New listenings.

Been going to the library here every few days and picking up three albums to be copied and listened to. I'll try and keep you up to date on the especially good ones, starting with this gem from Billy Childs.

I first heard Childs as a sideman on a 1977 J. J. Johnson album and always loved his playing from that album. Childs has a variety of colors he uses to paint his music and solos and it is evident here in 'The Child Within'. He's backed by a fantastic group as well, boasting a rhythm section with Dave Holland and Jeff Watts, and fellow horn players Terence Blanchard, Steve Wilson, Ravi Coltrane and Luis Bonilla. Be assured, this album is crazy good.

I picked up an album by Bill Frisell, of who I haven't heard much of but a lot about. I'll be checking that one out tomorrow.

The third was from Terence Blanchard, who I have always enjoyed but never owned. The album features several great vocalists, and while I was only able to listen to part of it as I was getting ready to head out this afternoon, I enjoyed what I heard. I really enjoy Terence's lines and sound, as well as his musical thought process.

I've been listening to a lot of Dave Matthews music these days off of Youtube. I might have to go out and get his latest album.

Seattle based trumpeter Jason Parker will be touring the west coast and will stop by Portland, as well as Eugene and Ashland. Be sure to check him out here in town on the 18th at Mississippi Pizza.

-Slide Funk