Normal service resumes with a podcast devoted to tributes celebrating the still-obscure pianist and composer Herbie Nichols.  Nichols spent his truncated career in the shadow of Thelonious Monk (a big guy who cast a big shadow).  He released roughly four albums in his lifetime and spent much of his career scuffling in Dixieland bands, but those initiated into his cult realize he was a truly gifted and unique composer.  These tributes encompass a fairly straight ahead quintet date, a more adventuresome guitar trio, a solo piano recital, and a vocal set with brand new lyrics (and titles!) for many of Herbie's songs.  Eric T. Johnson – HERBIE NICHOLS VOL 1; Enrique Heredia Trio – PLAY HERBIE NICHOLS; Simon Nabatov – SPINNING SONGS OF HERBIE NICHOLS; Fay Victor – LIFE IS FUNNY THAT WAY.