This project – not so much the listening, but the writing about each record – is turning into a major research project.  I’m learning tons, and enjoying the music so, so much, but running out of time.  I can’t write as fast as I can listen, as it turns out.  So, henceforth, these posts will be less involved.  I’ll try to make them better than a list, but not as awesome as a dissertation. Next up, Jerry Bergonzi, Tim Berne, and Gene Bertoncini. (more…)

For perhaps the first time in history, thanks to my current listening project (the entire lp collection, alphabetically), I just listened to several records by The Beatles, and followed that up with a Sidney Bechet collection.  Jeff Beck is next.  Anyway, here’s what I just checked out: (more…)

I’m always listening to music.  True, sometimes it is only in my head, but often the music is being played on some kind of speaker.  I recently moved, and after getting the records out of boxes, I decided to start at letter A and go through the collection alphabetically, no matter how long it takes!  It’s taking a long time.  I have loved hearing Albert Ayler records (Spiritual Unity is my fave, although Bells and Witches & Devils are both incredible too), John Abercrombie records (the band with Richie Beirach and George Mraz was amazing – as good, or dare I say better than Gateway?), and Willie “Loco” Alexander records (and the Boom Boom Band – they rock!), among many other things.  The current batch includes three Gato Barbieri records, and what with his name not being so “household,” I figured I would send him some props.  Therefore: (more…)

For some completely unknown reason* I have been listening to the complete Rush catalog**. Scary. Instead of linking all over the WWW, check out the Wikipedia on Rush. Not bad. Enough information without totally geeking out. (more…)