Justin V

Rest in peace, Mr. Mays, and thank you for the music.

Disc 6: I bought 3 out of the 7 discs from a member here for $18 a couple of years ago. I'm glad that I have some of the set, but I don't know if I'd spring for the whole thing when there is so much other Bird out there in higher fidelity.

That list of band members reminded me that Eugene Wright is still with us at almost 97. NAMM has a brief oral history here.

Next up in the Bee Hive box. What a voice!

I misclicked and started playing this album and was drawn in by the opening track. I may continue on to the next album on the Bee Hive Mosaic.

8 Simon deserves a higher profile. I saw him last night with Horizon(!). I've been impressed every time I've seen him (two other Horizon sets and with the SFJAZZ Collective).

Disc 4

I've been delaying putting my thoughts down. I was fortunate to see Jimmy Heath several times over the years. There are so many memories that I'll cherish and I'll share a few. The last time I saw him was at the Detroit Jazz Festival, first guesting with Randy Weston on a version of 'Hi-Fly' and then with his group plus Roberta Gambarini. I remember Heath dancing enthusiastically like a Pip behind the charming Gambarini as she sung Heath compositions. The performance with Weston was the only time they performed together (and the last time I saw Weston). There was the time I saw Heath with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra (then led by Sean Jones). The big-band charts of 'The Time and the Place' (such a great tune!) and 'A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing' have stuck with me. I remember Heath introducing 'Gingerbread Boy' as referring to his son being biracial and having Mona stand up. I saw him twice with his Heath Brothers band and the group hit a groove so deep you wouldn't believe it. I also got to hear him talk a few times. The first time was moderated by Christian McBride, whom Heath called Joe Theismann because his thighs were so big. During a Q&A, an older man asked Heath whatever happened to The World's Greatest Jazz Band. Heath, seemingly puzzled or irritated by this odd question, responded, "You mean the Modern Jazz Quartet?" I saw him at a master class where I had the chance to ask him about Hassan Ibn Ali (mentioned elsewhere) and you could tell that Heath fondly remembered him. I was also able to buy a personally inscribed copy of his autobiography that day with an inscription thanking me for having ears. I also remember him mentioning how huge Gene Ammons' sound was and how when Heath heard him, it seemed like Ammons' sound was coming from everywhere (I remember Heath comically looking under his seat). The last time I saw him talk was with Weston and it was something hearing two longtime friends and legends sharing stories. During his performances and talks, Heath's smile and sly wit were always on display and he unfailingly played with a lot of heart. I'll miss seeing him. Thank you for the music, Mr. Heath, and rest in peace.

Drummond is an underrated leader. If you don't have it, you'd dig Camera in a Bag, with Fathead Newman, Kenny Barron and Smitty Smith. Now playing: Disc 1: This arrived today. I'm hoping this set plays okay, because the first two discs I looked at were not in great shape. If the rest of the set is half this good, I'll be glad I snapped it up for $65 (despite having only one Ory album).

Any theories on why reed quality went down?

It actually appears that the set might not include the individual CD booklets. Weird.

Paul Quinichette - The Vice 'Pres'

I figured people here have often ordered from the UK and may have some insight. I ordered something that was shipped on January 6th. The seller has offered a refund or replacement. I'd like a replacement but don't want to end up receiving it twice. Is the first shipment likely to show up at this point?

Disc 5: My daughter turns 2 tomorrow. When I went to turn on music this morning, she said, "Stitt? Pass?"

That is a nice one I haven't pulled out in years. Now playing: I bought this last year for $2. That was enough of a taste of Kid Ory to make me leap at the chance to buy the Mosaic for $65 today. Even if I decide I don't need that much Ory in my collection, I could probably find a new home for the set here.

The two HRS sets are still available, surprisingly enough. Call me weird, but as long as I have the booklets with personnel listings, I can live without the giant books. In an unusual listing, I've just won the Kid Ory Mosaic, with the book but no box(?!?), for $65. I'm pretty excited.

I wish I could've made it up to the Boston area to see him with The Fringe. Thank you for the music, Mr. Gullotti, and rest in peace.

Benny Golson is 91 today. I just saw him last week with Emmet Cohen in Cincinnati. Here's wishing him a happy birthday!

That is a new one to me, but I am intrigued. What are your thoughts? Just finished Disc 6: Stitt and Roy Haynes! My toddler's fascination with Stitt has led to the growing realization that he is one of my favorites. This set is becoming indispensable. Now playing: Disc 4: it is pretty amazing that the session with Bill Perkins and Frank Strazzeri went unreleased for so long.

Oliver Jones - A Class Act: It had been several years since I'd last listened to this one, but I finally ripped it and am now on my third listen since yesterday. I hope that the underrated Mr. Jones is enjoying his retirement.

I'm sorry to hear this. I saw him in 2017 as part of a Dizzy tribute with Eric Alexander, Cyrus Chestnut, John Lee and Tommy Campbell. I remember thinking he seemed tired and short-winded, but I kind of attributed that to aging and the life of a traveling musician playing a difficult instrument. According to this fundraiser that I didn't know about, he was diagnosed with cancer that had spread to his lungs that year. I wish that I could have seen him under better circumstances, but I am thankful that I got to see him perform nonetheless. Thank you for the music, Mr. Roditi, and rest in peace.

He is one of The Cookers! McBee is one of the all-time greats who can fit in with everyone, IMO. Emmet Cohen Featuring Benny Golson and Albert 'Tootie' Heath - Masters Legacy Series, Vol. 3: Having seen Cohen with Tootie in 2018 and with Benny last night, this was a welcome addition. I am on my third listen today, having listened to it twice on the way back from Cincinnati.

As noted on the thread about the release with Benny Golson and Tootie Heath, hard copies can be ordered on Cohen's website.