Tom 1960

Lala: Shorty Rogers - The Swinging Mr. Rogers

Bill Evans Last Waltz from Newbury Comics - 29.99 Amazon

The Art Pepper Complete Village Vanguard Sessions from Newbury Comics is available for 29.99. Amazon

Live At The Falcon This unique club has been up and running for some time now with little fanfare till recently. It's located about 60 or so miles north of NY City in Marlboro, New York. About 30 minutes south from where I live. The owner has been courting jazz musicians and other music genres to perform at his club. From what I understand, there is no set ticket price for the shows although people are sort of expected to leave money in a hat. At least that's what my friend tells me. The upcoming schedule looks to be interesting with the Fred Hersch date sounding the most intriguing. Although, I have to admit knowing little of Hersch. Any thoughts?

So did I. Amazon didn't have any music samples, which is usually my modus operandi, but for 11 bucks it's hard to go wrong. You wont be sorry, fellas.

Hope you're not out delivering today, Tom. Not to worry, Paul. I have a rotating schedule at the P.O. and this just happened to be my weekend off. I lucked out big time.

Great set/great price. Get this before it's too late!

14 degrees F right now although the weatherman promises it will be colder tonight.

Gosh, based on the reaction by some here to Alexander, I might as well toss those recordings I purchased a few days ago, immediately in the trash bin.

Thanks for the additional thoughts and recommendations fellas. To Kevin: I couldn't agree with you more. I'm glad I'm not alone out there.

Happy Birthday, Marty.

Condolences to you and your family. Sounds like she was an amazing woman.

Lala: David Hazeltine - The Classic Trio Meets Eric Alexander

Thanks for the input fellas. The reason why I've asked for some thoughts, along with a few other trumpeters recently is because I'm sadly underweighted in contemporary trumpet players with the exclusion of say Roy Hargrove. I really enjoy guys like Miles, Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, Carmell Jones, Charles Tolliver. All great players without question who bring an immmense of ammount of pleasure to my life. That said, I'd really like to get to know todays players as well. That's why I keep posing these questions. I'll keep trying though.

I'm presently listening to his debut release "Introducing Jim Rotondi" on lala.com which was released on the Criss Cross Jazz label I guess back in the late 90's. Eric Alexander is also featured on the date. Seeing there has been no significant discussions here prior, I thought I would ask for your thoughts on his music. Sounds like a good player.

The only requirement that I'm aware of is that you have an account set up with Amazon in order to receive there emails. Mind you, not all mailings I receive from them are jazz related.

Received an email from Amazon in the past day about this upcoming release. Anyone know anything about this date? It sure doesn't come cheap. Amazon

Interesting to read peoples thoughts on this release. I've always kind of shied away from this session and others by Blakey where drumming was the predominant theme. Not that I don't enjoy hearing drums solos mind you. I guess I should give this one a second look/listen.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Damn! Only here could you find someone who actually attended that show. Thanks for your recollections, Ajay. Even if they might be blurred from the passage of time.

No big surprises here. Speaking for my home state, high taxes and lack of good paying jobs might having something to do with that. Not trying to make a politcal statement mind you. Interesting to see Maine ranked 10'th among most happy since my wife and I are seriously considering moving there in the next 10 yrs.

I noticed a couple times since the new forum came online, I've had to re-log in. Has anyone else encountered this? Also, thanks Jim for adding our locations once again to our online profiles.

To answer your question Kevin, I believe he resides in the area I'm located. A gentleman I spoke to a short time ago when discussing the show seemed to confirm that. I think he's participated in a number of Levon Helms Midnight Ramble shows.

Anyone here heard of this guy? Plays a Hammond B-3 I believe? Man, I had the good fortune the other night while out with the wife, we were attending a job related Christmas party. It just so happened to be that Bruce was performing at the hotel that night totally unrelated to the festivities. I had heard that he was performing there although I pretty much figured we would be long gone by the time he took the floor. It so happened we had just finished eating when Bruce and his trio started to play. Man, I had heard some good things about this guy, but never realised just how good. His band was tight. Playing mostly instumentals and in a blues vein, they were great! Just organ, guitar and drums. After the first set I approached Bruce and told him just how much I enjoyed the music and was very sorry I had to leave. Our party was breaking up and I had to run. I made a point of purchasing a cd and told him if he ever played in the area again, I would attend the show. He told me was playing with Greg Allman. Apparently he's been playing with him for years and that he'd be playing up in Albany in January at a very nice venue. If I can score some tickets and get someone to tag along, I think I might make the trip. Anyone else here wish to add any further comments?

We dodged a bullet here. Located just 90 miles north of NY City, the storm brought nothing more than a dusting. Looks like I might get some Christmas shopping done afterall.