For me its the first or very early LP's of: Allman Brothers - "Allman Joys" "Idyllwild South" Santana - "Santana" 200 g reissue Emerson Lake and Palmer - "Emerson Lake and Palmer" and, Beethoven - "Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major" Rudolph Serkin/Ozawa/BSO
reminded me how long it's been since I last played this. An absolutely AMAZING piece of music, I'm going to pull it out enough from the stack to remind me to spin it next time the system is on.
Albert, I actually prefer Carmen's deeper, burrier voice at these more advanced years than when she was younger, and think she'd matured into a better artist as well. One of the live cuts, track 12 "Suddenly" (AKA "In Walked Bud") has become one I turn to when evaluating system changes, just out of familiarity from repetition. BTW, being the big Al Green fan I know you are, have you heard the Syl Johnson albums on Hi/London, produced by Willie Mitchell and featuring the Hodges/Grimes band?
Looks like Johnson's, "Talkin' About Chicago" (1999) is on Delmark, typically a great label with "Music to My Ears" (1995) being his album last on the Hi label.
Which one are you referring to, or better yet, which is your favorite?
The two-fer package listed above collects albums recorded and released in the early 70's. His next two albums are also available on another double, which I need to get, based on this one. Johnson's 60's work on Twinight and other small labels is much more in the vein of guys like James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Joe Tex, hard funk and soul with overtones of humor and social commentary. I still think that ulitmately it's his best stuff and collecting some of those singles is how I knew him. The first time I heard the Hi disk I was taken aback, I thought it was too similar to Al Green and Willie Mitchell was imposing his style on Johnson at the expense of his own established one. Which is true, but actually Mitchell did the same with Green more than people realize and that worked out pretty well to say the least. Johnson, a Memphis artist to begin with, did contribute his own writing skills. Once I got over the superficial Green influence with repeated listening, the quality of the songs and performances came to the fore and won me over. I'll send you a CD-R of this collection, see what you think. (I have not tried to locate vintage vinyl to compare.)
Nothings on my table tonight cause I'm fireing the blue ray on the Playstation 3 tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tarentule-Tarentelle Atrium Musicae de Madrid Gregorio Paniagua
Helped to restore my sanity after being caught in the Jet Blue airline fiasco trying to get home from vacation this past weekend. This ancient recording reminded me that there is life beyond jet planes, computers, cell phones and the fast pace of life.
If you are familiar with this recording you know it is very detailed and vivid. My recent acquisition of Zu Druid speakers and Coincident Frankenstein monoblocks improved my listening experience by an order of magnitude.
The TT is undergoing some work, so these are all on CD:
Piero Umiliani -- Svezia, Inferno E Paradiso/Expanded Orig. Sndtrk. ['68] Translated as "Sweden, Heaven and Hell". (I don't why the latter two terms are transposed as compared with the Italian title, but then again I haven't seen the movie anyway.) Here's a synopsis from the liners: "The doucmentary tries to compare the two most evident aspects of current Swedish society: prosperity and the inner anxiety which ensues from it. Some of the areas touched on: sex education in schools, a funeral without signs of grief, a look around the lesbian club scene, a sex and drugs boat trip for the young, porn shops, nuclear bunkers, drunk driving, marriage among brother and sister, hardened drinkers, an old people's home, the suicide of a desperate young woman." What, nothing about Volvo vs. Saab? The music is catchy and ginchy, somewhat psychedelic loungy pop-jazz with a Brazilian/discotheque feel and prominent nonsense vocalese, featuring strong orchestra and band arrangements, and hot playing by Italian studio cats (including contributions from saxist Gato Barbieri). The best-known tune here is "Mah Na, Mah Na", which achieved TV immortality to my generation via its appropriation on Sesame Street.
Roland Kirk -- I Talk With The Spirits [Limelight/Verve, '64/'98] His all-flutes album: no sax, manzello or stritch, so no playing three instuments at once, although he does get off nice music-box and cuckoo-clock additions. With Horace Parlan piano, Bobby Moses vibes and Walter Perkins drums.
Ed Townsend -- Now! [Curtom/Sequel, '75/'00] Producer/songwriter best known for collaborating with Marvin Gaye on "Let's Get It On" and his 60's affiliation with Dee Dee Warwick (Dionne's vastly underappreciated earthier sister). Here he is out front on Curtis Mayfield's imprint, a little late in the game (and, alas, for his singing voice) but like Curtis still not succumbing to the disco siren song. Gets off to a fairly generic start on the first couple of numbers, including the sole item not self-penned, but by the midway point really kicks it into gear with some nice topical/introspective tunes featuring a solid-smooth funky soul sound not unlike period Gaye and Mayfield.
