Monday, February 1, 2016

'Lost and Found' BATTLE OF THE BANDS a TWOFER PRESENTATION



Here we are at February First. You know what that means, don’t you? It’s time for another BATTLE OF THE BANDS, but hold on for just a cotton pickin’ minute here. It seems that I have also signed on to participate in Mr. Arlee Bird’s ‘Lost and Found (Love) Blog Hop’. THAT mean, you’re gonna get a twofer.

For the ‘Lost and Found blog Hop’ we’re supposed to post something about a love in our life; either lost or found. Well now, that there is an interesting concept, but if you come around here often and know me at all, you know I don’t like to blabber on about myself, especially something really personal like Lost or Found love. I will admit to the fact that I’ve had my share of both Lost and Found Love, but  that’s about all I’m gonna say with respect to THAT.

I decided to combine this Hop along with the ongoing ‘Blog Hop of Sorts’ BATTLE OF THE BANDS. I was searching my brain for a good song with two great covers that somehow conveyed this feeling of ‘Lost and Found Lost’ and lo and behold one of my friends came to my rescue with a suggestion, a mighty good suggestion, I might add.

I think a lot of us have had the experience of falling in love and the wrong time. We’re either too young, too old, too afraid, or maybe even too eager, but none the less because of a lack of timing or maybe maturity we’re either forced to, or unwilling to recognize a majestic opportunity. I know I’ve been in this very predicament.  That said; I will tell you that I try to live my life with no regrets, and therefore I console myself that having to pass on those opportunities was probably for my own good…somehow.

Anyhow…that brings me to my selection for BATTLE OF THE BANDS. ‘Too Young to Go Steady’ or ‘Too Young’. Here’s what Wacky Watchee has to say about this tunes composer.

James Francis "Jimmy" McHugh (July 10, 1894 – May 23, 1969) was an American composer. One of the most prolific songwriters from the 1920s to the 1950s, he is credited with over 500 songs. His songs were recorded by such artists as Bill Kenny, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Carmen Miranda, Judy Garland, Billie Holiday, Adelaide Hall, Nina Simone, Chet Baker, Dinah Washington, June Christy, Peggy Lee, Deanna Durbin, and Ella Fitzgerald.

After struggling in a variety of jobs, including rehearsal pianist for the Boston Opera House and pianist-song plugger for Irving Berlin’s publishing company, in 1921, at the age of 26, McHugh relocated to New York City (Forte). Eventually finding employment as a professional manager with the music publisher Jack Mills Inc., it was there that McHugh published his first song “Emaline”, and briefly teamed up with Irving Mills as The Hotsy Totsy Boys to write the hit song “Everything Is Hotsy Totsy Now”.

This songwriting partnership was just the first of McHugh’s many collaborations, among them Ted Koehler (“I’m Shooting High”), Al Dubin (“South American Way”) and Harold Adamson (“It’s a Most Unusual Day”). As impressive as these master lyricists were, perhaps McHugh’s best symbiotic musical relationship was with the school teacher and poet Dorothy Fields (ASCAP). Since he had written material for many of Harlem’s Cotton Club revues, it would be no coincidence that their first combined success would be the score for the all-black Broadway musical Blackbirds of 1928 starring Adelaide Hall[2] and Bill Bojangles Robinson, which jump-started the fledgling duo’s career with the songs “I Can't Give You Anything But Love,” “Diga Diga Doo” and “I Must Have That Man”.[3]

Other hits written for the stage were soon to follow, including what is arguably[according to whom?] their most famous composition, 1930’s “On the Sunny Side of the Street” for Lew Leslie’s International Revue, which also contained the favorite “Exactly Like You”; “Blue Again” for The Vanderbilt Revue; and in 1932, “Don’t Blame Me,” which was featured in the Chicago revue Clowns In Clover.
McHugh and Fields contributed title songs for films including "Cuban Love Song", "Dinner at Eight" and "Hooray for Love", as well as “I Feel a Song Comin’ On” and “I'm in the Mood for Love” from 1935’s Every Night at Eight. In the artistically fruitful years after they first collaborated in 1930, McHugh and Fields wrote over 30 songs for the film world. Fields and McHugh finally parted company in 1935.(Spitz) McHugh's longest songwriting partner was Harold Adamson. Adamson provided lyrics to McHugh's compositions. Such hits as "Coming in on A Wing and A Prayer" found its way into Bartlett's Familiar Quotations.

