Video of Wilson Burrows Space Set - Intrism One Puzzle Maze Cube

  I finally did another cool wooden puzzle maze cube produced Intrism LLC, "Made with ♥️ in Columbus, OH, USA." Designed by Kyle Vandeveer. On this one, I got to use this rare sci-fi rubber stamp set I bought in NYC back in the ‘80s, and haven’t seen another one since. The Wilson Burrows Space Set has retro rocket designs that would make Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon proud. Again, I have to say the construction and engineering of this is just incredible, no glue need and the parts separated perfectly. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. This is best viewed full screen. I have plans to build another Intrism Pro maze, their largest model, soon Enjoy

Sunday Music Muse Day - Gene Bertoncini, Jame Blood Ulmer, Pierre Bensusan

This Sunday Music Muse Day find us in the northeast still recovering the effect of the smokey air caused  by the massive Canadian forest fire.  The effects of climate became a reality for everyone.  With a warning to stay in doors for many, it might have been a good time to settle in with some good music. This week I offer three different players from the spectrum of guitar music. First up Gene Bertoncini Quiet Now, a solo jazz guitar CD, featuring some classic jazz tunes from great jazz composers. This is one CD I'll be revisiting often.

Next is James Blood Ulmer, Memphis Blood - the Sun Sessions. This CD really intrigued me, since I know as an avant-garde jazz guitarist whose music can be challenging to most casual listeners.  Here he's going back to his blues roots with tunes by blues masters Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, and John Lee Hooker.  If you like raw down home blues, this is worth a listen. Vernon Reed,of the black rock group Living Color, joins him on guitar, and produced the session.

My third selection is a CD by Pierre Bensusan, simply titled "2". Bensusan is French acoustic guitarist/singer, whose music I was introduced to by my Paul Kovit back in NYC in the 80s.  I even attended a Bensusan club date in NYC., with Paul.  His music is definitely on the folk side of things, but he's an excellent guitar player. His vocals are all in French, so I can't give an opinion on the lyrics.

We're hoping for a little rain to help clear the air in the region. Keep your fingers crossed and keep listen to good music.

Lords of Ragnarok Board Game

 I'm still looking forward to getting this board game I supported on KIckstarter during the covid lockdown. It was the fantastic art and game figures that hooked me.

Sunday Music Muse Day - Bill Bruford & Michiel Borstlap, Jack West & Curvature, Paul Flaherty

Hope everyone is enjoying this pleasant Sunday Music Muse Day.  My selections were bought knowing one musician, the second was the photo of player's guitar looked interesting, and third because of the CD title graphic.  First up is Bruford & Borslap, Every Step a Dance, Every Word a Song. This duet project of drummer Bill Bruford and piano and keyboard player Michiel Borstlap, recorded live on tour in Europe in 2003-4.  Bruford I've known for his work with King Crimson and his own solo works including the group Earthworks.  Borstlap is totally new to me, but the liner notes says Bruford and Borstlap have been making music together since meeting in 2002. This is hard to pin down Bruford's music. If anything it is a blend progressive rock, in a heavy dose of jazz.  There's an addition CD in the  package, "An Introduction to Winterfold Record which has an interview with Bruford  about his career between cuts of tunes from his various solo albums. Interesting stuff, But I had to go online to find the track list.   Definitely, worth a listen.

My second selection, Jack West & Curvature. I pick up this quartet's CD because of the photo of West's 8-string guitar with fanned out frets.  The cello player Mark Summer played with Turtle Island String Quartet, a group that plays "neo-classic" music including a rendering of Jimi Hendrix tunes.  The CD's music is adventurous, and again, worth a listen.

My last selection was bought on the strength of it's title,"Dragonfly Breath", because I like dragonflies. It has the dragonfly graphic similar to the one I use in my business cards.  That's the most positive thing I can say about this CD.  It's pure free jazz noise to me. I forced myself to give it one full listen, and I'll never feel inclined to play it again. I'll just enjoy the cover. The author of the liner notes praises the leader, saxophonist Paul Flaherty, and his music to high, heaven ,so to each, his own. You've been warned.

Enjoy.

Bixby Grant by Patrick Coyle

 Wow, I forgot about all the sweet goodies that comes with Patrick Coyle's Bixby Grant Kickstarter project.  Thanks, Patrick, I’m excited to start reading this.