James

Love Remains is a beautiful tune, as is Appointment in Milano -- the title track of another of Bobby's Red releases and the only Watson recording I have on that label. Well -- perhaps I should take that back. Bobby is on the 29th St. Sax Quartet's disc "Milano N.Y. Bridge" on Red. That recording has many arrestingly beautiful moments. Jim Hartog's arrangements are *amazing.* What do you all think of the 29th Street Saxophone Quartet?

I think Present Tense is an *incredible* recording -- my favorite Watson session. Those two discs were a HELLUVA score at that price! Tailor Made is wonderful as well -- beautiful to listen to Bobby's wonderful writing performed by a big band. In the early '90's I scored a Present Tense promo poster which Bobby signed for me. Now it's framed and hanging on my bedroom wall in a position where Bobby literally is looking down smiling at my computer screen as I type these words, since he's looking downward/leftward in the photo! Bobby's writing has always felt very powerful to these ears. A transcendant/anthem-like quality that touches me in a very deep place. His new release grows on me more with every listen.

Quack...................QUACK!!!

Berigan -- don't know if you're able to go out for live jazz at night, but you can check out websites for Spazio, Catalina Bar & Grille, The Jazz Bakery, and further south -- Steamer's Cafe for info. on their schedules.

Yeah Ron -- Ruth mentioned that she's playing this disc over and over again. Happily, it looks as though a household problem has resolved itself (as of today) and I'll be able to buy a copy from the artist himself at The Jazz Bakery later this month.

Thanks brownie! After checking his website I became intriqued, as I became aware that he's currently touring the U.S. The left coast is typically the last stop on any tour, so I've been thinking that some of the folks on this board may have caught Pilc in their home town. I'm going to make every effort to get up to L.A. for his appearance at The Jazz Bakery.

I was talking last week with the proprietor of The Jazz Bakery in L.A. last week (the charming Ruth Price) and she recommended a couple of upcoming shows to me - including an appearance late in the month by pianist Jean-Michel Pilc. Does anyone have any impressions of this musician they'd care to share? I'm totally unfamiliar with this artist. Thanks!!

I'm *really* hoping I can catch this cat at The Jazz Bakery in L.A. in the midde of this month.

Oh - and should have mentioned that though I'm not a wine person friends of mine who are tell me that the wine is very good.

If it makes anyone feel better, $$ collected from the sale of the wine & disc go to N.Y.C. school music programs once costs have been recouped.

Since I'm *extremely* anal about the care of my discs, they always get back into their cases immediately upon coming out of the player. What is making me goofy right now is that I seem to have misfiled or misplaced one of my John Stetch CD's, and it's not at a friend's house where I will occasionally bring my music. Guess I'll just have to stop websurfing and look through the "S" section of my collection.....................

Heads-up for all Maria Schneider fans --- Vince Outlaw will be interviewing Maria on KSDS (www.ksds-fm.org) sometime between 6-9 pm California time on Thursday, August 12th. When I hear back from Vince regarding the exact time, I'll post it ---- just wanted to provide earliest possible notice given the fact that I found out myself a couple of hours ago.

Re. g.o.m.'s comment concerning Joe's enthusiastic tone during his radio interview: During a local jazzfest many years ago I approached Joe as he was listening to Sonny Simmons, smiling and leaning against a building. I initially gave no clue that I knew who he was --- he initiated conversation with positive comments about Sonny's playing. Only after identifying myself as a fan of *his*, and asking him what he was up to did he start talking with excitement about a new project he was involved in with Gunther. I told him that I'd be eagerly awaiting the disc's arrival at the jazz station I was involved with at the time. After hearing it, I told my fellow dj's that the recording would win record-of-the-year -- which it did. I'm enjoying his new release as well ---- the remark re. "luxuriating in the sound" of the tenor is on the mark, IMO.

