First Listen: Yellowjackets – Fasten Up (2025)
BLUF: First impression: controlled energy and refined sound — buckle in, the title’s not kidding.
This is an engaging listen front to back — crisp, modern, but still human. You can tell they had fun stretching their sound a bit here. Audiophiles will love the clarity and separation; headphones reveal layers that lesser systems might blur.
Having a hard time this morning. . . finally get a bit of time to listen, hope I can get in at least this one disc!
Charlie Haden “Liberation Music Orchestra” Impulse cd
Followed by
Kenny Burrell “Be Yourself–Live at Dizzy’s Coca Cola” High Note cd
Kenny at 75!
A cold rainy morning. Finally got pain management for Lucy handled and she’s back to sleep. Should be able to get a listen to a disc in!
Starting off with Bob Dylan “Through the Open Window” disc 4 for the second time.
I’ve watched him a couple times on the YouTube. He’s excellent. But I can’t not see Mr Bean.
Now I can’t not see him.
Now Playing: Dire Straits & Mark Knopfler – Private Investigations: The Best Of
BLUF: Classic songs, perfect tone, and timeless sound.
This collection is a perfect showcase of Mark Knopfler’s smooth guitar touch and calm storytelling style. From “Sultans of Swing” to “Brothers in Arms,” every track feels carefully crafted — clean, confident, and full of space. The sound is crystal clear, with that warm, open mix that Dire Straits fans love. Some songs carry a bit of that early-digital edge, but the guitar tone and dynamics still shine through beautifully. Why do I keep coming back to it, because it always reminds me how great pure playing and clean production can sound together.
First snow of the season (surprised it took this long) and 28 degrees. We got just an inch or less. We have an important appointment so as much as we’d love to hunker down in the hacienda we have to go out and brave the roads.
Starting off with a favorite piano trio album before bundling up and clearing the deck, stairs and car.
Keigh Jarrett/Gary Peacock/Jack DeJohnette “Tokyo '96” ECM cd
BLUF: Fourplay X delivers refined, smooth jazz from four masters at the top of their game.
Now Playing: This album blends jazz, soul, and R&B with effortless polish. Bob James, Nathan East, Larry Carlton, and Harvey Mason create a sound that’s both laid-back and deeply skilled. Each track flows smoothly, showing their chemistry and precision. ‘X’ is classy, mellow, and perfect on a very cold morning with a very hot cup of coffee.
Yet another Tone Poet reissue, this one coming from the Pacific Jazz label. Chico Hamilton Quartet, with Jim Hall, Fred Katz, Carson Smith, Buddy Collette, and Chico Hamilton.
Shoveled and cleared the cars from 6” of snow we’ve gotten in the last 36 hours or so. Whew. Ran some necessary errands and finally have an hour or so to listen.
Starting off with disc 4 of this set for the second time before moving on to the next disc. This set is something else.
Bob Dylan “Through The Open Window (The Bootleg Series Vol. 18 1956-1963)” 8 cd edition
BLUF: ‘Wes Bound’ is Lee Ritenour’s heartfelt tribute to guitar legend Wes Montgomery, blending classic style with smooth modern polish.
Ritenour honors Wes with taste and respect, delivering rich tone, soulful phrasing, and clean, fluid lines. The album mixes straight-ahead jazz energy with a contemporary smooth feel, showcasing Ritenour’s precision and warmth. ‘Wes Bound’ captures the spirit of Montgomery’s swing while adding Ritenour’s own sleek touch — timeless, classy, and full of groove.
Thank goodness there was no snowfall after I had cleared it all yesterday. . . I was not looking forward to another few hours of shoveling etc.
It’s cold but clear. Finally have an hour or so to listen this morning. Hot darn this system sounds so darned good. I’m amazed and this is probably the longest time I’ve gone without thinking of tweaks and futzing. . . though I confess my caregiving duties are also responsible.
Finally getting back to this excellent box set, second time listening to this disc 2. Great tunes, great sound, some great solos.
“Classic Decca Recordings ofBob Crosby And His Orchestra & The Bob Cats (1936-1942)” Mosaic Records 6 cd box set.
Followed by
Lennie Tristano “Volume 1 - 1945-1946 Complete Edition” Masters of Jazz Media7 cd
Emmett Carls Sextet, Lennie Tristano solo piano, Lennie Tristano trio.
Revisiting Emma Dayhuff Innovations & Lineage: The Chicago Project. Vocalist Dee Alexander impresses on this set.
Feeling a little funky this cold morning and wanting to wake up a bit more. . . . Starting off with Joshua Redman “Freedom in the Groove” on Warner Bros. cd.
Hard for me to believe that it has been almost 30 years since this came out. . . I can remember buying it at Tower Records Austin.
Joshua Redman – tenor, soprano & alto saxophone
Peter Bernstein – electric guitar
Peter Martin – piano
Chris Thomas – acoustic bass
Brian Blade – drums
Followed by
Joe Locke “Sound Tracks – Jazz Versions Of Timeless Songs From The Cinema” Video Arts cd Japan
Joe Locke with Billy Childs, Rufus Reid, and Gene Jackson
I think this was the first release I bought with the great drummer Brian Blade.
BLUF: ‘Acoustic Trio DSD Sessions’ delivers warm, natural, and intimate acoustic music captured with stunning clarity.
David Elias plays with a relaxed, honest style that feels real and close, like a small live show. The trio’s acoustic sound is clean, gentle, and full of detail. The DSD (DSD 2.8MHz) recording makes every note clear and lifelike. This album is perfect for quiet moments, great sound systems, and anyone who loves simple, beautiful acoustic music.
