James

My intro. to Martial was via "Triangle" which floored me. Luckily I was able to grab a copy fairly shortly after release. Allow me to join those in praise of this recording. I had a chance to talk briefly to Peter Erskine about this date. When I mentioned it he shook his head, and said that it was a most demanding session, but it was clear from his expression that it was a satisfying one as well. Dodeka Band Plays Ellington, and the Blue Note release are solid as well. This thread has inspired me to spin "Balade du 10 Mars" with Marc Johnson and Paul Motian later tonight as I bang out some e-mails. (It's a '99 Soul Note release.)

Congratulations, guys! Kick a little ass, take a few names --- and have a GREAT time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I drove up to L.A. (Catalina Bar & Grill) to catch Pat with Joey D. just prior to the release of "Live at Yoshi's" and was *very* glad I did. The intensity of the performance matched the recording that ultimately followed. I found myself (like nearly the entire crowd) getting swept into that state of "spiritual manic release" that comes from a truly ferocious performance. We were just coming unglued by the solos and collective force that the band was putting forth - reduced to a euphoric, adrenalin/endorphin fog by the end of the show. I'm very curious to get more input re. his new one. The reviewer on the AMG site basically panned it.

That statement is a little strong for me. He wrote some nice tunes that worked well with that group. But his playing on that album sounds like a young, not-fully-formed, self-conscious saxaphonist. Which was pretty much what he was. Pat, OTOH, is at his finest on that album, in my opinion. After listening to the disc on the way in to work yesterday, I must say that the statement is a bit strong for me as well. And Joe's comment re. Pat's playing is interesting, as I was musing about the same thing.

Man ---- would I be up for that!! Her orchestra's performance in Orange County a few years back has been my *most* memorable jazz experience --- bar NONE. I'll drive the first shift; I'll wake you when we get to the first Dairy Queen. Now that you mention it, I imagine I could kill two birds with one stone. [if I were *remotely* interested in that kind of drive.] En route to N.Y.C. I could visit the U.S.S. Indianapolis Memorial. My mom's cousin was the commander of that ill-fated ship. But seriously, I got a chance to meet Maria at the Orange County gig. A friend of mine produced the wine package discussed earlier, and he took me back to the green room. She's definitely one of the most charming down-to-earth people I've met. Among other things, I told Maria that I'd been lying to my jazz buddies -- telling him that we were cousins. (Since my mother's maiden name was Schneider) She chuckled, and toward the end of our stay she autographed her photo in the program by saying: "It was a pleasure to finally meet my long lost cousin." One of these days I'll have it framed --- one of my most treasured jazz keepsakes!

Perhaps Organissimo fans can pre-pay to help the band get this one out sooner. (ala the ArtistShare model!)

You're very welcome Jim.

I believe that every Dewey fan should own a copy of "Living on the Edge" with Geri Allen, Cameron Brown and Eddie Moore. BWTFDIK.

Man ---- would I be up for that!! Her orchestra's performance in Orange County a few years back has been my *most* memorable jazz experience --- bar NONE.

Yikes!! I just realized how this line could be interpreted! How 'bout: EVERYONE DESERVES A HEARTY ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR AN OUTSTANDING JOB!!! And allow me to add "Pre Dawn Rain" to my favorites list. You have to understand, any song with the word *rain* in the title is going to be a temporary turn-off to a SoCalian --- what with the record setting rain we've had this season. And sure Jim --- soon as I find time I'll bang out a review. Not sure I've ever seen so many glowing reviews on a CD baby page -- well deserved.

And might I add, Jim, that I LOVE the way you LEAP into your solo on track #2. Everyone deserves a hearty round of applause for this effort.

Great work, fellas!! I listened to your disc (up LOUD) on the way into town to hear the Jeff Hamilton trio on Wednesday night --- and enjoyed it enough to listen to it again for the drive home. My favorite tunes are Jimmy Smith Goes to Washington, Young's Dream and Decoder. And *really* nice sound quality. I know I'll revisit this recording with regularity, and think the folks at KSDS FM will give this some serious air time. So allow me to be the 717th person to say......................CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Getting on the bandwagon a bit late here, but I'm *very* much anticipating the arrival of the group's disc. From all indications this is one that is going to sound GREAT in the car, with the subwoofer *pumping.*

Exactly my sentiments. In fact I believe that's part of what defines "smooth."

Oblique. With Total Eclipse, Components and Dialogue following not far behind.

I caught Benny with Mike Wofford, Bob Magnusson and Jim Plank in San Diego at the beginning of the month. Besides sounding wonderful, Benny has a marvelous stage presence. He intro'd a few songs with stories - charmingly delivered. His intro. to "I Remember Clifford" felt like five minutes, but who cared? Nobody.

If that were to be the case, Allen, the voices in *my* head would be commanding me to run into you at high velocity on a regular basis! Actually, if I had never known jazz my experience would probably mirror Dan's in that I may have gravitated toward blues. Now --- if jazz just vanished tomorrow (the HORROR!) I'd split my time between the blues and classical music.

Jim ---- perhaps this input is coming a tad late, but I thought I'd give it a shot anyway. I'm thinking that some of your fans could be enlisted for support. After all, that's what we're here for! You mentioned in your initial post that there was a sign posted on a wall, so I assume that patrons are in a position to read the sign. I'll also assume that the owner/manager spends some time in the room. If these assumptions are correct, I picture the following scenario: (with any number of modifications, based on validity of assumptions) A couple of fans make it a point to be seen reading the sign, wearing obvious expressions of distaste. After a time, they approach the manager and ask to "speak with the manager." Upon being informed that they *are* speaking with the manager, they ask if they are reading the sign correctly with regard to new "taxes" on the players. After quietly listening to whatever bull the manager may have to offer, they inform him that they have been regular patrons and have spent mucho $$ in his establishment ----- but NO MORE!!! Of course this approach would require a *bit* of acting skill on the part of your fans to avoid appearing staged, but I know I could pull it off and would in a heartbeat. Regardless, I hate hearing stories like this --- please keep us posted on what happens with this.

Consider the source ----- a thief.

A good suggestion considering the amount of rainfall we've been getting lately in SoCal. However there has always been something "reassuring" about the messy approach for me. Perhaps the feeling of a job truly completed.......I dunno...........

Who said it?! I'm going for my shotgun!!!

I find this unforgiveable. (Edited to more accurately express sentiment)

Yikes! If I see the name of one of my all-time favorite vocalists mis-spelled one more time......................

Well slap my ass and call me Sally!!! or.............................................. Well paint my ass and call me Betty!!!

Well boys, I'd love to participate in this conversation but sheeeeeeeeeeit -- I'm busier than a three-peckered billy goat!!