As Michael J. West noted here nearly a month ago, the Library of Congress’s Larry Appelbaum has been presenting jazz and jazz-related films on Wednesdays for free throughout the month of April in the sixty seat Mary Pickford Theater (3rd floor of the Library’s James Madison building).  This is a quick reminder that tonight, Wednesday April 22, the Library will be showing the 2006 documentary “New Orlean Music in Exile,” with director Robert Mugge on hand to introduce the 113 minute film that includes blues, soul, brass band, jazz, and rock musicians.

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Josh Harkavy, owner of the record/book store Red Onion, e-mailed me this: his favorite, or some of his favorite records of the year.

Josh explains: “This is by no means a top 11 list, just 11 albums I listened to a lot in 2008.
Let me know if you need more info or anything. I hope you don’t mind that I went to 11.”

We don’t mind at all.

Irma Thomas: Irma Thomas Sings (Mississippi Records)
While it’s tough to choose one favorite Mississippi Records release, this is probably the one I play the most, especially in the store. It seems that whenever this album starts up, somebody ends up buying it.

Cotton Jones Basket Ride: The River Strumming (St. Ives Records)
This is truly my favorite discovery of the year. 300 pressed and I am so happy that I own one. Funky, folky psych from Maryland. More people need to hear this album.

Eddy Current Suppression Ring: Primary Colours (Goner Records)
I know the lead singer kinda sounds just like Mark E. Smith from the Fall, but that’s ok.

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