jazzbo

Okay, I hear it differently. I really feel that a lot of the material is fitting for Juba, and the others, and recreates possible feelings from this past reality. I'm quite impressed really with what has been conveyed by these words. I had to listen quite a bit and absorb, but they spoke to me.

Great interview, which I missed last time around. Thanks for posting the link David. Thanks yet again for all the hard work towards that reissue Chuck. It's the reissue that has most excited me in the last three years.

I'll recommend a book called "Jazz on the Barbary Coast" by Tom Studdard. Now it won't take you up into the forties, but it will give a fascinating account of the jazz music in the area from the teens (and before) up to the late thirties, compiled from interviews with musicians from the time, and with fascinating photos. You can get this cheap. . . Daedalus Books has it for 6 or 7 dollars, and I noticed on Amazon.com that there were some used copies available even cheaper. I really enjoyed reading this! Someone else may be able to recommend a book that will go up the timeline from there. . . .

I think BOF gets short shrift. As a tale of slavery and escape and self-determination it works. It has great vocalists who actually have interesting material to sing (I differ that it is "schoolboy" or whatever; I think it captures the vibe of the material well, and is well suited to the strong voices.) And in the Ellington/Mingus orchestrated mode it has merit musically as well. And as a jazz opera, I feel it is more successful than some other attempts at the genre. It is in some ways a successful continuation of Duke's attempts to chronicle "my people" in musical terms. It's just my opinion, which I came too gradually after listening to it more than half a dozen times. At first I was ready to dismiss it offhand, but I gave it a chance and it has depth that rewards listenings. I'd honestly myself rather listen to this than Headhunters. Headhunters was cool in its time, but I don't get much out of it now. But that's just me.

Yes, I think this is going to be a landmark reissue (hey, it's going to be an UPTOWN reissue, they're that way for the most part, n'est ce pas?) I'm looking forward to hearing this for many reasons, including the Big Sid Catlett drum solo!

Your opinion, not shared, is duly noted.

Personally, I like "Blood on the Fields," and I play it more often than "Headhunters" which is okay, but really not something I need to hear a lot. I think the book on BOF and some of the writing and playing is quite good. I didn't think so immediately, I had to live with the recording a few years and get it out from time to time, but it clicked with me and I like its story and the execution quite a bit. Personally I don't think either are phenomenally important works in the scheme of things, so I've not really voted for one or the other. But if one asked me to vote for one of these, I would not choose the Hancock.

Fantastic news Tony! Glad to know all are doing well, and thanks for sharing the news!

Thanks for the public heads up Jim! My appetite is WHETTED!

You know what, seriously: don't you think someone should make a Jennifer Lopez PEZ dispensor so it can be called "J-Pez"?

J-Lo to Ben-Fleck: "When I fall in love, it will be forever."

Take my wife, Please. . . .

I'm not going to pay a lot for this muffler.

Hey welcome back Chuck! Yeah, Jim is salt of the earth, and for putting up with him, Brenda MUST BE the finest grade of pepper! Glad you got to spend some time with them, and I know that Jim is as well.

You know, thanks for bringing this thread up. I remember some great music by this band, and haven't heard it in years. They were alright, damn straight.

I sent them a message as well. I think they are shortchanging jazz fans if they recommend those other two boards and not this one. They are inviting others to visit secondbest sites, when this one is right here, clearly a better home for jazz fans. (Oh, of course that's just my personal opinion, but I mean it strongly!)

"It's alright John. You just solo as long as you want to. Just nudge me awake when you're done."

"What, me worry?"

"It ain't over til it's over."

"As a good Christian, I believe in making love, not war."

"I just want to be left alone."

Actually Joe, saw the preview on Saturday, THIS is NEXT: This has become this

Suckus Maximus. Leave well enough alone. We boomers should have SOMETHING that's sacred.

Wow, I can see the ebay description now: "with hinged box, unlike the boxes currently sold by Mosaic."

Great find!