Peter Johnson

Whoa...fightin' words!

Allright! Happy birthday!

God, this makes me sick to my stomache. I hope all you Londoners and your families are safe. Thoughts going out to you all.

Congrats, Chris--this must be an exciting time. You two enjoy the road, safe travels, take loads of pictures, and a happy landing!

Sorry, Stefan, it's too small to read...what is it? Thanks!

I'm not a huge beer drinker, but hey, it's summer, so herewith: New Belgium Brewery's Seasaonal, "Loft". From the same brewery that brought you Fat Tire, this is a sweet summer brew; lightly hoppy, not too bitter. Goes down easy! If you like Fat Tire, you'll love this one. Enjoy!

Gail spent a few hours at the Philadelphia shows and had a great time. She heard Black Eyed Peas, Kanye West, DMB, and a few others. She said the Parkway (some of you know what I mean; it's a mile-long street modelled after Paris that leads from the Art Museum back to Center City) was packed with people, but that the vibe was mellow and cool. Very diverse crowd; people smiling, giving each other space, generally happy. Easy to find a space in the shade to chill and listen, or you could get up close if you wanted. Three arrests for disorderly and several heat stroke victims; not too damn bad for what was apparently about a million people in downtown Philly on a hot July day. Very impressive. Wish I'd been there.

I got de Larrocha's 1992 recording--a double CD on EMI with a few extra Albeniz pieces at the end of the second disk. It's beautiful so far. Thanks!

Got a pound of live crawfish at the market this morning--gonna boil those little bastards with some old bay and vinegar; paired with some mashed potatoes, apple pie afterwards. Happy 4th of July!

Going to buy some Albeniz once the recommendations start pouring in!

All right--let's try this again! Great recs on the Bach--thanks--so who do you like playing this magnum opus? I think de Larrocha recorded it three times, and there's also a newish Harmelin recording, but I've heard mixed reviews of it. What do you all think?

I'm not a religious man, but A-FRICKIN'-MEN!

That's the truth. Man, crank the volume on Too Damn Hot, pump up the bass, and it's like you're inside the organ. Wowwwwwwwwww.

Completely agree. To paraphrase Jsngry, Theivery & St. Germain do what they do, like it or not, and they do it _well_.

Partly cloudy, about 72 degrees. Not bad!

Alright! Another Cancerian! Happy Birthday, Phillyq!

Thanks, Chuck--I should have known Naxos would be a good place to start! They haven't let me down yet. I'll grab these as soon as I can.

'Twas a time when I could sit down at the piano and play both books straight through. Sadly, that time was long ago, but I'd like to "get there" again. Never having been steered wrong by a recommendation here, and knowing there are some serious classical heads who post, what do you recommend? I'm primarily interested in piano renderings of the work (setting aside the "proper" harpsichord/hammerklavier/piano debate for the time being!), but I'd like to know what recordings are considered "essential", something I will use largely for reference purposes re tempi and interpretation; if harpsichord is the "only" way to go, so be it... Thanks in advance.

PM coming your way re Sonny Clark!

PM your way on Herbie & Lou!

Thanks, everyone! Having a great day so far--took a night to come down to the Oregon coast and get away from it all; had a couple of pastries this morning, a big cup of coffee, and I'm going for a run on the beach later. Dinner with family and friends in Portland tonight. I really appreciate the good wishes!

I had no idea...three of my favorite records recorded on my birthday... True Blue Bill Evans Live at the VV Andrew!!!! And...Landslide ain't bad either!