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Well, I had zero guesses on who any of the performers were, but here's my take: 1. I like this more than I expected I would -- the flutist is more than capable with a bright sound and creative improvisational lines. Certainly a very recent production, and the rhythm section is solidly in the pocket. No guesses, but I enjoyed it. 2. Been guessed, but good to hear it again and it's interesting to now know who's part of the ensemble. I will admit I'd not known of Lakecia Benjamin before this BFT and am impressed. 3. The tune has been identified and this is an excellent rendition, but I can't hazard a guess as to who the performers are. I'd imagine it's somewhat recent (within the last 20-30 years) but beyond that, am not sure. The bassist and tenor saxophonist are certainly hitting some areas that are within my wheelhouse. 4. Not really my thing at all as far as the arrangement & composition go. But everything has its place. No guesses, probably would not revisit. 5. Spaulding is an interesting guess but I don't really think it is him. Ebullient rendition of a classic tune, though the pianist's solo doesn't really do it for me. 6. As I was talking to a fellow board member the other day, the Santana feel is strong here, though it's certainly not them (him?). Once the vocals began I checked out. 7. I do understand the valid connection between jazz and hip hop but this isn't my cuppa tea. It does seem very contemporary. 8. Recent guitar-organ fare, I recall being sent some things like this by the PosiTone label when I was reviewing albums. No guesses. The guitarist presents ideas in a cohesive manner that I could see going places, but the overall flavor isn't too distinctive. 9. I guess this would be crowd-pleasing in a concert setting, but again, I don't get it. Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground" reimagined as a jazz-funk tune? Sorta. Personally, I only lasted a few minutes. 10. Okay, the sentiment is admirable and the delivery is okay -- I'd gather the poet/speaker has spent a fair amount of time listening to how Amiri Baraka did things, at least on some level -- but the music doesn't deliver and feels quite, I don't know, not compelling, which is weird given the subject. Trumpet has some Hannibal-isms but I highly doubt it's him. Another Ropeadope release?

A free Record Store Day Strata-East CD sampler:

I was a big beer drinker but quit drinking alcohol in 1998. Before giving it up, I had become fond of Belgian-style brews such as Never heard of Blue Moon. Found Heineken OK, but there were many better import choices. The 2 Mexican beers are good compared to the US entries, but mediocre. The remaining 4 are awful; I always found Miller especially bad and wouldn't drink it at all. Nowadays the US has so many local craft beers that there's no necessity to drink pisswater corporate swill.

My only RSD purchase, though I did grab a couple of the free Strata-East CD samplers—waiting for the CD versions of several releases that will follow in two weeks. But could I resist this LP-only compilation of Moodsville sides titled Night Lights? (I actually did a couple of Night Lights shows a gazillion years ago that focused on the Moodsville series, but I doubt that they served as inspiration for this 2025 Craft Records release)