I’m having the best time listening to all these great records, some of which I haven’t heard in forever… (more…)

Next up in the project – listening to my entire LP collection, alphabetically – are recordings by Stanley Clarke, Buck Clayton and Jimmy Cleveland. (more…)

Still making my way through the alphabet, here.  I’m up to Eric Clapton.

• Eric Clapton – This is the eponymous debut as a leader, on Atco.  I love that label.  It’s nice l’il record, and stars some amazing 1970s musicians, like Leon Russell, the writing team of Delaney and Bonnie, and Rita Coolidge.  This record also features an early hit, “After Midnight.”
• No Reason to Cry – Lots of nice things about this record; great playing, excellent mix, nice tunes.  I will confess that I don’t like the drum sound that much, and especially don’t like the fills on “Innocent Times,” because there’s something about a slow 12/8 that can bring out the worst in a rock drummer.  But I love “Sign Language” because Bob Dylan is just way too awesome.  And I also love “Hello Old Friend,” but mostly because the background vocals are incredible, and I’m thinking that’s because of Marcy Levy, who makes Slowhand worthwhile…
• Slowhand – Man, I never liked that tune “Cocaine,” I just never did.  This record is a Marcy Levy classic – I love saying that because I only started paying attention to her singing a few years ago, and noticed that every time you hear her voice on this record, and other Clapton records especially, she just makes the tune.
• Backless – Both Slowhand and Backless have great, classic, fantastic rock drumming.  Some nifty slide guitar playing on this here record.  Also, Marcy Levy rules on “Promises.”

Best, R.

No, not together – I just listened to records by them.

• Charlie Christian – The Genius of Charlie Christian – this is an absolute must-own for any lover of electric guitar.  Swingin’!
• Pete Christlieb/Warne Marsh Quartet – Apogee – This was produced by Walter Becker and Donald Fagan, and that makes it a pretty bizarre sounding record (the crystal clarity of a great pop record, but a bit too much isolation between the instruments), although the playing is amazing.  I love Jim Hughart!  Absolutely burning.  But, by far, the most wonderful moment comes on “Donna Lee,” where they displace the melody, building on the classic Lee Konitz/Warne Marsh recording.  Here’s a link to “Donna Lee” on Spotify.

Best, R.

Hey there and Happy New Year – just been checking out the early Chicago records, mostly because – if I remember 2010 correctly, I was listening to my LPs in alphabetical order.  I have some Ron Carter records (and a nearly finished post), as well as Ray Charles and Johnny Cash, but anyway, here we are with Chicago: (more…)

Ok, so just in case you have been wondering where the alphabetical LP listening project is, here’s a quick update:  on hold.  (more…)

Well, my LP listening project has to be briefly diverted to the CD collection.   (more…)

A few Betty Carter records are next on the list.  (more…)

In ye olde listening project, I’m now moving out of letter B and into letter C, which, depending upon your generation of reference, is either for “cookie” or “conifers.”  (more…)

Time for a trip down McLaughlin Memory Lane.  Next stop, Gary Burton records.  (more…)