sidewinder

What a great series that 'Verve Elite Editions' was. So many new discoveries- not rehashes of stuff you already know.

It was at Ronnie Scotts. Back in the 80s I used to try to catch at least one night of Cedar's regular annual appearances. Initially it was 'Eastern Rebellion' (Ralph Moore took over from Berg when he joined Miles) then the trio with Higgins and Williams. Back circa 1980, Scotts seemed like Billy's second home as he also appeared with George Coleman. Good times ! I'd never heard or seen these Red Records CDs before, then this afternoon spotted both of them second hand at a good price.

Indeed it is - apart from some sibilance on track 1, presumably a deficiency in the recording. Also picked up Higgins' 'Once More', also on Red Records. Cedar Walton and Bob Berg on both disks. Saw Higgins, Walton and Berg around 1980 so this is a nice blast from the past. Whereas on the Red Records CDs Tony Dumas is on bass, at the gigs it was David Williams on bass under Cedar's 'Eastern Rebellion' name.

Billy Higgins 'Soweto' (Red Records)

I remember seeing photos of Mingus at the event in Jazz Journal I think. Very sad. Is that Cecil Taylor sat with Mary Lou Williams on the footage?

Azimuth 'Azimuth' (ECM) Nice to see that Norma Winstone will be playing the Swanage Jazz Festival again this Summer !

Interesting, wasn't aware of that. Have the Riverside in an orig DG mono copy so will likely 'pass' if a Tone Poet comes to pass. As it is a well recorded and in demand album, it will quite probably happen.

Isn't that one on Riverside though?

A nice guy. I got to meet him in 1999, bought one of his large format books and he signed it for me. It's hiding inside my bookcase so this is a good prompt to dig it out.

I've still got a bundle of the 'watch offer' OBIs but never got a watch !

I'm 'in' for this one - it will replace my trusty old brown bag 70s twofer.

Andrew Hill 'Pax' (Blue Note Conn) A strong session, as usual with Andrew.

The only times I've ever seen Byron have been in Canada and enjoyed those gigs, which were around the 'Tuskeegee' period and band lineups. Sounds good at The Rex.

Blossom Dearie Complete Fontana Recordings, CD2

It was an interesting listen. Some nice reminiscences about Louis, Duke and Monk plus it's not every day that you hear Julius Hemphill selected as a pick on Desert Island Disks. Beats the usual selection of musically illiterate unknowns that frequent this programme ! I like that story about her Mum getting totally drunk (first time ever, apparently) at a Duke post-gig party !

Incredible - new to me too. Presumably Reggie Johnson on bass and Joe Chambers on drums but who is the pianist? Is that Hal Galper? Venue - Jazzhus Montmatre? (Carlsberg beer on tables).

Last time I saw Marshall Allen was nearly 35 years ago and based on age he could have been drawing his pension even then. His playing dismissed such notions though - fiery and aggressive. No pipe and slippers for this guy !

Yes, I think you are correct.

I wonder what Sue Mingus would have had to say about this? Interesting for sure but LP only for a set of airchecks seems a bit ridiculous. Have we reverted back to the days of the Beppo and Ozone labels? Rant over !

Enjoying the first bit of the Horace Silver Memorial Broadcast (with Phil's verbal diversions). Great resource.

More Rollins on Esquire - 'Worktime'.

Another really good Beehive session and I need to dig that Mosaic out !

Mosaic 'The Complete Verve/Clef Charlie Ventura & Flip Phillips Studio Sessions' - First 3 LPs of Ventura material. Very rich sounding, glad I went for the LP option all those years ago when it was on 'last chance'. The Ventura tracks are interesting and full of beans !

Not for many a year now, sadly. Nor were they ever available in any significant quantity, especially the earlier ones. I don't remember seeing any if these in Ray's, although I do recall they held a warehouse load of Dial 78s and the like but that would be in the 1980s. Playback quality usually trounces Prestige originals as (unlike Prestige) they don't use recycled vinyl.