Discoveries

Silver Member

Username: John_s

Columbus, Ohio
US

Post Number: 316
Registered: Feb-04

Posted on Friday, May 06, 2005 - 08:34 am:

Good golly Miss Molly, somebody finally answered the diacritical marks question. Thanks 2� for that. Must go now, I�m late for my k�lnoscopy.

Relevant Product Info

Gold Member

Username: John_a

London
U.K.

Post Number: 3083
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Friday, May 06, 2005 - 11:26 am:

I can't see how Word helps: you have to get your extra-asci characters into Word in the first place, Se�or.

It is a question of choosing your character set, Larry. Modern computer keyboards have the same letters as typewriters, and these include the letters in the local alphabet. So you can choose, say, a German keyboard mapping. However, the easiest thing to do is stay with an English keyboard mapping, if that is what you happen to have, and find the combination of keys you need for any non-English character. This will depend on your computer and operating system.

For example, on a Macintosh, you can get most of the most common non-English characters by just pressing the "alt" key, either as well as, or followed by, the "standard" key. That gives almost everything, and is how I wrote "K�ln". You follow "alt + u", which gives "ü", quickly with an "o" to get "�". It could work for Windoze, too: they stole pretty well everything else.

BTW, pretty well the whole of the rest of the World is mystified by "@" which was never on their typwriters, and is still not on their keyboards. They have to do strange combinations of keys just to send an e-mail. They also call "@" funny things, not understanding it is just a symbol for "at". I think is is called a "snail" somewhere, and a "cinnamon roll", or similar, in Swedish.

I lost count of the number of times I tried to explain that a dozen eggs @ 1p each costs a shilling; you don't even have to think about it, it is just like moving the decimal point to multiply by ten, They look at you as if you are from another planet.

How old I feel!

BTW amongst various items for me, in room 101, is a computer display with the words "V�lkommen til UNIX".

Gold Member

Username: Larry_r

Naples, FL

Post Number: 1058
Registered: Oct-04

Posted on Friday, May 06, 2005 - 11:45 am:

John A. - thanks, am still trying to do this without cut-paste from Word, which seems a lot of work for a chat-session! (grin)

S� - I FINALLY figgered out how to do it a little bit simpler - I call up "Character Map," then select whatever letter/mark I wish, and hit "copy." Then I go to the forum headings, click on "Edit," then "Paste" and on it goes. Sigh. Still a lot of work - but easier than doing the Word thing - and if I'm using that o-umlaut several times I can just hit "paste" again at the proper places. Out of luck, of course, if I'm doing several marked letters! Then I go back to the C.Map and start over. Sigh.

Working on it, and may find something even easier. K�ln - there, I did it!

Thanks, all, for the comments. . .

Silver Member

Username: Ojophile

Take the Eh Train

Post Number: 311
Registered: Jun-04

Posted on Friday, May 06, 2005 - 03:00 pm:

Here's a partial list of accented characters that I use from time to time. I keep it in a file called symbols.txt --- plain text.

Cut, paste and save as plain text using Notepad or any other plain ASCII text program.

�
�
�
�

� � the cedilla as used in most Portuguese words,
e.g., medita�ao, cora�ao, etc.

� - used mostly in German, I think?

�
�
�
�

�
�

� � the Spanish n as in El Ni�o

�
�

ü

Symbols

� - degree as in 25� Celsius (I wish!)
�
�
�
�
�
�

If you prefer, I'll send it to you via e-mail. Send me a quick e-note and I'll reply. Let me know. Hope the above helps.

More on diacritical marks:
http://www.m-w.com/mw/table/diacriti.htm

Must go back to work. I'm doing technical support for two months. It sucks!

Also, I've been listening to a bunch of interesting CD's lately, but unfortunately, am too tired to post my impressions.

Gold Member

Username: John_a

London
U.K.

Post Number: 3085
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Friday, May 06, 2005 - 03:28 pm:

That is another way to do it, Don.

There is also a simple key combination for each of those characters.

