GA Russell

Happy Birthday 2016 Alison!

Spin Cycle, Co-Led by Drummer Scott Neumann & Saxophonist Tom Christensen, Releases Self-Titled Debut CD On Their Sound Footing Records May 6 Quartet Also Includes Guitarist Pete McCann, Bassist Phil Palombi CD Release Show at Smalls, NYC, May 6 Followed by Dates in Ontario (The Jazz Room, Waterloo, June 25; The Rex, Toronto, June 26) & Rochester, NY (Rochester Jazz Festival, June 27) April 7, 2016 With its strong melodies, tight rhythms, intriguing textures, and sophisticated interplay, Spin Cycle has got everything covered. What makes the band special is how everything fits together -- or, by intention, doesn't. For listeners and band members alike, every tune is an adventure. Spin Cycle is the new quartet co-led by drummer Scott Neumann and tenor saxophonist Tom Christensen -- and also featuring fellow veterans of the New York jazz scene Pete McCann on guitar and bassist Phil Palombi -- whose self-titled debut CD will be released by the leaders' Sound Footing Records on May 6. Spin Cycle boasts six compositions by Christensen, a consummate multi-instrumentalist who mostly plays tenor saxophone here, and four by Neumann. Having performed in all kinds of settings including the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the Jazz Mandolin Project, the Gil Evans Project, Madeleine Peyroux's touring group, Broadway pit bands -- and Cheap Trick -- the co-leaders know how to dig deep, swing hard, and put a shine on a ballad. After finishing a CD of his own in 2013 with Michael Blake and Mark Helias [the Neu3 Trio's Blessed], Neumann "got the thought of collaborating on an ongoing basis with musicians I liked and respected -- with friends who would get along sharing business responsibilities as well as creative ones. "I naturally thought of Tom. In addition to playing together, and playing with many of the same musicians, we've spent a lot of time backpacking and hiking together. He had tunes, I had tunes. They went well together because we share a lot of the same musical influences." Once they decided on the format of the band, getting McCann on board was the next step. Neumann has played with the Wisconsin native for more than 30 years, going back to their days at North Texas State (now the University of North Texas). And Christensen had played with the guitarist in Maria Schneider's big band. Palombi, a gifted bassist with whom Neumann had played in trumpeter Bill Mobley's big band during their four-year run at Smoke, was the final inspired piece to fall into place. Spin Cycle outdoors: saxophonist Tom Christensen, drummer Scott Neumann, guitarist Pete McCann, bassist Phil Palombi. Spin Cycle is bookended by lighthearted tunes inspired by the composers' daughters. Neumann's "Rainbow Shoelaces" features a simple melody and funky B section. Christensen's "Hamsters, Hamsters" is a straight-ahead, uptempo minor blues. The title track, written for this session by Christensen, shows off a deeper and more complex side of the band via its intricate and varied cycle of chord changes. Neumann's "Crystalline," which features McCann on nylon-string guitar, is distinguished by its lingering over-the-top melody. And then there's the punk rock-like composition, "Smart Aleck," with its bellicose guitar opening and other aggressive effects. "This lineup gives us a lot of room to try out different things," says the drummer. Born in 1962 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Scott Neumann started on the drums as a youngster and was exposed to what we now call classic rock by his older brother. Scott eventually found his way to the jazz-rock fusion of bands including Weather Report and Return to Forever. Neumann went on to blossom in the esteemed music program at North Texas State and moved to New York in 1988. He's been a busy player on the New York scene ever since, playing with such luminaries as Kenny Barron and Ben Allison and accruing impressive credits as a vocal accompanist (for Ann Hampton Callaway, among others), Broadway musician (he made Swing! swing), and instructor (he directs the drum studies program at Lehigh University). Tom Christensen was born in 1961 in Ventura, California. Like Neumann, he was drawn to rock early on; he became interested in jazz-rock fusion and straight-ahead jazz while attending high school in the Napa Valley. Frequenting clubs in nearby San Francisco, he heard such legends as Sonny Stitt, Dexter Gordon, and Art Blakey and had the opportunity to take private lessons from tenor saxophone great Joe Henderson. Christensen attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, studying classical music as well as jazz on both undergraduate and graduate levels. Since moving to the New York City area in 1989, he has established himself as a go-to player in jazz and commercial settings. For eight years, he was a member of the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra, appearing on five of their albums. He also has played on recordings by Joe Lovano, Don Sebesky, and the David Liebman Big Band. Christensen, who is on the faculty of the Fieldston School in New York, first recorded as a leader in 2000 (Gualala). Spin Cycle will be performing a CD release show at Smalls in New York on Friday 5/6, as well as a mini-tour taking them to the Jazz Room in Waterloo, Ontario, 6/25; the Rex in Toronto. 6/26; and the Rochester (NY) Jazz Festival, 6/27. "After playing with Scott for many years around New York," says Christensen, "I'm really excited about our new band Spin Cycle. We are both committed to the band and its musical vision. This is the first in what will be a long line of great recordings." Scott Neumann & Tom Christensen: Spin Cycle EPK Listen: soundcloud.com/spin-cycle-3 Web Sites: spincyclemusic.org, scottneumannmusic.com, tomchristensenmusic.com

