Sunday Music Muse Day - Clifford Brown and Max Roach Quintet, Ron Carter

Again, I missed Sunday Music Muse Day post last week, I just got distracted with my Inktober drawings.  On the plus side, I listened to these this two great straight ahead jazz CDs while I was drawing.  Both share the fact I saw separate film documentaries on these jazz legends.  First up is the Clifford Brown and Max Roach Quintet At Basin Street.  Drummer Max Roach was a giant among giants in the jazz world. In watching the PBS American Masters show, Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes, I learn of the importance of his musical partnership with Clifford Brown their strong influence of their quintet on the jazz world. I was glad to find this CD soon after viewing the PBS show. It really added a deeper perspective to the enjoyment of listening to it.

My second selection is Ron Carter Stardust. This Blue Note lives up to the label's sterling reputation in jazz recording. The master jazz bassist leads a stellar group of sidemen through a very enjoyable session.  The film Ron Cater: Finding the Right Notes can also be found on PBS. The film and the CD are well worth seeking out.

This Tuesday is Halloween, so let's hope for pleasant weather for all our trick or treaters, of all ages.  Be safe and enjoy.

Sunday Music Muse Day - Miles Davis Birth of the Cool , Medeski Martin and Wood - Last Chance to Dance Trance (perhaps)

This week's Sunday Music Muse Day post is short but sweet.   I dropped by the Hi-Fi Lounge, my local CD/record shop, and picked up these two CDs.  Miles Davis - Birth of the Cool.  Birth of the Cool really fills a major hole in my Miles Davis collection.  By all accounts this is another seminal Miles' grouping of musicians, like Gerry Mulligan, Lee Konitz, Max Roach, Kai Kinding and other, that went on to lead their own groups and define the West Coast Cool Jazz scene. I'm glad I found it.

 The other pick was the Medeski Martin and Wood - Last Chance to Dance Trance (perhaps) -Best of (1991-1996)  I must confess I have several CDs of these guys and I can't decide if I really like them on a consistent level.  That, said I still keep picking up their CD's, so there must be something their music that get my attention.  Enjoy

Max Roach - Jazz Drummer

Here's belated birthday wishes to the great, legendary jazz drummer, Max Roach. Yesterday, Jan. 10 was his 83 birthday. All the best, Max.

Max Roach was very close friend to my father. I only met Max once, but that was enough to get a strong impression on me of the greatness of character and integrity he has a human being.

The meeting was shortly after Sam have passed away. I had never meet Max, but had talk to him on the phone once or twice. He was performing at a club in New York and I went to see him with my future wife, Lisa. After the his performance I meekly introduced myself, I intent was just to say hello, briefly, and give him program from Sam's funeral. Max reaction was one of warmth and great kindness. He asked us to sit with at a table and warmly told us of his love for Sam, their friendship, and how glad he was I came to see. He said to call him anytime. I never had the courage to follow up with him on that offer. I didn't what to impose on him or any of my father's jazz friends. But I will alway remember with deep respect those moments I shared with Max Roach.


Here's a photo of Max visiting with Sam in Paris.