Bob Powers

MARIETTA, OH, USA - When you need something done, ask the busiest person you see. That's the ancient wisdom, although I must hesitate to agree with the statement. For several weeks, I've been thinking about starting a novel. Not reading one, but writing one.

I wrote a mystery novel about a dozen years ago, when my wife and I still lived in Columbus, the Ohio capital. I had been inspired by Lynette Richardson, who had just begun a series of detective novels that enjoyed a certain fashion over nearly a decade. Lynette taught in the English department at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware and I remember her worrying about the reaction of her department head. Since she published under a pseudonym, I assume she didn't get into trouble at work.

I have a longtime friend, Hugh Nissenson, who jumped at the idea when I confessed recently that I was feeling the urge to write a novel. Hugh, who lives in New York City, has written what I believe are two of the best novels of the past two decades. His The Tree of Life, which dealt with the life of Johnny Appleseed in the early history of Ohio, came out in 1985 to rave reviews and continues in print,. A couple of years ago, his The Song of the Earth blew away critics with its strange and compelling story of a future that was both horrifying and compelling.

I had met and interviewed Hugh when The Tree of Life came out and I wrote a story about him that was distributed by the Associated Press. We stayed in touch for awhile but friendships can be fragile things to maintain and we eventually lost touch with each other.

That old relationship was renewed this summer and we've enjoyed several phone calls and the exchange of numerous e-mails. This time I intend to keep the friendship alive, and hope to receive hope and support on the creation of my book.

What does this have to do with "Powerssound"? There's a connection. I listen to music (predominately jazz) while I write. A fabulous CD called "Pete Escovedo Live!" plays in my office at this very moment. As I have written in an earlier column, it's a dynamic CD, with members of the Escovedo Family Orchestra playing some of the finest Latin jazz these old ears have ever absorbed.

Here are some other winning titles suitable to writing a novel or just great listening:

Ella Fitzgerald: The Best of the Concert Years (Pablo Records) - Here's a compilation by the great jazz warbler, ranging from concerts recorded anywhere from 1953 to 1983. The sound quality is exceptional and the choice of songs shows how Ella knew what would work for her and what should be left alone. Almost everything is a classic, such as "Willow Weep for Me," "All of Me," "Night and Day" and "My Funny Valentine."Ý

Dave Frishberg: "Do You Miss New York?" (Arbors Jazz) - Songwriter Frishberg possesses a paltry, almost irritating , singing voice but he happens to write romantic, clever and often funny songs that show his delicious comedic talents. Put up with the creaky voice and enjoy these fabulous lyrics and excellent piano work. The list includes the magnificent title song, given its best rendering by the sterling Rosemary Clooney (not on this album, however), "Quality Time," "Little Did I Dream" and the popular "I Want to be a Sideman." Here's a talented songsmith, working in top form.

Caribbean Jazz Project: Birds of a Feather (Concord Picante) - Dave Samuels has been a brand name in the Latin Jazz field for a lot of years. The Caribbean Jazz Project enjoys a following beyond some groups who provide better jazz chops. But "Birds of a Feather" should make old fans happy, while perhaps adding a few new devotees to the crowd. Samuels does excellent work on vibes and marimba. Ray Vega provides excellent trumpet and flugelhorn licks. Guests on the album include such names as Randy Brecker, trumpet; Mark Walker, drums; Romero Lubambo, guitar, and Café, percussion. Ý

Gerry Mulligan: Midas Touch (Concord Jazz) - The death a few years ago of Gerry Mulligan removed from the jazz world one of the most innovative and intriguing musicians of jazz history. As a baritone saxophone genius, Mulligan made huge waves through the music business. His ability as a musician and his rapport with his audiences made him something very special. All that's demonstrated in this CD, recorded in a Berlin concert staged in 1995. Mulligan's breezy sense of humor comes through in his introductions and his awesome musicianship invigorates every moment of this exciting performance. Eight of the nine tunes are Mulligan compositions, played by an outstanding band that included Ted Rosenthal on piano, Dean Johnson on double bass, and Ron Vincent on drums. "Midas Lives" will make you think and smile.

Coming soon: Reviews of new CDs from Marty Ehrlich, who plays alto sax and bass clarinet; the reissue of "Jazz at Oberlin," starring the Dave Brubeck Quartet; a dazzler reissue by Sonny Rollins and the Modern Jazz Quartet, and an oldie from the Vince Guaraldi Trio. Nothing but the best for readers of "Powerssound." Be there or be square!

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