GA Russell

I've been listening to both The Ground and Restored, Returned, and I find that I like the new album better. They are quite different, and there is no reason to expect someone to be a big fan of both. I find The Ground to be a failrly standard ECM piano trio date. I wouldn't really classify Restored, Returned as jazz. It reminds me of some of the things Virgin Records put out in the 70s. Specifically, there are a couple of songs that remind me of what Robert Wyatt did shortly after his accident. And the female vocalist might call to mind Slapp Happy. Word to the warning - The vocalist (Kristin Asbjornsen) has a mildly scratchy voice, somewhat like Mike Hugg, but not as much as Kim Carnes. So that will put you off if you don't like that sort of thing.

I received a promo two weeks ago of a new album I have been enjoying quite a bit - Contextualizin' by The Ian Carey Quintet. Carey is an Oakland trumpeter whose sound reminds me a great deal of Tom Harrell. Funny story: Carey (with bass and drums) was busking in New York when Rudy Giuliani was promoting his Quality of Life agenda, and he was busted by an undercover cop ("unreasonable noise"). He moved to California and missed the court date. Years later he saw a cop show on tv about a fellow who was picked up on an old summons, and he remembered about the court date. So he called up the NYPD, and they said that, yes, there is a warrant out for your arrest! So the next time he was in New York, he sat in court waiting for six hours, and then the judge dismissed the case. Anyway, I am confident that fans of Harrell's work for RCA/BMG will like this album.

Lala: Mose Allison - Local Color Art Pepper - Road Game

Happy Birthday 2010 zen!

I'm the last guy here who would be called an audiophile, but I found the sound quality of disc 4 of the Prestige Quintet box to be flat out unsatisfactory. Nothing wrong with issuing material for completists, but I don't think disc 4 should have been included in the box.

That was my feeling as well. I have a lot of cd's I haven't opened yet, and I came to the conclusion that I needn't buy fairly attractive albums just because they are priced so low. If the day ever comes that I have opened all that I have now, I may join again.

Lala: Paul Desmond - From the Hot Afternoon

Lala: Mose Allison - Creek Bank

Lala: Mose Allison - Autumn Song I have been on a kick recently for Mose Allison's 50s Prestige piano albums.

Here's a good article on this year's top ten free agents: http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Football/CFL/2010/02/14/12876196-qmi.html

Lala: Sade - Soldier of Love Soldier of Love is #1 at lala this week. This is the first time I have seen an album in the top ten that an adult might want to listen to.

I guess you're not alone, Lon. Our local paper gave it 1 1/2 stars this week.

Bertrand, I don't remember the night of the week, but it was most likely Friday or Saturday. Airto was definitely not there. After the set I interviewed Chick and Dave in the dressing room for my college radio show. DeJohnette was also present, but not in a mood to talk. The one thing I remember about the interviews was that I asked Holland who on the European scene we should watch for, and he said John Surman.

The new album Restored, Returned can be heard at lala here: http://www.lala.com/#album/432627039264015019/Tord_Gustavsen_Ensemble/Restored,_Returned

I saw Miles at the Cellar Door twice - March, 1969, and early 1970 (I thought it was February, but bertrand says it was January). It is my recollection that Keith Jarrett sat in on the 1970 gig, making it a sextet with two keyboards.

Belated Happy Birthday Bruce!

This new album of hers can be heard at lala. I can't bring lala up right now, but I'll provide the link when I can. PS - Here we go. http://www.lala.com/#album/504684635190111943/Sade/Soldier_of_Love

I saw Rick Margitza at both the '90 and '91 New Orleans Jazzfests, and he was great both times!

Belated Happy Birthday Michael!

Davis Sanchez has signed with BC. http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=/cfl/news/AJN4288014.htm ***** Javy Glatt has signed with Edmonton. http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=/cfl/news/AJN4288238.htm ***** Justin Medlock has signed with Washington. http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Football/CFL/Toronto/2010/02/12/12859071-cp.html

Two announcements from the Argos today: 1) As expected, the team has been sold to David Braley. 2) The head coach this year will be Jim Barker. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/braley-buys-argos/article1462032/

Try as I might, I couldn't hear Pete Townsend's guitar. I don't think it was plugged in. I thought that Zak Starkey was the best guy out there. I've said for the past few years that North America (both leagues) is suffering from a shortage of good pass receivers. Too many guys in the pros have speed, and can't catch. Brees last night was throwing catchable balls, and the Saints receivers held on to them!

I just hope the Saints don't lose on the last play of the game with too many men on the field!

I would so love for the Saints to win. Their first season wasn't until my senior year in high school, so I didn't grow up rooting for them, but I've always kept an eye on them. But I don't think they have a chance. I'm picking the Colts to win 42-14. PS - Because the Saints are such a strong sentimental favorite throughout the country, and because the game involves Peyton Manning who is perhaps the best quarterback ever, I think it's possible that the game will have the best television ratings ever, by far. Of course, if it is the blowout I expect, the ratings will fall off as the game progresses.

Happy Birthday 2010 BW!