Sunday Music Muse Day (one day late) Trio of Doom, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Tony Williams, Jimmy Smith

Sunday's Music Muse Day post is a day late due to football playoffs, and a developing cold.  But, the music help me feel better.  The first two CDs were picked up in Toronto, Canada, during a lovely brief road trip with my wife.  These fusion jazz gems are connected in a way.  First up. Trio of Doom, the one time pairing of guitarist John McLaughlin, drummer Tony Williams, and bassist Jaco Pastorius recorded at the historic 1979 Havana Jam festival in Cuba. This CD contains all the material they record live, and in the studio shortly afterwards.  McLaughlin actually didn't want the material released at first because of poor recording of the live tracks, but 27 year later he relented, mainly in honor of his friends, Tony and Jaco, who had since passed away.  The music is rough and raw, but important considering stature of these musicians.

Next up. Mahavishnu Orchestra: The Lost Trident Sessions, which features John McLaughlin, again.  This CD is was supposed to the group's third album, but according to the liner notes, it was lost and forgotten due to internal strife of the band, as they split up soon after it was completed. I'm glad it be released.  Interesting, since it was to be an album, it only about 35 minutes long, as compared to today's longer music CD productions.

My next selection is also connect the Trio of Doom, with Tony Williams Angel Street CD.  I think I have the vinyl record of this but couldn't pass it up.  I think I appreciate Tony William's straight hard bop playing more now than when this was released on vinyl in 1988.

Finally, here's jazz organ legend, Jimmy Smith Prayer Meeting, with Stanley Turrentine on saxophone.  This is another reissue of a Blue Note Records session by Rudy Van Gelder.  I found myself picking up more jazz organ music in the past year.  Proving you're never too old learn to enjoy different sounds (I've always been very guitar-centric in my listening habits).

That's it for this week. But, I like to take a moment to remember, and honor, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr on this, his day.  We as a nation still have a long way to go to fore fill his dream, but I believe, together, "We shall over come".

 

Throwback Thursday ExoSquad promo kit

Here's Throwback Thursday follow up to a post inspired by Rick Squires who found an ExoSquad promo notice in the LA Times (1994). This is the show promo package Will Meugniot put together, and most of the art is Will's. I was the oversea director for the first season, and moved to LA to be co-producer/director on the second season. A great time was had by all. A great show, with a great crew. I wouldn't mind seeing it get a update, and re-launch by some talented upstarts.

 The only issue of Topps ExoSquad comic, a Exo patch, MCA newsletter, and promo art for TV station to use.

 Here's the ExoSquad crew jacket.  I sold mine years ago, because it was too small on me, and I really didn't like the color.

Sunday Music Muse Day - Larry Coryell, Yusef Lateef, Jim Hall & Bill Frisell

Picking up after the holidays, here is this Sunday's Music Muse post.  It find me starting off the New Year with a couple of favorite guitarists, and a classic jazz artist.  First up. Larry Coryell Barefoot Man: Sanpaku. The title of this 2016 release in a nod to Larry's first album Barefoot Boy released in 1971 on Flying Dutchman Records. Larry's musical journey has been a long storied one.  His playing is still solid, but to my ears this wouldn't be as memorable as Barefoot Boy.

Next up if another guitar duo parting of Jim Hall & Bill Frisell Hemispheres.  This a duel CD set with one CD, a duet session, which unfortunately is damaged and doesn't play in my player.  The second CD is is quartet session with Scott Colley on bass, and Joey Baron on drums.  This CD has some tasty music that makes up for the lost of the first CD.  I may have to hunt down another copy.

The last selection is Yusef Lateef The Golden Flute.  I realize I don't have many Lateef albums or CDs, with the except of his classic, Eastern Sounds, with famous version of "The Love Theme from Spartacus" with Lateef on oboe.  This classic reissue helps fill that hole in my collection, nicely.

Hopefully, 2017 will hold many more musical treasures to be found and shared.