David Williams

Aren't the batteries replaceable? I've just ordered an iRiver iMP550 CD/mp3 player 'cos my CD player broke, but the iHP120 is calling my name.

Real just lost four consecutive league games for the first time in their history. Arsenal - yep, first team to go through a season in the top division since Preston North End in 1885 (?) - well done - but they also blew the best chance to win the Champions League/European Cup they've ever had - a big shame because the two finalists are second-rate: Arsenal, Milan and Real should all be kicking themselves.

It seems obvious, but apparently a lot of people don't do it: talk to your creditors. As Conn says, you may be able to work out deals, or reschedule repayments.

The vinyl is OK - varies from track to track, but I think that may be more to do with the quality of the tapes used.

I only got the chance to see Tom Arthurs and Chris Bowden - both interesting - Bowden is a favourite: his trio has played in Cardiff twice in the last year or so. Didn't see Beckett at Cheltenham, but he was in Cardiff a few weeks ago and I though he had real trouble actually getting a sound from his trumpet (and flugelhorn), or am I just not appreaciating his style?

Following up on last year's discovery of The Assential Airto with more Brazilian: particularly loving Jobim's gorgeous Stone Flower, Joao Gilberto from '73, and the unique sound of Quarteto Novo's flute, percussion and two guitars.

Video Killed The Radio Star - The Buggles

Actually, I bought the JSP Bix/Tram CDs for Bix, but was surprised how much I enjoyed the ensemble playing, in addition to Bix' own.

If it helps you synchronise time zones: it's now 16:30.

Half Man, Half Biscuit Camper Van Beethoven Howling Wilf The Pooh Sticks and already mentioned, but my favourite.... Edward II and the Red Hot Polkas

Yep, Czech beer. Powell too.

Replay at your convenience: Jazz File

Here

Mats Gustafsson's fluteophone: flute with an alto sax mouthpiece.

I've been listening to Parker for just 18 months. I made a point of buying recordings with him in different settings: solo, duo, with piano, large band, etc - seemed a good way of getting into someone with a large discography. Monoceros (hard to find) and Six Of One (available from Emanem) are easy to like solo recordings, and, to my ears, completely fecking amazing (it's not so much the circular breathing feat - that's a means to an end - rather, the whole approach). Most Materiall is another favourite: a fascinating duo disk with percussionist Eddie Prevost. The recent duo release with pianist Stan Tracey (Suspensions & Anticipations on Psi) is possibly the easiest way in for anyone not used to the territory he tends to inhabit. Elf Bagatellen, with Von Schlippenbach: a recent buy, getting a lot of play. Confession: yet to hear any Ayler

Thanks for the notice: I'd probably have missed this. Haven't got round to picking up any of Paul Dunmall's recordings yet, but I love his playing with the LJCO.

Classic Records are taking their time getting them out, but if you like the vivid CR sound they are good. The price has stopped me getting more than 2 or 3 so far, but Lee Morgan's Candy is a beaut.

And from me for writing Jumpin' Punkins.

That's a sad story, Hans; was that the beginning and end of your recording career?

Very heavy rotation: Oliver's Creole Jazz Band, New Orleans Rhythm Kings, and Muggsy Spanier 'Chicagoans' recordings - all on nice King Jazz discs - Stan Tracey/Evan Parker's Suspensions and Anticipations, and Kenny Wheeler's Dream Sequence, new releases on Psi. I've the Oliver, NORK and Spanier stuff for a couple of years, only now got round to trying them properly, and CAN NOT get enough - the rhythms and collective improv, and especially the bluesier tracks. The clarinet really comes through well on those old pre-electrical recordings - fantastic Johnny Dodds on the Oliver's, and Volly de Faut on the Chicagoans.

I was in there a couple of weeks ago during a trip to the Smoke. There was about a quarter of the usual 2nd hand vinyl, but the chap at the counter was discussing potential exchanges with a customer, though refusing most of what he had to offer (didn't want any Basie at all). (For the record, I made one purchase - Ellington's Masterpieces on vinyl for £1 - result!)

I don't agree with that statement at all. I love Creole Love Call and Transbluecency, but the vocals are an effective part of the whole, rather than exceptional in themselves. Mahalia's vocalised chorus on Come Sunday is not as effective as her sung choruses by a long chalk, to my ears. Ivie Anderson's 'I Got It Bad'.... perhaps my favourite vocal performance bar none.

Cost me about 50p more on a £22 purchase today (conversion to Yen).

Did he point out that it was Ewan McColl, the English folk singer, who wrote it?

I fairly recently found vinyl copies of Uptown and Masterpieces - cost me £4 and £1 respectively.