Peter Friedman

You are doing a fine job of selecting albums I view as far from the best by musicians I like very much. To each his own.

I had the Milt Jackson - "Sunflower" album and after playing it a number of times got rid of it. There must be at least 20 or maybe even more Milt Jackson recordings I prefer. My recollection is that the "Sunflower" album diminished the soulful, swinging, deep jazz feeling I get from so many of Milt Jacksons recordings. I do like "Cherry" with Stanley Turrentine and Milt Jackson. That along with a Bill Evans and a Paul Desmond album are among the few CTI albums I have. As I am away from home on summer vacation, can't check to see what other CTI albums I might have, but would think very very few .

Not one of my favorites by Abdullah Ibrahim. A bit too l soft and dreamy.

Tracks - No.27 through No.40

This is a slight bit off center from what I usually would like, but Martin Wind is among my favorite bass players so I gave it a try. It turns out I did like it.

A hell of a good album. Thompson is one of the very best new young jazz pianists, in my opinion.

I bought a pair of AR-3 speakers back in about 1970. They were a step down from the AR-5 but more affordable, and I loved them. Kept them for roughly 40 years. Now have a pair of Audio Physic speakers that are wonderful. Have had them for quite some time. Can't indicate the style number as i am out of town on summer vacation. I should say the Audio Physic speakers are my main speakers and floor standing. In some other rooms in the house I have smaller speakers that are also very good . One set of B & W speakers, and a set of excellent Paradigm speakers. m

Never cared for the Curtis Fuller Mainstream dates as with many, perhaps most, of those Mainstream recordings by a variety of musicians. There is a feeling about them that does not work for me. Probably too much electronics, an attempt to fit with the vibe of the times? And as Jim said, Bobby Shad's producing may have also played a part. Too bad because the "Smokin" album features many of my favorite musicians - along with Curtis, Bill Hardman, Jimmy Heath and Cedar Walton. I would much prefer to hear them on the numerous other albums they made. Just found the one below, and and digging it a lot after just hearing about half of it thus far.

HutchFan, I did not know this one, but based on your current selections list I was able to get a copy and listen. I enjoyed it, but am perhaps not as enthusiastic as you about it. Nonetheless am glad to have a chance to hear it. Harrell is a terrific player, but some of his recordings veer off from the type of music I like best. A few of his early Criss Cross albums I like a lot. Currently playing:

Piano Concertos No.9 & No.17