Ron S

I agree, too. The sound on this set is exceptional — very natural without having that beefed up compression feel to it. Ron, how did you end up talking to Tarantino? You didn't happen to ask him about any other (future) box sets did you? I've spoken to him a few times over the last couple of years. I think I first spoke to him when I called Fantasy with a question about a weird sound glitch on a disc in one of the Art Tatum boxes. I was expecting to speak with a customer service rep, but instead was transferred to "one of the engineers," which turned out to be Joe. After I explained the issue to Joe, he actually listened to the recording himself, and called me back to confirm that the problem is on the master tape. He's always been very friendly and helpful. But, to answer your question, I have not asked him about future box sets. Maybe next time.

I think the day will soon come when people who use dude in conversation will seem as silly as those who once bought Mitch Miller records. Dude, that time has long since come, which is why I dudify with great regularity. Hopefully the cynical irony will be lost on those for whom it is intended. Otherwise what's the point? Word. I knew you were hip enough to dig it . . . . . . Dude.

Well, I know what we're spinning at the next chat! Does Conn need a copy? Conn has the 25 CD box set. And listens to it regularly. Dude, you don't just listen to it. You sing along.

Looks like Chalupa is--see his post here. BTW, where were you when organissimo played here 3 times last month?

I was one, too, Wharton '76. I'd forgotten that--Wharton '77 here. We probably passed each other a lot on campus.

Like, is there really any alternative?

Peter, you should come! Besides, there are a few errors in the deed to my property that I need to . . . ahem . . . discuss with you.

Well shoot me but I was trying to distinguish between the mighty Amazon 800 lb gorilla and the small to mid-size businesses that use their service to sell to consumers. But I generally go to whoever has the best price (and that includes other internet retailers such as yourmusic). So I chose #2 as just a general internet category. And if it's all the same to you, I'd really prefer not to shoot you.

I answered number 2 which, to me, includes number 3.

Actually, a lot of the Contemporary OJCs (e.g., Manne, Hawes, Kessel) seem to still be readily available, and not in imminent danger of going OOP (although the US 20-bit K2s are all OOP now, though still available in the supply chain). With Concord in charge now, however, I wouldn't wait too long.

In fact, they may all be gone by this weekend. I'd start stocking up right this second.

Another terrific Hawes transfer that's relatively recent (1999), although originally recorded in the late 50s, is "Bird Song".

That's one of the few Hampton Hawes I don't have--I was scared off by the electric piano. Unless you already have all of his Contemporary releases, I would pick them up first. I also really like "Blues For Bud," which was originally on Black Lion, but is currently available on 1201 Music.

The Fresh Sound Nocturne box is available from Dusty Groove, here. As I posted in Big Beat Steve's other Nocturne thread, I recently did an A/B comparison between the Fresh Sound Nocturne box and some of the OJC releases of the same material, and IMHO, the sound on the OJCs was significantly better. Plus, the OJCs include the Steve White sessions, which the Fresh Sound box does not. The only session in the Fresh Sound box that is not included in the OJC releases is the one led by Jimmy Rowles, but that session is included in the Pacific Jazz Piano Trios Mosaic Select. However, the booklet that comes with the Fresh Sound box is very nice, with lots of photos, etc. So I guess the best solution is to acquire the Fresh Sound box, the OJCs, and the Mosaic Select.

FWIW, I have both the Nocturne box and several of the late 90s OJC reissues of the same (and additional Steve White) material. I did a quick A/B comparison recently, and the OJCs sounded significantly better.

Exactly--tinkering for the sake of tinkering. And while we're on the subject of Contemporary recordings, IMHO just about any Contemporary CD recorded from the mid-50s through the early 60s (with perhaps a few exceptions) sounds great--whether it be an OJC, 20-bit K2, or whatever. The quality of the original engineering and recording equipment were, thanks in large part to Lester Koenig, exemplary, and that exemplary quality comes through on most subsequent digital incarnations. Additionally, the remastering engineers at Fantasy (Kirk Felton, Joe Tarantino, Phil De Lancie, et al) early on developed a high standard of digital transferring and remastering. That combination generally resulted in stellar sound, even on OJCs from the late 80s and early 90s.

indeed! for off the rack recordings, those are s u p e r b. any listener reading this who doesn't own that set, do yourself a favor and seek them out. there has never been any west coast quintet club jazz to surpass this playing (although the hawes sessions come close). immaculate stuff, -e- Agreed. Some of my favorites. Just wondering. Have they ever been given the maximized remastering treatment? I just had a look on Amazon.de and besides that only three are available (Vol. 3 is missing and Vol. 1 is an LP), it is impossible for an average user to see which issue/reissue we're talking about here. I would assume it's the originals I have? As far as I know the 1991 OJC CDs are the only digital releases so far. And I, for one, can't imagine how the awesome sound on these early 90's CDs could be improved. Apparently nobody else can, either, since they've yet to be remastered. As the saying goes, if it ain't broke, . . . .

The 5 Shelly Manne at the Black Hawk CDs on Contemporary (the early '90s OJCs) are still some of the best sounding jazz CDs I've ever heard. Contemporary recordings from that era are generally superior, but these are just stunning. Every time I listen to them again, I'm just amazed. There is an incredible presence and naturalness to the sound that has to be heard to be believed (especially since these are live recordings from 1959). I'd be curious to know if these sound as good on a system--like yours--that is much better than mine. EDIT: I also have a slew of Venus piano trio CDs and, as good as those sound, they don't amaze me like the Manne Black Hawk discs.

Must you see everything in Freudian terms???

Go here.

This is an extremely rare set. In fact, Lon has the only existing copy.

Don Pullen Select--all 3 discs

One of my all-time favorites (I've pushed this set on the Board before). I remember yor recommendation. I hope to pick it up tomorrow or the day after. Thanks Ron. Oooops, now I feel responsible. I hope you like it as much as I do. Let us know what you think.

One of my all-time favorites (I've pushed this set on the Board before).