GA Russell

Mack Avenue Music Group & Strata-East Announce Strata-East Reissues Pharoah Sanders - Izipho Zam (My Gifts) Record Store Day Exclusive 180-gram Vinyl Release Available April 12, 2025 Charlie Rouse - Two Is One, Charles Tolliver’s Music Inc - Live at Slugs’, Vol. I & II, Stanley Cowell - Musa: Ancestral Streams Available April 25, 2025 All Albums Available on CD and Digitally (for the first time) on April 25, 2025 The Strata-East Vinyl Reissues are Pressed on 180-gram Vinyl at Record Technology Inc. (RTI), Mastered by Kevin Gray with Audio Transferred Direct from the Original Analog Tapes + New Liner Notes & Never-Before-Seen Photos Strata-East: The Legacy Begins Digital-Only Anthology Available February 21, 2025 Last month, Mack Avenue Music Group announced its partnership with Strata-East Records, the influential jazz label known for artistic freedom and high production standards founded in 1970 by Charles Tolliver and Stanley Cowell. Following the digital-only anthology Strata-East: The Legacy Begins, available February 21, 2025, Strata-East will reissue Pharoah Sanders’ Izipho Zam (My Gifts) as a Record Store Day exclusive vinyl release on April 12, 2025. Pressed at Record Technology Inc. (RTI) on 180-gram vinyl and mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio with audio transferred directly from the original analog tapes, the vinyl edition comes in high-quality, glossy tip-on gatefold jackets. It also includes new liner notes by Harmony Holiday and never-before-seen photos, making this release a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and collectors alike. On April 25, 2025, Strata-East will release vinyl and CD reissues of Charlie Rouse’s Two Is One, Charles Tolliver’s Music Inc.’s Live at Slugs’, Vol. I & II, and Stanley Cowell’s Musa: Ancestral Streams, also pressed at RTI on 180-gram vinyl and mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio with audio transferred directly from the original analog tapes. Pharoah Sanders’ Izipho Zam (My Gifts) will also be released on CD at this time and all 4 albums will be available digitally for the first time ever. Also April 25, 2025, Mack Avenue Music Group will digitally release, for the first time, 32 albums from the Strata-East catalog. Strata-East: The Legacy Begins celebrates the revolutionary spirit of one of the most influential artist-owned independent jazz labels in history. This anthology 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 on individual albums: SES1973325 | Pharoah Sanders | Izipho Zam (My Gifts) Pharoah Sanders' Izipho Zam (My Gifts) is a groundbreaking jazz masterpiece. Recorded in 1969, two years after John Coltrane's passing, and released in 1973 on Strata-East, the album features a 13-member ensemble, including Sonny Sharrock, Lonnie Liston Smith, Cecil McBee, and Leon Thomas. Blending Eastern influences with expansive jazz, Sanders’ genius is highlighted with "Prince of Peace,” showcasing Thomas' unique vocals, and the 28-minute title track, offering an exploration of dissonance and harmony with West African percussion and meditative chants. For the first time ever, this seminal work from a legendary saxophonist will be available on CD and digital platforms, as well as on 180-gram vinyl. Pressed at Record Technology Inc. (RTI) and mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, the vinyl edition comes in high-quality, glossy tip-on gatefold jackets. It also includes new liner notes by Harmony Holiday and never-before-seen photos, making this release a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and collectors alike. SES197225 | Charles Tolliver | Live at Slugs’, Volume I & II For the first time ever, Charles Tolliver’s Live at Slugs’, Volumes I & II will be released together in one set, presenting the full power of these historic performances in a unified collection. Recorded live in 1970 at the legendary Slugs' in New York City, the albums feature Tolliver’s fiery trumpet alongside an all-star lineup: Strata-East co-founder Stanley Cowell on piano, Cecil McBee on bass, and Jimmy Hopps on drums. These high-energy recordings capture the raw intensity and innovation of the Music Inc. quartet, showcasing their technical brilliance and cohesive interplay. Remastered in stunning detail, this release unites two of the most celebrated live albums in jazz history for the first time on CD and digital platforms, as well as on 180-gram vinyl. The digital release features 3 never-before-released bonus tracks, totaling 41 minutes of unreleased music. Pressed at Record Technology Inc. (RTI) and mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, the vinyl edition comes in high-quality, glossy tip-on gatefold jackets. It also includes new liner