GA Russell

Eric Alexander A New Beginning - Alto Saxophone with Strings Impacting May 4th, 2023 Format(s): Jazz Artist Title Time Eric Alexander 01 - Blues for Diane 04:41 Eric Alexander 02 - Embraceable You 05:41 Eric Alexander 03 - All My Tomorrows 04:54 Eric Alexander 04 - Maybe September 07:22 Eric Alexander 05 - To Love and Be Loved 04:53 Eric Alexander 06 - Anita 03:44 Eric Alexander 07 - She Was Too Good to Me 04:44 Eric Alexander 08 - Too Late Now 05:41 Eric Alexander 09 - Blues for Diane (Alternate Take) 06:49 New From HighNote Records Eric Alexander A New Beginning - Alto Saxophone with Strings HighNote Records HCD 7342 Eric Alexander – alto saxophone David Hazeltine – piano John Webber – bass Joe Farnsworth – drums String arrangements and conducting by Bill Dobbins (tracks 2 – 8 only) Airplay Starts Now • Suggested Tracks 1. Blues for Diane 4:44 • 2. Embraceable You 5:42 3. All My Tomorrows 4:56 • 7. She Was Too Good to Me 4:46 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 7342 HighN... HCD 7342-E... And from June 19, 2023. Now At #2 This Week On The JazzWeek Chart Turn Up The Spins! Louis Hayes Exactly Right! Impacting May 4th, 2023 Format(s): Jazz Artist Title Time Louis Hayes 01 - Exactly Right! 04:40 Louis Hayes 02 - Is That So 06:38 Louis Hayes 03 - Hand In Glove 06:45 Louis Hayes 04 - So Many Stars 05:34 Louis Hayes 05 - Carmine's Bridge 05:01 Louis Hayes 06 - Nerfertiti 05:18 Louis Hayes 07 - Mellow D 05:27 Louis Hayes 08 - Theme For Ernie 05:40 Louis Hayes 09 - Scarborough Fair 03:45 Louis Hayes 10 - Ugetsu 06:03 New from NEA Jazz Master Louis Hayes LOUIS HAYES Exactly Right! Savant Records SCD 2206 Louis Hayes – drums Abraham Burton – tenor saxophone Steve Nelson – vibraphone David Hazeltine – piano Dezron Douglas – bass Airplay Starts Now • Suggested Tracks 1. Exactly Right! 4:40 • 3. Hand in Glove 6:45 7. Mellow D 5:27 • 9. Scarborough Fair 3:47 And from June 19, 2023. Three Weeks At #1 On The JazzWeek Chart Plus Most Reports! Bill O'Connell Live in Montauk Impacting July 12th, 2023 Format(s): Jazz # Artist and Track Title Time 1. Bill O'Connell - 1 Do Nothing till You Hear from Me 06:29 2. Bill O'Connell - 2 Sparks 10:26 3. Bill O'Connell - 3 Moanin' 06:01 4. Bill O'Connell - 4 No Rhyme or Reason 08:59 5. Bill O'Connell - 5 One Finger Snap 09:21 6. Bill O'Connell - 6 Ripty Boom 06:41 7. Bill O'Connell - 7 Tip Toes 11:20 BILL O'CONNELL Live in Montauk Savant Records SCD 2208 Bill O’Connell - piano Craig Handy – tenor saxophone Santi Debriano – bass Billy Hart – drums Special Guest: Randy Brecker - trumpet (tracks 1 & 7) Airplay Starts Now • Suggested Tracks 1. Do Nothing till You Hear from Me (6:29) • 3. Moanin’ (6:01) 4. No Rhyme or Reason (8:59) • 5. Ripty Boom (6:40)

Best Buy has announced that it will stop selling DVDs and Blu-ray discs following this Christmas season. https://www.forbes.com/sites/rosaescandon/2023/10/20/best-buy-to-stop-dvd-sales-and-what-that-means-for-physical-media/ I guess everybody is streaming their movies as well as their music now.

Congratulations, Jim! Take a look at the news reports, and see how often the concept of winning the pennant is mentioned. I noticed some years back that that is almost ignored now.

