GA Russell

I've been enjoying the new album by Roseanna Vitro called The Music of Randy Newman. Vitro is backed by a small group of piano, violin, bass and drums, with added guitar and percussion. The piano is former Sonny Rollins band member Mark Soskin. I like Vitro and I like Newman, so I expected to like this album, and I have. Roseanna Vitro and the RNP Band (Randy Newman Project) have scheduled the following shows in support of the new CD: 5/26 Blues Alley, Washington, DC; 5/27 An Die Musik Live, Baltimore; 6/10-11 Cezanne's, Houston (with Soskin, Caswell, local bass/drums); 6/13 Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, NYC; 6/16 Mt. Vernon Country Club Concert Series (two shows), Golden, CO. West Coast dates are in the works for September. This is Vitro's first album for Motema.

Kenny Werner has a new album out that's nice called Balloons. It was recorded live in concert at the Blue Note in April of last year, with Werner on piano, Randy Brecker on trumpet, David Sanchez on sax, John Patitucci on bass and Antonio Sanchez on drums. There are only four songs, all Werner compositions. They are reasonably laid back, nothing wild. Werner records for the Half Note label. It has occurred to me that Mack Avenue, Half Note and Motema make up a New York triumvirate maybe not seen since the days of Blue Note, Prestige and Riverside.

Lots of news this past week. The Eskimos have signed Ron Lancaster's grandson, QB Marc Mueller. http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=365216 ***** Ryan Donnelly has retired. http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=365323 ***** Calgary has released Mike Labinjo. http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=365401 ***** Adriano Belli announced his retirement by calling a press conference on a tall ship. No more kissing! No more third quarter fights! http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=365421 http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=365866 ***** Jesse Lumsden has finally retired. http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=365912

He was my favorite player. I named my first goldfish after him. He finished up with the Royals in '75, and I was surprised to learn then that when he was ejected from a game that year, that was the first and only time in his career. A real gentleman.

You guys convinced me! Ordered it today.

The Debut Records Story (4 CDs) has been reduced to $9.99. http://www.amazon.com/Debut-Records-Story-Various-Artists/dp/B000000XB7/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1305559823&sr=1-1

Happy Birthday 2011 Larry!

Happy Birthday Rodney!

This price might be more to your liking - 13 euros. http://www.amazon.it/Animalism-Edizione-Germania-Animals/dp/B002OFANOW/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1305219978&sr=1-1

RIP. Snooky Young was on my second jazz album ever, Ray Bryant's Gotta Travel On.

Happy to help!

I've just received an email from Mosaic/True Blue promoting Nessa Records' new release Indian Summer by Eddie Johnson. A beautiful 1981 session by this underrated big-toned Chicago tenor man, a veteran of the Louis Jordan and Ella Fitzgerald orchestras. His quintet here includes trumpeter Paul Serrano, pianist John Young, bassist Eddie De Haas and drummer George Hughes. They dig into pieces by Ellington, Benny Carter, Neal Hefti and others with swing, verve and lyricism. On CD for the first time, the album includes a previously unissued "I'm Old Fashioned". Congrats Chuck!

I think both that Steve and Ray make good points. May I suggest that the many Nessa Records fans make the effort to go to Amazon and post their candid views of what they already own, and keep in the back of their minds the idea that from now on they will do so when they receive their next order? I don't give negative reviews on Amazon of what I have bought from them, though I can't think of an example when it would be justified. I like to write short reviews with an attempt to make at least one point that none of the previous reviewers has made. What Steve says that hits home to me is that if the many Nessa Records fans had developed the habit of giving a short candid review to each release enjoyed, it wouldn't matter if some goofball disses the release. So let's start the habit now.

NOF, it's "moot".

Next time you'll be on your own, buddy! Thanks Flurin!

Thanks ubu! What does "intestatario carta" mean? It later comes up as "nome sulla carta", which I am guessing means "name on the card". Any idea what the shipping charge is to the US? I've gone to the site, but it won't tell me until after I give them my credit card, and I don't want to do that just yet. (I'm kind of proud of myself to have gotten that far with a language I'm unfamiliar with!) I have the Google toolbar installed and it will translate the page to english. Shipping to U.S. is 14 Euro + VAT whatever that is. Thanks Mike. I get 14 Euro too, with no VAT (value added tax).

Markus Howell has retired. http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=365202

Any idea what the shipping charge is to the US? I've gone to the site, but it won't tell me until after I give them my credit card, and I don't want to do that just yet. (I'm kind of proud of myself to have gotten that far with a language I'm unfamiliar with!)

Perhaps this is what you're referring to. It's an import which a Marketplace seller has for $10.35. http://www.amazon.com/Surf-Ride-Art-Pepper/dp/B0042UJW5S/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1304965823&sr=1-4 Surf Ride was one of my first purchases from BMG, back in '97.

RIP. Beauty is right! She was younger than I thought. The Man Who Never was was one of my favorite shows in 1966. It was cancelled by Christmas.

I've just listened to the samples, and I've added it to my wish list.

Lon, I placed a comment for your review. I believe it should say "I couldn't disagree more..." I marked everyone as helpful except Mr. Two-Star, who got an unhelpful.

Montreal needs a kicker. Duval played out his option, and I haven't read if he has signed with anyone. The Als selected a kicker with their first round pick today, and also traded their first pick of next year's draft to BC for Sean Whyte. http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=365104

I was struck by how blank the singers' faces were.

Here is today's draft: http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/feature/?id=38171