JohnT

To help you in your search, you should pick up a copy of the book "Jazz Bass artists of the 1950's" by Dave Hunt. Dave's book not only covers the well-known bass giants of the 1950's but also some lesser-known but no less great bassists of that era. Dave's a great writer and he'll make you want to track down recordings by these great bassists. Many, many years ago, Dave turned me on to bassists Albert Stinson and George Tucker which made me want to track down all of the recordings they were on. A highly recommended book for bassists and non-bassists alike. The book can be had at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Jazz-Bass-Artists-1950s-Dave/dp/0982312369/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1283736365&sr=1-1

Scott LaFaro with Bill Evans - "Waltz For Debby", "Explorations", "Sunday at the Village Vanguard" "Portrait In Jazz".

I bought this set brand new for $35 from ESP's Ebay website last year. One of the best purchases I ever made. As much as I love my Mosaics and other boxes, this should be the example of how great Box Sets are made -- the whole package is wonderful!!!

Sorry, I had to vote for "other" my two favorites aren't on your list... Scott LaFaro and Sam Jones.... ...although all on your list are favorite players!!!!!

Not to get too far off the topic of the PJ Recordings but, to me, there is something about his singing and playing on the four Steeplechase albums (one studio and 3 live) that Chet did with just Doug Raney on guitar and NHOP on bass that,IMHO,really comes across with a lot of raw emotion. Not great singing but just filled with that "I've been through it all" emotion -- they are my favorite Chet records. The studio album is called "The Touch of Your Lips" - can't remember the names of the live recordings.

Ordered the Quincy Jones Big Band. I didn't really have the $$ to spend right now -- wish I could've ordered more--but we gotta do all we can for Mosaic!!!

Contact adam@espdisk.com He's been helping me obtain my February 12th order which he said is now on its way to me.

The drummer was Zak Starkey, son of Ringo Starr. I think his Dad would have been proud.

Braxton Disc 5

Ordered the Braxton set. I was saving up for it over the last couple of months and with free shipping it was time to pull the trigger!!

IIRC, the bass solo's were put back in to the 2 CD version. The only differences I see between the 2 CD version and the Mosaic LP's is that the Mosaic LP set has: 1. Slightly different track order 2. 5 versions of Epistrophy/Themes (previously unissued) 3. Sweet and Lovely (previously unissued) This is one of my favorite Monk performances so, eventually, I'll have to pick up the LP set too!!

Pat Moran's "This Is Pat Moran". Nice Trio with some great Scott LaFaro. http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Trio-Sessions-Pat-Moran/dp/B000N2H8I2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1262633716&sr=8-1

You might also try one of these: http://thinkns.com/instruments/wav.php I love mine!!

Two other good resources for basses, music, etc. www.lemurmusic.com www.gollihurmusic.com

1st, find a good teacher that can help you find a good upright bass, provide instruction, etc. Once finding a bass, getting it set-up comfortable for you to play is another important step and someone who already plays can be a great help with that too. 2nd, go to www.talkbass.com and go to their double bass forum. Lot's of great information and discussions on buying basses, books, etc. I have two double basses, luckily I was able to find these for a reasonable price, as you know they can be very expensive, but I had to do some major (in the case of one of them) and minor adjustments before they could be played properly. Best of luck in your hunt for a bass!!

George Tucker is one of my favorite bass players but there doesn't seem to be a lot of information known about him. Does anybody know where I could find out more information about his life, etc.? (I don't want to derail this thread -- this probably should have gone under it's own thread but it seemed appropriate here)

This past summer I visited the Lighthouse for the first time. It ain't what it used to be -- jazz only on Sundays. While I was there I was imagining Lee Morgan and his group playing there -- that must have been an awesome group to see in person!! Get the 3 CD Box -- IMHO some of the best live jazz on record!!!

Yes, as a bassist I am a little biased. I would also agree that 2 and a half hours of solo bass and violin is definetly not for everyone. However, for those so inclined to try something a little different, they might find some beautiful music within.

The new Henry Grimes double CD "Solo" has a lot of great arco and pizz bass along with some violin. It's not for the faint of heart but there's some beautiful playing on these discs. It's great to have Henry back at it!!!

Eddie Gomez plays some great bowed solos on some of the recordings he made with Bill Evans - mostly in a "live" setting . IIRC, he played some great bowed solos on the "Tokyo Concert" and "Montruex III" records. A great contemporary bassist who almost always plays bowed bass solos is Ari Roland. IMHO, he kind of reminds me of a modern day Paul Chambers in his bowed sound.

We can't tell you if we have a secret handshake 'cause you're not one of US!!! ...but we have openings in our "Yellow Submarine Second Sider" Society... c'mon you know you want to join us!

Include me as one of the six too. I've loved the 2nd side of Yellow Submarine since I bought the original vinyl years ago (the remaster sounds great!!). Thanks Big Al for letting me get that off my chest -- I've kept it in for all these years!!!

Brian Bromberg plays a "piccolo" bass guitar which is different than the "acoustic" piccolo upright bass of Ron Carter and Percy Heath. I recently saw Brian Bromberg at the Clearwater Jazz Fest. He put on a great show. However, I much prefer his acoustic bass playing over his electric playing even though he is an amazing player on the electric bass. Check out his CD's "Wood" and "Wood II" for more of his "acoustic" side. IIRC, he also played acoustic bass with Stan Getz in one of Stan's last bands. IMHO, Brain Bromberg is on of those players today that is trying to stradle the line between smooth jazz and traditional jazz. I liked his previous CD (more acoustic bass oriented) than his new one. I'm sure he makes a lot more $$ playing the smooth jazz thing but IMHO, I much prefer him in a more traditional jazz setting.

John and George say "Hi"!! Jimi, Janis and Jim wanted me to say hello too!!!...oh, and I almost forgot Mama Cass... Hell of a Band!!!!

I have both the Stereo and Mono Boxes and, I agree, the stereo "Beatles For Sale" is a real revelation and has been getting heavy rotation. Thus far, the other revelation is that, to my ears, Magical Mystery Tour sounds best in mono. Glad I have both boxes to sample, even if I'm now completely broke! I'm in Beatles heaven!!