--RELEASE EMBARGOED-- Verve Records and Republic Records Announce New Holiday Album From Seth MacFarlane and Liz Gillies We Wish You The Merriest Out November 3 First Single “We Wish You The Merriest” Out Now 13 Song Collection Arranged and Conducted by Andrew Cottee # Artist and Track Title Time 1. Seth MacFarlane, Liz Gillies - Sleigh Ride 03:18 2. Seth MacFarlane, Liz Gillies - We Wish You The Merriest 02:26 Verve Records and Republic Records announce the first holiday album from longtime friends and collaborators, Seth MacFarlane and Liz Gillies, titled We Wish You The Merriest. Embodying the spirit of classic jazz duets, this festive collection of holiday songs, arranged and conducted by Andrew Cottee, features the duo's impeccable harmonies and velvety vocals. The album will be released on November 3 and will be accompanied by select live performances. Out now is the first single from the album, “We Wish You The Merriest”. You can pre-order the album and listen to the single HERE. MacFarlane and Gillies have brought their bright chemistry and shared love of jazz and the Great American Songbook to a series of exciting collaborations, including their 2021 EP, Songs from Home. We Wish You The Merriest is sure to delight fans of both artists, as they showcase their musical prowess on timeless classics like "Here Comes Santa Claus" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Says MacFarlane of their latest collaboration: “I’ve had the privilege of working with a lot of world-class jazz vocalists throughout my career, and Liz Gillies is among the very best of the best. We had a blast recording what we can promise is the most fun holiday album you’ll hear this season.” Adds Gillies, “After collaborating for nearly a decade, I was beyond thrilled when Seth came to me with the idea of recording a holiday record. Our first official record. There is no one I know who possesses a deeper knowledge and appreciation for this era of music than Seth.” We Wish You The Merriest follows in the tradition of the Bing Crosby-Rosemary Clooney duet collections that both MacFarlane and Gillies have long admired. The album also serves as a delightful return to holiday music for MacFarlane, who previously showcased his baritone voice in his acclaimed 2014 album, Holiday for Swing, which debuted at #1 on the iTunes Jazz Charts and New Release Jazz pages. We Wish You The Merriest Track List: SIDE A 1. Happy Holiday 2. Frosty the Snowman 3. Here Comes Santa Claus 4. Sleigh Ride 5. The Christmas Song 6. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 7. That Holiday Feeling SIDE B 1. Winter Wonderland 2. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 3. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town 4. Christmas Time All Over the World 5. A Holly Jolly Christmas 6. We Wish You The Merriest For more information on MacFarlane, follow him on social media: X | Threads | Instagram For more information on Gillies, follow her on social media: X | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Week 20 Plays of the Week https://www.cfl.ca/2023/10/23/incredible-catches-in-the-week-20-plays-of-the-week/ ***** Power Rankings https://www.cfl.ca/2023/10/23/power-rankings-a-late-season-statement/ https://3downnation.com/2023/10/23/3downnation-power-rankings-lions-stumble-off-the-podium/ https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/cfl-2023-week-21-power-rankings-calgary-stamps-ticket-to-playoffs-with-an-assist-from-the-argos-bombers-clinch-west/ ***** Sask has announced that Craig Dickinson will not be back as Head Coach next year, but Jeremy O'Day will return as General Manager https://www.cfl.ca/2023/10/23/riders-wont-extend-hc-craig-dickenson-gm-jeremy-oday-renewed/ https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/saskatchewan-roughriders-part-ways-with-head-coach-craig-dickenson-1.7005249 https://3downnation.com/2023/10/23/craig-dickenson-wont-return-as-saskatchewan-roughriders-head-coach/ https://3downnation.com/2023/10/23/saskatchewan-roughriders-agree-to-contract-extension-with-gm-jeremy-oday/ ***** Sask's potential free agents https://3downnation.com/2023/10/23/the-saskatchewan-roughriders-potential-2024-free-agent-list/ ***** Sask Year in Review https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/obit-saskatchewan-roughriders-season-ends-after-another-collapse/ ***** Semi-Finals preview https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/road-to-victory-november-4-cfl-division-semi-finals-preview/

RIP. Am I the only one who used to confuse Burt Young with Richard Castellano?