notes by Marcus J. Moore and never-before-seen photos, making this release a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and collectors alike. SES1974325 | Stanley Cowell | Musa: Ancestral Streams Featuring stunning solo piano work by Strata-East co-founder Stanley Cowell, Musa: Ancestral Streams is a landmark album in jazz, celebrated for its intimacy and innovation. Recorded in 1974, it stands as one of the most significant solo piano albums of its time, blending jazz with classical, African, and Eastern influences. Cowell’s pioneering use of both electric and acoustic piano expands the expressive range of the instrument, creating a deeply personal and spiritual experience. Musa: Ancestral Streams is a cornerstone of the Strata-East discography, reflecting the label’s commitment to artistic freedom and genre-defining works. It not only highlights Cowell’s extraordinary vision as a musician but also exemplifies Strata-East’s role in championing boundary-pushing, artist-produced records. For the first time ever, this pioneering solo work from the famed pianist will be available on CD and digital platforms, as well as on 180-gram vinyl. The digital release features an alternate take on the classic “Travelin’ Man” as well as 3 additional never-before-released bonus tracks. Pressed at Record Technology Inc. (RTI) and mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, the vinyl edition comes in high-quality, glossy tip-on gatefold jackets. It also includes new liner notes by Nate Chinen and never-before-seen photos, making this release a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and collectors alike. SES1974625 | Charlie Rouse | Two Is One Charlie Rouse’s groundbreaking album Two Is One is a funk-infused exploration of jazz that embodies the innovative spirit of Strata-East Records. Originally recorded in 1974 and transferred from the original analog tapes, Two Is One fuses sophisticated soul jazz with post-bop and spiritual influences while highlighting stellar collaborations with guitarists George Davis and Paul Metzke, Cal Scott on electrified cello, and the incomparable Stanley Clarke on electric bass. For the first time ever, this classic from a saxophone legend will be available on CD and digital platforms, as well as on 180-gram vinyl. Pressed at Record Technology Inc. (RTI) and mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, the vinyl edition comes in high-quality, glossy tip-on gatefold jackets. It also includes new liner notes by Syd Schwartz and never-before-seen photos, making this release a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and collectors alike. Strata-East: The Legacy Begins Read the full press release here. Track List: Billy Harper – “Sir Galahad” Clifford Jordan – “John Coltrane” Stanley Cowell – “Equipoise” Charles Tolliver & Music Inc – “Felicite” (live) Shamek Farrah – “Watch What Happens Now” Charles Tolliver & Stanley Cowell – “On the Nile” Charlie Rouse – “Hopscotch” Pharoah Sanders – “Prince of Peace” The Heath Brothers ft. Stanley Cowell – “Smilin’ Billy Suite: Part II” Cecil Payne – “Martin Luther King, Jr. I Know Love” Charles Tolliver & Music Inc – - “Drought” (Live) Charles Brackeen – “Rhythm X” Charles Tolliver & Music Inc – “Spanning” (Live) Charles Tolliver & Music Inc – “Truth” (Live) Cecil McBee – “Voice of the 7th Angel” Harold Vick – “Don’t Look Back” Charles Tolliver – “Lil’s Paradise” The Piano Choir – “Effi” John Hicks – “My One and Only Love” John Gordon – “Step by Step” Charles Tolliver – “Ruthie’s Heart” (Live) .Charles Tolliver – “For Love of What” (Live) Stanley Cowell ft. Billy Harper & Reggie Workman & Billy Hart – “Sweet Song” The Descendants of Mike and Phoebe & Bill Lee – “Two Songs for a Boy Named Mark: a) Little Bitty Baby, b) Soliloquy to a Man-Child” The Brass Company & Bill Lee – “Alias Buster Henry” Charles Tolliver & Music Inc – “Earl’s World” Stanley Cowell – “Lullabye” The Piano Choir – “Barbara Ann” Billy Parker – “Get With It” Shamek Farrah & Sonelius Smith – “The World of the Children” Charles Tolliver & Music Inc Orchestra – “Impact” The New York Bass Violin Choir & Bill Lee – “John Coltrane” John Hicks – “Hell’s Bells" Strata-East: The Legacy Begins Mack Avenue Music Group/Strata-East · Release Date: February 21, 2025 Pharoah Sanders - Izipho Zam (My Gifts) Record Store Day Exclusive Vinyl Release + CD Compilation Mack Avenue Music Group/Strata-East Release Date: April 12, 2025 Vinyl and CD Reissues: Charlie Rouse - Two Is One, Charles Tolliver’s Music Inc. - Live at Slugs’, Vol. I & II, Stanley Cowell - Musa: Ancestral Streams Mack Avenue Music Group/Strata-East Release Date: April 25, 2025 For more information on Strata-East, please visit: www.serecs.com  # # # # # #