It is interesting how the 26-letter alphabet plus odd symbols such as "@", "$" and "&" became "asci". The rest of the World had to find ways of transcribing that to render their own alphabets and symbols. Also, odd asci characters acquired whole new meanings.

Gold Member

Username: Larry_r

Naples, FL

Post Number: 1059
Registered: Oct-04

Posted on Friday, May 06, 2005 - 06:51 pm:

John A. - yes, there is a key combination for most of those marked letters - but it will work in Word - but NOT for the forum. Tried and tried, but nutting. Nada. Nope. Sigh.

I'll try Don's suggestion - sounds interesting!

More anon. . .

Silver Member

Username: John_s

Columbus, Ohio
US

Post Number: 317
Registered: Feb-04

Posted on Saturday, May 07, 2005 - 12:57 am:

Yes, John A., Microsoft�s Word program has hundreds of symbols in it. But I don't know how to call them up when writing a simple post on this forum, without writing in Word first. There�s �, �, �, �, �qu� pasa?,�, �, �, �, �, �, �...and many others. But, I'll try to follow Don's suggestion.

All our ancient typewriters have always had "@" on their keyboards, and since you brought it up, there must be a story of @'s existance.

Gold Member

Username: John_a

London
U.K.

Post Number: 3088
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Saturday, May 07, 2005 - 01:54 am:

The symbols are produced by a character set, and not specific to any one computer program. Word is probably just giving a familar route to access them, a palette or whatever. You can type them in in anything.

Certainly you can type the symbols you give, JOHN, directly into the "Post" box, which is just a field on a computer screen. They may not render as you wished in the preview, or in the final page. "View Source" for this page to see how they have to get translated into HTML!

I think "@" is just a stylised, handwritten "at", rather like the treble clef in musical notation is just the letter "G".

My point about typewriters was that only English ones had "@", as far as I know. Prior to its use in e-mail, it was unknown in other languages. There was never an "@" key on non-English typewriters; it had no meaning, and there was no use for it. So there was no "@" key on their computer keyboards, either.

In e-mail, the "@" is used in a difference sense (meaning an address or location) than the original one, which was "unit cost" ("12 items @ $1 .... $12" etc). So adoption of "@" was probably a little joke, like usage of some characters in text messages. Plus the fact that the symbol was becoming obsolete and the "@" key was not used much for anything else. No wonder no-one except English speakers understands its origin, or knows what to call it.

Silver Member

Username: Ojophile

Take the Eh Train

Post Number: 314
Registered: Jun-04

Posted on Saturday, May 07, 2005 - 11:03 pm:

There is also a simple key combination for each of those characters.

I know, John A. For technical people like me, I could just as easily use Alt + a number to produce an accented character. My intent, however, was to provide others a simple method of typing exactly what they want to write. Just cut and paste the character into their text.

I can't see how Word helps: you have to get your extra-asci characters into Word in the first place, Se�or.

Well, it does, to a lot of people who can't be bothered by using the extended character set.

pretty well the whole of the rest of the World is mystified by "@" which was never on their typwriters, and is still not on their keyboards... They also call "@" funny things, not understanding it is just a symbol for "at"...

Really? Where did you read that? Give the rest of the world more credit, John A. C'mon.

BTW, that's ASCII, not "asci".

Silver Member

Username: Ojophile

Take the Eh Train

Post Number: 315
Registered: Jun-04

Posted on Sunday, May 08, 2005 - 12:15 am:

CD's that I've been listening to recently:

Spain - Michel Camilo (piano), Tomatito (guitar)
A duet between a jazz pianist and a flamenco guitarist. The title track is Chick Corea's famous composition.

details

Tchaikovsky: Suite No. 2; The Tempest
Detroit Symphony Orchestra / Neeme Jarvi
Tchaikovsky's music always has an instant appeal to me, and these two works made it to my list easily even before the first movement of the Suite No. 2 was finished. The typical Tchaikovsky structure is there: the development of the theme; the tension; the lyrical adagio providing relief; and the resolution.

details

Erroll Garner, Body and Soul - 5 stars, IMO
I have a lot of respect for the self-taught Garner who had a unique style that nobody could imitate and would dare to do so. Every track here is a gem.

details

My Romance - Kevin Mahogany
Strictly for night listening only, IMO. With someone special, that is.

