mjzee

An interesting contrast between Grappelli and Stuff Smith can be found on a Pablo release of four tracks they did together in 1957, called "Violins No End." I also prefer Smith to Grappelli, finding the latter too sweet, although very easy to listen to. The band is good, too: Oscar Peterson, Herb Ellis, Ray Brown, Jo Jones. (The final 3 tracks have Grappelli only).

Miles' comeback was in 1979, so he was off the scene for four years. I remember seeing his comeback gig advertised in the New York Times as part of the Kool Jazz Festival. I said what the hey and mailed away for one ticket, not expecting much. I got 8th row center in Avery Fisher Hall, probably just because it was a single seat (the house sold out quickly). I remember Miles walking out...he looked so cool. I didn't recognize much of the band except Al Foster. Mike Stern was pudgy, and soloed way too long...Miles liked his style but had to cut off every Stern solo with a trumpet 'blat'...otherwise he would have just kept going. Marcus Miller was great, but Minu Cinelu was too expressive, playing to the cheap seats. Miles wandered the stage, and when something occurred to him, he soloed...it was inevitably beautiful. He also directed the band at the organ. I didn't recognize "My Man's Gone Now" at the show, only knew it was that when "We Want Miles" came out. I didn't like "Star People," thought it was just some drawn out blues jams.

Hi, y'all. Hey, Aggie, thanks for keeping up the thread! You're doing a great job! Yeah, Sco... his new CD is very nice.