David Ayers

Thanks for the ideas. I am right now checking the USPS site. Now is Mobley Street here or a block down - I can't see any street sign...

It has occurred to me that instead of having purchases mailed to me from the US to the UK I could have them sent somewhere in the US for me to pick up when I next visit. This would save shipping and taxes, if it worked. But is it possible? Can anyone give me advice on this - I would be very grateful. When I stay in the US it is generally for a couple weeks and I have a proper address as I rent an apartment. I could get stuff mailed to me while I am there but of course if it is late I will miss it! Does anyone have any ideas about this or am I barking up the wrong arboreal object? Alternatively, anyone in the San Diego area who would be willing to sign for a package for me? I'll pick it up in August...

Interestingly the price of RVGs was reduced, here in the UK, earlier this year,. They were 'normally' £10.99 ($19) and came down to £7.99 ($14). Sale prices of course are lower, sometimes £5 ($9). In case this seems high, remember that this includes sales tax at 17.5%, and the dollar conversion reflects a currently unfavorable exchnage rate (for the dollar I mean). That said, the UK prices have always been the highest, and I imagine that the reduction (Sony made a similar reduction) was a response to falling sales due to market saturation and people buying abroad over the internet. So maybe they were overpriced...

Still available as a JRVG and worth snapping up. There is also a Spanish 'blue series' version. Really ALL the BN sessions are a must and this one should not be passed over while it is still around.

I heard Ornette perform Skies in London with Prime Time in the later 80s (I think). It was an exciting occasion, structured differently to the LP version. Here the emphasis was on alternating the movements of Skies with improvised comment by Prime Time, who sort of kick started off the back of Jamaaladeen Tacuma's bass when each movement ended. It was a unique thing to hear an electric band with double (almost) everything playing with a full orchestra. I believe there is a VHS of a US performance but I have never seen it. As for forms, I haven't played it in ages. It is no use implying a criticism of the musicians for 'trying to understand it' - they had to attempt to parse it and were evidently unable to based on what they were given or told. If it is wind quintets you like I'd say start with the Nielsen which has just appeared on the cover CD of BBC Music Magazine over here along with Ligeti's Bagatelles. I'll be comparing them to the Ornette myself. My copy of F&S is an original issue, though there was a CD which some here may have picked up.

Doyle seems to be a real primitive! Not for everyone...

Same here.

And the Davis LPs are marked Sony...

I have made an alphabetised list of these for ease of use. Down side: it doesn't show date of release. It is ordered first by artist name then by original Blue Note number. I am looking forward to the inevitable discussions about relative sound quality! Those wondering about marginal titles which they may not yet have could consider the Walter Davis (with McLean), the Kenny Drew (with Mobley) and the first four Morgans (which make up 2/3 of the nla Mosaic). The first four Mobleys are on the still available Mosaic.

Exactly six months? (it's the grief talking, I know....)

The Stuff Smith set was also victim to sudden change in the license situation. It really is frustrating and must be very disheartening for Mosaic.

Some of these guys are pretty young - they are also really excellent!

You're not wrong about those money saving techniques. Its quite easy to cut down on that stuff and take healthy sandwiches to work etc. I feel a bit more justified in spending on my hobby if I am righteously making the savings elsewhere!

Here is the line up from the web site: LEADER - MAYNARD FERGUSON TRUMPET - PATRICK HESSION TRUMPET - CARL FISCHER TRUMPET - KEITH FIALA TROMBONE - REGGIE WATKINS (Music Director) SAXOPHONE - JUAN TURROS SAXOPHONE - JULIO MONTERREY PIANO - WILLIAM BONNESS BASS - CRAIG BUTTERFIELD DRUMS - STOCKTON HELBING

Vee Jays gone from website...

He plays enough for a guy who is 76! By "whatever your preferred style of music" I mean don't stay away imagining it is a 50s time warp band - this is great music even if you prefer small group and free - and even if you don't like jazz (no one here, I know...).

Meanwhile Rays is thriving - at least there is a lot of good stock and it looks like its thriving... Mole's decline seems ominous. There was so little stock last time I went that I would hesitate to go out of my way to get there in future. There hasn't been an auction for some time and the mail order list has vanished.

I was there for Maynard Ferguson's Big Bop Nouveau at Ronnie's on Tuesday. What an awesome live band. Maynard plays with younger musicians - himself + 3 trumpets, trombone and 2 sax with piano, electric bass and drums. The band is truly excellent, fantastic soloists who Maynard gives a lot of room to play in their preferred styles. Absolutely fantastic arrangements. And of course Maynard's high note solos. This is the second time I have heard them and, as the first time, I'd have to say this was one of the best, if not the best, nights of live music I've ever been at. And a real piece of living history too going right back to the Kenton band. Truly intelligent music that never makes a vulgar or easy move, but a massive visceral impact - even the non jazz fans in my group were stunned and hugely impressed. If you get the chance go - it is the best that is on offer whatever your preferred style of music.

Thanks guys - oooo, that Roy Ayers is CUTE....

Thanks all - especially couw for the great gift!!!!!

I'm still looking for the 12" of this (LP not needed but would be a bonus). Actually I want a whole crate of them - I can decorate my Office. BTW I love those mock-up covers - keep them coming!

Good news! Maybe you can do Saga of the Outlaws for your 70th?

I'll take the cleaning tool too, but I don't want the wax.

Happy Birthday Chuck. Are you going to celebrate by reissuing Nonaah?

Ahhhh - OK, thanks Eric.