Thanks to everyone.
O - Don C was probably before I started visiting regularly. I know the name but never listened. Got Milarepa playing now. Pretty atmospheric. Sounds like something Miles would have done a la Silent Way or Bitches Brew.
What's that little horn Don is holding? Either he has big hands or that thing is tiny! Pocket trumpet??
F - I did say my "fixation" on tone was a shallow reason! Hey, when you come up listening to Clapton, Page, Hendrix, West & Taylor and that's the sound that trained your ear, it's hard to adjust to this "clean" jazz sound. Seems kinda wimpy. I believe you when you say the Martino and Metheny solos weren't "abstract" but to my ear, hard to hear the connection back to the source. Would be interesting to hear a jazz guitar piece transcribed for, say, trumpet or VIBES (that's the ticket). Wonder how that would hit me. I really didn't HATE those 3 albums just not something I felt compelled to go and buy. On the other hand, if forced to pick one of those players to learn to love, I'm thinking it would be Wes Montgomery.
Acman - Thanks for taking the time. Sideman vs group leader, might well make a difference. Joe Pass' work on that On Time recording you recommended (I believe) was very enjoyable even though I don't get all giddy about the sound.
Rok - You are a card as they used to say. Good recommendation on that Smokin' at the Half Note. Fits Acman's sideman proposition.
Thanks for all the tutorial attention, gents.
Feeling a bit like the slow kid in class. :-)