Justin V

Disc 2: I can listen to Stitt in large doses and my toddler will sometimes start dancing, so everyone is happy. I purchased this 2 years ago for $75, minus the box and giant book.

I was hipped to Hodeir through that wonderful Vogue box and tracked this one down. I would love to see Solal perform, but it likely will not happen.

Santa came through. I'm on my 3rd listen since yesterday.

Disc 1

Disc 5: I am on my second listen within a week. Someone still has a copy for $31.49 on eBay. This is a set that rewards repeated listening.

He looks well and for that I am thankful. I think I'll spin Etcetera tomorrow.

Disc 2: I've mentioned some great prices for this set on the box-bargain thread because it really is a gem. I only bought it last year, so I am making up for lost time by spinning it more lately.

And now someone is selling a boxless set for less than $40 after shipping on eBay. The book is probably great, but anyone interested should take advantage of that price (and that is not my auction, BTW).

Pres' last session. The liner notes prepared me for the worst and I can't say I agree with the negativity. Early, late or in-between, Pres is Pres. The band is top-notch. I can't remember from the liners, but was the underrated Jamil Nasser living in Europe at the time?

From the Verve box set.

I'm a bit of a Scrooge when it comes to Christmas music, but I'd like to check that out.

Hans Teuber - Lucky: A nice, Latin-inflected date from multi-reedist Teuber. I think it is his only date as the sole leader, which is a shame. It also has the underappreciated Santi Debriano.

Disc 6: The liner notes can be pretty negative, but I haven't heard the wheels come off yet in Pres' playing while going through this set. I am fearing the worst when i get to the last session but i am looking forward to listening to the interviews. Pres and Peterson worked and I have a Sweets tooth. I don't think I've heard Lou Stein before but I am enjoying his playing.

Disc 2 (w/ Disc 3 up next): I don't have much Christmas music in my collection and broke this out for Merry Ole Soul. I started from where I last left off in this set, and the sunny, Brazilian-tinged music is proving to be the perfect antidote to a cold, snowy day.

The HRS Mosaic is on Discogs for $40. I paid $30 for a copy without a box or giant book last year, which was a steal. $40 for a complete set is also a bargain. The set is a charmer.

From the Pres Verve box. I sure hope that trombonists coming up are still checking out Vic Dickenson.

I like Benedetti on Johnny Griffin's excellent Jazz Icons DVD.

Jack Wilson!!! Now playing: Disc 2

I'll be seeing her on Friday with Andy Milne, John Hebert and Clarence Penn. I saw the trio earlier in the year, so I'm curious to see how she'll be incorporated into the group. I've only heard her on a Milne album and at an Oberlin faculty concert that also included Gary Bartz, Eddie Henderson and Billy Hart, among others. Now playing: Disc 4

Disc 1

I rarely put anything on my Christmas list, but Santa had better put this one in my stocking.

I'm seeing Kenny Barron next month. It's been nearly 2 years since I last saw him, so I am overdue.

Eddie Duran passed away on November 22nd at the age of 94. I like his work on the classic Cal Tjader/Stan Getz Sextet album, but I never got around to checking out his leader dates. He later worked and recorded with his wife, saxophonist Mad Duran. Thank you for the music, Mr. Duran, and rest in peace.

Hey, I was there, too. Although I could've stayed here and caught Javon Jackson, I couldn't resist a sextet with Eubanks and Hendrix. It was a fun show. Ayala and Yamanaka were new to me and were impressive; I bought one of Yamanaka's albums. Because I was sitting in one of the small side sections, I had no choice but to participate in the singalong. I can sing, but with my earplugs, who knows what my volume level was.

Charles Tolliver Big Band Mosaic Select, Disc 1: It is pretty incredible that the only time I've seen Charles Tolliver and Stanley Cowell perform was together, nearly 46 years after this was recorded. They were joined by Billy Harper(!!!), Jay Anderson and Carl Allen. Allen's presence surprised me, but he fit in well. I was incredibly lucky to be there.