Archives for February 2006

John Salmon writes about the Rifftides review of Maria Schneider at Jazz Alley: I'm amazed that anyone could write a piece on big bands and not mention Maynard Ferguson's band, which is on the road 200 days a year. How is it possible to do a piece on big bands and ignore the one touring band still … [Read more...]

On OH! Say Love your column and read it faithfully every day. Actually, the "Star-Spangled Banner" is a glorious and thrilling and quite triumphant melody and, if you think about it, is a pretty potent anthem, while "God Bless America" (tune I'm talking about here) is the worst sentimental garbage. … [Read more...]

Hal Wilner (sometimes spelt Willner on the web), the producer, has put together some extraordinary collaborations on his tribute records to Mingus, Nino Rota, Monk, Poe, Weill and Disney. What's more, most of them work. One of my favourites is Ringo Starr, Ken Nordine, Bill Frisell, Herb Alpert and … [Read more...]

The digital doctor and his aide have ministered to my invaluable, but not irreplaceable, electronic assistant, Mr. Dell. 'Ol Dell is feeling considerably perkier and moving from task to task with dispatch. I think he'll make it, after all. (Hat in the air. Spin Around. Big smile. Music up and out.) … [Read more...]

Introducing yesterday's rendering (word chosen with care) of the national anthem at the Super Bowl, the booth announcer said that it was to be, in part, a tribute to New Orleans. Hasn't that unfortunate city suffered enough? Granted, "The Star Spangled Banner" is a miserable piece of music and our … [Read more...]

It was a full weekend, full of the Superbowl and full of maddening computer and server glitches. The down periods were frequent and frustrating. The beast is running for the moment, so we'll post recent correspondence. I'm hoping for a return to complete online health after the digital doctor makes … [Read more...]

There must be a whiff of country in the winter air. Doug, One more for the books—that works—Gatemouth Brown and Roy Clark, Makin' Music. It's listed as a country album, but it's really Louis Jordan with a twang. The tunes include "Take the A Train" and "Caldonia," and the band includes Airto … [Read more...]

Might the moral of the "Odd Couple" series be that in jazz there are no odd couples—that the very nature of jazz allows for nearly infinite combination? —Terry Teachout Yes. This is TT's birthday, a momentous one, as you'll see if you go here. … [Read more...]

Doug, I got hip to Paul Desmond from a line in a Michael Franks' tune, "Rainy Night in Tokyo" - "Paul Desmond on the stereo..." I went through my fathers' jazz collection and found 3 albums. I've been hooked ever since. Good luck with your book. MIchael Thanks. … [Read more...]

Blogger John Salmon of Magritte's Apple writes a followup to the recent review of a Dave Brubeck concert: I did a little review of Dave's Mass the other day. Randy Jones and Bobby Militello are veterans of the Maynard Ferguson band, one of jazz's great farm teams. When Bobby was on MF's band he … [Read more...]

Thanks in DOUGS PICKS for recommending the superb album "'Round Midnight" by Alan Broadbent. Broadbent doesn't overwhelm with technique for its own sake, but his measured and tasteful playing remain with you. However, if its "chops" you want, listen to the blistering performance on "The Man I … [Read more...]

My piece in this morning's Wall Street Journal is about the brain connection between music and sports. As someone who writes about and plays music, I would be the last to disagree with William Congreve that music hath charms. But silence has charms, too, and it’s getting hard to find. When … [Read more...]

Entries continue to arrive in the unlikely-pairings sweepstakes. As we head into the weekend, here’s the latest batch. Doug, Here are a few "Odd Couplings": Gary Burton & Stephane Grappelli - Paris Encounter - Atlantic Barry Harris with Don Cherry, Steve Lacy, Charlie Rouse, & Roswell Rudd - … [Read more...]

I'm grateful to your readers for their many excellent and interesting suggestions. And best of all, I can't help but marvel at the friendly and civil nature of the responses. So much of the web, and blogs in particular, is marred by snarkiness run amok. What a pleasant surprise it is to find a … [Read more...]

Bob Coughlin, a longtime Dave Brubeck aficionado, attended a concert by the Brubeck quartet the other night, took notes, and posted his review on the Brubeck e-mail listserve. I thought it deserved wider dissemination. The quartet has the same musicians it has had for years—Brubeck, alto … [Read more...]

Ladies and gentlemen, in the exhibit to your right you will find a new assortment of Doug's Picks. I know, I know; it's about time. I've been busy. You'll be busy too, but deliriously happy, if you adopt the recommendations. Good listening, viewing and reading to you, and happy February. … [Read more...]