-of-scouting/ https://3downnation.com/2025/01/10/hamilton-tiger-cats-add-three-to-front-office-staff/ ***** The Elks have announced their coaching staff. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/10/elks-announce-2025-coaching-staff-jordan-maksymic-as-oc-assistant-hc/ https://3downnation.com/2025/01/10/edmonton-elks-confirm-coaching-staff-for-2025-season-announce-return-of-former-receiver-jason-tucker/ ***** Drew Allemang has agreed to join the Redblacks' front office. https://3downnation.com/2025/01/10/drew-allemang-to-join-ottawa-redblacks-sources/ ***** Sask analysis https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/riders-positional-breakdown-linebackers-2/

Forgive me if I've posted this one before. A man had two cats. One was named One Two Three, and the other was named Un Deux Trois. He took them to the park one day and rented a rowboat, and took them out for a ride. But a bigger boat came by and swamped the rowboat in its wake. The man and the One Two Three cat made it safely to shore, but the Un Deux Trois cat sank.

Here's a surprise. Rick Campbell has agreed to re-join the Redblacks' staff, as the STC. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/09/report-rick-campbell-to-return-to-ottawa-as-special-teams-coordinator/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/former-bc-lions-head-coach-rick-campbell-joins-ottawa-redblacks-as-special-teams-coordinator-1.2232654 https://3downnation.com/2025/01/09/ottawa-redblacks-to-hire-rick-campbell-as-special-teams-coordinator-report/ ***** The Ticats let go James Butler. He promptly signed with the Lions. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/09/ticats-release-running-back-james-butler/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/hamilton-tiger-cats-release-veteran-running-back-james-butler-ahead-of-cfl-free-agency-1.2232761 https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/09/back-to-the-den-lions-sign-running-back-james-butler/ https://3downnation.com/2025/01/09/b-c-lions-bring-back-rb-james-butler-following-release-from-ticats/ ***** Reggie Begelton 2024 highlights reel. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/09/reggie-begelton-2024-cfl-highlights/ ***** Review of last year's free agent signings. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/09/3-under-the-radar-fa-signings-from-2024/

Chris Jones has agreed to join Bill Belichick's new staff at Carolina. https://3downnation.com/2025/01/08/chris-jones-hired-as-defensive-assistant-by-bill-belichick-with-north-carolina-tar-heels/ ***** Winston October has agreed to become the new OC at William &Mary. https://3downnation.com/2025/01/08/former-cfl-player-coach-winston-october-hired-as-offensive-coordinator-at-william-mary/ ***** Free agent analysis https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/08/free-agency-most-wanted-a-game-changing-defender/ ***** Pamela Anderson was on The Tonight Show, and told the story about how she was discovered at a BC Lions game. https://3downnation.com/2025/01/08/pamela-anderson-tells-jimmy-fallon-about-being-discovered-at-b-c-lions-game/ ***** This year's Grey Cup Final will be Nov. 16 in Winnipeg. https://3downnation.com/2025/01/08/cfl-actively-working-on-2025-schedule-will-be-announced-to-fans-in-coming-weeks/

Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary) has died at 86. RIP. Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary dies at 86

Rolan Milligan, Jr., 2024 highlight reel https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/07/rolan-milligan-jr-2024-cfl-highlights/ ***** A summary of post-Grey Cup news. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/07/back-in-the-loop-what-youve-missed-in-the-cfl-since-the-grey-cup/ ***** Free Agent analyses https://www.cfl.ca/2024/11/29/cfl-cas-top-30-pending-free-agents-10/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/07/free-agency-most-wanted-a-canadian-big-play-receiver/ ***** Brandon Kemp has signed with the Riders. https://3downnation.com/2025/01/07/saskatchewan-roughriders-sign-ol-brandon-kemp/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/07/riders-sign-american-ol-brandon-kemp/ ***** Tre Odoms-Dukes has signed with the Elks. https://3downnation.com/2025/01/07/edmonton-elks-sign-former-calgary-receiver-tre-odoms-dukes/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/07/elks-sign-receiver-tre-odoms-dukes-to-one-year-deal/ ***** The Elks have announced a new logo. https://3downnation.com/2025/01/06/edmonton-unveils-new-wordmark-keeps-elks-logo-as-secondary-emblem/ ***** Jean Delance has signed with the Argos. https://3downnation.com/2025/01/07/toronto-argonauts-sign-ol-jean-delance-following-stints-with-lions-riders/ ***** Sask analysis https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/riders-release-nfl-bound-left-tackle-trevor-reid-back-to-square-one/

The Argos have traded Dejon Allen to the Lions for Ryder Varga and a 2026 draft pick. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/06/lions-acquire-ol-dejon-allen-in-trade-with-argonauts/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/toronto-argonauts-send-ol-dejon-allen-to-bc-lions-in-exchange-for-lb-ryder-varga-draft-pick-1.2231038 https://3downnation.com/2025/01/06/b-c-lions-acquire-award-winning-ol-dejon-allen-from-toronto-argonauts-for-player-pick/ ***** Free Agent analysis https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/06/mmqb-one-question-for-each-east-division-team/ ***** Sask 2024 summary and analysis https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/06/10-takeaways-from-the-riders-2024-season/ https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/riderville-roundup-january-5/ *****

Here is more.     Celebrating Strata-East Records with a Special Tribute Show Dedicated to the Landmark Jazz Label co-founded by Charles Tolliver and Stanley Cowell January 13 at 7PM & 9:30PM at Le Poisson Rouge, NYC Presented by Winter Jazz Fest Tickets “Strata-East Rising Concert: A Tribute to the Landmark Jazz Label” will bring together two bands on Jan. 13 at Le Poisson Rouge,158 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012 to reimagine some of the imprint’s most iconic works. Featuring a star-studded lineup of original Strata-East artists Charles Tolliver, Cecil McBee, Billy Harper, Billy Hart and George Cables, the show will also highlight the talents of Steve Jordan, Christian McBride, aja monet, Endea Owens, Keyon Harrold, Camille Thurman, Josh Evans, Darrell Green, Victor Gould and more. Co-founded by Charles Tolliver and Stanley Cowell in 1971, and known for its DIY spirit and ties to Black liberation politics, Strata-East gave artists the freedom to create on their terms, producing landmark albums by legends like Tolliver, Cowell, The Heath Brothers, Clifford Jordan, Max Roach, Bill Lee (father of Spike Lee), Gil Scott-Heron and Pharoah Sanders, among many others. Tolliver’s influence extends to a new generation of jazz stars, including Keyon Harrold, Camille Thurman, Darrell Green and Victor Gould. “There’s so much great material to revisit and new projects in the works,” Tolliver said. Tickets Winter Jazz Fest #nycwjf J

Cannot recommend. Chick lit.

I started reading this Nov. 5, and have read a chapter almost every night. Kindle says that I am only 67% through!

Epiphany Earl Scruggs - 1924 Nino Tempo - 1935 Doris Troy - 1937 Van McCoy - 1940 Barry Altschul - 1943 Syd Barrett - 1946 Sandy Denny - 1947 Kim Wilson - 1951 ***** Leah Chase - 1923 Sean Landeta - 1962