Just so you can hear this very popular version let’s take a listen to Nat King Cole himself. I also want you to have the opportunity to hear the lyrics This IS NOT a part of the contest, so if you don’t have the time and want to skip it, no matter.



Now the Two Contenders, which, by the way, are both instrumental versions.

First up; John Coltrane


Second, let’s hear from Keith Jarrett



OK, now you should know what to do and how to do it. Leave me your vote in the comment section and tell me why you chose as you did. If you want to listen to some other great BATTLES, click on over to the home of Mr. Stephen T. McCarthy. You can find him HERE . Stephen will provide a list of all the participants in BATTLE OF THE BANDS. He is also participating in the “Lost and Found Blog Hop’ so, you can kill two birds or should I say blogs, with one click.

If you’re only interested in other participants in the “Lost and Found Blog Hop’ then by all means, click on over to the home of Mr Arlee Bird, where you will find a list of those participants. You can find him HERE

I’ll be roaming around voting at the other BOTB (that’s short for BATTLE OF THE BANDS) participants and also trying to check in on those of you participating in the ‘Lost and Found Blog Hop’.

I’ll be back on the 7th of February with the final tally in BOTB and will post my vote at that time. I 
hope you’ll make the time to stop back and see how this thing turns out. Until then, Happy Trails!

59 comments:

  1. haha yeah, usually it is for our own good in the end. #1 gets my vote.

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    1. Righto about that! And, we have the first vote for John Coltrane.

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  2. Hi Fae!

    I don't recall ever hearing this song - but what cute lyrics!

    I'm thinking this would be so much easier if I were a Jazz fan. Jarrett was okay, and had my attention but I got tired of the cymbal. I went back to Coltrane, and found I liked his better, after all.

    One vote for John Coltrane.

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    1. They are cute lyrics, aren't they?

      Jazz seems to be an acquired taste. Glad you found one you, at least, liked better. Somedays that's what BOTB is all about.

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  3. How cool you joined in for the Lost & Found, FAE! And what a great song pick... You're right, those "missed opportunities" have a lot to teach us (if only to be more ready next time ;) ). One of my big life-shapers is precisely one of those. And yes, no regrets. Regret serves no purpose — unless you're a writer; then it turns into a fountain of inspiration :D

    Great battle! As odd as it feels to vote against Coltrane, I'm going with Jarrett for this one. His version had something... I dunno. It sneaked in and wouldn't let go ;)
    Guilie @ Quiet Laughter

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    1. Writing/regrerts - ain't that the truth?

      Glad you liked Jarrett. It's good to have opposing votes right in the beginning. It means I'm safe from a shut-out. Ha!

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  4. My choice is Keith Jarrett - softer, lovelier!

    Now off to visit more entries!

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    1. Interesting take on Jarrett - softer, lovelier. I didn't really think of his version that way, but hey, what do I know. That's what I love about BOTB; all the different opinions. I learn something new every month.

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  5. I don't recall ever having heard this song or of the songwriter before, though I'm certainly familiar with many of his hits that you listed. Nice tune that works especially well as an instrumental.

    You made the choice really tough. I love Coltrane's smooth cool jazz sound. Lot's of nice touches in this piece.

    Jarrett was first introduced to me in the early 80's by one of my lost loves and I became a fan of his improv style. He approaches almost a classical style at times, but always stays within that jazzy framework. The guy is amazing.

    My vote goes to Keith Jarrett despite his strange, but somewhat endearing vocalizing while he plays.

    Nice pairing here.

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Tossing It Out

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    1. This was a suggestion from Sheboyganboy 6. The minute I heard it I knew it was perfect for the Lost and Found Blog Hop. There are several good covers, but I really wanted to use the instrumental versions, because that was what I was familiar with. Don't think I had ever heard it performed with lyrics before.

      I wasn't too sure how an instrumental jazz piece would be received, but so far so good. And now, Keith Jarrett has his third vote and my fears of a blow-out are calming down.

