Wednesday, August 07, 2002

 

I lit out on a southbound train yesterday. From Emeryville to LA, and into the arms of Greg & Molli McIlvaine. Molli is expecting a baby, so most of our conversations have revolved around the preparation and anticipation of the baby's arrival. Greg is an artist who has an upcoming show to prepare for, as well as preparing for the arrival of a new McIlvaine in the family. To say the least, these two have the world by a string, like a yo-yo... and they can do tricks. Around the world, walking the dog, the cradle... all of it. I always try to visit when I am travelling. And they have always (knock on wood) invited me into their home. I havent offended them yet.

Molli brought me to the LA Amoeba records store. Now, I'm used to digging through the stacks in Berkeley. I was impressed with their stocked vinyl. Lots of it! I even picked a few out to be sent back North while I'm away from home. I know, I'm a fiend, and my record collection takes up more space then anything else... But hey, I like the music. Today, I bought The Terrible Frankie Nieves, a latin record with a great rendition of Ten Quidado. I also picked up The Ebullient Dizzy Gillespie for its renditions of Swing Down Sweet Cadillac, and Ungawa. Finally, I picked up a latin Boogaloo album that I'm only getting used to.. That is to say that none of it punches me in the gut the way music should if it really turns me on... There is a great versiojn of Caravan on it, so I hope to find it more engaging eventually, but we'll see. The Gillespie album is one of those rare and beuatiful records that should be in every jazz lover's collection. The recording is warm, and the players are in the zone. Chano Pozo's percussion vacillates from the subtle tapping during solos to full-on afro-cuban Orisha style. Other players on the record are: Junior Mance on piano, Leslie Spann on flute and guitar (sounding every bit like Kenny Burrell, somehow), Sam Jones on Bass, and Lex Humphries on drums. Great session indeed.



Tonight, my gracious hosts will drop me off at Union Station and I'm off to Chicago. Three days and two nights on the California Zephyr through the hotness of the summertime. Whoo Whee, I'm gonna smell bad by the time I reach my destination.

posted by Hog 1:15 PM