November 5, 2008. Artists are the best commentators of historical events.

@Louis Jordan : Louis Jordan (of “Caldonia”, “Choo Choo Ch ‘Boogie” and “Let the Good Time Roll” fame), the Father of the Rhythm & Blues came out of the blues world of Brinkley, Arkansas, to play in Chick Webb’s swing band from 1932 to 1938; he played alto sax and participated in comedy routines.

@Document Records : : Ammon’s showpiece “Boogie Woogie Stomp” uses melody lines in rows of thirds. In “Boogie In C” and Shout for Joy”, a single note rumbling bass similar to Johnson’s ‘Blues On The Downbeat’ or ‘Death Ray Boogie’ is played.

@Barnesandnoble.com : For his first recording as a leader, Timmons (whose “funky” style was beginning to become very influential) performs those three hits along with his own “Joy Ride” and five standards in a trio with bassist Sam Jones and drummer Jimmy Cobb.

@Buddy Rich : Immensely gifted, Rich could play with remarkable speed and dexterity despite the fact that he never received a formal lesson and refused to practice outside of his performances.

@Cassandre McKinley : From inception to execution, McKinley’s sensitivity to Gaye’s message and her rich, warm sound combine to pull this project far, far away from the ordinary.

@alibris : : In “Newport 1958: Brubeck Plays Ellington (1958)”, the inspired choice of “Jump For Joy” makes for some of the most magical moments, while “Perdido” provides an extended workout for Desmond and Brubeck.

@Breath of Life : Grover Washington Jr. and Freddy Cole’s “Overjoyed” is fantastic. It’s everything a cover should be. The way these two remake the song it sounds like something out of the early part of the 20th century, like a Gershwin tune or something. Lovely, lovely, lovely.

to be continued… probably