Matthew

Now redtrumpet tells me thay don't have it. First time that's happened to me with something that RT has listed. Bummer, Santa.

I was able to buy The Complete Verve/Clef Charlie Ventura/Flip Philips Studio Sessions (9 LPS) from Redtrumpet.com, even was able to get a 10% discount. Was surprised to find there are some copies still out there; the minute I saw it, I knew this was my Christmas present to myself.

Thought people might be interested in this offer by Redtrumpet: SPECIAL SALE NOW THROUGH CHRISTMAS Last minute shopping for those on your list –or- errr…. for yourself? TAKE 10% OFF OF EVERYTHING IN-STOCK or “SPECIAL ORDER” Now through Wednesday December 24, 2003 NOTE: Unfortunately, we cannot combine this sale with any other offer or to any outstanding orders. The sale is for items that have been released not pre-orders, and cannot be combined with any other offers. Offer excludes ALL Analogue Productions items (please contact us to inquire on these) To take advantage of this sale, just shop as usual on our Web site and when you check out, type "LAST MINUTE” in the comments section of your order (not the Coupon section -- it won't work). We will apply the appropriate discount while processing your order, so it won't appear on your online invoice but will be deducted when we process and ship your items. CLICK HERE FOR RED TRUMPET Usual disclaimers: Not connected with Red Trumpet etc.

I was looking through the "$1.00 lp Bin" at Amoeba Records this morning and I can across a lp entitled: Plas Johnson with the Grease Patrol: L.A. '55 on the Carell Music label. Well, with a name like that staring me in the face, how could I pass it up? Turns out to be a great session with Plas on Tenor; Art Hillery on B-3, Jimmy Smith, drums; and Billy Rogers on guitar. Really a nice, funky, greazy session, which recaptures the sound of a Los Angeles bar band of the mid fifties. Johnson has a great tenor sound that is smooth, yet soulfull as anything you ever want to hear. Hillery, whom I never heard before, has a style that is light and is able to use the pedal is a creative manner. Rogers and Smith are rock solid. The liner notes even come with a definition of grease! grease (gres). n. that essence which each jazz musician applies to the music, allowing it to slide around and between the notes and rhythms, imparting elements of spontaneity, emotion and personality which defy written notation. So, there ya go! That's what grease is! It's a great lp that I'm sure isn't on cd but look for it if you have a turntable, and groove with it. B)

Great take guys -- love it.

For me, the biggest disappointments have been the Elvin Jones & Jazz Piano Mood Sessions, in fact, I sold both of them. Why, oh why, is there a conga player with Jones ??? Just a major distraction, though I loved the trio sessions. Also, I didn't think too much of some of the slick production for some of the dates. Jazz Piano Mood Sessions is music to go to sleep by, I was just bored by the whole thing. Needless to say, I strongly disagree with those who don't enjoy the Jimmy Smith Mosaic . These are some of the most important, influencial dates ever. They set the course for a whole jazz genre; if Smith had failed in these sessions, organ jazz & the whole "Soul Jazz' thing might have never happened.

Speaking of 80's rock only on lp, one of my alltime favorites is Roman Holliday: Cookin' on the Roof. It has that early 80's jump/jive rock feel that was big with English bands. It is a true unknown gem.

Happy Birthday!

Is it true that "Soundtrack to Human Motion" is OOP? How in the world can Blue Note let that happen?? This is a stone cold modern classic. Sometimes I think Blue Note is ......, well, I just don't know what to think at times.

Today is a BIG tamale day. You haven't lived until you have a breadkfast of a red chili tamale, chorizo taco, both drenched with hot salsa, sweet bread, all of which is washed down with champarrado. Kind of sets the mood for the day.

Just discovering Jason Moran. I'm finally getting this guy, and it's great music. I've been taking my time recently and slowly going through his cds one-by-one, and it's been a great adventure. He's one of those artists that really grows in stature with each listen. It will be something to see with Moran goes with his music.

Of course it's time!

Speaking of tamales, and this just might be only a SoCal thing, but remember those tamales-in-a-can that you could buy in stores ? Man, those were the worst things ever! To think our mothers thought we were getting "Authentic Mexican Food" -- it's lucky anyone ever ate any Mexican food after that experience.

Wonder if it's the same lp I tried to email Jim about. I don't think my email went through either. LP: Gill Evans Arrangements for the Claude Thornhill Band.

Now, this does look like a nice set. Elle Ftizgerald Sings the Gershwin Songbook If true, it's a real collectors item.

Pork & Chorizo is a great combo in a tamale. A in the mouth.

Let the past remain in the past. It really is time to put the BNBB in its grave and forget about it -- I mean it's over!

Little known fact about Jimmy Smith. He was a great fan of "The Fonze", and Henry Winkler used to visit Smith's nightclub in L.A. Whenever someone ever heckled Bad Ass Jimmy Smith, he'd tell the sucker to "SIT ON IT!" Hey, Jimmy was a bad motha' like the Fonze!

Amen to that. O.K., I took it out but I want to add...

Happy Birthday

"I've had a rough night and I hate the F$#%^N' Eagles." -The Dude Just noticed the quote -- one of my favorites moments! He gets kicked out of the cab right afterwards. "Donnie, you're out of your league!"