On a lazy Sunday afternoon, just prior to heading out to a local bar, I had some extra time to go rummaging in the bins of record shops off 1st Avenue. While digging through the new arrivals bin at one of the shops, I stumbled on to this great meet up between Milt Jackson and Ray Charles. The album was recorded in 1957, prior to Charles attaining any notoriety (as one can see by Jackson getting front billing on the album). It’s a stellar jazz album, made even better by Charles infusion of soul and laid back groove to songs. Both “Blue Funk” and “How Long Blues” slide in low and long, a lazy southern swing that instantly sweeps you along. Amazingly both musicians step outside their normal realm, with Jackson playing some great blues guitar and piano, and Charles actually playing alto sax. Also points go to the renowned bassist Oscar Pettiford for giving the rhythm section the right swing and bounce. This is a definite must-play for lazy summer mornings and evenings.
I first became a die-hard Iron Maiden fan during the Piece of Mind era. So my preference has always been for the stretch of albums that included The Number of the Beast, Piece of Mind, and Powerslave. Recently however, I’ve been going back to rediscover the Paul Di’anno era, especially the Killers album which is pretty damn stellar in terms of songs and musicianship. Part of my recent return to this time in Maiden’s career has to do with how hungry the band was — they were starting to build a reputation as a great live act and the songs at this time were still tough, punky, hi-energy barnstormers. Also, the Killers era marks the first appearance of Adrian Smith who would finally give Maiden that signature twin-guitar attack that makes them so notable. Listening to the Maiden Japan EP — recorded right before vocalist Paul Di’anno left the band — I’m still blown away at the band’s over-the-top playing. Both Dave Murray and Adrian Smith make the record. Their guitar playing — with the tone having a great thickness and punch not found on some of the later records — has the swagger of two young guys just going for it. And yet, they’re locked in step perfectly. Listen to the version of “Remember Tomorrow” and you’ll hear what I’m talking about. 
There has been a bit of a gap in my posts here. Mostly this is due to my trip to London that started last Wednesday. In spite of almost having the entire thing sabotaged by American Airlines who cancelled our flights at 6 pm the night before we were supposed to leave at 8 am, everything went splendidly. I actually was able to learn a lot about the UK publishing world from some fellow colleagues who were more than gracious with their time. There are some very intelligent folks over there who believe in publishing and they are coming up with really creative ideas.