Paul Winter Consort, Ralph Towner & Gary Burton

This final Sunday Music Muse Day of the year, I step away from the holiday music and present two old favorites with a single musician in common, Ralph Towner.   First up, Paul Winter Consort - Road.  Seeing the cover of this CD, I had to buy it. Although, I promised myself I'd resist buying CDs of the original vinyls I sold with my record collection, two years ago. I first heard The Winter Consort at a free live concert at John Jay Brauch College near the School of Visual Arts, back in the 1970s. It was just a chance attendance. I liked their mix of folk and world music.  I remember borrowing the album from the NY Public Library, and buying a copy years later. Later, I recognized the guitarist, Ralph Towner, on an ECM record and started following his music.  Actually, all the band members, with the except of Paul Winter were to become major artists on the ECM label, and I have their recording in my CD collection.

My second choice is Ralph Towner and Gary Burton - Matchbook, the vinyl record. I'm not sure if this was the first Ralph Towner record I purchased, but it is a favorite of mine. The original one I had, I sold with my record collection.  I already had a replacement CD copy. This vinyl copy was bought at a thrift store, to rescue it from the junk record bind it was in. I couldn't let it remain with all those trashy records. I gave it to my son Spencer, who's into vinyl, now, as an Xmas gift.  Ralph Towner has reminded a solid favorite guitarist of mine, and he's still alive, performing, and recording for ECM, at 85 year old. 

I hope everyone is having a wonderful, and peaceful holiday season. All the best to you, and your families.

Sunday Music Muse Day - Milton Nascimento, Jerry Granelli

On this cold and snowy Sunday Music Muse Day, lets start with music from sunny Brazil, with Milton Nascimento - Milton, the gifted Brazilian singer-songwriter. I enjoyed this CD more than the last one of his I presented with Esperanza Spalding, maybe because this one was made soon after his breakout recording Native Dancer with Wayne Shorter.  Shorter and Herbie Hancock appear on this release, so that's a plus. I'll say it's worth a listen just for that.

Next up, Jerry Granelli - A Song I thought I heard Buddy Sing. I admit, I picked up this release on the strength of the sidesmen, especially Bill Frisell, one of my favorite guitarist.  The recording is mentioned in the liner notes of his "Dance Hall" recording as the first recording made with Frisell and guitarist Robben Ford. The liner notes for  "A Song..." states: "This recording was inspired by the Michael Ondaatje's haunting novel, "Coming Through Slaughter", about the life and times of the legendary New Orleans horn player, Buddy Bolden".  Although, I've the heard the name, I'm a little light on my New Orleans' music history, so I'll have to look him up for more context to the music.  Overall, I like the laid-back feel of the session. The group doesn't fight for your attention, instead the solid interplay straws you in.  Listen, and let yourself go.

Winter has arrived in our area, if the snow trend continues we may have a White Christmas. Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the Holiday Season with family, and friends. Peace

Sundday Music Muse Day - Dec. 7, 2025 - Anthony Wilson Trio, Paul Glasse

This Sunday Music Muse Day find me presenting groups is using instruments I don't often seek out in my jazz buying trips.  First up, The Anthony Wilson Trio Savivity,  with Wilson on guitar, Joe Bagg on Hammond B-3 organ, and Mark Ferber. Of course, there are many legendary jazz organ trios, and players, it's just not my go jazz sound.  That said, I do like this, definitely recommend you give it a listen.

My next choice is a little more eclectic, Paul Glasses self-titled outing, who plays mandolin & mandola, in a jazzy setting.  The liner notes give fully explanation of the music. I must be honest, I picked this CD up because I have music by the guitarist Mitch Watkins, from the '80's and '90s, and I haven't heard much from him, lately. The music reminds me of the David Grisman's album "Hot Dawg", a real favorite of mine. 

So, winter is fast approaching as we head into the Christmas/Holiday season.  It's a good time for a warm drink, settle in to a comfy chair, and to listen to good music. Enjoy.