A Lark Ascending

Sip in a bottle:

Rumour has it that, with global warming, you'll be sending us those to.

I had one of those on my first two cheapo record players - only way I could keep the stylus in the groove.

Thanks to Simon Cowell & Elton John, we're still running at a deficit, though. Yes, sorry about that. I'm sure the Queen will apologise when we get round to apologising for burning down the White House. I thought that was the Appalachians? Texas too?

I suspect it's a pretty essential marketing angle for a lot of musicians. How do you get people into your concert rather than someone else's? How do you get them to buy your album rather than someone else's? You provide a hook, a point of familiarity. Reflective of the times we live in - the Retromania of Simon Reynolds book I mentioned a while back. Classical music is well ahead of the game on this. For decades it's convinced people to keep buying the same works on the grounds that the new version of Beethoven 5 is a stunning, innovative challenge to orthodox interpretations. All needs taking with a pinch of salt - I've enjoyed many a 'tribute' concert, hearing Ellington or Horace Silver tunes played live (or on record) by others (much of Britain's Alan Barnes career is built round such things...I suspect he is one of the few who can sustain a career in jazz in Britain playing jazz). I think it's the term 'tribute' that irritates - it's not a 'tribute to the music of...' but an understandable 'marketing angle making use of the music of...'.

'Trick or Treaters' on a spit over a large fire. Ranks with McDonalds, Starbucks and syphilis as one of the more unwelcome imports from the Americas.

I look forward to "Bill F and Eric Clapton Play Jimmy Yancey: Live at The Manchester Free Trade Hall' ***** I dabbled with a guitar for a few years in my 20s and can strum along behind raucous pupil Xmas carols. I do a mean 'Good King Wenceslas/Ghost Riders in the Sky' medley.

Another flying woman of service:

Ah yes...a couple of weeks early...half term this week I think?!? Maybe you could do your 'Tribute to Xmas' show in these parts from Dec 21st to Jan 2nd?

Do they do a pocket version for the iPod?

That thing could probably keep a small English town lit.

Just watched the last of the Krister Henriksson 'Wallander' series (2). Can't believe that's it. There were so many wonderful characters (including the beach at Ystad). However, 'The Killing II' is heading this way (November 12th, has been suggested).

Moi aussi. Enjoyed the Johnny Dodds starter. Not so keen on Blossom Dearie - much prefer the Irene Kral 'Spring Can...' played earlier in the year. And the Double Six of Paris are really setting my teeth on edge...though when they go for a Ricard and leave Dizzy to it things improve!

Still astoundingly warm. I've got a wasps nest in the front garden - as most of the flowers are gone they are heading for some flowery things on the front hedge. Just had to cut it back. Apart from one wet day the last week has been beautiful.

I enjoyed it. But I'm no expert on these things. Heh heh. I'm just downloading it, so I'll tell you your opinion once I know what it should have been! That would be very helpful! I know that I'm not supposed to like Vandermark but am allowed to 'admire' Guy. Hey! I haven't told you what to think yet! Oh, but others have! don't listen to 'em Bev. Enjoy and admire Vandermark, he's worth it (even if the purists think otherwise). Somewhat confused though, have they rereleased Fox Fire on Impulse? What's the other album on the twofer? I believe it's something by Wynton Marsalis.