As Time Goes By - Tuck and Patti

Another T & P keeper. Loved Tuck Andress's guitar solo on "Stella By Starlight."

Thank You, Ted - Rob McConnell Tentet
This is a tribute to Ted O'Reilly, former radio host of CJRT (Jazz FM), Canada's only all-jazz station. Those familiar with McConnell will remember his "Boss Brass" band. The Tentet swings just as hard, and the sound is just as rich and full.

The Glenn Miller Story - Soundtrack
Finally, a recording that I am truly satisfied with. I've had other recordings by orchestras bearing the "Glenn Miller" name. Most were disappointing. But this is my final choice. And yes, it's in stereo.

details

Diz - Gonzalo Rubalcaba Trio
Pure bebop!

Native Sense, The New Duets - Chick Corea (piano) and Gary Burton (vibraphone)
Another stunning duet, IMO, after their Crystal Silence outing. Requires some serious listening.

Symphony No. 7, Op. 105 in C major; The Swan of Tuonela; Lemminkainen - Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra / Jukka-Pekka Saraste

It's Sibelus, period.

My Secret Heart Songs of parlour, stage and screen - Ben Heppner (tenor)
I was curious because it contains Roses of Picardy, I'll Be Seeing You, and Be My Love --- three songs that I like very much. I like the album but I'm not in a position to rate Mr. Heppner. Perhaps, Larry may offer a opinion?

Enigma Variations - Elgar
Orchestre symphonique de Montr�al/ Charles Dutoit
I bought it because of (a) Dutoit and OSM; and (b) see "a".

Another welcome addition to my OSM/Dutoit collection.

That's it for now. Will be back in a couple of weeks.

G'nite.

Gold Member

Username: John_a

London
U.K.

Post Number: 3095
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Sunday, May 08, 2005 - 12:39 am:

Don,

"Really? Where did you read that? "

I have read reams of speculation about the mystery of where "@" came from, and what to call it, in Swedish newspapers. Scandinavian IT companies had to make "@" paperweights and things to get people used to it. I also heard "kanalboller" - they have a spiral-shaped cinnemon bun that looks a bit like an "@".

I spent years intermittently trying to use Norwegian and Swedish typewriters, and computer keyboards. I assure you, there is no "@" key. Just as there is no "�" key on yours and mine, I expect.

It also goes for Danish. I can be fairly confident about Dutch, German, and French, too. Of course, I cannot speak for the whole of the rest of the World, Don. But it seems likely.

We all have typewriters and keyboards which are useful for writing in our respective languages. Simple as that. You can inspect many of them by changing the keyboard mapping on a computer.

"Give the rest of the world more credit, John A. C'mon. "

Sorry - I am simply saying "@" was a symbol understood only in English, prior to its adoption as part of an e-mail address. That has become international. There is no disrespect in that, any more than there is in pointing out to Larry that "�" is not the same letter as "o".

We all have our points of view, histories, and preconceptions.

"#" was a complete mystery to me until I first visited the US; I always thought of the symbol for "Sharp" in musical notation. And to this day I do not know what to call it. I recall people said "hash" but they now seen to say "pound" for some reason, massively confusing, here, since it is not "�". BTW ""#" is "Fyrekant" in Swedish. I am not sure of the spelling.

Yes "ascii". Thanks!

Silver Member

Username: Ojophile

Take the Eh Train

Post Number: 316
Registered: Jun-04

Posted on Sunday, May 08, 2005 - 12:58 pm:

Isn't It Romantic - Charlie Byrd Trio

Ho-hum. I think I'll stick to Mr. Byrd's bossa nova albums.

Für Elise - Best of Romantic Piano Music
Various Artists, NAXOS - 8.550647DX

Out of curiousity, I borrowed this CD from the library. I was disappointed. The interpretations sounded rushed and mechanical.

