BFrank

Not originally from Texas, but Craig Handy attended North Texas State University (1981-1984).

Nope. That's a GOOD thing!

Kind of a low-key night last night. The usual suspects included Aggie, Conn, SS1, wesbed, White Lightening and myself (sorry if I left someone off). Mobley's "Hi Voltage" was the highlight album of the night, while "Mingus Ah Um" had mixed enthusiasm from the crowd. We closed with Byrd's "New Perspective" which I don't have but have been "encouraged" to get. Meanwhile........anyone (other than Wes) think that Billy Higgins is the 'poor man's Elvin Jones'?

Looks interesting, but I think I prefer "Live at the Half Note"--Blue Note records.

GREAT hang, FFA.

Man, this concept opens up a whole new can 'o' worms on reissue possibilities. Kinda scary. I have "Of Course, Of Course" on vinyl and it's nice to see that it's finally going to see the light of day on CD.

Saw the Mingus Big Band last night at Yoshi's. GREAT MF show! If you ever get a chance to see this outfit (in whatever incarnation they're in), go see them. Craig Handy runs a fun show that's got everything from dazzling solos to Ku-umba Frank Lacy vocals. Also impressive and worthy of wider recognition: Lauren Sevian - bari sax (the only female I'm aware of on the instrument) George Colligan - piano (where has THIS guy been hiding??!) Honorable mention for Jack Walrath as the token Mingus alumnus. Would have liked to hear more than just the one solo he took at the end of the show. BTW - at dinner in the Yoshi's dining room we sat next to a table with Sue Mingus, Frank Lacy, John Handy (Craig's uncle) and Craig's mother (who was introduced during the show). Very entertaining in itself.

Just got a copy of the "Trio and Quintet" Conn. Haven't listened to the whole thing yet, but so far it sounds pretty sweet. AMG gave it 5 stars, which is unusual. I'm liking what I'm hearing.

I've had an LP of "First Flight" forEVER. I've always enjoyed it and thought it was a really strong blowing date.

That's EXCELLENT! Maybe I'll finally get to see them. I wasn't able to get to either of the events last year. Hopefully, some of those will be on the West Coast.

Just got a copy of "In My Time" Oh, MAN......the opening cut made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end! This is an amazing set of music. And from a guy his age (88!) it's even MORE astounding. RUN (don't walk) to pick this up. You won't be disappointed - I'm not.

I'm sure (as a Jew), Zorn doesn't like you trashing his music project, either. But you ARE entitled to you opinion, sir.

That's great to hear. He's coming to Yoshi's at the end of the month. I just might have to check it out.

I have the latest by The Hold Steady, but haven't had a chance to get into it yet. They seem to be getting a lot of attention, though.

I just think he's taking music based in the Jewish culture and taking it in different directions. I don't see anything wrong with that. And it's not like he's following a popular movement in contemporary music (regardless of what Madonna thinks she's doing ). He's putting stuff out there from many different perspectives and hoping that a few people pay attention.

Finally took a "real" listen to the "Milwaukee Tapes". Oh, MAN! Killer stuff. UNreal. I have "Back Together Again" and "On the Run" from eMusic. Soon I will also DL "Dark Day", which I assume is just a smokin' as the Milwaukee set. Those of you who have followed him, how would you compare his 60s/70s playing with now?

That's an interesting take on it. How did you arrive at that? It's not like that catalog is ripping up the pop charts or anything. I doubt that he's making a boatload of money on this project. Being Jewish myself, I never came up with that angle.

Anyone like Spoon? Or are they too "mainstream" already?

Meanwhile........the REST of us were playing Miles "Plugged Nickel" disk #3.

Needless to say, eMusic is a treasure trove of indie music. You got everything from Dino, Jr to Fugazi to Spoon to Petra Haden to Dream Syndicate to ...

... and how will that help YOU, exactly?

As Uncle Skid suggested, "I had a buddy over and couldn't hang at that time." is just Conn's way of saying "I had to make a beer run".

Just got a copy of the remastered "Red Octopus". Forgot what a mediocre album it was. Not more than 1/2 of the tunes are any good. The additional live tracks aren't bad, but I wouldn't recommend rushing out for this one.

I LOVE "Vertical's Currency" and I never realized that he was on it! I also thought I was the only person on the planet who owned it. As for "Special Quartet" and the 2 "Shakill's", those are certainly among my favorite Murrays. I always try to turn B-3 fans on to the Shakill's albums, but frequently get 'push-back' about Murray's playing. He's not usually thought of in the world of "greeze". spinlps mentioned "Morning Song" which is very enjoyable, as well. Finally, let me put in a plug for "Octet Plays Trane". Killer.