John & Johnny. A New Discovery Along With My Latest 2 Cents About Prince

Spent part of the afternoon down at Amoeba records. Picked up a sublime disc simply called John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman. The DJs on 88.1 KJAZZ had been talking about it all week long and I had downloaded a Trane podcast that had glowing things to say about the album. My Dad (a true Jazz aficianado) says, Hartman had the best male voice of all the jazz singers, surpassing even Billy Eckstine. It's a mellow album. Coltrane is blowing smooth and pianist McCoy Tyner is on point in accompanying Hartman's baritone vocals. Their version of "Lush Life" is in the Grammy Hall Of Fame. Highest recommendation. I told my Dad, since I'm not versed in standards, it was fun to hear the lyrics to these numbers. Just the age we live in. These songs are ancient by pop standards, but timeless in their presentation. A great disc to unwind with.

I'm still waiting for 90 minutes to watch the remastered DVD of HELP! All of the Beatles' movies are favorites of mine. And this one has been begging for a redo. The color on the original DVD was fairly washed out and of course it didn't boast a 5.1 soundtrack.

The artwork for my album is done! The CD will be delivered to the manufacturer on Weds of next week. Due to the holidays, the CD release date has been pushed back to Mid-December. It will still arrive in time for your Christmas/Hannukah shopping needs.

My team and I personally have begun booking the tour dates for the UK in Feb/March. I can't wait to see all of your smiling faces in Britain. It's gonna be a funky good time, as James used to say. It will be sunshine funk coming to you in midwinter. What better way to escape the cold than to heat up a dance floor!?

Shame about what's going on with Prince requiring fan sites to cease and desist. That's silly. You can't possibly hope to control your image 100% and keep 100% of your fans. These online fan sites, that don't traffic in bootlegs, etc. are the modern version of scrap books. The future is here and note to self: never sue your fans... or threaten to sue your fans... or make overtures that you might sue your fans. Unless you don't want the fans. And Prince fans have been through a lot of public humiliation. I know I was publicly chided during the whole 0+> and "slave" phase. That's a whole lot of thanks for people who buy yer wrekas.

Off my soapbox and into bed.
Peace & Disco Beats