jazzbo

There's a lot of interesting things out there on the web about using non brass materials for reed and brass instruments. . . . One or two scientists seem to have come to the conclusion that if the operation of the valves and openings of the instruments are the same the sound is pretty identical no matter what material you make the body from. But the Grafton had a unique system of springs, keys and pads for the openings, and so it had a different feel and sound---the science claims the sound is from this different form and operation of the springs and pad mechanism and the different structure of the openings. Bird and Ornette seem to really have loved the instrument (Ornette has been quoted as really liking the feel of the instrument especially) but they apparently do develop mechanical problems, and on the road it was very hard to find anyone to repair or adjust the instrument as they do not use the standard technique and parts. I'd like to try one out sometime because I find them very intriguing instruments. Also find the bambo (Key- and pad-less) saxophones you can find for sale on the internet intriguing as well. Maybe even more so. . . .

The Columbia cd of the Clooney sounds very good, a bit better perhaps than the earlier MFL and has more material, but that price for the MFL is a good one and it is a fairly collectable cd.

Blues in Orbit sounds really good as well, the cd probably sounds a bit better than the cd layer of the Mobile Fidelity SACD (but the SACD layer is still the king!) And it is expanded, including the material added to the earlier cd and then some I believe.

Piano in the Foreground is a trio performance with Aaron Bell and Sam Woodyard. Wonderful stuff. Tunes that rarely appear anywhere else, and should, and a few standards. And the old man is just ON IT, with bass and drums thinking just as hard as they can to keep up along with him, doing the best they can. Piano in the Background is a big band affair and one that really cooks, with mostly introductions featuring the "piano player." Both of these had very good original sound and excellent remastering and nicely chosen extra material. A bargain at the cduniverse price this week!

Out today, three new Columbia Ellington reissues: Piano in the Foreground Piano in the Background Blues in Orbit I've had these for months on advance copies and they sound fantastic! Each contains extra material as well. RECOMMENDED.

The statue hasn't had a chemical peel yet though. The Grafton alto! Such a unique instrument!

They both look like kids to me, quite young. . . . So maybe this could be retitled "how to spot a rich kid"?

Those Bastards! I went to Dusty Groove, noticed they had reduced the price of a box set that I had my eye on, so I ended up buying the second of the Universal Nara Leao box sets. Gonna be good. I needed a Brazilian fix and this will be a big one.

Yes, this was a tremendous quintet and you're right: I'm sure a number of listeners were suprised, some likely pleased, a number disappointed or displeased or confused. There's actually quite a bit of privately recorded material of this band that hopefully will be officially released one of these days. . . . This quintet really needs to be heard and studied more.

The same photo is used for Gray on one of the Jazz Factory cds . . . Not sure whether that was the horse and allmusic the cart, or vice versa.

Well isn't it understood that the Monk is essential? I mean. . . And he mentioned it in his post so he knows he's going to have to find it.

Therea are many great Vogue discs in both the American and French series of reissues, including the Barney Wilen, the Bobby Jaspars, the Lucky Thompsons, the Jimmy Raneys, the Clifford Browns, honestly there's not a "dog" among them. I've not recently encountered a complete listing or two. . . .

No, you won't find any or much at all repitition; Jazz in Paris is culled from labels now owned and distributed by Verve/Universal, whereas les Vogues were from labels owned and distributed by BMG. . . . There is a third series, Americans Swinging in Paris that is pulled from EMI controlled labels. . . Three great series of cds with little to no overlap!

That Hank Jones Trio is a favorite, and recorded by RVG the afternoon I was born! I've been a big fan of Marshall for some time. Such a wonderful tone, and swinging with great ideas too. . . he had all you need in a bass player. I kept discovering more and more great sessions with him as I collected all those Savoy/Denon cds starting about 12 years ago or so. . . !

WANDA!

Jean Grey gets better looking all the time. . .

Another Marvel Girl, earliest costume.

GULP! Thanks! B)

I heard on Entertainment tonight Halle say "the suit was tailored to hide her flaws." That can't be true. There's way too much suit!

Has anyone seen Catwoman yet? Is it as bad as some of the reviews make it out to be?

LOUIS ARMSTRONG AND JACK TEAGARDEN.

The U. T. Tower and Fountain here in Austin.

The library, right off the town square in Burton, Ohio. . . I discovered Miles Davis HERE. My Dad was the minister at the Church right next door for thirty years. . .

Waterford Kamhlaba School, outside M'Babane, Swaziland. Tis was the place I spent most of my time in Swaziland, and may have been the place I was happiest in my life.