I'm still tucking in the frayed ends of daily life after extended duty in the trenches of extracurricular writing. Soon, there will be a new batch of Doug's Picks as the blogging routine returns to normal, whatever that is. I am told that the first rule of survival in the weblog game is to keep the blog fresh. So—to give you useful information and avoid turning this into a mere video disc jockey operation—here is a cross-generational performance of Bud Powell's "Webb City." The older … [Read more...]
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The nonagenarian pianist presented de Barros with every biographer’s hope, unrestricted access to his subject’s personal papers and nearly unrestricted access to her private thoughts. He made the most of it, turning exhaustive research and hundreds of hours of interviews into a true story with the sweep of a novel. From the early discovery of McPartland’s musical gift through her wartime service, her ecstatic and stormy marriage to Jimmy McPartland, her growth as a pianist, her deep affair with Joe Morello, and the radio show that made her a national figure, she has had a fascinating life. It makes a splendid read.
Mulligan’s Concert Jazz Band had three fewer musicians than most big jazz outfits. Its size permitted precision, flexibility and subtlety, yet the band had the power of sprung steel. In this concert from a half century ago, the CJB is as fresh as yesterday. Arrangements by Mulligan, Bob Brookmeyer, Al Cohn and Johnny Mandel set standards to which big band writers still aspire. Bassist Buddy Clark and drummer Mel Lewis inspired Mulligan, Brookmeyer, Conte Candoli, Gene Quill and Zoot Sims to some of the best soloing of their careers. This beautifully produced issue of the complete concert is a basic repertoire item.
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Just great. The "Now He Sings, Now He Sobs" trio. The Bush family must have been freaking out on that first tune.Bill Anschell on Praise For Poodie James
I read and thoroughly enjoyed it -- great writing!Frank Roellinger on Benny Carter: An Appreciation
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Thanks for the link, Doug. I had to miss the concert because I had a gig in Staten Island that evening. I've played...Dr. MIke Baughan on Other Matters: Watergate
Time for some Watergate Blues? www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAHjqQcBmtA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh3bgPJ4dBs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbb7mX67YBw