Free Agent analyses https://www.cfl.ca/everything-you-need-to-know-ahead-2025-cfl-free-agency https://www.cfl.ca/2025/02/07/top-10-moves-during-the-free-agency-communication-window/ ***** These are interesting. They are the work of a fan whose handle is CFL Stats Geek.

RIP Claude!

February 8 Buddy Morrow - 1919 John Williams - 1932 Tom Rush - 1941 Terry Melcher - 1942 England Dan - 1948 ***** Lyle Talbot - 1902 ( I saw him on stage in There's a Girl in my Soup.) Neal Casady - 1926

The board is not allowing me to edit my last post! I guess there is a timer. So here are additional links for the above subjects. Redblacks coaches https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/31/redblacks-announce-2025-coaching-staff/ ***** Free Agent analyses https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/cfl-free-agency-best-remaining-canadians-and-americans-1.2243610 https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/24/15-top-pending-free-agents-who-could-be-available/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/02/03/mmqb-4-significant-offensive-extensions-so-far/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/02/05/where-do-all-9-teams-stand-ahead-of-free-agency/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/02/06/5-storylines-to-watch-in-free-agency/ ***** Vaughters https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/bombers-test-the-vaughters-go-with-whats-schoen-to-work/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/31/bombers-sign-james-vaughters-to-one-year-deal/ ***** Rose https://www.cfl.ca/2025/02/01/riders-sign-three-time-all-cfl-defensive-lineman-mike-rose/ ***** Wolitarsky https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/hamilton-tiger-cats/tiger-cats-look-west-for-value-players-sign-wr-drew-wolitarsky/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/02/02/ticats-sign-national-receiver-drew-wolitarsky/ ***** Campbell https://www.cfl.ca/2025/02/03/riders-sign-defensive-back-tevaughn-campbell/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/saskatchewan-roughriders-sign-former-nfl-db-tevaughn-campbell-1.2245946 ***** Rhymes https://www.cfl.ca/2025/02/01/redblacks-release-receiver-dominique-rhymes/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/02/04/stamps-sign-veteran-receiver-dominique-rhymes/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/calgary-stampeders-sign-american-wr-dominique-rhymes-1.2246404 ***** Nield https://www.cfl.ca/2025/02/04/riders-sign-receiver-tommy-nield/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/saskatchewan-roughriders-agree-to-terms-with-qb-tommy-stevens-1.2246346 ***** Acklin https://www.cfl.ca/2025/02/04/jaelon-acklin-announces-retirement/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/ottawa-redblacks-adding-star-wr-eugene-lewis-in-free-agency-1.2246345 ***** Jackson and Hogan https://www.cfl.ca/2025/02/04/bombers-add-jarious-jackson-to-coaching-staff-name-jason-hogan-offensive-coordinator/ ***** Salary Cap https://www.cfl.ca/2025/02/05/2025-salary-cap-increase-driven-by-2024-league-revenue-growth/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/cflpa-announces-almost-10-raise-in-salary-cap-1.2247219 https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/naylor-and-lalji-answering-the-questions-raised-by-the-cfl-s-higher-salary-cap-1.2247496 https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/cflpa-shares-historic-salary-cap-increase-for-2025-season/ https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/2025-cfl-salary-cap-increase-driven-by-2024-league-revenue-growth/ ***** Lemon https://www.cfl.ca/2025/02/06/lemon-receives-additional-sanctions-for-violating-cfl-cflpa-drug-policy/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/cfl-slaps-defensive-lineman-lemon-with-second-suspension-for-positve-drug-test-1.2247812 ***** Vancouver Island https://www.cfl.ca/2025/02/06/lions-preseason-game-to-take-place-at-starlight-stadium-in-langford-on-may-19/ ***** And here are additional headlines. Ottawa analysis https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/31/why-2025-could-be-the-redblacks-year/ ***** Surviving the Off-Season https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/31/6-ways-to-survive-the-cfl-off-season/ ***** DeWayne Hendrix has signed with the Lions. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/02/02/lions-add-defensive-lineman-dewayne-hendrix/ ***** Recently released Brett Boyko has signed again with the Elks. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/02/03/elks-bring-back-brett-boyko-extend-jacob-plamondon/ ***** Edmonton analysis https://www.cfl.ca/2025/02/04/are-elks-assembling-high-flying-roster/ ***** Sask analyses https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/riders-positional-breakdown-special-teams-2/ https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/riderville-roundup-february-2/ https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/sayles-signing-solidifies-sasky-secondary/

