HutchFan

Copland performed by his foremost advocate.

Ugh. Sorry to hear that. Hopefully, it'll be a quick fix. I actually think I'm going to get these RSD releases on CD. I love vinyl too. But the RSD CDs are less expensive. (Most of the vinyl that I buy is used.) Occasionally, I'll plop for a new LP if it's the only option -- like last year's RSD reissue of Black Renaissance - Body, Mind, Spirit. I also have a few Pure Pleasure LPs in my collection that aren't available in any digital format.

Pat Martino - Live at Yoshi's (Blue Note, 2001) with Joey DeFrancesco and Jabali Billy Hart Pat was such a badass. And when I'm listening to his records -- like I am right now -- he still is. Amen to that!

Jerry Gonzalez & The Fort Apache Band - Moliendo Café (Sunnyside, 1993) Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Congas, Bajo Quinto – Jerry Gonzalez Tenor Saxophone – Carter Jefferson Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Joe Ford Piano – Larry Willis (!!!) Bass – Andy Gonzalez Drums, Claves, Guacharaca, Guiro, Congas – Steve Berrios

Hermann Scherchen - The 1950s Haydn Symphonies Recordings (DG, 2003) Recordings originally made for Westminster with the Vienna State Opera Orchestra and Wiener Symphoniker Disc 3: Symphonies No. 93; No. 94 "The Surprise"; and No. 104 "London" I was reading in the liner notes that, at the time of their release, musicologist H. C. Robbins Landon described these recordings as "brilliant, intellectual, honest, uncompromising, and eccentric." I'd say those words sum up Scherchen's music-making in general.

Next up: Roy Eldridge - Dale's Wail (Verve, 2 LPs) Now this music OVERFLOWING with vitality. So much irrepressible soul coming out of that horn! Yeah!!!

Those releases are the ones that I'm looking to get too.

The music is OK, but somewhat generic. At this point, having heard it only once, I can't say that I'd recommend it. I prefer individual albums by Hamilton (Tenorshoes) & Vaché (Polished Brass) much more. Both of these LPs feature smaller ensembles, which seem better suited to these players.

First spin of a recent dollar-bin find: Scott Hamilton & Warren Vaché - Skyscrapers (Concord, 1980) A nonet session with Harold Ashby, Joe Temperley, Norman Simmons, and others

Now spinning: Laurindo Almeida - Concierto de Aranjuez (East Wind JP, 1978) My vinyl is the U.S. version issued on Inner City

More BRAHMS: Brahms' first orchestral work is wonderfully assured for someone who's just dipping his toe in the pool. Down a silly rabbit hole: The image on this album cover should feature the young, virile, clean-shaven Brahms -- not the weary, old, big-bearded sage. For example: An image like this one is much more accurate timeline-wise. Sorry not sorry for the pedantry!

Now on my turntable: Brahms: Four Serious Songs and other vocal works / Janet Baker, André Previn, and others (Angel, 1978)

Braves took 2 of 3 from the WS champs this weekend. I'll take it. The injury bug has already badly bitten us. Losing Spencer Strider for the year really hurts. But we're still finding ways to win.

What a fantastic opportunity, Jim. So cool that you're going to be able to see all four in the course of one week! Outside of Bayreuth (and maybe music capitals like NYC, London & Berlin), complete Ring cycles must be VERY rare.