sidewinder

Just so that the boys from 'Trainspotting' can trash it a bit? Yep, the DHL option sucks in my opinion too. I've always been 'dinged' heftily with that option so tend to stick with the US Air Mail (where you get dinged also but slightly less)>

I'm hanging on until it exits 'running low'

Noticed in this morning's newspaper an obituary for that very fine drummer Alan Ganley, who died several days ago at the age of 77. Alan was an illustrious name on the UK 50s and 60s with the Dankworth group, his own band 'The Jazzmakers' with Ronnie Ross and also with Tubby Hayes' Group. He was 'house' drummer at Ronnie Scotts for some years in the mid-1960s too. He was also very successful in making the transition to North America, where he recorded with the likes of Jim Hall and Art Farmer. Returning back to the UK in the late 1970s, he then returned to being a stallwart presence on the UK scene and was still playing and recording with John Dankworth and Cleo Laine until very recently. I think I got to sit next to him at a Gerald Wilson concert with the BBC Big Band around 2 years ago (pretty sure it was him, based on visual recognition after seeing him on TV some time later). A very nice guy indeed and a real pleasure to chat with, totally without 'airs and graces'. RIP Mr Ganley.

Probably 'Customer Support Manager'

Ah, nothing like a bit of the old "Ludwig Van" before heading out to meet up with the droigs.

Thanks for the tip. This one has got to be worth a shot - have maybe less than half of it on vinyl. Delivery estimate - May 21st.

Definitely. Nothing profound on there but it has a very nice groove. 'Recado Bossa Nova' etc. A fiery but relaxed session. Don't miss 'The Turnaround' either. Strangely under-rated that one - although 'the book' rates it highly.

Mobley Book

What Mobley book? 'Workout - The Music Of Hank Mobley' by Derek Ansell (Northway Books). Just out in the shops here in the UK, still working my way through it !

One of the interesting things in the new Mobley book is the mention that this was the first session in which Mobley used the metal Otto Link mouthpiece, which broadened his tone considerably from that in his his earlier recordings for Blue Note, Savoy and Prestige.

Wow - It's an enjoyable session for sure but I think it's one of his weakest dates, poor old Hank sounds a bit weary in parts. Personally, I prefer the 'Reach Out', especially the hard bop numbers as distinct from the soul covers (but I think they have a charm nevertheless). 'Soul Station' of course is one of the mighty triumvirate with 'Roll Call' and 'Work Out'. Not much to chhose between them to me - each of them a golden nuggett. 'Soul Station' for majesterial Mobley solos, 'Roll Call' for the chemistry with Freddie Hubbard and 'Workout' for the drive of Grant Green. Superb programming of tunes and pace on all 3 albums.

Or Swiss UBS investments !

Dennis Hopper Hugh Hopper George Orwell

Talking of Lurkio, there's a Frankie Howerd drama coming up soon on BBC4. Titter ye not !

Indeed it was. I believe that was the main concert of the tour at the Royal Festival Hall.

Indeed it was. I believe that was the main concert of the tour at the Royal Festival Hall.

Noah Howard Frankie Howard Lurkio

Good job I don't often eat Italian Mozarella. I'll watch out for the cheap Welsh imports.

That would be 'Song For Someone', originally on Incus and reissued on CD by Psi. Buy without hesitation ! Sultzmann was not on that one but he was in the lineup I think (along with Evan Parker and Duncan Lamont) for the Wheeler orchestra I saw as part of his '75th Birthday' celebration tour a few years ago. Magic !

Never heard it - must get ! Can't recall the tune but I'm sure I'll remember it (being from an old people's home, thank you King Ubu ) when I hear it. The tune I most recall with Jazz Today is the first track of Henry Lowther's 'Child Song'.

A favourite of mine for many years. His 'On Loan With Gratitude' is one of the great lost discs of the 70s. The opening track used to be the theme tune of 'Jazz Today' at one stage. His surname is also impossible to spell - I have to check every time! Sulzmann....I want to insert a 't' or dock an 'n'. yeah, but then you're not from Workshop either... I've heard little Sulzmann, but I enjoyed that - is there any "classic" album of his that one should get? Or even better, a recent good one? 'Workshop' ? As in 'Workshop of the World' Flurin - A good recommendation for a starter with Sultzmann would be Kenny Wheeler's 'Music For Large and Small Ensembles'. Stan S. plays some really nice solos on that one with the big group. I reckon this new trio CD by Neon on Basho titled 'Here To There' is probably a great place to start too, based on the sample I've heard.

Yes

What was that?

Wasn't even aware of his proficiency on the piano until I saw him a couple of times with his UK big band, which did feature a 'piano interlude'. Really like both his piano and soprano work but at the end of the day the preference has to be for his tenor - big sounding but snake like in its agility and not sounding remotely like anyone else. Got to chat with him whilst he was dismantling his multitude of instruments and stands and to talk briefly about the Blue Note days, his Mosaic box and working with Andrew Hill in the 60s. Very approachable - a great guy.

Big John Patton 'Oh Baby !' (BN NY USA mono)