For instance, Bal�sz Szokolay reading of Isaac Alb�niz's Tango in D was nowhere near the interpretation by renowned pianist Alicia de Larrocha or guitarist John Williams. This is a delicate piece. The middle part (in B minor) calls for some rubato as it gradually segues back into the main theme, this time played an octave lower. But Mr. Szokolay rushes it and thus, deprives the music of the chance to flow graciously.

Tchaikovksy's Barcarolle also suffered the same treatment from Ilona Prunyi. Compare this to Van Cliburn's playing. It's night and day. On other selections like Liszt's Liebestraum and Debussy's Reverie, I couldn't help comparing these readings with those of Cliburn, Jorge Bolet, and Pascal Roge

I think I'll go back to the big name artists --- Cliburn, Perahia, Rubinstein, Horowitz, Bolet, etc. for some reassurance. The good thing is I didn't lose any money.

Both CD's go back to library and out of my "To Buy" list. I also borrowed several Haydn Quartets on Naxos --- Op. 1; Op. 64; Op. 71, and Op. 76 by the Kod�ly Quartet. I will need time to digest these works fully as I get "quartet-fatigued" after the first CD.

My opinion only, of course.

Silver Member

Username: John_s

Columbus, Ohio
US

Post Number: 319
Registered: Feb-04

Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 09:02 am:

John A.,
http://www.symbols.com/encyclopedia/51/511.html
http://www.symbols.com/encyclopedia/45/451.html
http://www.symbols.com/encyclopedia/45/454.html
The reason we call "#" pound is because as long as I can remember, # was short for pound, lb., 16 ounces (avoirdupois). Curiously, this symbols site makes no mention of that. Here, in automated answering systems, you are sometimes directed to press the "pound" key on the telephone's key pad.

Don,
I've never heard of Tuck and Patti. Will do some research later.

Gold Member

Username: John_a

London
U.K.

Post Number: 3117
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 01:58 pm:

Thanks, John. Perhaps I dreamt "hash" for "#". "lb" stands for "Libra", same as "�". One is a unit of mass or weight, and the other of currency, of course.

Thanks, also, Don. I also find it is easy to OD on Haydn Quartets.

Gold Member

Username: Larry_r

Naples, FL

Post Number: 1062
Registered: Oct-04

Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 09:43 am:

All: I'm finding great joy from the Kodaly Quartet's rendering of Haydn quartets. Got the op. 77 and 76 - and more on the way.

The big problem I face is the whumpa-wompa coming from the adjoining townhouse. I explain on "Old Dogs." Driving me C R A Z Y ! ! ! ! !

Gold Member

Username: John_a

London
U.K.

Post Number: 3167
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 08:02 am:

For recordings of classical music, the BBC's "Building a Library" recommendations are now available in the form of an on-line database. It gives their "CD review" first-choice recommendations over many years. Usually there are many qualifications and caveats, depending on listeners' preferences, so I am not sure about the value of just one listed recommendation for each piece of music. But here is the link.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/building/

Gold Member

Username: John_a

London
U.K.

Post Number: 3187
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Wednesday, June 08, 2005 - 02:01 pm:

The Beethoven Experience.

This week BBC Radio 3 is playing nothing but Beethoven, 24/7.

I was sceptical. But it is marvellous. The web site (above) is a real resource. All the symphonies are available for download, for example.

Silver Member

Username: John_s

Columbus, Ohio
US

Post Number: 348
Registered: Feb-04

Posted on Friday, June 10, 2005 - 09:30 am:

Speaking of "discoveries"....

Dateline Kiev....
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/727183.stm

Dateline Weimar....
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20050607/lf_afp/afplifestylegermany_050607161718

Gold Member

Username: John_a

London
U.K.

Post Number: 3194
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Friday, June 10, 2005 - 05:37 pm:

Really interesting, John. Thanks. I heard on the Beethoven Experience that BBC is planning a whole week of Bach, too, near to Christmas.

Gold Member

Username: John_a

London
U.K.

Post Number: 3321
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Sunday, July 03, 2005 - 08:35 am:

London Live 8 performances rated

Thread: Live 8 Concerts

No interest in this "Historic Event".....?