Zaikesman, Interesting to hear of the Roland Kirk all flute recording I was not aware of it. I am going to look for it. My favorite R.K. album is Kirkatron a Warner Bros. LP. Regards,
Respighi "Church Windows" Keith Clark/Pacific Symphony (Reference Recordings RR-15 45 rpm) Gary Karr/Harmon Lewis "Adagio d' Albinoni" (Firebird KIJC 9125) Bill Evans Trio "Everybody Digs Bill Evans" (Riverside 1129) Holst "The Planets" Mehta/Los Angeles Philharmonic (Decca SXL 6529)
Speaking of the Great Roland Kirk. Here's a story: (Just put "L. Armstrong & D. Ellington recording for the First Time- on my Lenco) Anyway, it's 1974. I decided to stay in Eugene for the Summer. I'm waliking through the UFO campus, feeling good, it's a beautiful summer day in Eugene, best place on the planet. I hear drumming. I hear chanting. To my surprise, it's comimg from Mac court, home of the Kamakazi Ducks. The doors are wide open. So I go inside and see that there is a cool pow-wow going on. Graceful, serious dancers in feathers getting down in middle court. Drumming is intense as are the dancers. Maybe 50 spectators at most. Half are relatives of the dancers. Very cool. When the dancing stops, the announcer says: "...and in a few minutes we'll have the Roland Rahzan Kirk Band come out to end the first Hoo Haw Festival, hope ya'll enjoyed it. I sort of rubbed my eyeys and cleaned my ears. Asked a Siuslaw lady sitting next to me if he said the Roland Rhasan Kirk band? She wasn't sure. I waited. After about 20 minutes, some really cool hip guys come out and start setting up mics and stuff. Then, others appear on the floor and one dude, dark glasses, is in a wheel chair. Saxes, flutes, whistles, beads, rags, all kinds of things hanging over the sides of his chair. It was then I realized I'd heard correctly. They start into "You'll Never get to heaven if You Break My Heart" and I was in heavan for the next 90 minutes. The band just sent me into orbit and back. I could not believe there were so few people listening to this fantastic, music, intersperesed with stories. It is something I will never forget. Forward to 1994. Just by chance, I have a very personal meeting with Mrs. Ken Kesey, Mr. Kesey, her companion. So, I turn to him and say, and you must be Mr. Kesey. Nice folks, very gracious. I mention the Roland Kirk experience to them because Ken Kesey put the "annual" Hoo-Haw together. They beamed with pleasure, huge smiles! They said "you're the first and only person we've ever met who was there that day"! We had a wonderful time talking about that one day. Mrs Kesey said she had spoken to Roland's widow that very morning by phone. I was invited to join them for dinner that evening, but... That's my Roland story. Now spinning the Inflated Tear.
Awesome Oregon! By very weird chance, just yesterday I was on the phone with an audio friend in Eugene, who was regaling me with tales of the local mania for everything Ducks (and green and yellow?). But Kirk and Kesey -- wow. Hey, if you'd gone to that dinner, you might not be back yet... ;^)
Zaike, Slip, Glad you enjoyed the Kirk story. Zaike, your friend is undoubtedly familiar with Nancy's yogurt, a local creamery in Eugene. Nancy is Ken K's sister. A very good friend of mine worked for Nancy's as a delivery truck driver while he completed his Masters at the UFO. He was an Opera major. My girlfriend, was an Opera aficianado (until I intorduced her to Miles, Coltrane, etc). So, as a friend, I'd go to hear/see the Operas which my friend was a part of. These performance were in the newly constructed Eugene ... for the Performing Arts building. Very beautiful, elegant Opera house with waves of balconies, very ornate. Of course, it was a great place to sleep during an opera. Out of 12 operas, I was probably awake a total of 5 minutes. Anyway, one evening after my friend and his wife had cooked dinner for us, he told my girlfriend and I that he had a t- shirt and 2 tickets for a Grateful Dead show that evening . (He was the limo driver for the Dead whenever they came to town, although they never used the limo. But he had to pick it up, drive it to his house and let it sit there for the night. Really dumb. The Keseys would just drive the band wherever they neede to go). Anyway, I was offered the tickets. I took them both and headed to the opera house where the concert was to start. I'd never seen the Dead, but I was curious. As I approached the building, it was a completely different atmosphere. No stiffs in gowns and ties. More like tie-die, hacky sacks, color, smiling faces. Nice aroma.
I announced to the crowd that I had an extra ticket and held it out. A swarm engulfed me, but no one took it. Someone said, how much??? I said, FREE! Instantly snatched out of my hand. And big cheers and hugs from many, many folks. Really cool. I was the hero. I go inside. The energy was up about a thousand notches compared to the many boring hours I'd spent there. As soon as the curtains opened, I understood why every Deadhead declares that a Dead concert is the best party on the planet. Instant, explosive ECSTACY, joy, frenzy! The performing arts center was never the same.
On another note. I grew up in East L.A. with Los Lobos. David Hidalgo told me that shortly after Jerry had his second stroke, he could not play guitar. He could hold it in his hands but could not form a chord, or strum the strings. So David spent a few months helping him get his chops back. Which he did, eventually. After Jerry passed, there were rumours that David would join the Dead. But these were just rumours. No one ever considered it.
