sidewinder

McCoy Tyner Big Band 'Uptown/Downtown' (Milestone - German pressing). Just wish that the other McCoy big band albums were available on the vinyl medium. Somehow this one passed me by when it originally came out.

Caught Ornette's gig at Cheltenham last night and I'm very glad I did. Same group as per WD45's gig report with the two-bass powerhouse Tony Falanga and Greg Bowen. My sixth row centre seat gave me an excellent 'stereo sounstage' with Falanga on the left (concentrating on the arco work, strongly reminscent of David Izenzon as mentioned previously) and the 'walking' Bowen on the right. Ornette was in absolutely tremendous shape - executing his still breathtaking ideas at speed on the white alto. The group sound with the two basses is inspired. They set a powerful, driving sonic space which frames and focuses Ornettes statements. I liked the way that Ornette moved from trumpet and then back onto the alto, a transition which seemed to further 'energise' his alto playing. A bit of violin work too and that combination of the three strings was spellbinding - although brief. The main point of interest though was that sound on alto - and it is still spectacularly distinctive and soaked in blues feeling. The band played for about 75 minutes straight through with one of the encore numbers being 'Lonely Woman' - Falanga was dripping wet by the end of it but Ornette hardly broke sweat. Incredible ! This ability to pace the performance and up a gear or two at will is one I associate with only the very greatest jazz musicians. The performance here at Cheltenham last night put paid to any possible doubts (at least in my mind) that that was the case. Incredible !

It cost me the grand total of £7 I like it - but think 'Things We Like' is even better. The latter is much more a straight-ahead jazz album. Must have confused the rock 'n roll Cream fans no end when it came out.

The original 2LP set of the 'Guide' and the single LP 'Restaurant' are the ones to get. Somewhere I have a couple of C90s with these recorded on them. Wish I had the LPs - very cool. Don't like the new Marvin - it sucks.

First couple of LPs from the Amos Milburn set this afternoon. Verdict:-

Margot Fonteyn Jeff 'Tain' Watts Johnny 'Guitar' Watson

Wow - sorry to hear this..

Amanda Donahue Duke Pearson The Duke of Edinburgh

How about this 'Soul Station'.. Soul Station Original

Gordon Brown Gordon The Moron Jilted John

Have a Very Happy Birthday !

I'll bet there's some 'Spyro Gyra' in that batch..

You're welcome ! Just checking out some back copies - if I see any more I'll post them here. 'Projection Records' by the way used to be a very good source of 'class' imports to the UK.

Just came across this in a Feb 1979 back copy of 'Jazz Journal'. Thought that it might be of interest !

Still get nightmare flashbacks from being bombarded by this sort of thing (copied from a 1970s jazz mag)

Ron Howard Ron Jeremy Jeremy Bentham

How come it's only happening in Germany and not over this neck of the woods? Weird..

Stuart Udall Rogers C.B. Morton Gale Norton Eddie Gale Eddie Jefferson W. Jefferson Clinton

Oliver Nelson 'Full Nelson' (Verve. One of his best, IMO) Followed up with some Clarke/Boland Big Band gems in recognition of both the late and great Benny Bailey and Jimmy Woode: 'On Her Majesty's Pleasure' (Polydor/Black Lion) 'Fellini 712' (MPS French issue) 'Faces' (MPS original) 'Now Hear Our Meaning' (UK CBS issue) 'Changes of Scene' (UK Verve, with Stan Getz)

Woodbines? That a WWII-era cigarette? Yep - and WW1

Not sure if there's any recorded evidence of McLaughlin with Fame but on the repeat of 'Jazz Britannia' on Wednesday, Fame mentioned this group. Apparently when they did a gig in the 'Flamingo' he wasn't allowed to use the piano because 'the group weren't jazzers'. This with a lineup including McLaughlin. As a result of this bullshit Fame brought in the Hammond.

Just given the 'Annie's Room' an airing. Fairly MOR, typical London night-club fare of the time. Nothing to get too excited about..

That sucks..

Welcome to the Board and Forum, Pure..