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I like box sets a lot. First got into them in the classical genre. Don't recall my first jazz box set. I only deal with CDs, not vinyl. Having amassed lots of recordings, I'm beginning to downsize and box format has become important. I find Mosaics bulky and have stopped buying them unless something truly compelling is released. I prefer cardboard sleeves for the individual discs, a nice color booklet and compact outer box. The Julius Hemphill box on New World is practically a model in that respect. Listening-wise, once I pull a box off the shelf I generally prefer to listen to the whole thing. Barring the classical mega-boxes, which can include dozens of CDs. 🤪

I find boxsets increasingly valuable, especially if they're well done with good liners. The first box set I ever got was the Led Zeppelin 4 CD set from way back in 1990. It had unreleased songs and a great sequence to the individual tracks. I listened to it nonstop for a while and was hooked on box sets immediately after that. The first jazz box I got was probably the Moncur Mosaic Select, which hooked me on their reissues. I definitely prefer CD boxsets over LP. Space issues and just overall accessibility of the box set lends itself to CDs better for my uses.

Books and CD’s were the first thing we packed — about 50 cubic feet of boxes, iirc. And that was AFTER we donated or sold off 20 cubic feet (combined) of books and CD’s. I only have about 200 LP’s (if that even) — and of those, only about 50 are ones I especially wanted to keep (but I’m probably gonna wait to get to Pittsburgh before I thin out the LP’s — mostly in the interest of time).

Yeah I’m really curious how they sounded together. Thats Ayler with Tranes rhythm section right? With Ali on drums? That could definitely work. Who buys that stuff? Trane newcomers that are misleaded they actuallly get the best of?

My first box was the Complete BN Art Blakey 1960 set. These days, I usually rip the discs to MP3 and put them on my phone. Then I make playlists of the original albums. I prefer to listen to the music as it was originally sequenced (assuming it's music from the LP era or later).

Aside from the great music in Mosaic box sets the accompanying booklets are worth the purchase price alone!

Thanks Dan!

I suppose they can still unearth good things by these great artists. The Miles Davis bootlegs offered some good stuff, and I was quite pleased with Coltrane's Both Directions at Once and Blue World. One can't expect anything mind-blowing (at least I don't), but perhaps some more satisfying recordings (probably concerts).

Me too, forgot about that one. Great group in the 80's, fun song. How were they at this late date? I have the first couple of discs from when they reformed some years ago.

I've always been a sucker for the much-maligned Bosstown Sound of the late 60's (Ultimate Spinach, et al).

Whoops! I can't seem to edit so here are detes on 4 and 9: All The Things You Are Track 4 is the opener on this Schaap archive recording: https://aviary.library.vanderbilt.edu/collections/2137/collection_resources/131588 Track 9 from this: https://www.discogs.com/release/30882759-Ken-Peplowski-Live-At-Mezzrow

I believe my first one was a used copy of "20 Years of Jethro Tull", which I sold off many years ago. I think the first one I bought that I still have was the Prestige Miles Davis Chronicle set.

I don't see 4 & 9 above but anyway, loved how you set this up. Helped the sleuthing, which is part of the fun to me.

By the way, two days ago the legendary 80s group "Dream Syndicate" with Steve Wynn played in Athens - they closed their set with their John Coltrane Stereo Blues with quotes of the 'A Love Supreme'. Very nice.

yes, I agree -- was very happy with the pressing, and it's an incredible set.

I'd love to hear anything from: • Coltrane 1966-1967 • Davis (roughly) 1971-1975 that hasn't been widely circulated.

What was your first box set? Mine was the Brownie sessions on EmArcy. Beyond excellent.

“India” has long been a favorite of mine.

Excellent analogy. During acquisition moratoriums, I find I turn to box sets—only to discover how little of the compilation I'm familiar with. Example: while I know the first disc of the Gerry Mulligan CJB set almost by heart, I realized I was more unfamiliar with discs 2-4 than I thought. By logging off all devices and spending more time with sound, this rapidly changed.

I’ve heard Christian McBride’s name mentioned here and there — just wishful thinking (nothing from any insiders). I suppose Jason Moran is available too (after he left the KC).

I’ve got about 55 box sets (including maybe 20 selects). At least HALF of them I haven’t spent anywhere near enough time with over the last 20–25 years — which I plan to rectify in retirement, a whole box a week sometimes (with luck). Most of them are Mosaics — but I think I’ve got about 10 non-Mosaic big boxes too.

Parlor Greens, In Green/We Dream (Colemine) Nicole Glover, Memories, Dreams, Reflections (Savant)

yeah, excellent show though after the first few seasons I stopped following it (just moved on to other things). Probably due for a rewatch or at least catch up. I remember seeing her in the audience (along with other siblings) for a Mary Margaret O'Hara concert & it seemed like they were a wildly supportive family. Thinking of them all during this time.