Got a kick out of the Roland Kirk story as I was sitting here listening to Jethro Tull from the 20th anniversary LP. Mr Kirk was a big influence on a lot of people...
Oregon: Coincidentally enough (once again), my own girlfriend, before we began going out, happened to be a guest (of the opening band, Cracker) at the only Dead concert she's been to, at the University in Eugene, about '94 I think. Not sure I could actually fall asleep at a concert myself, but if I could I feel sure that the Dead could inspire it, with opera running not far behind. Haven't been a big Lobos fan for many years now, mostly because of that creeping jam-band influence which I have no use for, but I rocked my ass off to them at club shows many times back in the early- to mid-80's when they were sharp as a tack.
Spun today:
Small Faces - S/T [Decca/Deram, '66/'96] Expanded re-ish of the British debut long-player. Most American 'classic rock' radio listeners have only ever heard the later hit "Itchykoo Park" (which made famous the 'flanging' effect), but if you've heard Robert Plant singing Zep's "Whole Lotta Love", you've heard more of this record than you know.
The Clash - Crucial Music: 1977 Revisited [CBS/Relativity, '90] Listening to this collection of B-sides -- a couple of which weren't included on the "Black Market Clash" EP or appended to reissues of their debut LP "The Clash" -- basically just pisses me off to think that Joe Strummer is dead, and there aren't any rock bands in the world today fit to lick the soles of his boots. I guess Nirvana were supposed to have been it once upon a time, but right about now we could use another Clash to lead the way and tear everything up again. But I don't think that's ever gonna happen anymore.
Guided By Voices - Under The Bushes Under The Stars [Matador, '96] One thing's sure, none of *my* high school English teachers ever delivered a jump-kick to the heart like this no-fi primer.
Nrchy, You got that right! First concert for me was Blind Faith, It's A Beautiful Day and Jethro Tull and Delanie and Bonnie (led to Derek...) all on the same ticket at the Fabulous Forum. Zaik, I know what you mean by the jam thing- boring! The early R&R, R&B, wedding/garage stuff the Wolves played is what kicked arse. Have you heard their EP ...And a Time To Dance? If not, shoot me an email and I will record an analog to dig (yuck) for you.
Oregon, . "Blind Faith, It's A Beautiful Day and Jethro Tull and Delanie and Bonnie". . Have not thought about "Bonnie & Delanie for years....Thanks for the reminder of all 4 groups. I think I will drag out my "It's a Beautiful Day" Lp out for a listen today. . Rgds, Larry .
I don't have all the Bonnie and Delanie, but I have a couple, and I think I have three LPs from It's a Beautiful Day. I listened to some of the B&D last year, and enjoyed it.
I might have to give them a spin again today too...
Cello/Larry and Nrchy, I have 3 copies of It's A Beutiful Day. Such good music and very well recorded. I use it as a reference when trying different cables, components, etc. Another favorite is Mark Almond's "In the City" remember that one? Really good jazz/rock, mellow and sweet.
. Louis Armstrong - “Satchmo Plays King Oliver” 45rpm Audio Fidelity reissue – Special two sided pressing – Classic Records .what a performance what a recording . Willie Nelson – “ Stardust” – Columbia Half Speed MasteredHC-45305 .great recording and Willie at his best. . Otis Spann - “Otis Spann is the Blues “ Candid re-issue . Jennifer Warnes - “The Well” on Cisco Music CLP-7009 love this record especially cuts “And So It Goes “ and “You Don’t Know Me” Killer recording as are most of Jennifer Warnes records. . “Ella and Oscar” on Pablo 2310-759 Quite nice for a Sunday afternoon . “It’s a Beautiful Day” San Francisco Sound Label - Half Speed Master – Nice memories . Rgds, Larry .
Supertramp "Breakfast in America" Tool "Lateralus"
I never tire of "Breakfast in America" and "Lateralus" if your a Tool fan then you know how well this album was done. The graphics are always fun to look at it when its playing.
Don Pullen/Sam Rivers- Capricorn Rising Keith Jarrett - Bop Be Graham Parker - Howlin' Wind Peter Case - Blue Guitar Boston - self-titled Thelonious Monk - Live At the It Club Booker Ervin - The In-Between
Alice Coltrane - Universal Consciousness King Pleasure - Golden Days Gabor Szabo & Bobby Womack - High Contrast Todd Rundgren - A Wizard, A True Star Roland Kirk - Kirk In Copenhagen The Pretty Things - Electric Banana
Oscar Peterson Plays Cole Porter Song Book.. ORIGINAL MG VS 62052 Stereo Verve/Hi-Fi-Living Sound Fidelity 1959. Bought by my Father in '60 at DoubleDay for $1.98..Still sounds incredible!!
The Fabulous Josephine Baker RCA Living Stereo Original LP LSC-2427..Excellent!
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