Lots of news in the past seven days, as the free agents are making their moves. Players are announcing their intentions, although they will not be free to sign contracts until next week. Here is a good list of each team's situation, pending everybody signing their contracts. https://3downnation.com/2025/02/04/each-cfl-teams-additions-and-subtractions-in-free-agency-thus-far/ ***** The Redblacks have announced their coaching staff. https://3downnation.com/2025/01/31/ottawa-redblacks-add-six-new-faces-to-coaching-staff-for-2025/ ***** Free Agent analyses https://3downnation.com/2025/01/31/2025-cfl-free-agent-rankings-offensive-linemen/ https://3downnation.com/2025/02/01/2025-cfl-free-agent-rankings-defensive-linemen/ https://3downnation.com/2025/02/02/2025-cfl-free-agent-rankings-linebackers/ https://3downnation.com/2025/02/03/2025-cfl-free-agent-rankings-defensive-backs/ https://3downnation.com/2025/02/04/2025-cfl-free-agent-rankings-specialists/ https://3downnation.com/2025/02/05/2025-cfl-free-agent-rankings-top-30/ ***** James Vaughters has signed with the Bombers. https://3downnation.com/2025/01/31/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-former-stampeders-dl-james-vaughters/ ***** Mike Rose has signed with the Riders. https://3downnation.com/2025/02/01/saskatchewan-roughriders-sign-three-time-cfl-all-star-mike-rose/ ***** Drew Wolitarsky has signed with the Ticats. https://3downnation.com/2025/02/02/hamilton-tiger-cats-sign-canadian-rec-drew-wolitarsky/ ***** After five years with the LA Chargers and Jacksonville, Tevaughn Campbell has agreed to return to the Riders. https://3downnation.com/2025/02/03/2025-cfl-free-agent-rankings-defensive-backs/ ***** Dominique Rhymes has signed with the Stampeders. https://3downnation.com/2025/02/04/calgary-stampeders-agree-to-terms-with-former-all-cfl-receiver-dominique-rhymes-sources/ ***** Redblacks GM Shawn Burke has decided to let Jeremiah Masoli go. https://3downnation.com/2025/02/01/redblacks-likely-to-move-on-from-veteran-qb-jeremiah-masoli/ ***** The Argos have let go Tommy Nield, who then promptly signed with the Riders. https://3downnation.com/2025/02/03/toronto-argonauts-release-canadian-receiver-tommy-nield/ https://3downnation.com/2025/02/04/saskatchewan-roughriders-sign-canadian-receiver-tommy-nield/ ***** After three years with Denver (2019-2021) and most recently (2023) with the NY Jets, Diontae Spencer is now interested in returning to the CFL. https://3downnation.com/2025/02/03/former-cfl-all-star-diontae-spencer-interested-in-return-to-canada-after-five-year-nfl-run/ ***** Jaelon Acklin has retired. I wonder if that scary fall on his head had something to do with it. https://3downnation.com/2025/02/04/veteran-cfl-receiver-jaelon-acklin-retires-at-29/ ***** Jarious Jackson has joined the Bombers' coaching staff. Jason Hogan has been promoted to OC to replace Buck Pierce. https://3downnation.com/2025/02/04/winnipeg-blue-bombers-promote-jason-hogan-to-offensive-coordinator-hire-jarious-jackson-as-qb-coach/ ***** This year's salary cap will increase $400,000. to $6,000,000. https://3downnation.com/2025/02/05/2025-cfl-salary-cap-limit-jumps-over-400000-due-to-increased-league-revenues/ ***** Although Shawn Lemon is indefinitely suspended, he was suspended an additional two games today. https://3downnation.com/2025/02/06/shawn-lemon-hit-with-additional-suspension-for-violating-cfl-drug-policy/ ***** Although there will not be a Touchdown Pacific game this year, the Lions will play a pre-season game on Vancouver Island. https://3downnation.com/2025/02/06/b-c-lions-returning-to-vancouver-island-for-preseason-opener/ ***** I will pause for now, and add additional links next time.