Week 20 results Calgary 41....BC 16 Surprise! The Stamps looked like world-beaters. https://www.cfl.ca/2023/10/21/recap-calgary-41-bc-16/ https://3downnation.com/2023/10/21/lions-succumb-to-the-darkness-in-blowout-loss-10-other-thoughts-on-the-regular-season-finale/ https://3downnation.com/2023/10/21/stamps-make-roadkill-of-lions-with-dominant-run-game-and-seven-other-thoughts/ ***** Toronto 29....Sask 26 Not a well-played game, but it was interesting. The Argos scored a touchdown with a minute to go to win it. With Sask's loss, Calgary clinched third place, and the Riders were thus eliminated. And so the streak of the two Alberta teams' never having missed the playoffs the same year continues. Last year and this year, the Riders have failed to win after Sept. 4. I think they ended both years with seven-game losing streaks. https://www.cfl.ca/2023/10/21/recap-toronto-29-saskatchewan-26/ https://3downnation.com/2023/10/22/third-times-a-charm-for-cameron-dukes-12-thoughts-on-torontos-comeback-win-over-saskatchewan/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/toronto-argonauts-eliminate-saskatchewan-roughriders-playoff-contention-set-franchise-wins-record-1.2024142 ***** Winnipeg 45....Edmonton 25 The Bombers finished the year 8-1 at home, where they will host the Western Final. https://www.cfl.ca/2023/10/21/recap-winnipeg-45-edmonton-25/ https://3downnation.com/2023/10/21/demski-reaches-milestone-as-blue-bombers-trounce-edmonton-elks-10-other-thoughts/ https://3downnation.com/2023/10/22/two-steps-forward-one-step-back-eight-thoughts-on-the-elks-regular-season-finale/ ***** Playoff Scenarios https://www.cfl.ca/2023/10/17/playoff-scenarios-riders-stamps-battling-for-final-west-spot/ https://3downnation.com/2023/10/21/calgary-stampeders-clinch-final-playoff-berth-with-riders-loss/ ***** Edmonton's potential free agents https://3downnation.com/2023/10/22/the-edmonton-elks-potential-2024-free-agent-list/ ***** Standings BC, Sask and Edmonton have finished. https://www.cfl.ca/2023standings/

Quite a lineup!

Week 20 picks https://3downnation.com/2023/10/20/3downnation-cfl-picks-can-the-riders-playoff-hopes-survive-the-weekend/ https://www.cfl.ca/2023/10/20/from-the-editors-desk-shouting-out-some-edmonton-elks/

Classical music box sets, up to 60% off https://classical.centerstagestore.com/collections/box-sets

RIP. Legendary American Musician Dead At 87 (msn.com) Carla Bley, 1936-2023 Our good friend Carla Bley has died, aged 87, after a long illness. One of jazz’s great composers, she was a stubborn and witty individualist who heard and wrote and played things differently. “She works in many forms,” critic Nat Hentoff noted, “and her scores for big jazz bands are matched only by those of Duke Ellington and Charles Mingus for yearning lyricism, explosive exultation and other expressions of the human condition.” The large ensembles, remarkable as they were, were but part of the story. The originality of Carla’s writing was evident already in the early 1960s as musicians including Jimmy Giuffre, Paul Bley, Art Farmer, and George Russell began to play her pieces. Many of the tunes she wrote then have acquired the status of contemporary standards, among them “Jesus Maria,“Ictus," “Sing Me Softly of the Blues," “King Korn," “Vashkar," and more. “There are so many of them, each as well-crafted as pieces by Satie or Mompou—or Thelonious Monk for that matter,” as Manfred Eicher has observed. “Carla belongs in that tradition of radical originality.” The Jazz Composer’s Orchestra, of which Carla was a founder member, recorded her epic Escalator Over The Hill, described by down beat as “a masterpiece…maybe the most extensive and ambitious piece ever to come out of the jazz world.” In 1973 Carla and Michael Mantler launched the WATT label which would be the primary platform for her work in the 20th century, with formats ranging from duos with Steve Swallow to Very Big Band and idioms including Fancy Chamber Music, Christmas Music, Dinner Music, and the Dada-esque I Hate To Sing. Her arrangements for Charlie Haden’s Liberation Music Orchestra graced The Ballad of the Fallen, a 1982 ECM session with luminous settings of songs associated the Spanish Civil War and with revolutionary movements in El Salvador, Chile and Portugal. Carla Bley’s last albums were the ECM recordings made at Lugano’s Auditorio RSI with the exceptional group with Andy Sheppard and Steve Swallow: Trios, Andando el Tiempo, and Life Goes On. As well as the group interaction, each of the recordings also emphasized the unique qualities of Bley’s pianism. Carla’s relationship with the instrument she had played since the age of four was sometimes troubled. “I would rather write music than perform it,“ she would often insist. “I’m at a disadvantage when I improvise since jazz solos are instant composition and I’m a slow and thoughtful composer. By the time I’ve thought of the next note, the chorus could easily be over.” Her admirers – count us in - waved away such protests. Any hesitations in the determined search for the good notes only added a touch of drama and Zen allure to the playing. In later years, Carla herself seemed to be reframing her reservations: “There’s nobody that plays like me — why would they?” she asked The New York Times. “So if I’ve had an influence, maybe it would be if they decided to play like themselves. In other words, the whole idea of not playing like anybody else is a way of playing.” She will be sorely missed.