Monk (complete, 8 seasons) - $52.99 http://www.amazon.com/Monk-The-Complete-Series/dp/B00IRHL59I ***** McMillan & Wife (complete, 6 seasons) - $39.99 http://www.amazon.com/McMillan-Wife-The-Complete-Series/dp/B008X8U83K/ ***** Father Dowling Mysteries (complete, 10 discs) - $31.90 http://www.amazon.com/Father-Dowling-Mysteries-Complete-Series/dp/B00AMU8K8C/ ***** Highway to Heaven (complete, 5 seasons) - $27.99 http://www.amazon.com/Highway-Heaven-The-Complete-Series/dp/B00M4KXLCI/ ***** The Avengers (Complete Emma Peel) - $23.44 http://www.amazon.com/The-Avengers-Complete-Emma-Megaset/dp/B00E5G03I4/ ***** Dick Van Dyke Show (complete, blu-ray) - $66.66 http://www.amazon.com/The-Dick-Van-Dyke-Show/dp/B008MIYKB2 A remastered version of this set is now out. $137.99 http://www.amazon.com/Dick-Van-Dyke-Show-Remastered/dp/B013HS2AFY/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Happy Birthday 2016 jazzkrow!

Happy Birthday 2016 Allen!

Now there is a new release of four more albums. - $16.99 prime http://www.amazon.com/Kings-Rhythm-Vol-Keep-Truckin/dp/B01BP1OPPS/

Duck Dynasty - Season 8 - $9.88 http://www.amazon.com/Duck-Dynasty-Season-8-DVD/dp/B0128P22QY

The Doomsters was the first of his that I read. I enjoyed every one, but it wasn't too long before I forgot the plots of each because they seemed like the same book over and over!

It's Claude's birthday today! Is he OK? He hasn't been here since last summer. Happy Birthday 2016 Claude Schlouch!

A few items of news since the last time. John Hodge shows a graph which suggests that the teams which draft Canadian offensive linemen do better. http://3downnation.com/2016/03/29/15577/#comments ***** Drew Edwards posted an interesting interview with Eric Tillman. http://3downnation.com/2016/03/31/15725/#comments ***** The Commissioner ruled yesterday that Edmonton does not owe Ottawa compensation for hiring Jason Maas to be their new head coach. http://3downnation.com/2016/04/02/esks-owe-no-compensation-over-maas-hire/#comments http://www.tsn.ca/no-compensation-owed-to-redblacks-for-maas-hiring-1.463269 ***** The union met in Las Vegas yesterday, and elected Jeff Keeping to replace Scott Flory as its President. http://3downnation.com/2016/04/02/keeping-replaces-flory-as-cflpa-president/#comments http://www.tsn.ca/keeping-elected-new-cflpa-president-1.463311 ***** The Riders made small changes in their logo, most notably eliminating the silver in favor of white. http://www.thesnap.ca/riders-update-logo/ ***** Wednesday's Checking Down http://www.cfl.ca/2016/03/30/checking-osheas-bombers-new-home-matt-walter/

Three's Company (complete, 8 seasons) - $34.96 http://www.amazon.com/Threes-Company-The-Complete-Series/dp/B00KN2KY4W ***** What's Happening (complete, 3 seasons) - $14.99 http://www.amazon.com/Whats-Happening-The-Complete-Series/dp/B00THX0SUI/ ***** 3rd Rock from the Sun (complete, 6 seasons) - $21.99 http://www.amazon.com/3rd-Rock-Sun-Complete-Series/dp/B00BM2JVAA/ ***** Wings (complete, 8 seasons) - $29.99 http://www.amazon.com/WINGS-Complete-Series-Timothy-Daly/dp/B00LU5PB0I/ ***** 21 Jump Street (complete, 5 seasons) - $19.99 http://www.amazon.com/21-Jump-Street-Complete-Series/dp/B003K2G0TA/ ***** Soap (complete, 4 seasons) - $20.49 http://www.amazon.com/SOAP-Complete-Series-Billy-Crystal/dp/B00VX21VR0/

Happy Birthday 2016 Kyo!

Happy Birthday 2016 jlh!

