In Rotation: Parc Avenue

What? Parc Avenue, the Montreal-referencing long playing debut by that city's Plants & Animals.

Why this? Why today? Because I couldn't find anything more appropriate for Opening Day, short of Terry Cashman. And I just couldn't do that (again).

I might be the last to hop this bandwagon, but the earthy, barefoot feel of this prog-folk-indie-Americana beast has me thinking of dirt between my toes. Spring - wouldn't that be nice?

There's also a pleasing Northern Lights-Southern Cross vibe simmering from beneath the surface (minus the, er, desperation?) that meets with my approval. Why is it Canadians do this stuff so much better?

In other news: The first issue of Eartrip magazine is available for DL. It features a Coltrane CD review I first posted here.

Also, another episode of Now's the Time is now up for you listening pleasure:

Now's the Time: Mark O's Year of the Guitar, Part 3: Kenny Burrell

And lastly, I'll be interviewing Adrian Cho, director of the Impressions in Jazz Orchestra, this Thursday on NTT. I'll then spend the last hour of the show spinning cuts from the Coltrane-as-sideman boxset Interplay. If you even sorta like hard bop, tune in. Essential listening.

Now's the Time: Live 2007

Last week's edition of Now's the Time featured longtime IMC friend and occasional host Ollie alongside Ron and Jim as the three traded views on the best live shows of 2007. By way of explanation, every year during CKCU's funding drive, the IMC makes it a policy to allow any donor willing to part with $100 for the very worthy cause of community radio to program and host their very own edition of Now's the Time. Sounds dangerous, right? In truth, Ollie steps up every year, and his shows are always worth listening to.

As a side note, this year we had two such donors. In addition to Ollie, my very own father chipped in a C-note, and will be joining me in the studio on a date to be determined. I'll post details as they develop.

Anyway, for my money, the best live experience of 2007 was the Vandermark 5 at Zaphod Beeblebrox in Ottawa. Keep in mind the extremely small sample size (did I go to any other shows in '07?) - new fatherhood is like that. As for '08, obviously the EHE heads that unfinished list.

Anyway, if you missed last week's show, or need to hear it again, here it is. Clicky click for your downloading pleasure:

Now's the Time, March 13, 2008 - Best Live Shows of 2008

Tonight's show continues Mark's Year of the Guitar with a look at the venerable Kenny Burrell. Here's hoping he plays something off On View at the Five Spot Cafe. Download details on that show as they become available.

Now's the Time: Oliver and Armstrong

Last Thursday's episode of Now's the Time - hosted by Jim and Aidian - featured music by King Oliver featuring Louis Armstrong, recordings from 1923 recently scrubbed and digitally magicalized to sound like they weren't recorded in 1923.

If, like me, you were unable to tune in, take heart! Download the whole show right here:

Now's the Time: Thursday, March 6, 2008 - King Oliver and Louis Armstrong

From the Muddy (and Frozen) Banks of the Rideau

That's Carleton University, home of CKCU FM, which is in turn the home of Now's the Time, your weekly journey to the outer limits of jazz and improvised music. I occupied the chair and took to the air February 28th to profile master percussionist Kahil El'Zabar, playing music by his Ritual Trio as well as the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble (who, as you may recall, recently played Ottawa), then finished the show with an El'Zabar/Billy Bang duet.

For full tracklist and details, go here.

On the other hand, if you'd like to download and listen, be my guest: http://www.divshare.com/download/3923443-2e2