Had a fun dinner outing with in-laws from NYC and Austin last night. Was up later than usual!
It’s hot this morning. Sigh. But I’m toughing it out to listen to some music.
Now playing
Henry “Red” Allen and his Orchestra “1929-1933” Chronogical Classics cd
Mostly Victor recordings.
It cooled down nicely overnight after a hot day with in-laws. Ready to do some listening to the stereo at last!
Starting with
Miles Davis “In Concert” Sony 20 bit SBM LP facsimile 2 cd set, disc 2
I think this release of “In Concert” sounds wonderful. I am always impressed by Michael Henderson, his bass playing just always floors me. Gave Miles just what he wanted and was the hearbeat of the band.
Followed by a different form of funkiness.
Milt Jackson “It Don’t Mean A Thing if you Can’t Tap Your Foot to It” Pablo/OJC cd
Remarkable that this double LP wasn’t made available sooner. Pepper is in top form, and nice opportunity to enjoy Milcho Leviev’s piano work.
John Coltrane “Crescent” Impulse Japan SHM-SACD
This one again to start off a cool, quiet morning. What a great sounding edition of this essential work.
Followed by
Arturo O’Farrill “Live in Brooklyn” Zoho cd
This is one of my favorites of Arturo’s. Great live recording.
Bass – Andy Gonzalez
Drums – Dafnis Prieto
Piano, Producer – Arturo O’Farrill
Producer – Todd Barkan
Recorded live at the Up Over Jazz Café, Brooklyn, NY, on August 8 & 9, 2003.
Still staying away from my turntable until I feel I can be trusted near the cartridge. So streaming, no need to get up. This is a really nice album. Sounds good with my itty bitty tube amp.
How’s the SQ on this one?
On the cd version the sound quality is very good. IMO there are better performances with this band but this may be among the very best recorded.
Starting off late this morning with “At Barloyd’s” a nine cd set of piano music recorded in a Parisian apartment.
This disc is the one by Franck Amsallem.
A stuffy morning! Looking forward to the final day of in-laws visiting from Austin.
Starting off with. . .
Barney Wilen “Zodiac” reissue LP
Followed by
J&K “Stone Bone” A&M/CTI LP (RSD release)
I like this one the more I play it!
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Grady Tate
Guitar – George Benson
Keyboards [Electronic] – Bob James, Herbie Hancock
Trombone – J.J. Johnson, Kai Winding
Starting off a finally cool morning with another disc from the Grateful Dead “Enjoying the Ride” box set.
Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA (6/5/69) disc 2
On to
Gene Shaw “Breakthrough” Argo/Dusty Groove cd
One of the too few leader dates by this former Mingus trumpeter.
Bass – Sidney Robinson
Drums – Bernard Martin
Piano – James Taylor
Tenor Saxophone – Sherman Morrison
Trumpet – Clarence Eugene Shaw
Recorded 10/11/62 at Ter Mar Recording Studio, Chicago, Illinois
Starting off a warm morning with the lovely sound of Ruby Braff & His Buddies “Controlled Nonchalance: Live at the Regatta Bar (Vol. 1)” Arbors Jazz cd
A very nice way to greet the new day.
On to
Another disc from the “Enjoying the Ride” Grateful Dead 60th Anniversary box set.
Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA (6/8/69)
I love Ruby Braff. There is no mistaking who it is when I hear him play.
I’m happy with it.
Early on in my initial exploration of jazz Maynard Ferguson popped up on my radar screen. Of the three I had at one time this one remains in my collection. The other two being Primal Scream and Conquistador. The latter a minor hit for Maynord as it featured his cover of Bill Conti’s Rocky. Primal Scream, disco influenced, and Conquistador, both of their time left me wondering if jazz was a worthy pursuit as neither aligned with my taste. Looking back on it each were likely Columbia Records reaching for a “hit” from Maynard.
Live at Jimmy’s is Maynard and his band performing at a peak, and a bit more tasteful than the aforementioned LPs. Maynard being a bit of a screamer/showboat on trumpet certainly could hit the high notes. College friends at the time that played brass were big on this double LP. It is a fun one, but nothing special IMO. The Mosaic set is probably a better choice.
At the time I preferred Miles Davis Water Babies to Maynard Ferguson.
