Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Lonnie and Ronnie, both out of print

Well, school is back on, and as mentioned I'm chipping away at 20th, and final, grade. That chipping also includes leading a 30 piece steel band, and auditioning about 60 people to get it down to 30, and that's no easy task. It's fun though, as is jamming with Anthony Braxton twice a week and finally learning Solkattu from the master South Indian musicians we've got here. Still, it all adds up to very little blogging. I do have a huge pile of great stuff I want to post, and the even better news of a newly improved album ripping rig, so there will be more to come.

For the time being I've got these two great discs to offer. First is Lonnie Smith's 1970 Blue Note session entitled Drives. It's classically funky/jazz Dr. Lonnie, but what I particularly love about his albums from this period is the extra git-up-n-go delivered by drummer Joe Dukes. Probably the most tragically under-appreciated drummer in jazz history, Dukes plays the funk, but does so with a good dose of Art Blakey so it never quite settles down. Sometimes it's good, other times the tune might have sounded better with Idris on it, but either way, you've got to appreciate the heart. It also features Dave Hubbard (sax), Larry McGee (guitar), and Smith's long-time collaborator Ronnie Cuber (Bari sax).

Speaking of underrated, Cuber's Bari sax playing should be celebrated by the President of the United States but instead he's just an insider's man. One thing I can say for sure is that most of the musicians I've ever talked to on this scene speak very highly of him, and one can hear why right away. This is a set recorded live at the Blue Note in 1986 which features Randy Brecker (tpt), Lonnie Smith (org), and Ronnie Burrage (drums). The Link is in the comments.

10 comments:

Bill Carbone said...

Dr. Lonnie: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=IXQ6QFYE

Ronnie Cuber: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=RNV1W0D1

Anonymous said...

Hello,

We are trying to set up a jazz "flac only" blog : "Sing My Body Electric" / http://smbe.blogspot.com/

We have put you in our blogroll. Maybe, you could include us in your blogroll. That would be great.

You could also check our website : "radio.jazz.club" / http://www.radiojazzclub.com/

Many thanks in advance.

Pauline

Anonymous said...

Yes love ronnie.
very good. also with george benson. cook book etc.
thanks, Spoeter

Phil Svoboda said...

Bill- It is funny that you decided to offer us Lonnie as I was just listening to that album about a day ago. Love it, some super amazing stuff in there. I fancy myself pretty into jazz but I pale in comparison to your insane knowledge of the subject. Keep up with the blogging....I'm really enjoying reading your thoughts and opinions about these musicians! great stuff dude:)-Phil

Kevin said...

just found your site - looks great! and i'm really looking forward to this one, thanks a lot!

Guy Magic said...

The "Doctor" is always the greatest.

This is a real treat as I've never heard this one before!

Thank you for daily dose of vitamin B-3, yum.

Anonymous said...

Great Lonnie Smith release - THANKS!

GII said...

thanks bra

Jazzsoulman said...

Thank You man

Solomon said...

Thank you.