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  6. I'll have to go with Coltrane.
    I guess I'm a rarity when it comes to romantic love. I've never loved and lost. My wife was my first and only love.

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  7. I love both these artists! And I know the song, though I haven't heard it in a looooong time. However...Coltrane was putting me to sleep. Jarrett's is way more jazzy and up beat so my vote goes for him.

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. Interesting that you would say 'Coltrane was putting me to sleep'. Someone a few comments up said Jarrett was a softer version. Just goes to show that when it comes to BOTB we all have very different tastes and our ears and minds hear different things.

      A vote for the more jazzy and upbeat Jarrett.

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  8. Love the story about the songwriter. It's funny how we think we've got life all figured out, but the detours along the way are the adventures that lead us to true success or happiness.

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    1. I like how you think. My comments about all the moves I've made and different places I've lived are 'It's just the next adventure'. It's kind of nice to NOT know what awaits around the next bend in the road. IMO.

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  9. I really love the John Coltrane version the best. It has great sax and energy.

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    1. YIKES! a vote for great sax and energy. A really good combo IMO!

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  10. Coltrane I guess.

    All love lost and found makes a good story. :)

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    1. I'll count your vote for John Coltrane, however tentative it may be.

      I agree about the lost and found love making a good story. How boring to always read about 'happily ever after' with no hardship or struggle in between.

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  11. I've had the experience of bad timing in love and relationships. But I'm quite sure that you are right: when it didn't work it, it was in your best interest. I believe that to be true with most things.

    As for your battle: wow, John Coltrane gets my vote for sure. From the first few notes, I knew he was going to be my choice. But I gave Keith Jarrett a good listen, but he didn't wow me like Coltrane did. Nice battle!

    Michele at Angels Bark

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    1. Thanks Michele. Timing can be 'everything' is most events in our lives. It's best to try and be ready for just about anything. Ha!

      Wowed by Coltrane. Sounds good to me!

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  12. Fae, although I'm not familiar with this song, I like the instrumental versions better than with Nat's vocals. The one that won me over the best is John Coltrane. The sound of a sax and the tinkle of ivory really makes this a sexy, jazzy love melody.

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    1. 'Sexy, jazzy love melody'; I like your description. I think it's so much better without the lyrics. They are cute, but not 'sexy,jazzy' like the music alone.

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  13. I don't know what's happening to me. I'm a piano gal. I love the piano. BUT, I voted against the piano version on Dixie's blog AND now I'm about to do it again. That sax is so darn good. To be fair (to myself, that is), Coltrane's version also includes a piano (as backup to the sax).

    So a vote for Coltrane and his sexy sax.

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    1. I think that piano lightly tinkling in the background adds a special touch, so give yourself a break and you can still call yourself a 'piano gal'; it's alright by me. Of course, Billy Joel might object. Ha!

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  14. Usually I'd take horns over piano- but not this time. Gimme Jarrett if you would, please.

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  15. I can't believe I am voting against Nat, but John Coltrane is hard to beat so I am going with him. :-) Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting. I've missed you! Roland

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    1. Ah, Roland, how nice. I like to think people would miss me. I do enjoy visiting your space, I've just been way out in space recently and trying to make the time to get back into things.

      Thanks for coming by and casting a vote. John Coltrane, it is.

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  16. Losing love is so very painful-most of us have been there and don't care to do it again. As for the vote-give me Coltrane- I enjoyed it so much better than the 2nd one. The piano in Jarrett's rendering reminded me of Peanut's cartoon which is aok but part way in, there was this sound which reminded me of a whiny baby or something. I think it was him and I found it distracting and really annoying so Coltrane gets my vote

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    1. You're not the first to call Jarrett distracting (not here on this blog, but I have heard that about him before). Got you down for Coltrane.

      You're right about lost love being painful and not wanting to do it more than once, but often we don't really have a choice in the matter; unless of course, we chose to simply isolate our self from the world and not risk falling in love again.

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  17. Hmm, Jarrett is a bit too jazzy for the lyrics of this song. Ruins the vibe a bit, though I did like the piano. Hard to argue with that Sax though. Give my vote to Coltrane.