Does anyone here have any experience with SoundCloud? What is your opinion? Today they announced their new pay tier ($10/month) called SoundCloud Go. http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/soundcloud%E2%80%99s-music-subscription-service-is-finally-here/ar-BBr4K8U?ocid=ansmsnnews11

Thanks, crisp. Your answer doesn't surprise me. Still, twenty bucks for four albums is appealling.

I forgot to post a link. https://www.bing.com/search?q=Patty+Duke&filters=tnTID%3a%22476620DD-6038-4e33-9E50-B51A4B019DB0%22+tnVersion%3a%221354482%22+segment%3a%22popularnow.carousel%22+tnCol%3a%222%22+tnOrder%3a%22d6466cdd-7a7f-4fef-b59d-e89972dc484f%22&FORM=HPNN01

Patty Duke died today. RIP. I think her hit "Please Don't Just Stand There" qualifies her for a place in the Artists forum. I remember when she followed Ed Asner as head of the actors' union.

felser, the new vinyl of Animalism is only $12.58 + $3.99. http://www.amazon.com/Animalism-Animals/dp/B000EEYCCO/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1459227278&sr=1-1&keywords=animals+animalism Have you looked at Amazon UK? http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=animals+animalism

I see that Amazon's pre-order price is only $10.82. I wonder what the story is behind the decision to price it so low. http://www.amazon.com/Holding-Stage-Road-Shows-Vol/dp/B01AVPGJYY/

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings - Jump, Jive and Wail (4 CDs) - $19.99 prime http://www.amazon.com/Kings-Rhythm-Vol-Jump-Jive/dp/B01AWH626Q Does anyone have an opinion of this group?

I had a Catholic education, and we always had Easter Week off.

I received the new OAS with five Warner albums today. Maybe I'll get this Resonance for Christmas.

NAGEL HEYER RECORDS PRESENTS MARTY ELKINS Walkin' By The River AVAILABLE IN STORES AND ONLINE APRIL 1, 2016 Marty Elkins Vocals Jon-Erik Kellso Trumpet Howard Alden Guitar Joel Diamond Hammond C3 Organ Steve Ash Piano Lee Hudson Bass Taro Okamoto Drums New York, March 23, 2016 - Mentored by piano great Dave McKenna, tutored by the legendary Ann Marie Moss and supported by musical alchemist Allen Toussaint, Marty Elkins is fulfilling dreams - those of her own, and those of the fans who always knew she was a New York talent deserving much wider recognition. Her new record, Walkin' By The River, affirms everyone's belief; it finds Elkins interpreting a host of American Songbook standards. It is her third release on the German Nagel Heyer label. "I wanted to gather the songs that meant the most to me," the vocalist says, "tunes that feel timeless. My aim was to give them a shiny new coat and offer all a new way of hearing them." On Walkin' By The River Elkins tackles some traditional gems that harken across the decades ("Runnin' Wild," "Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea," "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby,"), as well as less traveled tunes delivered with a twist ("Garbage Can Blues," "Down To Steamboat Tennessee," I'll Wind."). Throughout, she proves herself a songbird with heart, endowing these songs with lessons learned from the greats, from the likes of Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith and Louis Jordan. "Everything I've ever heard goes into my singing," Elkins continues,"as if the sound of the classic singers AND the sound of their records live inside me. I like to draw on that for inspiration." The evidence can be heard on Walkin' By The River. It is Exhibit A for her case: the artists who deserve wider recognition might just get it. "Her voice has a glowing roundness." - Downbeat Magazine "She knows how to ride a melody." - Cadence Magazine "Marty Elkins runs her own voodoo down." - Stanley Crouch TRACKS 01 If I Could Be With You (4:51) 02 Runnin' Wild (3:23) 03 Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby (5:24) 04 Garbage Can Blues (3:09) 05 When My Sugar Walks Down the Street (3:31) 06 Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin' (5:20) 07 There'll Be Some Changes Made (3:18) 08 Down To Steamboat Tennessee (5:38) 09 Comes Love (5:52) 10 Ill Wind (4:40) 11 I'll Never Be the Same (5:05) 12 Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (4:55) 13 Walkin' By the River (6:00) To listen to samples CLICK HERE ABOUT NAGEL HEYER RECORDS Located in Hamburg, Germany, the label's mission is to present the finest in modern and mainstream jazz. Nagel Heyer's recent catalogue includes recordings by jazz greats such as Marc Copland, Wycliffe Gordon, Eric Reed, Greg Osby, Clark Terry, Donald Harrison, Bill Charlap, Terell Stafford, Harry Allen, Buck Clayton, Ralph Sutton, Howard Alden, Bob Wilber and Warren Vaché amongst others. http://www.nagelheyer.com

Happy Easter 2016 everyone!

REM - OAS - 6.81 GBP http://www.amazon.co.uk/Original-Album-Series-R-E-M/dp/B00AOG6NR4