Rosco

July 22: 1930: Bessie Smith records for Columbia ('Black Mountain Blues') 1957: Benny Carter records two tracks ('A Walkin' Thing', 'I'm Coming Virginia') for Jazz Giant (Contemporary) 1959: Chet Baker records four tracks for Plays the Best of Lerner & Loewe (Riverside) (the session with Bob Corwin, piano)

Well, John Patton's Let 'Em Roll has that line-up (with Green!)

Also true... Like I said it's mostly with MJQ where it bothers me. Doesn't stop me listening to them, though.

Yes, I always thought that was an intriguing combination...

Thanks for those! I've heard a few of the things with Crispell and liked them a lot. And the 50th Birthday Concert has been near the top of my wants list for a while. Must get round to it.

Oh, I've no doubt of that. I must dig out Bags & Trane. Good album.

Yeah, I really like the MJQ and, for the needs of that particular group, it would probably have worked less well with a more assertive drummer (what would have happened if Kenny Clarke had stayed in the quartet?). Like I say, it's not like he's a 'least favourite' but some of what he did I found a little too sweet.

I've had Come With Me (Concord) on LP for many years, although it's been an age since I've dug it out. As I recall, it veered from scintillating Brazillian jazz to more 'jazz-funk' (for want of a better term) tracks, with some nods to straight jazz (I believe there was a version of 'Embraceable You'). I'll try to locate it and give it another listen. I also recall liking some of her other Concord period things, then she signed to Manhattan and made some woeful MOR dreck. She seems to have vanished from the radar after that...

I'd generally agree with that. If you gave me the choice between two issues of the same album, one with 'original' artwork and one with new I'd probably go for the original every time, just from the point of view of 'authenticity'. The artwork of an album can reflect its point in history every bit as much as the music within. That said, some of the originals were just plain bad (it's not like Muse albums were design classics like Blue Note or Impulse). If the music's good, I ain't getting too anal about the wrapper.

Surely Dorn must know better by now?!

Nope... nothing!!

No, actually, I admit to having enjoyed Conic Sections occasionally... but I really, really have to be in a certain frame of mind. The sonic 'illusion' that there are inner melodies, rhythms and harmonies floating in and out of the patterns can be fascinating. But it's a little like a magic-eye picture; some days you see it, other times you stare at it and... nothing! I really need to explore some of his work with groups though. What I've heard I've really enjoyed.

Hey, that's just crazy enough to work!!

Is this the oxidizing (rusting) metal box you're referring to? Yeah, my most hated piece of packaging! As for the Hancock, I have to admit it took me and a couple of other supposedly intelligent people about 10 minutes to figure out how to open the damn thing!

True, although the W&Ws have the virtue of seeming fairly sturdy; the HatOlogy's are pretty flimsy. I haven't yet ripped one, but it can only be a matter of time...

There are rumblings about this changing (at least in the UK)... Pretty soon the earliest Elvis recordings go PD and next decade The Beatles. Can't really imagine the powers that be allowing those golden geese to be plucked. Italy & Spain used to have quite a creative interpretation of PD rules it seems...

I hearby announce the formation of a new protest group: C.A.R.P. Campaign Against Ridiculous Packaging Anyone care to sign up?

_

Tube cleared after minor blasts Dummy explosions using detonators only have sparked the evacuation of three Tube stations and the closure of three lines, a BBC correspondent has said. Police cordoned off large areas around Warren Street, Oval and Shepherd's Bush Tube stations. Emergency services also attended an incident on a route 26 bus in Hackney Road in Bethnal Green. Police in London say they are not treating the incidents on the underground as "a major incident yet". The whole of the Northern Line has been suspended, along with the Victoria Line and the Hammersmith and City. An eyewitness at Oval station said there had been a small bang, and a man had then run off when the Tube reached the station. Police have set up cordons round the stations Sosiane Mohellavi, 35, was travelling from Oxford Circus to Walthamstow when she was evacuated from a train at Warren Street. "I was in the carriage and we smelt smoke - it was like something was burning. "Everyone was panicked and people were screaming. We had to pull the alarm. I am still shaking." But a BBC reporter outside Warren Street station said there was no sign of smoke outside.

Shamefully, I only have one Parker in my collection, which is Conic Sections and I have to admit I find it tough going. Technically stunning to be sure but a little wearying over the course of even one track (let alone 70 minutes!). That said I've heard enough of him in other contexts to be intrigued by his music, just never got around to buying anything. Any good places to start?

From the BBC.. 'Incidents' spark Tube evacuation Emergency services have been called to three Tube stations after "incidents", Scotland Yard said. Police confirmed they had been called to Warren Street, Oval and Shepherd's Bush stations. There have been reports of smoke coming from two of the stations and all three have been evacuated. The whole of the Northern Line has been suspended, along with the Victoria Line and the Hammersmith and City. There are no reports of any casualties. Police also confirmed that emergency service personnel have responded to reports of an incident on a route 26 bus in Hackney Road. A spokesman for London Underground said the nature of the incidents was unknown. One hospital, near Warren St station, has started its emergency plan. Sosiane Mohellavi, 35, was travelling from Oxford Circus to Walthamstow when she was evacuated from a train at Warren Street. "I was in the carriage and we smelt smoke - it was like something was burning. "Everyone was panicked and people were screaming. We had to pull the alarm. I am still shaking." But a BBC reporter outside Warren St station said there was no sign of smoke outside.

Hm... you bought a HatOlogy disc lately?

I don't know that he deserves a place in my least favorite drummers but... Connie Kay's playing with MJQ often bothers me. Could be an aversion to finger cymbals!

July 21st: 1938: Lionel Hampton (with Benny Carter, Harry James, Herschel Evans, Billy Kyle, Jo Jones, etc) records for Victor (I'm In the Mood for Swing, Shoe Shiner's Drag, Muskrat Ramble) 1942: Louis Jordan records for Decca (Five Guys Named Moe, What's the Use of Gettin' Sober?, etc) 1989: Miles Davis at Montreux- Complete Montreux Recordings box