I would like to see someone issue a box of The Don Rendell/Ian Carr Quintet. BGO released a number of twofers ca. 2004. Maybe they are still the way to go. Two are still available at Amazon US.

Thanks, John! On your recommendation, I've just ordered it.

RIP Mike Ratledge! I remember (maybe we all do) Richard Sinclair's line, "One question we all dread, What's doing Mike Ratledge?" John, what biography are you referring to?

RIP Claude!

Jeremy Pelt Woven Impacting February 3rd, 2025 Format: Jazz # Artist and Track Title Time 1. Jeremy Pelt - Prologue: Invention #1 02:13 2. Jeremy Pelt - Rhapsody 06:54 3. Jeremy Pelt - Afrofuturism 05:17 4. Jeremy Pelt - 13/14 04:53 5. Jeremy Pelt - Dreamcatcher 06:52 6. Jeremy Pelt - Michelle 05:17 7. Jeremy Pelt - Fair Weather 04:44 8. Jeremy Pelt - Invention #2/Black Conscience 09:29 9. Jeremy Pelt - Labyrinth 04:35 NEW FROM HIGHNOTE RECORDS Jeremy Pelt - Woven HighNote Records HCD 7363 Jeremy Pelt - trumpet Jalen Baker – vibraphone • Misha Mendelenko – guitar Leighton Harrell – acoustic bass / electric bass (track 1 only) Jared Spears – drums Special guests: Marie-Ann Hedonia – synthesizer (tracks 1, 2, 5 & 😎 Mar Vilaseca – vocal (track 2 only) Airplay Starts Now • Suggested Tracks 3. Afrofuturism (5:16) • 4. 13/14 (4:52) • 7. Fair Weather (4:44) • 9. Labyrinth (4:34) Music from Jeremy Pelt's Woven has been featured on Apple Music's Jazz Currents, Qobuz's Nouveautés Jazz, Spotify's State of Jazz & Late Night jazz & Coffee Table Jazz, Tidal's Grown Jazz, Deezer's Focus and others. The album will also be featured in the April issue of Down Beat's Hot Box. Like our stuff? Let’s hear from you. Record Company Contact Barney Fields • HighNote Records, Inc. jazzdepo@ix.netcom.com • (212) 873-2020 • www.jazzdepot.com HCD 7363 J... HDC7363 Je...

Thanks, Jim! I have sent the message to Laurie.

Laurie Pepper is asking for help. Does anyone know the name of this tune? https://artpepper.bandcamp.com/track/help-please-name-this-tune?

