James

Like so many others, I've had nothing but good experience from this seller - and I've purchased a *ton* of stuff from him on half.com. Recently I got a copy of Kenny Barron's "Landscape" (Japanese import, with Cecil McBee and Al Foster) and had to wait a bit longer for arrival than usual. Not surprising. Aside from that, I've found that items arrive quick from this seller.

On the Fresh Sound label (as opposed to the Fresh Sound *New Talent* label) I'd recommend two Bud Shank recordings with the same *strong* rhythm section. Don't recall the titles, but one features the music of Bill Evans, the other Gerry Mulligan. With Mike Wofford, Bob Magnusson and Joe LaBarbera.

Just listened to the better portion of a Dizzy Reece interview on WBGO tonight between 8-9 (left coast time) Part two will air next Sunday night ---- just thought I'd give a heads-up.

I've received two prompt and very polite responses to my e-mails from an ArtistShare rep. who said that he'd be speaking to Danilo about these concerns. Classy.

According to Danilo's website, this disc is now available for $24.95. Included in the package in the form of downloads - one live track, a welcome letter and lead sheet to a tune. I'm not interested in anything but the disc --- so this price is still prohibitive to me, regardless of the quality of the music. I sent an e-mail to both Danilo's management and artistShare stating this.

Cal Collins doesn't get mentioned too much. His session "Interplay" with Herb Ellis is a really solid outing, and his other Concord disc "Ohio Style" isn't shabby either.

A '97 Red Record release of Victor Lewis' titled Three Way Conversations. It's a piano-less trio release featuring Victor & Ed Howard together with three horns - Steve Wilson, Terell Stafford and Seamus Blake. I bought it from Victor himself at a cd release party tonight. All of the tunes are written by V.L. Very curious about this, will give it a spin when I get up this morning.

I just edited my post to delete a comment re. the undersizing of these shirts. After the first wash, and wearing it for a day it has stretched back out to the proper fit.

No, jazzshrink, it's not just you and I'm not sure it's such a small point. I wonder how many other folks (besides you & I) feel this way and how this impacts sales. My gearink Clifford shirt is cool because his name tucks into my pants! And in the case of my Coltrane shirt, "TRANE" runs vertically (and relatively discreetly) to the side of his image. Re. the shirts mentioned in this thread, I've purchased the Jackie McLean and Sonny Clarke -- though would have balked if the artist name font was as gawdy/corny as the Western-style used on the Hank Mobley and a couple of others. What a shame, I'd probably buy a couple more of these were it not for this issue. Maybe these shirts are being marketed to younger folks who perceive this "retro" style font as attractive. Yech!!!

Kevin -- I just picked up a few titles from GEMM. (Only one Noto, as they are quite pricy, esp. after shipping)

San Diego based jazz guitarist Peter Sprague is an undersung motherf***er and has all of his Xanadu work (on vinyl) for sale on his website. I bought all three last month. http://www.petersprague.com

And how could I forget?! Having just heard pianist Denny Zeitlin (with Buster Williams and Matt Wilson) live I must say that IMHO he falls into this catagory as well.

Comment #1 - Based on the fair and insightful commentary we've come to expect from Jim, I'll be pursuing a listen of this recording. Comment #2 - The qualities that Jim has described in Charlie are also evident in the work of pianist Mike Wofford. (Though he's not nearly as old as Mr. Mariano.) Forward-thinking, personalized approach characterize his work as well. His latest trio recording with Peter Washington and Victor Lewis bears evidence. http://www.mikewofford.com p.s. - Mike has an outside duo recording with Bert Turetzky

"The Secret of Christmas" by vocalist Rebecca Parris is exceptional, IMO. http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rebeccap

Agreed. In fact I put in an order with Gordon's wife for a CDR copy.

Joe --- you might dig his other NAXOS release "My Son John" with Tim Hagans, Mike Nock, Anthony Cox and Billy Hart. I just got through listening, and since I liked what I heard (while typing e-mails, casual listening) I'm assuming it's just going to get better with repeated listening.

Today there was a tribute to Gordon at The Jazz Bakery in L.A. between 1-5 p.m., moderated by former KLON jazz dj Dick McGarvin. LOTS of music in different band configurations. It was a *really* nice affair ----- with memories of Gordon shared by many folks. Many poignant moments - drove back home with a nice glow and a couple of Brisker recordings in my trunk.

I've got to interject here that a large number of Kenny's recommendations made 2003 a GREAT year of discovery for me. (Re. Aussie players) Here are some specific recs. of mine from his list: Andrea Keller - Thirteen Sketches James Muller - Thrum Paul Williamson - Non-Consensual Head Compression Scott Tinkler - Dance of Delulian There are many more that I enjoy, but I'd suggest you buy one or more of these as a Christmans gift to yourself. My guess is that you'll want to explore more. I did.

I'm going to hear Mulgrew live at The Jazz Bakery in L.A. tomorrow night in duo with Steve Nelson - and with any luck will be able to pick up his Live at Yoshi's disc from the man himself. Can't wait! Grabbed his debut release (Keys to the City) the moment is was issued on CD. Wonder if this one is still available.

Mulgrew Miller/Steve Nelson duo performance Sunday night at The Jazz Bakery in L.A.

This morning I sent a check off to San Diego jazz pianist/educator Rick Helzer for his new release -- soon to be available on 9 Winds. Rick, besides being a great player, has a very inventive mind and is well known locally for writing treacherous material. Word from a player on this session is that he outdid himself with this one! Inasmuch as he was bringing in players from out of town, he produced rehearsal "play along" discs for them to practice with due to the restrictions on rehearsal time. Can't wait to give this one a listen!

My conversion experience/jazz epiphany was born via Trane's "Giant Steps." In high school I played in a couple of garage rock/fusion bands, (alto) and one day the bass player came in *absolutely foaming* about a jazz LP he had just purchased -- pleading with the entire group to come over to his place to hear it. I was the only one that went and sat transfixed through the entire album as Pete just stared at me with the silly grin of a missionary that knew he had hooked a convert. It wasn't until years later that I realized what got me that afternoon. It was Coltrane's SOUND. I was a *very* serious kid --- and felt that this musician was speaking to me "personally." I grew up at a great time for a budding young jazz fan --- when you could buy fantastic jazz LP's in the cut-out bin for a buck. I spent every cent I had on jazz recordings, starting with everyone Coltrane recorded with. Since I liked every Blue Note LP I purchased..........well, you know the rest of this sentence! This is really a fine thread. When I meet a new jazz friend, the very first question I ask them is "How did you fall in love with jazz?" We've all heard some great stories, huh?

I just ordered pianist Christian Jacob's new release "Styne and Mine." After reading Bill Holman's praise for Christian's arrangements I was sold. Praise can't get much higher than that!! I've caught Christian live twice, and have his recording with Steve Swallow and Adam Nussbaum. He deserves wider recognition, IMHO.

My guess is that anyone who's read Larry's excellent notes on the Tristano set will be motivated to grab the book. I know I am.

I've developed the impression that I'm a bigger fan of the duo format than most jazz fans, and hence enjoy the work Tete did with Mundell Lowe. (Sweet & Lovely - volumes 1 & 2 on Fresh Sound) I'll second the rec. for "Dynamic Duo" with George Coleman. Another pair from my collection that represent good listens: "Hot House" with Niels Pederson & Tootie Heath (Steeplechase) "Solo Piano" A pairing of two LP releases - Yellow Dolphin St. and Catalonian Folksongs (Timeless) On the latter disc there is a song titled "I Hate You." Always wondered who earned the contempt to have that tune dedicated to them!