Gold Member

Username: Larry_r

Naples, FL

Post Number: 1075
Registered: Oct-04

Posted on Tuesday, July 05, 2005 - 11:26 pm:

First of the "newbies." Well, all, it's been a while since yer ole Uncle Lar dipped into his pocketbook and actually bought some new CDs.

The first of the new batch arrived from Amazon.com today - and it's a fine disc!

Sharon Isbin - classical guitar - playing three concertos: Concierto de Aranjuez by Rodrigo; Concerto for Guitar by Villa-Lobos; and Concierto del sur by Ponce.

OK - they all sound "esoteric," I know - but they're all really lovely, "Spanish" concertos.

What makes this album stand out from so many is, first, Ms. Isbin's performing skills. She not only has a great track record (several puns there, eh?) and a Grammy, but she's also head of the guitar program at Juilliard, and at the prestigious Aspen Music Festival.

Add to that her "accompanists" - the New York Philharmonic - and you've got the components for fine music.

And fine music it is! All the wonderful nuances are fully explored, and the sonics of this disc are pretty darned good - considering this is a "plain-Jane" CD, not a SACD disc.

Warner Classics 2564 60296-2 is it's number, and if you really like classical guitar concertos, this is a must-have for your collection.

My ONLY complaint is that conductor Jose Serebrier takes a rather march-like cadence with the Rodrigo, especially in the third movement.

Well, I got almost all the way through the disc when I found one tiny but audible flaw - a "tick" and an apparent one-note drop-out just a few minutes before the end. Sigh. So - do I go through all the trouble of sending it back? I decided not to do so - it's a small thing, and heck, I put up with thousands of "ticks" on LPs for so many years that this one liddle one will just have to stay in the collection.

I give the CD 4.5 for sonics and 4.9 for performance. (5 is tops)

More reviews to come as the CDs arrive.

Respectfully. . .

J Cord

New member

Username: Gunitjcord

Bronx, New York
United States

Post Number: 1
Registered: Nov-05

Posted on Saturday, November 05, 2005 - 07:23 pm:

Anybody know some new songs that just came out, like on October. Songs that get u hype, that u could dance to.

Don RX-1

Unregistered guest

Posted on Saturday, January 07, 2006 - 04:52 pm:

Larry, John A., John S., MR, SM, 2C, Rick, et al

How are you guys doing? I haven't visited this thread in ages. In fact, I've already deleted my account ID, but anyways, I thought I'd pop in to re-visit this thread.

What you guys are listening to these days? More 2-channel stereo? High-rez?

Larry, any more SACD's added to your collection? As to the Aranjuez concerto, try also the recordings by Carlos Bonnell with Charles Dutoit; or Angel Romero with Andre Previn; or John Williams (g). Of course, I'm biased as Dutoit and Previn are two of my favorite living conductors. You'll find (or hear) none of that march-like cadence in the 3rd movement.

As for jazz, Concord Records' acquisition of Telarc is IMO a good move for the former as the latter has a superb catalogue of well-engineered classical and jazz recordings.

http://www.concordmusicgroup.com/

Regards to all,
Don

Gold Member

Username: John_a

London
U.K.

Post Number: 3860
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 04:41 pm:

Good to hear from you, Don.

"Old Dogs" is still there, and some of us are posting on Tube Talk.

I have discovered some music recently, and would like to compare notes, as we used to. Not so much time these days, however.

Silver Member

Username: John_s

Columbus, Ohio
US

Post Number: 608
Registered: Feb-04

Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 11:52 pm:

Yes indeed, best wishes Don.

Not too many new hi-res discs for me lately, but soon maybe.
I've been playing catch-up with the music of Bill Evans and Prokofiev.

Gold Member

Username: Larry_r

Naples, FL

Post Number: 1151
Registered: Oct-04

Posted on Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 02:26 pm:

We're here, John A! - just haven't kept up with it for some time now.

John S. - what a combination: Evans and Prokofiev! Hmm. . .maybe a new art form evolving here? (grin)

My latest hi-res discs include the fantastic Saint-Saens Piano Concertos - on the Audita label - with Anna Malikova, piano, and Thomas Sanderling, conductor. If you haven't heard these two discs, vol. 1 and 2 - well, you just need to buy them! Simply outstanding in every way.