    Love is fickle, ain't it? Young love especially. My last one in the house is going through love longings, and its not pretty to watch, lol. Just something we all get through :)

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    1. You're 100% right about watching someone else and their 'love longings', definitely NOT a pretty sight, especially when it's one of your own.

      got you down for that sexy sax and there is not surprise in your vote.

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  18. Good Battle, FAE.

    Funny how sometimes a song I don't really care for all that much can have the lyrics excised, converted into an instrumental and suddenly I like it ever so much more. Such is the situation here.

    Although Jazz is my very favorite form of music, Coltrane has never been a performer I really connected with. I know that's supposed to be Jazz blasphemy an' all that tommy-rot, but there it is. I don't pretend to like what I don't really like, just because it's considered "right" or "fashionable" or because I'm trying to impress others or fool myself.

    I do, however, like Coltrane's ballads far better than I do his free-form Jazz flights or "Hip Hop"-- no. I mean, "Be-Bop".

    And in this case, I dug him on this tune considerably more than Jarrett's take on it (although I did like that Joe Morello-ish drumming toward the end).

    Today, I have a ticket for the COLE TRAIN.
    WOO-WOO! CHUG-A, CHUG-A, CHUG-A, CHUG-A... WOO-WOO!

    ~ D-FensDogG
    'Loyal American Underground'

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    1. OK, I got you down riding on the Cole Train!

      I do agree that I'm not overly fond of this tune with the lyrics (sorry Nat). It seems too syrupy. I had never heard it before. But, I was familiar with the instrumental and THAT I like a lot.

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  19. Trane, for sure. Jarrett's version is nice, but I just like the saxophone a little better.

    You can find my battle here: https://goo.gl/nhWyLb

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    1. I agree this is a vote for the nice and the nicer. It's all a matter of personal taste.

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  20. It sounds like you have a wise philosophy re love. At whatever stage of life, it has its ups and downs.

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  21. These are both excellent versions! I like the straightforward and lovely approach of Coltrane and also of his side man McCoy Tyner's piano.

    On the other hand, Jarrett's version is really special. It is more nuanced and I enjoyed it a lot. Like StMcC, the drums at the end were great.

    This was a very close call for me. Very, very close! If pressed... oh, prairie poop! I'll vote Jarrett. But tomorrow I might vote differently.

    I will add two things: I'm glad you posted a "test" version of the song with words so I could hear how this song related to the Lost and Found Love theme. And: there is another version with words, yet still jazzy, that I like even bettern' these two.

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    1. I suspect the version with lyrics that you like better is by Karrin Allyson. I almost put her up against Nat, but since I had never heard the song with lyrics before and was more familiar with the instrumental version (and BTW like the instrumentals better), that's the way I decided to go. I admit I wasn't sure how two strictly jazz instrumental pieces would be received by the normal crowd, but so far they really seem to like it. I might have to go this route again sometime. A thousand thank yous for the suggestions.

      Hope things are going well for you in the land of the conch. Regardless of the business you have to take care of, I'm still jealous.

      Got you down for TODAY'S CHOICE Keith Jarrett!

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  22. Nat King Cole blew both of these versions away in my opinion. Both of the other versions were okay. Coltrane gets my vote

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    1. Interesting that you like the version with the lyrics better, but thanks for voting for one of the contenders. Coltrane's got your vote.

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  23. I'll go with Nat King Cole. I love his smile- that is the proper way to choose, right?

    I think timing has a lot to do with some loves, but others seem to last even when they come at the worst of times, making me believe true love does conquer all.

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    1. You may be right about true love and all that jazz. Some of the stories I've read during this Hop, sure to prove that. a lot of folks have had their love survive through some pretty exceptional things.

      I'll count your vote for Nat, even though he really wasn't in the running here. I just posted his version so you guys could hear the tune with the lyrics. Sorry if that caused any confusion, and no worries.

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  24. Great song choice to go with this hop. Natch, I like the Nat King Cole version best, but since that one isn't included in the battle, I'll go with Coltrane. Gotta love Coltrane!

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    1. Hey, thanks for stopping by. Couldn't agree with you more; 'gotta love Coltrane'!