Power Rankings https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/cfl-2023-week-20-power-rankings-the-east-postseason-picture-crystalizes-west-puzzle-still-unsettled/ https://www.cfl.ca/2023/10/16/power-rankings-reality-checks-on-deck/ https://3downnation.com/2023/10/16/3downnation-power-rankings-riders-sink-to-new-low/ ***** Playoff Scenarios https://www.cfl.ca/2023/10/17/playoff-scenarios-riders-stamps-battling-for-final-west-spot/ ***** 10/18 Checking Down https://www.cfl.ca/2023/10/18/checking-down-schoen-misses-practice-for-bombers/ ***** 10/18 Game Notes https://www.cfl.ca/2023/10/18/cfl-ca-game-notes-betts-looking-to-set-new-record/ ***** Week 20 picks https://doorfliesopen.com/2023/10/19/cfl-beat-198/ https://rodpedersen.com/week-20-cfl-picks-2023/ https://officepoolswire.com/football/cfl-week-20-predictions/ https://www.cfl.ca/2023/10/17/prediction-time-cfl-ca-writers-week-20-picks-2/ https://www.cfl.ca/2023/10/17/weekly-predictor-taking-the-bc-lions-2/ ***** Current Standings https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/standings ***** This thread's current view count is 225.5 thousand, and increase of 1,100 since Sept. 24!

Week 19 results Plays of the Week https://www.cfl.ca/2023/10/16/must-see-action-in-the-week-19-plays-of-the-week/ Play #2 was what stuck in my mind. ***** BC 33....Hamilton 30 With the Ticats' loss, Montreal clinches second place. https://www.cfl.ca/2023/10/13/recap-bc-33-hamilton-30/ https://3downnation.com/2023/10/14/entertaining-and-gut-wrenching-10-thoughts-on-hamiltons-33-30-loss-to-the-b-c-lions/ https://3downnation.com/2023/10/14/lions-redeemed-as-dane-delivers-nine-thoughts-on-b-c-s-walk-off-win-over-hamilton/ ***** Calgary 26....Sask 19 The Riders have been bad for quite some time. They could have clinched the last playoff spot with a win, but it wasn't in them. https://www.cfl.ca/2023/10/14/recap-calgary-26-saskatchewan-19/ https://3downnation.com/2023/10/14/not-dead-yet-six-thoughts-on-the-stampeders-ugly-win-over-the-riders/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/calgary-stampeders-remain-in-cfl-playoff-hunt-with-win-over-saskatchewan-roughriders-1.2020811 ***** Montreal 35....Edmonton 21 The Als remain undefeated against the five teams worse than them. https://www.cfl.ca/2023/10/14/recap-montreal-35-edmonton-21/ https://3downnation.com/2023/10/15/the-alouettes-flip-the-script-in-edmonton-five-other-thoughts-on-montreals-win/ https://3downnation.com/2023/10/15/seven-minutes-in-hell-seven-thoughts-on-edmontons-implosion-against-montreal/ ***** Toronto 40....Ottawa 27 The Argos finish undefeated at home for the first time since 1997. https://www.cfl.ca/2023/10/14/recap-toronto-40-ottawa-27/ https://3downnation.com/2023/10/15/toronto-sack-exchange-hits-record-high-12-other-thoughts-on-the-argos-comeback-win-over-ottawa/ https://3downnation.com/2023/10/15/redblacks-still-cant-beat-the-east-nine-other-thoughts-on-losing-to-the-argos/ https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/kelly-throws-td-pass-scores-2-point-convert-to-rally-argos-past-redblacks-40-27-1.6996693 ***** More later.

Highly recommended, if you are interested in premium cigars.

