BFrank

My friend ran into Michael Shrieve on an airplane the other day and talked to him about the album. Needless to say, he thinks it's good. I'm curious (with a dose of skepticism) about this as well.

Where does Esperanza Spalding fall in this conversation? She's become a popular artist who has crossed more than a few musical boundaries, yet is still a talented jazz bassist (or was a couple of years ago when I saw her with Joe Lovano and Jack DeJohnette).

It's interesting that his 2 shows here in SF next month (sold out!) are in a rock club, not a 'traditional' jazz venue like Yoshi's or SFJAZZ.

Going to see FORQ tonight. Should be entertaining, if nothing else. Plus it's in a VERY small venue - the Joe Henderson Lab at SFJAZZ. *Made up of members of funk megastar band Snarky Puppy, Rudder, and Roy Hargrove’s RH Factor, FORQ is, in bassist/Snarky Puppy founder Michael League’s words, “a band that is biiiiiig on groove and sonic exploration.” Chris McQueen guitar Henry Hey keyboards Michael League bass Jason "JT" Thomas drums

Which of course is impossible because Trane literally changed the music of his era. This is just an simulation of that era (not that there's anything wrong with it). I am going to see him next month, anyway.

I.did.not.know.that!

I'm in this camp, myself. I like the "idea" of the Residents more than I like their music. But like HP, I haven't spent enough time exploring their albums.

They're an acquired taste for sure, but very innovative and talented. I saw them last year at SXSW. It was the final performance for their keyboardist/percussionist Chuck, who "retired."

Same price on their website, but I would have to pay shipping. We don't have a B&N in SF anymore, so not worth it drive out to the burbs to save $3.

Kind of seems like a no-brainer, then.

I'm with you on this one, Dolan. Never one of my favorites, but I appreciated his constant search for something new. BTW ... this coming week at the Vanguard should be very interesting. Donny McCaslin Quartet New York Times Critics' Pick Village Vanguard Jan. 19-26 at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. It wouldn’t quite be accurate to say that this pugnacious band, led by the tenor saxophonist Donny McCaslin, has a big new album out this month. But it also wouldn’t be untrue. The album is the late David Bowie’s “Blackstar,” on which the quartet — with the keyboardist Jason Lindner, the electric bassist Tim Lefebvre and the drummer Mark Guiliana — hunkers down in deep-groove mode, providing something more essential and elusive than strict accompaniment. In his unassuming way, Mr. McCaslin takes a victory lap next week, bringing the band for the first time into the Village Vanguard, with one substitution: for every night but the last, Nate Wood will sub in on bass.

He was responsible for "Extrapolation," too!

Thanks. Not a big Petty fan, but this is probably all I need (and MORE!).

Somehow his presence escaped me over the years. After reading this obit, I found out how influential he was to the British music scene. BTW, when you read this you will find out how Clapton got the nickname "Slowhand." Not what you think ... Giorgio Gomelsky Obit - NYT

I think anyone who says they can "predict" what's going to happen in the financial world is someone to avoid. Or at the very least, have a high degree of skepticism.

I always liked those George Duke albums. They were all released before he started making money as a "smooth" musician/producer. They are highly influenced by his tenure with FZ ( who appears on 2-3 of those, btw).

Didn't sound that interesting to me, either, and I skipped their shows at SFJAZZ this year. Having said that, they're creative and diverse enough to make just about anything interesting.

One of my favorite sets.

I.don't.think.so. It was a great show ... BTW. The complete "Horses" album (among other songs) and an appearance by Michael Stipe.

Patti Smith at the Fillmore. It's also her 69th birthday. Should be a party!

Whitney Museum of American Art ARCHIBALD MOTLEY: JAZZ AGE MODERNIST OCT 2, 2015–JAN 17, 2016 I saw this last month. Good show!

So much good stuff in this set!

Thanks - good to know. I was concerned about the 'hype' about Kamasi overshadowing the 'reality.'

He's playing here in Feb. One show already sold out, and they just added a late show. Worth seeing?

I could use one of those. My fingernail isn't sharp enough.