"Hey, if you produce a masterpiece, people will talk about it!" AMEN Michael ----- I don't think that there is the *slightest* melodrama in describing Concert in the Garden as a masterpiece, or for that matter describing Maria Schneider as a visionary. Yesterday in my car (for the third time) this recording brought me to tears. And I'm not talking just a few --- I'm talking about a gushing river. Maria's writing and the incredible execution of this astounding orchestra grabs my heart in a very deep place. I actually relate to Bev's comment on a feminine quality to the writing, while at the same time appreciating Michael's response re. Maria's personality. I believe this a situation where "both things are true." Bev: "Perhaps Schneider appeals to the more classical side of me." Had to chuckle as I read this one. It is through my delight with Bill Holman's and Maria's writing that I've come to the horrible conclusion that I'm a closet classical fan! I also feel the need to echo Michael's sentiments regarding Maria, the person. Warm, humble, down-to-earth. I had the opportunity to meet Maria backstage following a performance at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. The introduction was provided me by Rudi Wiest --- a huge Maria supporter and the mastermind behind the Days of Wine and Roses project. For the story behind this, go to www.germanwine.net. (And look for "The Maria Schneider Gift Pack" on the left hand side) This concert will go down as one of the very *highest* high points in my live music experience. Anyone who has the opportunity to hear this orchestra live MUST take the opportunity to do so. Maria's style in directing reflects both comments made describing "grace" and her love of dance. (And Jim - ya shoulda been there ----- they NAILED Hang Gliding!) A statement I never thought I'd hear myself make: There is accordion on this recording, and I really like it! It's pretty clear why the members of this orchestra have stood by Maria for so long. With the opportunity to play music like this, with a talent pool like this, why not take it? Like others on this thread, I'm on board for whatever project Maria has up her sleeve next --- and I've felt that way since her first recording. Michael said "For me, I got no problem with the way the band swings ---- and it does swing to me,........" Agreed once again. At the sacred apex where magnificent vision meets great improvisation and incredible execution, there is The Maria Schneider Orchestra.

Nice to see Jimmy getting some props here. One of my greatest pleasures during the years I did a jazz radio program was giving air-time to undersung players like Raney. Since the station had very few of his recordings, I began to collect them as I could.

I'd have to say it was!! Thanks for the post!

Brad ---- also be aware that Joe was (is?) a member of the N.Y. Hardbop Quintet - sharing the front line with tenor player Jerry Weldon.

I recall a Joachim Kuhn LP in the stacks of the radio station I used to work for that was, shall I just say...........provocative. It pictured (profile) a nude young woman on her hands and knees, head tilted up somewhat, mouth open. Perhaps the Kuhn afficionados around here will know something about that release --- I remember nothing about the music on it, while the cover shot is indelibly etched on my mind. BTW --- the shot was *just* grainy enough to avoid controversy.

When I discovered that this trio was to appear live locally (5/29) I ordered this disc ---- knowing that I would be at the concert and curious as to what these guys were up to. Being a big Turner fan, and liking the other cats as well, it seemed like a no-risk purchase. At first this recording didn't "click" for me, but after a few more listens I'm liking it a great deal more. My only (relatively minor) beef is that the tunes tend to hang in a similar textural space which I guess I'd describe as reflective/pensive. Though at the rate things are going, this objection may disappear with more exposure. Greatly looking forward the live experience!

Cool!

I abhor "spam" as much as the next person, but Chuck, seriously -- what made you assume that makpjazz57 had a financial interest in promoting Wig's gig? And *so what* if this is her first and only post? Lots of jazzers LOVE Wig --- and would be glad to get word of this event. I plan to drive up from Oceanside for this celebration if an upcoming surgery will permit me. Quite honestly, I feel the presumptious knee-jerk reactions to the initial post were rude.

When I considered "going after" Jim, my attorney informed me that a judge or jury might not be too sympathetic to my case given the fact that I *boosted* (effron style) the disc I asked Jim to sign. And yes, Jim's account of the aftermath is correct. All's well that ends well. I learned a valuable lesson in honesty, and the recovery (with physical therapy) took only six months!

Once on a trip to Texas I got a chance to hear JSngry play in an upstairs venue. When I asked him to autograph my CD he pushed me down a flight of stairs. Y'see, he comes off as a "centered" even-tempered guy when in fact he's a monster. (BTW --- his show was marvelous. Just don't get *anywhere* near him during a band break!)

Thanks for posting this, Brad. I caught Jerry when I was a kid with Thad & Mel's band and it's really nice to see him in (apparent) fine form. Looks like an interesting outfit ---- I'll have to call some jazz dj buddies to see if they can play me a cut during their shows.

Have to agree with your positive sentiments, FFA. It's been quite a while since I've heard Bobby live, but years ago he dropped down to San Diego on a regular basis. On those occasions when we spoke he was always extremely personable and willing to talk about the music and "the business." It would sure be nice to hear him again soon.