Sunday Music Muse Day - Pat Metheny, Yusef Lateef, John Stein, Philip Catherine and others,

It's been awhile since my last Sunday Music Muse Day post, due to a trip to Michigan (to sell the family cottage, so not a real vacation), and preparing for my retirement, which started last Friday, Aug 25.  In any case, the four CDs, presented here, were picked up at a record store, in Grand Rapids, Michigan on the way home. They're a mix of old and new in that two are CDs of vinyl albums I used to own, but were in my collection I sold last year.

First up. Pat Metheny Bright Size Life.  This is a Japanese CD release of his classic 1975 first album.  I just couldn't resist having a CD copy since it's an all-time favorite album of mine.  It belongs in every music lover's collection.  It still sounds as fresh and exciting as the year it was released.

Next, is Yusef Lateef Eastern Sounds, a remastered CD release of his classic album produced by legendary produce Rudy Van Gelder.  I must admit I originally liked this album for one tune, Love Theme from Spartacus.  I think I replayed that tune over hundreds of time.  (I even used it in a video tribute to Woody Strode, the great black action actor who have a classic duel to the death with Kirk Douglas in the beginning of the film) So, listening to this CD was almost hearing the others tunes for the first time.  My taste for classic jazz has improved over the years, so I can appreciate the whole album more, now. I'll be having it many listening to make up for lost time.

Next selection is titled Sleep My Love by Philip Catherine, Charlie Mariano, and Jasper van't Hof. Record in the 1978 and 1979, this is a group of Europe jazz musicians I came across in the association with others, like guitarist Catherine with Larry Coryell duet recordings. Saxophonist Mariano on several ECM records in the 70s.  Pianist Jasper van't Hoff on a classic album with Archie Shepp Mama Rose: Live in Concert. The last one maybe hard to find.  

Last, but not least, is John Stein Green Street. I just came across guitarist John music only in the past five years by picking one of his CD just for the cover art, and now I will buy any CD I see of him.  Green Street is re-release of an earlier organ trio session with bonus tracks.  Nice stuff.

With retiring from full time work, I hope to increase my artist creative output, and that includes more additions to my Warped Sky: Stray Clouds original music posts.  Yeah, you've been warned.  Enjoy.

Sundy Music Muse Day - Bill Bruford, Michiel Borstlap

This Sunday Music Muse Day shows how my random CD shopping something turn up more of the same.  In this case, more of Bill Bruford. First up, Bill Bruford's Earthworks Live - Stamping Ground.  Earthworks is the group the drummer formed after leaving King Crimson, and after his guitar based solo groups.  He stated it was a move to his more jazzy roots.  Definitely worth a listen. (I also loved this CD graphics)

My second is Bill Bruford & Michiel Borstlap In Two Minds, which could be considered a follow up to the CD by them, I featured last month.  This is live recording also.  They make an interesting drums and keyboard duo.

With so many suffering extreme hot weather or heavy rain, try to stay safe.  Enjoy some music when you get the chance.

Sunday Music Muse Day.

 I'm back after a two break from posting a Sunday Music Muse Day item, so not to compete with the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival. Lisa and & I were part of it as street team volunteers for the Jazz 90.1 radio station booth.  My first selection for today's post was a feature act, Pat Metheny Dream Box.  I didn't get to see his performance this year.  This release is a solo effort of basic private recording idea between and during gig dates. I've included his inner notes. It's a nice intimate look into his creative process. Check them out.

My second selection was a pleasant surprise. The Charlie Byrd Trio I've Got the World on a String.  This is a remastered reissue of a session recorded and released in 1994, with Joe Byrd on bass, Chuck Redd on Drums, and Charlie Byrd on guitar and vocals.  Vocals? That surprised me because of all the CDs I have of legendary guitarist, I don't recall him singing.  Lisa commented that she immediately liked his singing.  Like I said, a pleasant surprise.

So, I hope everyone is enjoying our ever-changing summer weather.  Enjoy

Nickel City Comic Con & Empire Comic Fest 5

 The past two weekends I got chance to attend two local comic cons.  First was the Nickel City Comic Con in Buffalo, NY. I made a special trip to see Bob Camp, co creator of REN & Stimpy animated series. Bob and I were co-workers briefly for Rankin/Bass produces of Thundercats, Silverhawks and other classic show. I hadn’t seen Bob since the 80’s (?), but we have been in touch online.  I was great seeing him and his wife Michele.  Bob had some very funny stories about Ren and Stimpy.

Just yesterday I attended the Empire Comic Fest 5 at of love JCC here in Brighton NY (Rochester).  It was a smaller con, with several guests and vendors.  I mention to pick two books the caught my eye, but I actually looking to sell my collection , so buying more is not in my plans. 

 

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.