Ornette Coleman, Larry Coryell

This Sunday Music Muse Day finds us warming up a bit, 31º, but still with many of snow on the groud. First up is Ornette Coleman and Prome Time - Virgin Beauty.  I have the vinyl record of this, but sold it.  I still alway like the cover photo.  The music is a mix of free jazz, which Ornette was well known for, and  Black Rock movement in the New York jazz loft scene back the 1980s. with groups like James Blood Ulmer, Ronald Shannon Jackson, In Living Color, Defunkt, and Michael Gregory Jackson.   It's best to approach it with a open mind.

Next up is Larry Coryell - Spaces Revisited.  As the title implies it's a session the harken back to one of Coryell's classic album. I have to admit I this CD's music doesn't grab me.  It's hard to match the original Spaces recording lineup.

So, as we still endure our winter of chaos, try to find moment to step away from the noise and enjoy some music.  Peace,

Sunday Music Muse Day - Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington, The Quincy Jones Big Band

On the frigid Sunday Music Muse Day, time to curl up with some warm big band music.  First up, Ella Fitzgerald sings the Duke Ellington Song Book.  I have to admit I'm not a jazz vocal music fan, as my tastes lean strongly toward instrumental music of all kinds. But, of course, I have to respect the legendary icon of jazz vocalists, Ella Fitzgerald. But, I also have to admit I bought this 3 CD set because my father, Sam Woodyard, plays drums with the Ellington Orchestra on these recordings.  The package also includes a 65 page liner note booklet. So, the set is well worth a place in my jazz collection. 

Next, selection is also a big band selection, The Quincy Jones Big Band - Q Live in Paris Circa 1960. I was curious to buy this to compare the tune "Tickle Toe" to the version Quincy recorded with my father, Sam, playing drums, on another CD.  (I think Sam's version is better).  You be the judge.

So, for all who are also experiencing this extreme cold weather, stay warm and safe.