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Norside, Coal and Soul was released on July 10, 2026. "The current popularity of primarily instrumental bands combining funk, blues, R&B and soul can’t be entirely traced to the UK’s New Mastersounds. But there is no question that the recently disbanded quartet’s output, which began in 2000, brought new life and a fresh attitude to a genre that experienced a brief commercial surge in the mid-60s. Dubbed “Rust Belt Music,” a reference to Norside’s Pittsburgh hometown as is the album’s title, the threesome elaborates that their “identity isn’t revivalist—it’s lived in.” The assertion is that they “are not a ‘jazz’ band or a ‘jam’ band. This is feel good music.” You can read the rst of the review here...

That's really nice - smoking a cigar with a glass of bourbon nice.

I'm just over a mile from the Mother Store in Springfield, but Branson works for me if that's where you'd prefer. I've not been to that store, and I don't mind shopping at Bass Pro either. I've met Johnny Morris back in the 80's, but I'm sure it was much more memorable for me than it was for him.

Bill Doggett Honky Tonk (1956)

The Greg Abate Quartet, In The Moment was released on August 7, 2026. "Some jazz musicians spend a lifetime refining a sound. After five decades of recording and performing with various ensembles, Greg Abate is determined not only to continue mastering his vibe but keep pushing its possibilities forward. On In the Moment, his latest Summit Records release by the Greg Abate Quartet, the veteran saxophonist and flutist surrounds himself with pianist Bill O’Connell, bassist Harvie S and drummer Steve Johns, a tightly knit unit whose collective chemistry seems to draw fresh dynamics from his playing as he enters yet another phase of his relentlessly exploratory musical journey." You can read the rest of the review here...

Enoch Smith Jr, This is What Love Does was released on August 28, 2026. "Joining Smith on the record are his usual accompanists, bassist Kai Gibson and drummer Logan Bogdan. This trio is as cohesive as possible, bringing to mind the tightness of the great Oscar Peterson Trio with Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen, and the soulful lilt of the Ahmad Jamal Trio with Jamil Sulieman Nasser and Frank Gant. The only exception to this trio format is the smooth Latin-tinged groove of "When I Think of You," Adding a delightful layer is Paula Winter on auxiliary percussion." You can read the rest of the review here...

Sounds great! You mentioned that you live close to Bass Pro. Would that be the one in Springfield or Branson? Sounds like a good place to meet up and give me a reason to shop.

When you come to Thunder Ridge Arena later on this month, I have those grills I told you about. No stains, tight fabric, both badges. I should have brought them when we met up in St. Louis.

My Carver Amazing Platinums sound wonderful but the woofer cover fabric has a few slight stains from years ago. I've looked at a couple different fabrics on parts express and found Mellotone, SoundAssured and the "house" brand. Obviously not all created equal. Looking for recommendations from the community here on what others have used to recover their speakers and are happy with. Thanks in advance, always appreciate the advice here.

The Four Lads No, Not Much (1956)

Jim Lowe Green Door (1956)

Carl Perkins Blue Suede Shoes (1956)

Eddie Heywood Canadian Sunset (1956)

Perry Como Hot Diggety (1956)

Elvis Presley Love Me Tender (1956)

Elvis Presley I Want You, I Need You, I Love You (1956)

Pat Boone I Almost Lost My Mind (1956)

The Platters The Great Prender (1956)

Morris Stolof Moonglow & Theme From 'Picnic' (1956)

Kay Starr Rock N Roll Waltz (1956)

Dean Martin Memories Are Made Of This (1956)

Doris Day Que Sera Sera (What Ever Will Be Will Be) 1956)