LWayne

We have two very effective and infallible mouse-catching devices. Called a C-A-T. Works every time! Cute and furry as well. Highly recommended. Get one. Or two. LWayne

To my ears, Miguel Zenon on Alto Sax, Sean Jones on Trumpet, Vijay Iyer on Piano, and Dafnis Prieto on Drums all have signature sounds. Recently, I have really been into Guillermo Klein's compostions which have a distinctive style as well. LWayne

I spent some time in Poland about 13 years ago when on an extended assignment. I would have to agree about the beauty of Krakow and the view overlooking the Vistula River. I also recall there being a couple of nice jazz clubs with mostly local talent. Warsaw is also an interesting city from the historical perspective. While the old town was almost completely destroyed during World War II, there were several remarkable museums. In particular, the museum detailing the formation of the infamous ghetto was worthwhile (reminiscent of many scenes from the movie "The Pianist"). Speaking of piano, there were many piano recitals for native son Frederic Chopin that I found to be enjoyable as well. If you venture to Berlin, check out the clubs A-Trane and Quasimodo. Best LWayne

I hope that the Astros remain in the NL Central because it is the only chance that my beloved (Hapless) Pirates won't finish last again... LWayne

Felt it here in Pittsburgh, Pa on the third floor of a "modern" (read: cheaply constructed) office bilding. Thought the rumbling was just the Steelers preparing for their 7th Super Bowl run. Easy mistake to make. LWayne

Jeez...I am the only one who likes Joe Lovano's "Bird Songs" on Blue Note from earlier this year? LWayne

Good point Expat. I bought the recent CD "Bienestan" by Aaron Goldberg and Guillermo Klein because I could hear the entire album on bandcamp and that experience got me off the fence. You also have to support artists like Darcy James Argue and David Binney that provide live tracks on their website so that you can appreciate the live evolution of the music even if you can't catch the gigs. Smart self-promootion is the best advertising. LWayne

Offering three box sets for sale. Each is brand new (Glenn Miller and Django Reinhardt are still shrink-wrapped). Each set $20 plus postage and handling at actuals. Ella Fitzgerald "Portrait" 24 carat gold edition Glenn Miller 24 carat gold edition Django Reinhardt "Portrait" 24 carat gold edition Each set contains 10 CDs and booklet in pristine condition. PM me if interested. Thanks, LWayne

I read this article in the "old school" paper edition. Sorry to learn of the "official" end of the Motian/ Lovano/ Frisell trio although the rumor had been circulating for some time. They have provided me with some great highlights over the years. I have caught their annual residency at the Village Vanguard for 9 of the 10 past years. On the bright side, more opportunity for other Motian-led projects at the Vanguard. LWayne

I leave the AL East talk to others, esp. w/ correspondents Paps & Dan. Me, I'm all about the Central Divisions. I'm hoping for an Indian/Pirates World Series! (Barring an offensive explosion out of Seattle of course which takes them to the top. ) Ahh,a Indians/Pirates world series, Fox execs would jump off rooftops! No one would watch! Which is so weird, football, basketball, it wouldn't matter that much in the playoffs for Cinderella teams to make it to the championship game..but in baseball... Now, if its Seattle vs the Pirates, then the rating will be huge! As of today, my once lowly Pirates are in first place in the NL Central. Who would have believed it? Wish I could have laid down some money in Las Vegas back in April. It won't last, but it is fun while it does. LWayne

PM Sent on Paul Bley CD Thanks, LWayne

For Sale: New Japanese Pacific Jazz TOCJ 5134 CD Clare Fischer "First Time Out" Not my cup of tea. Only played twice. $8.00 plus $2.00 shipping to continental USA. Send PM if interested. LWayne

Keep your eye out for the An Die Musik listings in the future. I know that Henry Wong would love to get Stanley Cowell for a return engagement and the crowd was very good the first time. No telling whether it will happen, but definitely a possibility. LWayne

Listened to all three discs of the Charles Tolliver Mosaic Select this afternoon. Simply amazing music! I have a production question. At first listen, I seem to have noticed a background tape hiss on CD # 1 (songs 2 and 3). Is this my imagination? Thanks, LWayne

Received today (light speed from NYC)! Thanks. LWayne

I am a coffee man. Enjoy the variety of flavors and different concoctions. Besides, a good friend here in Pittsburgh owns his own coffee shop. And he is a jazz drummer. Tea would be un-patriotic... LWayne

I am searching for a copy of the Mosaic Select as well. LWayne

David; Also sent you a PM. LWayne

Agreed. We got to see Stanley Cowell and the "Bandwagon" rhythm section as well. Taurus Mateen's wife sat next to us and she is a real jewel. LWayne

Last Sunday, May 15th, my wife and I headed south to Baltimore to catch a rare concert by Stanley Cowell at An Die Musik. This club is a hidden treasure; a comfortable performance space with overstuffed chairs seating about 80 people, located above a retail CD store in the Mt. Vernon section of town. The proprietor, Henry Wong, has been lauded in Baltimore magazine for his labor of love-hosting intimate jazz and classical concerts. Before the concert, we were fortunate to meet Sylvia Cowell, who does double duty as wife and business manager for Stanley. She is a very charming and engaging woman who serves on the board of directors for the Schwartz Center for the Arts in Dover, Delaware. On this occasion, she was setting up for a celebration between sets for her husband, to honor his 70th birthday. The concert began with a lovely trio version of an older tune Photon in a Paper World with a rhythm section of Taurus Mateen on electric bass and Nasheet Waits on Drums providing support. Stanleys talented daughter (she is attending the University of Maryland School of Law in Baltimore in tandem with her music career) joined the group for the balance of the set, providing vocals and violin on Today, What a Beautiful Day, Time Can Only Tell (her composition), Prayer for Peace, a swinging version of the Benny Carter tune When Lights Are Low, and Blues for Rama. All of these selections appear on his recent CD Prayer for Peace on Steeplechase released last November. The overall feel of the concert was special. It was quite evident that Stanley has not lost his formidable touch or love of performing. He told the audience that he will be playing more frequently in the future, following his career as an educator at Rutgers as well as various commissions. He also proved to be a very gracious host as he circulated among the audience who all stayed for wine and cake in wishing him a happy birthday. It was a very special and memorable afternoon with one of the greats. Concert of the year! LWayne

It's a great CD! LWayne

I am also anxious to hear the follow-up. When I spoke to Charlie Haden and asked about this record at the 2010 Tri C Jazz Fest, he believed that the release date was imminent at that time. Since then a year has come and gone, so it will be with great pleasure that I will welcome this release should it happen this fall. Haden advised that the time that he spent with Hank Jones was precious and that this recording was a killer. Regards, LWayne

Me too. But not until June 7th. ECM USA advisd me that the release date was pushed back due to a manufacturing defect. LWayne You sure? I got my copy from Borders last week. I like it. The June 7th date is posted on the ECM facebook page as well. LWayne

Me too. But not until June 7th. ECM USA advisd me that the release date was pushed back due to a manufacturing defect. LWayne

Sunday I caught the Stanley Cowell Quartet at An Die Musik in Baltimore. Great show! Review coming shortly. LWayne