Sunday Music Muse Day - Baden Powell, Snarky Puppy

This Sunday Music Muse Day finds us recovering from an extreme temperature swing, from a frigid  -5º on Saturday morning to a mild 47º at midday Sunday.  Whatever the weather, here are selections to warm your heart.  First up, Baden Powell Live in Berlin, a two CD set of a solo concert recorded in 2000.  The intimate nature of the concert lets the full beauty of this legendary master of Brazilian music surround you.  This collection is worth seeking out.

My next is selection is totally different.  Snarky Puppy Empire Central is also a 2 CD set of "live in the studio" recording of this large ensemble of musicians described as "a big funky, romping, muscular jazz band". In my opinion, their music bridges art-rock and jazz fusion in a good way.  I was a little put off my their cutesy name when I first heard about them through an article in a local weekly newspaper, but came to like them when I heard their music. The group sound takes center stage over flashy soloists. Again, they are well worth a listen, and I have several of CDs to prove it.

Hopefully our temperature will settle to a normal winter pattern.  In any case, find a warm cozy spot and enjoy some good music.  It warms the soul.

Sunday Music Muse Day - Larry Young

After a two week from a regular Sunday Music Muse Day post, let get back in the groove in two selections from swinging jazz organist, the late Larry Young.    First up, The Larry Young Trio Testifying. an 1960 recording for Prestige Records engineered by the legendary Rudy Van Gelder.  Although, I first heard of Larry Young connection to the pioneering Jazz fusion recording Tony Williams Lifetime, with the drummer and guitarist John McLaughlin, eventually I got to discover his music as a leader in the 60s. This some classic stuff, well worth a listen.

My secod selection, The Art of Larry Young is Blue Note release of a compilation producer by Michael Cuscuna.  Recorded at the Van Gelder studio. The liner notes mention Young joined Lifetime soon after his final Blue Note sessions.  Playing with Lifetime led to playing with Mile Davis on the groundbreaking Bitches Brew sessions.  There is a lot of jazz history in this CD.

So, happy Sunday Music Muse Day, let's keep swinging.

Kirby is ….Mighty over size book

 For my Wednesdays Hump Day:  Odds & Ends, here’s a cool find at the Ollie’s Discount Store, this  massive Marvel Kirby is…MIGHTY! Thor book.  It is the same size as the Artist’s Editions from IDW. You can see the size comparison to a regular comic book.  I paid $29.99 for this $100, 350 page book.  The best thing is I have several of the original Thor comics featuring the stories. 

Any time I can find a bargain like this I just have to jump on it.

Sunday Music Muse Day - Happy New Year 2023 - Vince Guaraldi Trio, Tony (Anthony) Williams

This Sunday Music Muse Day marks the start of the New Year, 2023.  I'm hoping everyone had a wonderful, and peaceful holiday with friends and family. My first music is a musician you heard during the Christmas season, Vince Guaraldi from the music of A Charlie Brown Christmas TV special fame. Vince Guaraldi Trio is a CD of the album he recorded in 1956, about ten years before the Charlie Brown special aired. You can feel some of the same laid back elegance of his music in this trio recording.  I'm glad I found it. It will be fun to enjoy it all year round. 

My second selection is Tony Williams Spring, a CD re-release of the late drummer's second album under the name "Anthony Williams", which may have been an attempt to make the 19-year-old, at the time, seem older. Of course, Tony went on to a long and illustrious career as a pioneering jazz drummer, best known for his time with Miles Davis.  Two of his future Miles bandmates, Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock, are sidemen on the recording.  The original compositions border on free jazz and offer hints to the music of the Lifetime group he later formed with guitarist John McLaughlin and organist Larry Young (and later bassist Jack Bruce of Cream fame).

Again, here's wishing everyone a Happy New Year.

Sunday Music Muse Day - Let the Holidays Begin - Bob Snieder

On this Sunday Music Muse Day, we started the morning with holiday music by Bob Sneider  The Merry Gentlemen, Christmas on the Rocks CD.  A local jazz talent and treasure, Bob playing guitar and ukulele, is joined by his equally talented brother, John Sneider, on trumpet and whistle on a nice assortment of seasonal favorites.  

Lisa and I are looking forward to seeing Bob and his trio at the Little Cafe on New Year's Eve, which has become a welcomed annual event for us.  Hope everyone comes to join us, and help see the year off on a high note.

Sunday Music Muse Day - Lee Ritenour, Tal Farlow

This Sunday Music Muse Day will be a quick post.  I try to keep an open mind in my music listening, be sometimes, I must stay set in my ways.  So, concerning my first selection, Lee Ritenour Wes Bound, I was doubtful I'd enjoy this CD as, I haven't listened to a Ritenour record since his early vinyl albums, which I found too "smooth jazz" for my taste.  I respect him as a accomplished studio guitarist as a leader and sideman, but the over all smooth jazz production doesn't do it for me. I give a try for Wes Montgomery connection, but I think in comparison to Wes, it make my negative reaction strong.  I can't recommend this, UNLESS you like smooth jazz. You're welcomed to keep it next to your Kenny CDs.

I'm enjoying my second selection, Tal Farlow - Tal, I lot more than my first. I admit I may have first learned of Tal Farlow  from Guitar Player magazine in the 70s before actually seeking out his music, since he's major work was in the 1950s, of my childhood.  Tal is reissue of a classic 1958 trio release with bonus tracks of 1958 quartet recording added.  I just find this record more honest and clean,  

So, that's my spotlight for today. Enjoy.

Hump Day: Odds & Ends - Nescar Racers Toy and other items.

For last Hump Day: Odds & Ends. I’m started to dig into my basement again, so here's the start of organizing my NASCAR Racers TV series items. Here’s the loose toys, I’ll have to dig deeper to organize the art and design stuff.