I'm holding off on many discs now, because of other budget needs - such as a new car. Sigh.

Will post more soonish. . .

Respectfully. . .LarryR

Gold Member

Username: John_a

London
U.K.

Post Number: 3989
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 07:16 pm:

Great, Larry!

Just checking in, so to speak.

Gold Member

Username: Larry_r

Naples, FL

Post Number: 1155
Registered: Oct-04

Posted on Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 08:46 pm:

Natalie Dessay wins again! Her new album of Handel Cantatas "Delirio" is so delicious that I cannot help but recommend it to all.

Since her second throat surgery last fall, Ms. Dessay's voice is changing from silver to gold. She may or may not ever again attain the ultra-high notes of her previous albums - but her voice on this CD is so smooth and, uh, "creamy" that I cannot help but believe her career is off well and good on a second incarnation.

Once you hear this CD you will be enchanted, and will want more of this marvelous French soprano.

And the folks at Virgin Classics are to be commended for their excellence in sonic quality. Gone is the "smurf" and "shrill" of labels such as Deutsche Gramophone. This company is getting it right!

Now - folks on the "Old Dogs" thread under Audio may get on my case - but this is one CD that can even do without my beloved "tweaks" of green-lining the edges. However - DO clean the CD - the sound will improve with Walker "Vivid" or something of its ilk. Recommended. . .

Respectfully. . .LarryR

Jazzwannabe

Bronze Member

Username: Jazzwannabe

Post Number: 15
Registered: Mar-06

Posted on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 11:43 pm:

John S. - I hope things are going well on your side. Evans and Profokiev or Prokofive or Prokofiev (can't pronounce or spell that one!) --- yeah, that's an interesting combo.

John A - any new Naxos discovery lately?

Larry / John S. / John A. - Do you buy your CD's/SACD's mostly online these days? For me, I have to drive to downtown Toronto to go to two and only two big stores of CD's. The selection of DVD-A's and SACD's here is still paltry compared to what you get there in the U.S. and U.K., I imagine.

Regards to you all and keep warm, wherever you may be. Is it spring yet?

- Don

I'll revert to my old id, "Don RX-1" as soon as I remember my password! I already got a new activation key but that dang pwd!

Gold Member

Username: Larry_r

Naples, FL

Post Number: 1165
Registered: Oct-04

Posted on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 09:30 am:

Don: I buy virtually all of my CD/SACDs Online. Amazon.com or ArkivMusic mostly. I'd say that 75% of my purchases are thru Amazon - except when the more esoteric stuff is on my list - then I usually have to go to an alternate dealer.

Spring? Heck, it never stops being spring down here in Swampville - except when it becomes summer/ AKA "big wind season." (grin)

John S. - still pondering the Evans-Prokofiev combination. . .that's not Sammy Prokofiev, is it - the bassist who got thrown out of LA for playing in the buff? (double grin)

Sorta respectfully. . .LarryR

Jazzwannabe

Bronze Member

Username: Jazzwannabe

Post Number: 16
Registered: Mar-06

Posted on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 10:11 am:

"...that's not Sammy Prokofiev, is it - the bassist who got thrown out of LA for playing in the buff?"

Lar, where do you get all this stuff? :-)

Na zdrowie!
- Don

he-he, do you know what that means?

Gold Member

Username: Larry_r

Naples, FL

Post Number: 1167
Registered: Oct-04

Posted on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 10:09 pm:

Don: Whadda yah kinda pull, kid - eh? Of course - everybody knows "cheers" when one sees it!
(triple grin)

And you're about as Polish as Sammy Prokofiev!

Luv and stuff to you and yours, way up there in Canuck-land! We're sending my cousin, Francois de la Roche, back up from here in about a month. He teaches rock sculpture here in the winter, and outside of Montreal in the summers, when the "big winds" come our way. Really. . .