Rainbow (February freebie) https://artpepper.bandcamp.com/track/2025-first-freebie-rainbow

Here are two charts regarding music sales. Perhaps they are obsolete because the last year shown is 2013. Still, I thought you would find this interesting.

All these years I thought that she got her start because she was Mick Jagger's girl friend. That was not the case. The liner notes here say that Andrew Loog Oldham met her at a party, and convinced her to let him be her manager. She then made a record which didn't sell. Later Oldham introduced her to the Rolling Stones.

Not jazz

Finally finished it! The item that struck me the most was not about Sonny! The fellow at Riverside (perhaps he was the #3 exec behind Grauer and Keepnews) says that he believes that Grauer faked his death to avoid being arrested and imprisoned.

Apparently I misread this deal. The two brands are Rocky Patel and La Aurora. ***** Cigar Place now has its own deal for $19.99. Ten different good cigars for $19.99 with free shipping. Add a lighter for $4.99. https://www.cigarplace.biz/cigar-place-top-shelf-stogies-sampler-v1124.html

Free Agent analyses https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/cfl-free-agency-window-set-to-officially-open-at-noon-et-on-sunday-1.2243567 https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/cfl-free-agency-best-remaining-top-10-canadians-and-americans-1.2243610 https://3downnation.com/2025/01/29/2025-cfl-free-agent-rankings-running-backs-fullbacks/ https://3downnation.com/2025/01/30/2025-cfl-free-agent-rankings-receivers/ https://3downnation.com/2025/01/30/roughriders-gm-jeremy-oday-canadian-ol-receiver-strongest-positions-in-cfl-free-agency/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/29/2-key-pending-free-agent-extensions-per-team-so-far/ ***** Jonathan Jones has signed with the Bombers. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/30/bombers-sign-american-linebacker-jonathan-jones/ https://3downnation.com/2025/01/30/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-former-argonauts-lb-jonathan-jones/ ***** Tre Crawford has signed with BC. https://3downnation.com/2025/01/29/b-c-lions-sign-former-tiger-cats-roughriders-dl-tre-crawford-two-others/ ***** As the date to pay the off-season bonuses approaches, we are seeing players let go. The Redblacks have let go Brandin Dandridge. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/29/redblacks-release-american-db-brandin-dandridge/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/ottawa-redblacks-release-veteran-db-brandin-dandridge-1.2243715 https://3downnation.com/2025/01/29/ottawa-redblacks-release-veteran-db-brandin-dandridge/ ***** The Elks have let go Brett Boyko. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/30/elks-release-veteran-offensive-lineman-brett-boyko/ https://3downnation.com/2025/01/30/edmonton-elks-release-canadian-ol-brett-boyko-ahead-of-offseason-roster-bonus/ ***** The Ticats have let go DeWayne Hendrix. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/30/ticats-release-dl-dewayne-hendrix-sign-two/ https://3downnation.com/2025/01/30/hamilton-tiger-cats-release-dl-dewayne-hendrix-ahead-of-offseason-bonus/ ***** The Lions have let go Alexander Hollins. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/30/report-lions-to-release-receiver-alexander-hollins/ https://3downnation.com/2025/01/30/b-c-lions-release-former-west-division-all-star-alexander-hollins/ ***** The league has released the names of the invitees to this year's combine. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/30/cfl-reveals-2025-cfl-combine-participants/ https://3downnation.com/2025/01/30/cfl-reveals-list-of-2025-inivitational-combine-participants/ https://3downnation.com/2025/01/30/cfl-reveals-list-of-2025-combine-participants/ ***** Quarterback analysis https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/30/a-look-at-all-9-quarterback-rooms/ ***** John Huard has died at 80. RIP. https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/former-toronto-argonauts-head-coach-john-huard-dies-at-the-age-of-80-1.2244343 https://3downnation.com/2025/01/30/former-toronto-argonauts-head-coach-john-huard-dead-at-80/ ***** Glenn Love has announced that he has ALS. https://3downnation.com/2025/01/29/former-cfl-lb-glenn-love-launches-gofundme-after-als-diagnosis/ ***** Sask analysis https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/riders-positional-breakdown-offensive-line-2/ ***** Bombers' Schedule analysis https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/review-critique-2025-bombers-schedule/

RIP. I got this eight years ago, and never got around to opening it up. Now's the time.