Disc 2

GRAMMY Best New Artist Winner Samara Joy Announces ‘A Joyful Holiday’ EP Listen to “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” Out Now D2C Exclusive “Verve Vinyl Collection” Also Announced # Artist and Track Title Time 1. Samara Joy - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 03:46 2X GRAMMY winner Samara Joy is set to release a holiday EP ‘A Joyful Holiday’ next month. The 6-song collection of seasonal favorites is an extension of her latest album Linger Awhile and features a similar cast of jazz musicians - Pasquale Grasso on guitar, David Wong on bass and Kenny Washington on drums - plus Sullivan Fortner on piano. The tracklist includes previously-released singles “O Holy Night” (performed with multiple generations of her family) and “Warm in December,” in addition to a new recording of Stevie Wonder’s “Twinkle Twinkle Little Me” and both a studio and live version of “The Christmas Song.” Produced by Matt Pierson, the EP is set for release on October 27 via Verve and will be available as an exclusive D2C emerald green color variant LP. Pre-order / Pre-save ‘A Joyful Holiday’ HERE. The “Verve Vinyl Collection” - comprised of Joy’s 3 Verve LPs ‘Linger Awhile,’ ‘Linger Awhile Longer,’ and ‘A Joyful Holiday’ - has also been announced, set for release on November 17. Pre-order HERE. Samara Joy has unveiled a lightly-swinging arrangement of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” Listen HERE. The holiday EP continues a whirlwind year that saw Joy take home the auspicious Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album awards at this year’s GRAMMYs. Since her breakout wins, Linger Awhile has reached #1 on Amazon Best Sellers, Billboard Jazz, Pandora Trendsetters, iTunes and Amazon’s digital-music and CD sales, and more. Joy has garnered over 1 million followers on social media, and her tour dates all over the world have rapidly sold out. Her voice, rich and velvety yet precociously refined, has already earned her legions of fans in addition to millions of likes on TikTok — cementing her status as perhaps the first Gen Z jazz singing star. Throughout the remainder of 2023, Samara Joy will be touring across the globe, making stops in Athens, Berlin, Paris, London and more. The “A Joyful Holiday Tour” featuring members of the McLendon family kicks off December 1 in Houston, and includes shows in Nashville, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and two highly-anticipated hometown shows at the Apollo Theater in NYC. For all upcoming tour dates, please visit https://www.samarajoy.com/. ‘A Joyful Holiday’ Tracklist 1. Warm In December 2. Twinkle Twinkle Little Me ft. Sullivan Fortner 3. The Christmas Song 4. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 5. O Holy Night 6. The Christmas Song (Live) Samara Joy 2023 Tour Dates 10/18 – Easton, PA @ Williams Center for the Arts / Performance Series 10/20 – Storrs, CT @ Jorgenson Center 10/22 – Brookville, NY @ Tilles Center 10/24 – Columbia, MO @ Missouri Theater 10/25 – Iowa City @ Hancher Auditorium 10/27 – Chicago, IL @ Chicago Symphony Orchestra 11/3 – Zurich, Switzerland @ TVD 11/5 – Athens, Greece @ Megaron Athens 11/7 – Hamburg, Germany @ Elb Philharmonic 11/8 – Berlin, Germany @ TBD 11/12 – Paris, FR @ Le Trianon 11/17 – Bologna, Italy @ TBD 11/18 – Milan, Italy @ TBD 11/19 – London, UK @ Barbican Center, London Jazz Festival 12/3 – Austin, TX @ Bass Concert Hall, UT Austin 12/4 – Nashville, TN @ Nashville Symphony 12/7 – Los Angeles, CA @ Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts 12/8 – Santa Barbara, CA @ The Granada Theater 12/12 – Chesterfield, MO @ The Factory 12/14 - 12/15 – New York, NY @ Apollo Theater 12/19 – Atlanta, GA @ Atlanta Symphony Hall 12/22 – Philadelphia, PA @ Kimmel Center 12/23 – North Bethesda, MD @ Strathmore Connect with Samara Joy: Website / TikTok / Instagram / Facebook ***** # Artist and Track Title Time 1. David Foster & Katharine McPhee - Carol Of The Bells 02:54

Disc 1

George Adams-Don Pullen Village Vanguard vol. 1 Soul Note

Joe Medjuck, TTK and sgcim might like this. The writing is pretty dry, but the author provides a long list of films that look interesting.

I stopped using PayPal because they demanded that I give them my telephone number.

I saw Herbie's band at The Cellar Door very soon after this was released. (Early 1970?) They all pulled out their sheet music to play Waltz for My Son.

Attn: Jim Sangrey! Some time ago, you asked about the price of food at CFL games. Since no one has spoken up, I can tell you this. Saturday was the Argos' last home game (except the Eastern Final), and they had a special: $7 beers and $3 hot dogs. The 73-cent dollar converts to $5.11 beers and $2.19 hot dogs American.