Help in Choosing a Mosaic Set

[WarpedOrb]

Hello Folks,

I walked into my favorite indie record store today and saw that they had acquired some jazz from an estate sale. Apparently the fellow was a little crazy in that he bought everything, but had so much stuff he rarely returned to things.

Two Mosaic sets are on display in the back, on the wall.

Mosaic Record's The Complete Art Hodes Blue Note Sessions and The Complete Blue Note Forties Recordings (Ike Quebec & John Hardee).

The owner allowed me to put these aside for a week to decide which one to get. They're the CD sets. They're priced at $65 each & the plastic wrap is still on the CD cases.

Is there consensus on which is better or "a better find"? Heck, for $130 for the two, maybe I should buy both.

I'd like some advice from experienced Jazzbos.

Thank you

[sidewinder]

I'd go for both - but at a push I would say that the Art Hodes would be the one to go for, if you just take the one.

[colinmce]

I'd vote for both too, but I think the Quebec/Hardee would give you more mileage.

[jazzbo]

Go for both if you can, but like sidewinder I would choose the Hodes, I love that set.

[Clunky]

I'd vote for both too, but I think the Quebec/Hardee would give you more mileage.

I'd go this way.

[kh1958]

I'd vote for both too, but I think the Quebec/Hardee would give you more mileage.

I'd go this way.

Me too.

[J.A.W.]

I'd choose the Quebec/Hardee too. It's one of the rarest Mosaics and usually goes for big bucks on eBay, so in case you don't like it... The Hodes is not to be missed either, though, so if you can afford it, get both.

Edited September 29, 2012 by J.A.W.

[JSngry]

Both, don't even think about it (unless you really need to in terms of paying debts/bills/etc).

[Dave James]

I'd also go with the Quebec Hardee, but for $65 each, if I had to, I'd set up shop at a freeway entrance for a half a day and get both.

[paul secor]

Both. If you can't do that, flip a coin. (I like the Quebec/Hardee a lot.)

[Tom 1960]

For $130 you certainly can't go wrong with both.

[jlhoots]

Agree with all others - both - what a deal.

[lipi]

Get both, definitely.

(And if you don't want the Art Hodes, I'll gladly take it off your hands!)

[paul secor]

Whichever one you pick, you win. And don't look back.

Edited September 30, 2012 by paul secor

[WarpedOrb]

I looked at the list of OOP Mosaics. I had no idea those two are that early in the list. Those must be 20 years old. I hate buying if I'm not going to like the music, but even stuff I'm not usually in to like the HRS box I learned to love in time.

And from what I've read these should both be quite good. I guess it's one of those lucky finds I've only ever read about. Lucky me, but I would have rather had a real life Playboy Letter.

So, yes, I'll take both of 'em.

Thanks for the input guys.

Edited September 30, 2012 by DemonDuckOfDoom

[Dave James]

The best Mosaic deal I ever stumbled into was the 4-CD Benny Goodman set (box, book and CD's, all in mint condition) that I found in a local jazz store for $45.00. This was before dealers realized the intrinsic value of OOP Mosaics and before eBay cornered the market. In other words, a long time ago in a galaxy far far away.

[sidewinder]

I picked up 7 of them on one occasion (6 vinyl, one CD) - at between £25 and £30 each (a copy of the Quebec/Hardee was in that stash too). A one-off, never to be repeated. What made it even more amazing was that it was in London !

Edited September 30, 2012 by sidewinder

[romualdo]

I looked at the list of OOP Mosaics. I had no idea those two are that early in the list. Those must be 20 years old. I hate buying if I'm not going to like the music, but even stuff I'm not usually in to like the HRS box I learned to love in time.

And from what I've read these should both be quite good. I guess it's one of those lucky finds I've only ever read about. Lucky me, but I would have rather had a real life Playboy Letter.

So, yes, I'll take both of 'em.

Thanks for the input guys.

You certainly won't regret that decision

Here's the Mosaic bargains that I've found in Australia (all in very good to mint condition) - amazing what turns up here secondhand

All bought in Brisbane & Sydney record shops

"The Columbia Jazz Piano Moods Sessions" 7CD $24.99 (bought a couple of months ago)

"The Complete BN Recordings of George Lewis" 5 LP $24.95 (bought in 1995)

"The Complete Chet Baker/Gerry Mulligan PJ/Capitol" 5LP $45 (bought in 1998)

"The Complete Ike Quebec/John Hardee BN" 4LP $45 (bought in 1998)

"The Complete Art Pepper Small Group Recordings" 3LP $25

[gmonahan]

Get both, definitely.

(And if you don't want the Art Hodes, I'll gladly take it off your hands!)

Damn--you beat me to this one!

gregmo

[lipi]

Get both, definitely.

(And if you don't want the Art Hodes, I'll gladly take it off your hands!)

Damn--you beat me to this one!

Hah, well, it looks like DemonDuck made the right decision and decided to get both for himself.

[Brad]

Both is a good decision. Quebec Hardee is definitely a great one.

[WarpedOrb]

Boy oh boy wish I had more money. I went back to get those and you won't believe what's for sale!

Volumes I, II, and III of Commodore Jazz Recordings ($200 ea. - but good deal no?)

Albert Ammons & Meade Lux

Blue Note Sydney Bechet

50s Teagarden

There were also dozens of still-sealed disney / childrens albums from early 60s

And Marlyn Monroe stuff incl. nude picture discs

I'd consider buying for someone if you're willing reimburse me! :h

Edited September 30, 2012 by DemonDuckOfDoom

[J.A.W.]

Boy oh boy wish I had more money. I went back to get those and you won't believe what's for sale!

Volumes I, II, and III of Commodore Jazz Recordings ($200 ea. - but good deal no?)

Albert Ammons & Meade Lux

Blue Note Sydney Bechet

50s Teagarden

There were also dozens of still-sealed disney / childrens albums from early 60s

And Marlyn Monroe stuff incl. nude picture discs

I'd consider buying for someone if you're willing reimburse me! :h

Depending on their condition $200 each for those Commodore LP sets is a steal. They usually go for much more on eBay.

[WarpedOrb]

The two I bought were all still wrapped. The Commodores look like new barely played (if at all).

The estate is that of a local physician; the stuff showing up is pristine.

Still, i would only buy all three boxes and $645 with tax is too much even for a music geek like me (with newborn baby).

To my shame I'm considering though as an early Christmas gift to me and my daughter WILL be a jazz fan so she'll thank me - right? Haha

Edited September 30, 2012 by DemonDuckOfDoom

[Dave James]

To my shame I'm considering though as an early Christmas gift to me and my daughter WILL be a jazz fan so she'll thank me - right? Haha

Even though these Mosaic sets will belong to your daughter, you will be responsible for their safe keeping while she grows into her legacy. Of course, as a steward of the music, you will be required you to play them from time to time to ensure that they are remain fully functional and to validate the investment you've made in your daughter's future. It's the least you can do.