January 29 Derek Bailey - 1930 Leslie Bricusse - 1931 Beverly Kenney - 1932 Ron Townson - 1933 Sacha Distel - 1933 Noel Harrison - 1934 James Jamerson - 1936 Bobby Scott - 1937

Another surprise from the Bombers. They have let go Drew Wolitarsky. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/27/bombers-release-receiver-drew-wolitarsky/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/winnipeg-blue-bombers-release-veteran-receiver-drew-wolitarsky-1.2242525 https://3downnation.com/2025/01/27/winnipeg-blue-bombers-release-veteran-receiver-drew-wolitarsky/ ***** The Stampeders are cleaning house too. They have let go Mike Rose and James Vaughters. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/27/stamps-release-defensive-linemen-mike-rose-james-vaughters/ https://3downnation.com/2025/01/27/calgary-stampeders-release-starting-dl-mike-rose-james-vaughters/ ***** The Elks have let go Boris Bede, rather than pay him his off-season bonus. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/28/elks-release-veteran-kicker-boris-bede/ https://3downnation.com/2025/01/25/elks-discussing-k-boris-bedes-future-with-off-season-bonus-looming/ https://3downnation.com/2025/01/28/edmonton-elks-release-kicker-boris-bede-ahead-of-offseason-roster-bonus/ ***** Free Agent analyses https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/27/mmqb-4-most-significant-defensive-contract-extensions-so-far/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/28/crystal-ball-cfl-ca-makes-bold-free-agency-predictions/ https://3downnation.com/2025/01/28/2025-cfl-free-agent-rankings-quarterbacks/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/27/4-potential-landing-spots-for-janarion-grant/ ***** Shane Ray has signed with the Riders. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/27/riders-sign-defensive-lineman-shane-ray/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/saskatchewan-roughriders-sign-former-grey-cup-super-bowl-champion-lb-shane-ray-1.2242565 https://3downnation.com/2025/01/27/saskatchewan-roughriders-sign-super-bowl-grey-cup-winner-shane-ray/ ***** The Alouettes have announced their coaching staff. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/28/alouettes-announce-2025-coaching-staff/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/alouettes-head-coach-maas-returns-all-but-one-assistant-to-his-25-staff-1.2243084 https://3downnation.com/2025/01/28/montreal-alouettes-make-one-change-to-coaching-staff-for-2025/ ***** 3 Down Nation here considers the Top 20 Passing Yards leaders. It might be worth noting that Sam Etcheverry's stats are missing his first two years. The Rifle was a rookie in '52, but the Big Four did not begin to keep official stats until '54. https://3downnation.com/2025/01/26/evergreen-top-20-cfl-passing-yard-leaders-of-all-time/

Cigar Page has a new deal similar to the last. 10 good cigars (Oliva and La Aurora) for $19.99 with free shipping. Add a lighter for $5.00. https://www.cigarpage.com/the-fab-collab-tenski-cigar-grip-ii-ks-notthebee0125.html

The RCMP officer sees a car drive by, and the driver is not wearing his seatbelt. So he pulls over an elderly couple, decides to give them a warning. As he approaches the vehicle, he sees the driver reach up and put on his seatbelt. "You know, we have a mandatory seatbelt law in Alberta," he says. "I have my seatbelt on," the old guy replies. "I saw you put it on as I came up," says the cop. "I’ve had it on since I left the house. Ask the wife!" (Heavy sigh) "Look, I’m just giving you a warning. Wear your seatbelt." Old guy is outraged. "My seatbelt is on! I have had it on since I left my driveway. Ask the wife!" Cop just wants to end it. "Ma’am, do you corroborate that he’s had it on the whole time?" "I never argue with him when he’s been drinking."