Late

You're probably right. The UHQCD editions, if that's what's being used, are really good in my opinion.

I emailed Michael Cuscuna about these very sessions, and he wrote back saying that they were indeed lost, one of the "greatest tragedies" (his words) in American music. But wouldn't it be something if dubs were made, and (somehow) Ravi had copies. Unlikely, but you never know. I always thought that John Coltrane's trajectory would not be dissimilar from Alice's. I think his spiritual sense would only have intensified, and as a result be reflected in the music.

Same. Expression was actually the third Coltrane record I ever bought. I didn't know what I was purchasing at the time, and it freaked me out. I spun it once and sold it. Four years went by, and I purchased it again. This time I knew what I was getting into. Me too. In fact, I think about this way too much.

I just discovered that Plays Alto, Tenor And Baritone did see a digital release in the U.S., on this disc: This disc is a "two-fer." It contains the entirety of Sims' Argo quartet session (Zoot!), but omits two tracks — even though they could've easily fit, but it's an Orrin Keepnews production, so naturally he had to tamper — from Plays Alto, Tenor And Baritone. The Fresh Sounds disc mentioned above contains all of Zoot! and all of Plays Alto, Tenor And Baritone. Jordi Pujol wins. Plays Four Altos, contrary to what I stated above, is on a different Fresh Sounds disc.

As far as I can tell, Zoot made just two records for ABC-Paramount, both utilizing an overdubbed horn section. Zoot Sims Plays Alto, Tenor And Baritone Johnny Williams: piano Nabil Totah: bass Gus Johnson: drums George Handy: compositions recorded November 2 & 19, 1956 Zoot Sims Plays 4 Altos George Handy: piano & compositions Nabil Totah: bass Nick Stabulas: drums recorded January 11, 1957 ============================ These records are just as much George Handy records as they are Zoot Sims records. My first impression, however many years ago, was that the music (and hence compositions) was somewhat quaint. Zoot's playing is unimpeachable as always. Nowadays I'm enjoying Handy's writing more. And the way Zoot plays ensembles? Not an easy task, and Zoot makes it sound easy. Handy's composition "Blinuet" from Plays Alto, Tenor And Baritone ended up in a Wes Anderson film. It's one of the more memorable tracks from these sessions. Anyone else a fan of these records? Fresh Sounds put out a disc containing both albums quite a few years ago, but outside of that, I don't think either album has seen a digital release, not even from the Japanese market. Too bad, because both are swinging affairs.

Over the years this has become one of my favorite Coltrane records. I still haven't entirely warmed to "To Be," but the other tracks have such incredible presence. The opener "Ogunde," besides being a beautiful melody, seems like a farewell of sorts, as if Coltrane knew his time on Earth was ending. "Offering" has to be one the best tracks Coltrane ever committed to vinyl (while it technically belongs to the "Stellar Regions" session). And the title track itself? Filled with emotion. What's your experience with this record? When did you first hear it?

I love Blythe's short solo on this track. The whole piece is great, but Blythe stands out.

Do you remember the Messengers lineup? Must've been the Bobby Watson/Marsalis era, I'm guessing.

I'd say, if you can find the Cobblestone/Muse recording (pictured above; white cover), that's a good starting point. I don't know if that exactly qualifies as "big band" however. Also, if you don't already have it, A Música Livre de Hermeto Paschoal.

I wish I could have heard Elvin live. I did get to hear Art Blakey, just once, in 1985. He was still playing loud then. (Maybe he did 'til the end.)

For the most part, I think you're right. There are a few (originally Record Store Day Releases) that appear to have new remasters. Bandcamp is nice in that their downloads are offered in a variety of formats. You can get AIFF, FLAC, WAV, OGG, and two types of mp3 — variable and 320. And ... just in time for the holidays, you can purchase either Don Patterson's or Bobby Timmons' Holiday Soul. Both are excellent, even for holiday material.

Agreed. It makes me love Hermeto even more. I still don't feel like I "know" his music, but I'm always along for the ride.