Alon Marcus

He is the guy that knows everything about guitar players, am I right? Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Wesbed!

Now seriously. John Hicks - I listened to his playing a lot lately and he became one of my favorites pushing other guys out of the top 5. I saw him in a concert few days ago (with David Murray) and was really impressed with his elegance. Cyrus Chestnut - love his playing. Marcus Roberts - a bit overlooked IMHO. Nobody (almost) ever mentions him on this board while I think his album "The Joy of Joplin" is pure genious. Gonzalo Rubalcaba - great player and becomes better each year. Mulgrew Miller - same as above. I need to start exploring guys like Jason Moran and Mathew Sheep. This list may change and change frequently. Also dig Enrico Pieranunzi though I think he is heavily influenced by Bill Evans. Few months ago I'd probably put Brad Mehldau in the top 5 but somehow I got cold to his playing. Probably just had enough and need a break. Guys like Corea and Hancock are great pianists but I think of them more as creators in general terms that contributed largely to music in the last 40 years.

Damn! Forgot that John Lord is a hammond player...

My list ----------------------------------------------- Stevie Wonder Billy Joel Paul McCaurtney Elton John John Lord

Ken Burns new production about "Prog - Rock" =======================================

Happy Birthday Noj!

Happy Birthday!

Wayne is one of my favorite musicians of all styles and eras. Every record he produced in the 60s till he went to Weather Report is a gem. I know that many people don't like what he started to do from mid seventies and onwards. Especially his 80s output and things like his album "High Life". I can understand why but I don't feel that way about this stuff. It is very interesting for me cause he kept developing his compositional skills and those records contain many intriguing arrangements. They are more scientific and less natural than the Blue Note's but nevertheless I find his playing and compositions fascinating. He has a distinctive soprano sound, powerful and penetrating. One of my favorite solos ever is the one he played on the album "Power of Three" with Petrucciani and Hall.

You are so right comrade maren! It was Dizzy.

No and no!

An easy one but classic:

So, what do you think about this album?

I will start digesting the music from this week.

Oh Yeah!

Sorry guys, non of the above though I suppose the quote applies much to their work.

I found a quote that I think makes this thread worthy of revival. You can google it or guess it, anyway enjoy the genius of the one who said it!

What do you think about his Latin big band - "Now is another time"? Those who have listened, what do you think about his arrangements and compositions?

Happy Birthday Mike!

Thanks Allen!

Dear friends, to make the discussion more fruitful - can you please elaborate why you like/don't like and give examples of albums or concerts. I don't think that the comparison to Wynton is a good idea.

Allen it's a bit off topic but I'll be glad to know who are these 20 tenors?

New York is Now This is one of Ornette's best, I was turned on Broadway Blues long before I started listening to his music. This track appears on a Blue Note collection of 5 tapes (now it became larger and was expanded to cd's). Great album to start liking Ornette (but only if you are destined to like his music) except for the last track "We now interrupt for a commercial" which for me can only serve as a comic relief after an intensive album. It has Dewey Redman, Jimmy Garison and Elvin Jones.

Two more Hicks recommendations are: Naima's Love Song Probably one of the best albums from the 80's. Boby Watson is very dominant here though he appears as a sideman. Some of the songs have harmonies and melodies that remind popular soul music, it's great (especially the first two: "Elementary My Dear Watson " and "Someday Soon "). Something to Live For: A Billy Strayhorn Songbook This is a good place to hear Hicks in a trio setting.

One of the most important figures in the modern jazz world. What do you think about him? What Murray albums you like (leader/sideman) and what albums you dislike? ...and one more important thing today is David's birthday so: Happy Birthday to mr. Murray!