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  25. Falling in love at the wrong time - Brandon and I have talked about this before, and fun fact, that's why we both ultimately married women that are 6 years younger than us. That wasn't something either of us set out to do, mind you, but when we were both in the dating pool we found women our own age to be jaded, burned by all of the past loves they had, and it made relationships aggravating when you're trying to compensate for a bunch of mistakes that some other guys made. These ladies were too scared they'd get hurt again, and would block themselves off emotionally, which killed things every time. What's the point in trying to get close to someone who won't let themselves get close to you?

    When we met our respective ladies, they were young enough to be fresh eyed, optimistic, and not burned by a slew of bad past experiences, but still mature enough to handle a serious relationship. I was hesitant - I mean, my wife just turned 20 when I met her - but here we are, 6 years later for me and 4 for the other B, all happily married. We both definitely found love at just the right time.

    The battle - my cohort digs Coltrane, and I'm all about the piano via Jarrett. While we disagree on votes, we do agree that both versions are great.

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  26. Interesting perspective on looking for someone with a bright, new, shiny outlook when it comes to love. It's hard not to judge by past experience. I mean really, that's what we're supposed to do, isn't it? Yet, I get exactly what you're saying about the wounded and paying the price for someone else's mistakes. It's a two way street and the older you get the harder it is to find someone who isn't carrying a ton of baggage. Looks like both of you made wise decisions. I do believe that there is something to 'finding love at exactly the right time' and that is more an emotional state of mind for each individual than any particular age or year. I have often thought that a hundred and say fifty years ago, things where a whole lot more simple. You got married around fifteen to the boy/girl from the neighboring ranch/farm and generally lived happily ever after, never having been exposed to a whole lot of heartbreak. Of course, you were probably dead by forty-five.

    Once again you guys 'split the vote'. One might think that you cancel each other out, but not me. We'll see how this one swings on the 7th. so far, I still believe it's anybody's race.

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    1. You hit the nail on the head. Did you know that in India, arranged marriages are proven to be the most successful? Only 1 in 100 end in divorce, which is the lowest divorce rate in the world. And in a survey, 74% of Indians age 18-35 said they actually WANTED arranged marriages. Statistically, most arranged marriages DO end in happily ever after. Why? Because it's simple. There's no past heartbreak to dwell on, no "what ifs", no courtship rituals, it's just you and your spouse working together to well, make things work. And doing it with a clean slate.

      I mean, nowadays you have to date X amount of people before you get married because otherwise you'll wonder if the grass is greener on the other side. If something annoys you, rather than work through it, you can just dump them and date someone else, even if that something is a very minor problem. I'm not saying you should marry the first person you find, but I think people nowadays definitely overthink and overcomplicate things.

      The wife and I got engaged after only 3 months. People were shocked - "Isn't that so sudden? She's so young! Do you really think you know each other?" But really, what else was there to think about? By 3 months we'd already had arguments, already seen each other's bad sides (and found we could deal with them), and already laid out what we would accept/would expect from each other.

      So yeah, I laugh when I see a couple who's been dating for 3 years, who already live together, who already have kids together, and they say they aren't sure if they're ready for the commitment of marriage "just yet."

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    2. One of my cousins lived with this guy for seven years. They got married and didn't make it to their second anniversary. He said he couldn't take being tied down. What the hell? Our society is way to disposable on every level.

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  27. I don't do blog hops anymore. Maybe when I retire ... lol

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    1. I can certainly understand that. It is very time consuming.

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  28. Voting for Coltrane, one of the all-timers.

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  29. Got you down for 'the man', E-man. Thanks for stopping by.

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  30. I'm glad I looked at the comments after I decided on my "pick" o' the battle. I'd typed out a chugga chugga for the col-train and then I saw McCarthy had done the same. That would have been a total train wreck and affront to my "be original" vibe.

    A BELATED VOTE FOR COLTRANE!! Whoo-whooot! All aboard! The train is leaving the station.

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    1. Glad to see you made it by. I was worried that you might be sick again. It seems there is a lot of that going around.

      Got you down as an 'original' vote for John Coltrane, but I'm not sure I can realistically call it that, as it looks like he's running away with this BATTLE. Tomorrow will tell.

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