Warren Bernhardt

'Floating' by Warren Bernhardt. From 1979, on vinyl.

I read yesterday, that Warren Bernhardt had passed away a few days ago at 82 years old.

I recall finding this record many years ago at Djangos in Portland. I haven't listened to it much since that day but suddenly here I am, forty years later, reading of his passing and thinking about life.

I know very little about his career other than he was a member of the jazz group, Steps Ahead and that he also played with Steely Dan.

Improvisational, piano Jazz on this recording that I am truly appreciating tonight.

Basie and His Orchestra

Another vinyl find from yesterday and on the turntable today. Count Basie Orchestra - 'Basie In Europe.' A mono sound and Japanese printing. Live concert recordings from the early 1970's in Germany and France. The album notes state, "probably" recorded in Munich and the south of France.

Big Band Jazz. All Music Guide calls it a "fine collection."

The owner of the record store placed a little sticky note with the letters, "NM" on the cover  .... It eventually dawned on me that he was grading its condition, NM for Near Mint condition. And he is correct. It's a beautiful black vinyl, free of dust, fingerprints, smudges and scratches. Looks like it's never been played ....  Update: except for today.

One Flight Up

It's another Saturday morning and on the turntable is yesterday's vinyl treasure find, from 1964 on Blue Note Records, 'One Flight Up' by Dexter Gordon. 

Stumbled upon while digging through bins of vinyl records. My favorite pastime these days. 

If it's on Blue Note, I assume it will be a rewarding listen. A proper assumption in this case. If nothing else, I wanted it for the cover photo. 

Mortality Blues Playlist

Since it's on my mind lately, a playlist for when/if I retire. Not that I've made a decision or anything, but with each day, I do recognize my mortality and that I can't go on forever. ..... I can't, right? I mean maybe I can? Maybe I can be the first to break the mortality barrier? So anyway .....

• Keith Jarrett - Koln Concert .... There are no song titles so how about the entire double album? I'm fine with that idea.
• Radiohead - Daydreaming
• Red House Painters - Have You Forgotten ..... A question I've been wanting to ask a certain someone in my world. 
• Sun Kil Moon - Carry Me, Ohio
• Fred Eaglesmith - Rebecca Street
• Allan Wachs - Adventures of the Invisible Dog

Maybe it's noticeable? (Thought with a snicker) There's no common theme, genre or style here. My mind is in its default mode of total illogical randomness. Not a rarity here.

• Libera Me - From the soundtrack for the movie, 'Black Robe.' 
• Johnny Mandel - The Shadow of Your Smile .... from the movie, 'The Sandpiper.' 

My playlists are generally what pops up in the progression of songs listened to in a day or evening. Mostly influenced by YouTube selections that arise on the home page or by browsing through names and titles in my Collectorz application. There's little deep thinking, reflection or science involved.

• GoGo Penguin - Raven

End of the Day Playlist

Sunday evening random playlist, on the heels of a trip to check out the newest record store in town. That's two in a month. Both are small but both are something, which is a lot more than we had to this point.'

• Gregory Alan Isakov - Light Year / Arms In the Air ..... If you like acoustic guitar based, singer/songwriters ....
• Pete Morton - Another Train
• Paul Brady - The Lakes of Pontchartrain

Sometimes you just feel like changing course. Not that there was anything wrong with the original direction, it's just that another path, long neglected, suddenly appeared and the temptation was just too great.

• Pete Townshend - A Friend Is a Friend .... From 'The Iron Man' musical.
• Pete Townshend & Ronnie Lane - My Baby Gives It Away / keep Me Turning
• Ronnie Lane - April Fool
• Dave Mason - Sad and Deep as You
• Creedence Clearwater Revival - Have You Ever Seen the Rain
• Mike Oldfield - Pictures In the Dark .... From the glory days of music videos.

And I don't think I can play the previous song without playing something by .....

• Yes - Owner of a Lonely Heart / I've Seen All Good People

The Gloaming

From 2019, The Irish American band, The Gloaming and their recording titled, 'The Gloaming III.'

Listening on Youtube as the vinyl record is in transit, still a day or two away.

To begin with, I love the cover art. That's what caused me to listen hoping that I'd love the music as well. And you know what? I do!!

Beautiful and haunting. Deep roots in Celtic music. Often instrumental. Swirling violin (fiddle), piano and occasional vocals. A perfect end to the day, causing inspiration to sit and write words to a friend.

Impressions of Japan

From 1964. The Dave Brubeck Quartet - Jazz Impressions of Japan. On vinyl and the Columbia Records label.

A find from earlier in the week in the new record store in town. It feels perfect for this moment, the mood I'm in and the very definite vibes of this evening.