sidewinder

Woody Shaw 'Song Of Songs' (Contemporary OJC pressing)

Stuff Smith Verve, CD1

What a contrast with the in-town lineup back in 1989/90. I remember attending the Bermuda Onion with the likes of Elvin Jones, Louis Hayes, Phil Woods, Barney Kessell, Mongo Santamaria, Lee Konitz and Pharoah Sanders. 'Top O' The Senator' with Joe Henderson, Red Rodney etc.. Cafe des Copains for solo recitals by Stanley Cowell, Cedar Walton and many others. George's Spaghetti House for Moe Koffman, Ed Bickert etc. plus the likes of Miles on at Massey Hall. Sadly, that nirvana didn't last.. The Rex Hotel used to have a local Hammond B-3 group on for one or two nights a week, which was always fun. Lots of NYC-based groups passing through the town (often at the start of wider North American tours) back in that era.

Art Blakey 'Gypsy Folk Tales' (UK Pye) Still with original £3.15 sales label from when I originally bought it, a small fortune back then..

Maybe he heard the Konitz Verve 'Motion' session, or heard about ot from Konitz himself?

On vinyl many of these were originally issued 'direct cut' and always sounded particularly great sonically, to my ears. Much better pressings than the US Inner City releases of these titles. The Art Farmers and the Cedar Waltons can be recommended without reservation. As can the Clifford Jordan/Cedar Walton 'The Pentagon'. I have that Oliver Nelson on vinyl. Will have to dig it out again.

Fantastic - that one looks very tempting.

Doesn't he often appear at the Concord Club in Eastleigh, John? Often seems to be listed for there when I look at their listings. Caught a track of his on Jazz Record Requests the other day and immediately recognised his sound.

That's the one I was thinking of. They started off that performance as a trio and Braxton came on as a guest for one or two of the numbers. I remember him almost blowing the roof off with that contra bass sax on one of his solos, spurred on by Oxley.the roof and my head I think. Wasn't that to celebrate the reopening after the RFH refurb? Yes, I think you are right.

That's the one I was thinking of. They started off that performance as a trio and Braxton came on as a guest for one or two of the numbers. I remember him almost blowing the roof off with that contra bass sax on one of his solos, spurred on by Oxley.

Yes of course - not with Ornette but with Cecil at the RFH. 2007 would be about right. My mind is playing tricks !

Great prices for 3 great box sets !

Thanks for the info about the Braxton appearance - didn't know about it. Tuesday night would be difficult though. I remember seeing him at either RFH or Barbican with Ornette about 10 years ago so presumably that was his last previous UK appearance? It's years since I've seen Harold Mabern live. Every time - he delivers. Should be great !

I think I'll wait until the holographic Blue Note reissues come out before upgrading any more !

I'll have to work in a few business trips Up North !

Not sure but umbrellas are OK, apparently..

Heironymous Bosch David Seaman Phil Seamen

Hmm - never thought of Swanage as Butlins. Alan Barnes as chief redcoat?

Just had another listen to the 'Live at the ICA/Retrospective' 2CD set put out on Mokai. What a wild and schizophrenic set of music ! Mainly free-form extended pieces which are very much 'of their time' (wasn't the ICA the place with the student take-over back then, which most of the staff joined in with?) but in the middle of it all there are straight-ahead tracks which must have been lifted from BBC 'Jazz Club' circa 1975. The title track from 'Dragon Hill' is also performed as a live recording in this collection.

From my perspective, Cheltenham looks a bit more interesting this year with the Arkestra/Allen appearance, among other things. Sad that Bath is now rapidly turning into a 'jazz free zone', with the CD store also gone. I guess it is Pump Room quartets and operattas in the Roman Baths from now on.. The best jazz line up in this neck of the woods this year looks to be the schedule of concerts coming up at Turner Sims, Southampton.

Dick Morrissey 'Here and Now and Sounding Good' (UK Mercury, mono) and 'Storm Warning' (UK Mercury, mono)

MJQ 'Under The Jasmin Tree' (Australian WRC) Bonza copy for $10 !

I was very impressed with Diane Torto's lead vocal work with Kenny Wheeler's 80th Birthday big band a few years ago.

It's good ! Particularly like that final track with the bigger group with Harry Beckett and Lyn Dobson. Yes, as Clifford said it is usually found in the wild in 'thrashed' state.

Miss Congeniality Miss Haversham Miss Jean Brodie