clifford_thornton

That's a fine one!

That's pretty rad.

To each their own, but I'm surprised it resulted in such a strong reaction (rather than "meh"). I'm sticking to my guns that a crucial fact of the Dixon material is the liner notes. There's a presentation there going way beyond what's normally expected for even an independent release. Plus, the paintings on the covers are mighty fine.

I haven't heard this stuff in years, mind you, but can say that PJJ could definitely drive a big band. That Polydor LP he led in the UK is fucking brilliant. Dunno how it translates to Oliver Nelson though - whom I find a bit of a bore in general.

I have a copy of the first Openian LP, Diversions, as well as a cool disc on Reel Recordings, and that's it. Mostly excellent, free-ish stuff from what my ears have told me so far though obviously he has a jazz-rock connection as well.

Great, thanks for the info - I will rescue my Atlantic and hold onto that.

Hey, does anybody know whether the tracks on the Japanese BYG LP Charles Mingus Live with Eric Dolphy (BYG YX-7009) rec. Antibes, 7/13/60 also appeared on the Mingus at Antibes 2LP set? I found a copy of the BYG whilst digging this weekend and put it on hold because I have the Atlantic two-fer (albeit, in storage). Haven't spun that in years & it seemed to me like the track titles were different. I mean, worst thing that could happen would be dumping $15 down the drain, but I'm curious and there must be some Mingus-philes here. The Mingus discography online was unclear (to me). Thanks!

Oh wow - hope I can hear that someday. I've only seen mention of snippets, and of course what's on You Tube.

Cool - will have to get those. Never did get the Philips LP - though my eBay alter ego tried as it might!

I used to have a rather battered Liberty stereo of this one, and preferred the quintet tracks. Actually kind of hated the Oliver Nelson bits, but I'm sure my feelings wouldn't be so overbearing now. I'll try to remember to pick up the RVG one of these days.

Just got Al's copy of Live in Tokyo in the mail (Thanks!) and looking forward to spinning it and starting to give this band a proper assessment. It wasn't until a few years ago that I could accept "plugging in" with respect to jazz and improvised music. There are some really cool videos of WR + Euro heavies like John Surman, Alan Skidmore and Eje Thelin floating around You Tube. Supposedly an audio-only document also exists, but you didn't hear it from me...

Eric Kloss - In the Land of the Giants - (Prestige, blue label) Just picked this up in an actual brick-and-mortar.

Yeah, that would be cool. Although the liner notes are nearly as worth having as the music in this case.

Good writer indeed. I think of him from the Archie Shepp Magic of Ju-Ju LP.

I've got the LPs but extra material is always welcomed. Great ensemble.

yeah, it is April 1!

I like that record quite a bit. Even an odd AACM connection.

Sure, looking forward to it (tho my to-listen, to-write, to-run pile is obnoxiously inverse to my at-home-with-stereo time). This will be an adventure.

He unplugs his phone and has no answering service, nor does he check email regularly - but when he does, look out!

Same here. [slaps forehead]

I'm not sure whether you mean that or not, Chuck. Been curious about it - heard it is the best document of the band.

Went to Middletown this past fall for a week. It's a hell of an "interview" to shape - sort of like a mutual interview, really - but Braxton's a hell of a guy.

Cannot wait to dive in once it's released. AB is restarting Braxton House, so I guess it's safe to assume he'll be putting it out that way.

FWIW, 4 Comps (GTM) 2006 on Important is wonderful. Not too much obvious repetition, and Aaron Siegel is a fine percussionist.