BFrank

For the life of me, I don't understand why anyone would want to bring back cassettes. They were always an inferior recording medium.

I was at Montreux in 1978, and there were a fair number of albums that came out of that festival. I honestly don't remember which shows I saw, but pretty sure I saw some of the Xanadu sets (there were 4 albums), and also Muhal Richard Abrams.

Straight Street is a keeper, for sure. Not a leader date, but certainly one of his greatest sessions.

From last night's benefit: Review: Cosby charms fans at SFJazz benefit

She lives (part-time, I think) here in SF and is somewhat of a regular at a restaurant across the street from me. I've only seen her once, a couple of months ago, as she was heading out the door.

VERY impressive! Lotsa great ones, guys. Here are a few I was at - I'll try to think of others.

Just saw John Beasley's MONK'estra at SFJazz. Solid and entertaining big band evening, and an enthusiastic crowd. Can't complain ...

Nice review of the new album in the WSJ. Andy Bey Takes It Slow

Big shock! I haven't seen him recently, but saw him a number of times in the 70s-80s. Always a very classy player and composer. Some of his greatest albums have already been ID'd by you guys - Eastern Rebellion(s), Magic Triangle, Blakey, etc.

The Cookers tonight at Yoshi's. Bobby Hutcherson was in the house, too!

Cookers - Yoshi's, Thurs

Speaking of the Stones, my friend just found THIS the other day. Blows "Dance, Pt 1" outta the water! Willie Weeks and Andy Newmark are cookin'!

There's always this!

Definitely a shock - had no idea he was ill. Aside from FZ and his solo albums in the 70s, he had a nice career as a sideman with Cannonball, Joe Hen, Airto/Flora, and others - particularly on Milestone.

Happy b-day! Prog ON!!!

Try to get some "time off" from your parent issues and celebrate your b-day, if possible, Lon. FYI, this is a great organization for information and assistance. They were very helpful when my mother's health was deteriorating. They're based in SF, but have a national database of local organizations. Family Caregiver Alliance

Rows of mansions along Van Ness were actually dynamited to provide a firebreak, or so I've heard. Pretty sure that's true. Contrary to what I said earlier, dynamite was used to raze buildings, not fire (there was already enough of THAT).

While the quake was certainly devastating, the post-quake fires were ultimately more destructive. In addition, there were many properties intentionally torched in order to try to create firebreaks to keep the fires from spreading even further.

Mosaic Selects aren't often "must-haves" for me. But the Tolliver set WAS one of those.

Yes, Avishai for sure. David Weiss, with extra props for putting together the Cookers.

Tonight: the king of the Telecaster, Bill Kirchen

I have tickets to see him at SFJazz next March........but I guess that would be his 81st birthday celebration.

Still sweater weather here in SF.................sorry.