mikeweil

In the long run, they all get played equally often, but if I had to pick one just for groovin' enjoyment, it would the the first discs of the Joe Pass or Gerald Wilson sets. Or some small group Ellington.

All the Nonet albums are great!

Ketil Haugsand reported the sad news on his facebook pages: Renowned Canadian born harpsichord pioneer and teacher, Kenneth Gilbert, has left us. I received his complete Couperin recording as a birthday gift in the 1980's, a crucial moment in the development of my love for the harpsichord, its players and composers. He was the first to deliver convincing recordings of the non-measured preludes of the 17th century French harpsichordists, which are among the many discs of lasting value he made. The list of only his most prominent students is impressive (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Gilbert). He was as important as Gustav Leonhardt for the revival of the instrument. There is a beautiful DVD portrait I highly recommend:

in memoriam Kenneth Gilbert:

I played this one in the car earlier today. Now it's another Konitz gem: The slightly melancholy mood, the beautiful playing and writing (Bill Russo) makes it a perfect requiem.

Thanks for the recommendation, this sounds like one I would like. Just ordered a copy.

R.I.P. He seemed to be around forever. Well, his music will be.

Probably some Cuban Jazz bassists. But it looks like the company no longer manufactures those basses, just bass amps. https://ampeg.com/products/ The list of discontinued products is too long for me to check ..... https://ampeg.com/discontinued.php Wikipedia says they made the Baby Bass from 1962 to 1970.

Discs 1, 2, and 4 - the harpsichord pieces, Pasquini was the best and most influential Italian keyboard composer after Frescobaldi, and before Scarlatti. There is lot to be heard here that pops up later in the Italian influences pieces by Händel or Bach. One twenty minute variation cycle ranks among the best of its kind. Finally, a well done complete recording.

If you are only or mostly after the Chick Webb instrumentals, the two CDs oh HEP do a perfect job. I'm not that much of an Ella fan and am totally satisfied with them. In the case of the Lunceford Decca sides, I'm afraid the only complete alternative to the Mosaic set would be the Chronological Classics discs. Harder to find and probably more expensive if you want them all. Same goes for the Masters of Jazz CDs. But you would get the early Victor sides along with them and the Columbias.

R.I.P. Jymie Merritt ......

R.I.P. Like so many hard bop players he started in R & B bands, Chris Powell, that is. Blakey - Roach - Morgan are the three big landmarks in his career. Not that many sideman dates, and, surprisingly, only one piano trio (Sonny Clark). Lord doesn't list a single session after Morgan's death - what a shame.

Same here ...... there was a period when I learned so much from listening to him, rhythmically. The Mwandishi Sextet was the high point, for me. Happy Birthday, Herbie, and take care!

The track listing on discogs confirms this. https://www.discogs.com/Cedar-Walton-Firm-Roots/release/14370201