And BTW - I get "all this stuff" out-ah my head. Remember, mon ami, that I'm a recovering journalist! (grin)

Respectfully. . .LarryR

Gold Member

Username: Larry_r

Naples, FL

Post Number: 1170
Registered: Oct-04

Posted on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 10:42 pm:

And oh, yes - Don -

"Mabuhay."

LR

Art Kyle

Gold Member

Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon
USA

Post Number: 2857
Registered: Feb-05

Posted on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 09:43 am:

Spent last evening listening a fabulous CD. It's the third time I've played it but the first with my newly configured system. WOW! If you like jazz and haven't heard it I suggest you get a copy of Charles Lloyd's ""Jumping the Creek". My wife doesn't often comment on the music, but last night she said several times how much she enjoyed that disc (and also how good it sounded). Very good stuff.

Anyone purchase the Bolcom "Songs of Innocence and of Experience" 3 disc Naxos set. I purchased it a couple of weeks ago and haven't listened to it. I hope to get that opportunity this weekend or next. If you've listened to it I would appreciate a word or two of your thoughts.

Silver Member

Username: John_s

Columbus, Ohio
US

Post Number: 816
Registered: Feb-04

Posted on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 08:13 am:

"...that's not Sammy Prokofiev, is it - the bassist who got thrown out of LA for playing in the buff?"

Those who follow Sammy's sad story know the last straw was when Sammy switched from upright to electric.

Upload

Gold Member

Username: Larry_r

Naples, FL

Post Number: 1181
Registered: Oct-04

Posted on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 01:55 pm:

John S. - L O L!!!! Very good, sir. . .
and shocking, very shocking! (grin)

LR

Silver Member

Username: John_s

Columbus, Ohio
US

Post Number: 822
Registered: Feb-04

Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 08:56 am:

"John S. - I hope things are going well on your side. Evans and Profokiev or Prokofive or Prokofiev (can't pronounce or spell that one!) --- yeah, that's an interesting combo."

I wasn't trying to compare Evans and Prokofiev, although both were pretty good at the keyboard come to think of it. They also were accused of being somewhat cold and cerebral, at times. However, my only reason for citing them is because I have an equal commitment and enjoyment of both "classical" and "jazz", two very nebulous terms.

In Evans' case, I've known of his special talent and almost cult status for a long time, but never really listened to him. I've ordered some stuff by him, but would like some suggestions anybody might have.

The Prokofiev 5th Sym. has long been a favorite, but other than the "Classical", I have not heard the other symphonies or much else by him.

Art, I have not listened to Charles Lloyd in many years, but I will order "Jumping the Creek". From what I read the Bolcom set has a bunch of styles. And apparently, Naxos did a good job of recording an ensemble numbering up to 400 musicians. U of M music students, too!

Silver Member

Username: John_s

Columbus, Ohio
US

Post Number: 844
Registered: Feb-04

Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 09:30 pm:

Art, I have listened to the Charles Lloyd "Jumping the Creek" disc a few times now. There�s some really fine playing to be heard. On first listen this music seems off into some otherworld that defies description. With more listening, the album�s focus becomes clearer, or at least more familiar. This is not your normal 4/4 swing, and it does not work well as background while entertaining friends for dinner. No, this is an effort by Lloyd and his three compeers to create original music, and in doing so they take post-bebop to another level.

This is my introduction to the impressive Geri Allen on piano. Her sensitive, intelligent touch on ascending/descending chords and the imagination she employs during Lloyd�s atonal excursions shows a technical mastery that begs closer listening. Bassist Robert Hurst adds maturity and creativity to the proceedings. I enjoyed his playing on the Krall/Montreal DVD. Eric Harland's percussion adds much texture without resorting to clich�. Then there�s Lloyd, who one moment can sound like a tentative beginner, and in another moment create Coltrane-like walls of sound.

This music is revelatory and almost spiritual to me, and as Stanley Crouch�s liner notes point out, this album is "always surprising in an uncontrived manner."

Art Kyle

Gold Member

Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon
USA

Post Number: 2910
Registered: Feb-05

Posted on Thursday, March 30, 2006 - 10:45 pm:

If you enjoyed the Charles Lloyd album please try Geri Allen's "The Life of a Song". Excellent music. Showcases her genius.