well dang, somebody else around here has heard of Rhys Chatham. it's about time.

Not the religious experience it's been hailed as by some....is so! nyah!! ;-)

I was fortunate to procure Douglas' Keystone last year and I couldn't agree more. A rare fresh approach to electric jazz.

-P

Love that Douglas, too. And as someone who was lucky enough to be there at the Carnegie Hall Jarrett show, you are right on both counts. The crowd was worshipful and there WAS something in the air. I came out of that place in a perfect blissful trance of music.

And now I listen to that album and I wonder what happened? It's just not as engaging as I remembered; it's just another (great)Jarret solo excursion, not that different from Koln or the rest from years ago. Sure, it's great, but as a record, I like a bunch of the last few trio albums better. Whether a moron like me has even a word of advice for a genius like Keith Jarrett, of course, is doubtful.

Briefly, the Douglas is amazing, and I think it's time evreyone acknowledges his place in current jazz. The Barber thing was awful and pretentious to me, but I' a jerk. I love the Bonnie "Prince" Billy and those weird harmonies. I also loved the Thompson, but in truth I don't find it sincere at all. I just don't care that much about sincerity in music. Cool list!

Nice collection of mini-reviews...

• I've been needing to add to my Moondog collection-all I have is Sax Pax for a Sax. I'd been leaning towards the German Years collection or the twofer Moondog/Moondog 2, but this one sounds as though it ought to be good (pricey, though).
  
• Douglas has a new 12 disc web-only release out, too.
  
• I read that Jarrett's CD has a total of 19 minutes of applause on it. A bit much, no?
  

Try DustyGroove.com for the ROOF Music Moondog CDs.... I think they sell Rare Material for $19.99 [currently out of stock, though] and German Years for $21.99... much better deal than Amazon...! Definitely seek out the Prestige Moondog and More Moondog CDs also...

Yeah, that sounds about right on the Keith Jarrett applause timing. He's always been one to include ALL the clapping on his live recordings... annoying...!

I would add 10,000 Days by TooL.

For all the jazz sensibilities on this list, I present a bit more of a muscular treat,with intricacies of rhythm and off time signatures coupled with high quality musicianship and movements (tracks) forming into an operatic scope whole.

Plus, it just kicks ass.

Not my favorite Douglas, Keystone, but still a goddamn good one. Pretty groovin' list overall. :-)

"What It Is!" is definitely in my Top 10 list for the year. Great tunes and (if possible) even better packaging. Something for those new to the genre as well as for collectors.

Terrific choice!!