wesbed

My copy of the Elvin Jones Mosaic is number 2026, delivered to my front door on 5/20/04.

I received my Elvin Mosaic today. The box is open but I've not yet cracked the seal on the first couple of CDs (I'll be listening to the music in the next couple of minutes). However, the Mosaic manual has lots of nice pictures of Elvin. I especially like the Elvin picture on page #4, beating the drums, smoking the cigarette, and covered in sweat. The manual seems very much of an historical and important document when considering the recent passing of Mr. Jones.

I am not an age-sensitive person. I don't care how old a person is. At the same time, I realize that 'age' exists. I'm 38 years old and I have a very good friend who is 61 years. I had some breakfast in a local Tucson eatery this morning. Tucson, due to its warm climate, often attracts those members of our society who are of the 'older' and retired group. I was eating breakfast alone, so, was spending my time observing others in the restaurant. I noticed that a few of the 'older' men were reading Louis L'Amour paperback novels. Not that Louis L'Amour's books are necessarily 'old' or 'dated,' however, I often notice older people reading his novels. These are the books that these people grew-up with, and are accustomed to. At the same time, it made me think of Louis L'Amour as being an 'old folks' interest. My 'old folks' thought about Louis L'Amour lead me to another thought. That I, while not yet being an old folk, listen to old folks (jazz) music most of the time. The people I know, who are currently in their 20s and 30s, don't listen to the old folks music, don't care about it, never heard of it, and have no appreciation for it. Some of the old jazz (for example, the 'with strings' sessions on the Bud Shank Mosaic Select, some Lester Young, or Red Garland) may even sound like 'old folks easy listening music' to the un-trained ear. Not that the music sounds this way to me. Most of the music I listen to was recorded sometime between 1940 and the 1960. The recent death of Elvin Jones reminded me of just how old the music and the people who made it have become. While I've never considered the music or Elvin Jones to be 'old,' he did live a good full life till he died, as an 'old folk,' at 76 years of age. Next, I had the thought that Louis L'Amour is no more 'old folks' than the music that I listen to. Certain things are generational and people of that generation enjoy the things they are familiar/comfortable with. Those of us who listen to the old jazz music are the odd ones who cling to the old music and enjoy & discuss it as if it were the latest, in-style thing. The common tie between the old music, the old players, and myself caused me to believe that the music is not old and the players are not old (even though Elvin Jones died at an age old enough to be my grandfather). It's a nice thought that I can grab on and relate to something and certain people from the past, people who are now old enough to be a grandparent. Yet, it seems very normal and non-generational. As if the past is still speaking in the modern day, and all is well. I was left with the question, in my own mind, as to what the next generation will think of my 'old folks' interests when I reach the 'old folks' age? What will the next generation of 'young folks' label as being an 'old folks' topic when I become an 'old folk?'

Was there a number on the receipt?

I remember a guy where I work, back in 1997, who played 'Wait' by White Lion, for three days straight. He had the song set to repeat, playing it through his computer speakers, lightly, for three long days. I didn't like the song initially. I like it even less so now. He shut it off only when I turned around and said, "You know, it's been three days." He knew of what I was speaking and put the CD away.

Not to discount Elvin's impact on the Classic Coltrane Quartet. Elvin's work with Coltrane is a given. Three of my favorite titles, which would have not been the same without Elvin: McCoy Tyner - The Real McCoy Wayne Shorter - Speak No Evil Freddie Hubbard - Ready For Freddie Elvin did so much more than simply 'play' the drums.

I ordered my copy of the Elvin Jones Mosaic last night. Today, the timing of my order seems quite ironic.

I purchased the Elvin Jones Mosaic last night. Something just told me it was time to get the Elvin box. I'll be listening to plenty of Elvin this weekend.

I think, after you get enough Mosaics in your pile, nobody really knows if you've added more to the stack. But, I could be wrong.

This is a good point and, now that I think about it, the reason I would prefer the metal-spined boxes. I like that I can place them on the shelf with the rest of my Miles Davis CDs since the metal-spined boxes are about the same size as a regular CD case. I do like the looks of the new packaging, too, for ease of reading and the CD snap-in storage. The new packaging provides for more of a 'true' CD holder. Whereas, the original packaging offered only cardboard/paper inserts to store the CDs. The original packaging doesn't provide for a 'good' way to store the CDs. Especially when you consider that the original packaging was not a frugal investment.

Whoops! No, you are correct. The 'In A Silent Way' box does NOT have the metal spine. It's the 'original' without the metal spine. I got it confused with the Jack Johnson metal-spined' box.

Guess again! Is it not the original? Oh well... it was 'the original' in my colletion of CDs. The first 'In A Silent Way' metal-spined box that I'd ever seen.

Up, for Tuesday. What's new in the stores today, 5/18/04?

After all my whining, I placed my Johnny Hodges order, via the Mosaic site, only a few minutes ago. Fek! Fek you, Matthew. You and DrJ are the worst.

If you 'really' can't afford the pleasure, stay far away from the discussion Mosaics. However, if you can afford (monetarily, that is) to play, now & again... The Mosaics are fun, educational, entertaining, collectable, discuss-able, a good pass time, and are not dangerous nor illegal.

Yeah, the Teddy Wilson just ain't talking to me (yet). The Bobby Hackett was talking to me last night. Then, for some reason, Hackett, suddenly, went silent.

Okay, I did it. My latest Mosaic order, complete. Order Date: 5/17/2004 10:12:28 PM 169-MD-CD J.J. Johnson (7 CDs) $112.00 195-MD-CD Blue Note Elvin Jones (8 CDs) $128.00 200-MD-CD Johnny Hodges Verve (6 CDs) $96.00 Cart Total $336.00 Discount - $0.00 SubTotal $336.00 Tax $0.00 Shipping $16.00 TOTAL $352.00 I'm feeling so much better.

Hmmm... let's see. I'm home for the evening. I've got my stomach full of some of Tucson's best Mexican food and, baby, I'm ready to order. I'm going to purchase the JJ Johnson box and what else? Should I add the Elvin Jones, the Johnny Hodges or both?

Okay. This means I'll need to place my order tonight. I'm going to buy the JJ Johnson box. And, what else? Should I add the Elvin Jones or the Johnny Hodges?

I was thinking Mosaic could re-package both Vee Jays into a single six-disk set, leaving out all the alternate takes. In this way, Mosaic can offer a sort of 'Best Of Vee Jay' box. This will let Mosaic offer a combined set at a lower price. Also, this will let Mosaic not duplicate the OOP individual Vee Jay sets.

garthsj: Regarding item #2. You're supposed to keep that item stored under the plastic CD tray, between the tray and the storage box.

Man, no kidding.

Shaddup. I spent my $200 a few weeks ago. I'm now forwarding my mortgage and electric bill to DrJ on a monthly basis. I assume he's paying them. I've received no response.

Wise you are young Jedi; swing it does and essential it is! Yeah, it's always smart to ask one's elders. Ooooh....a smart ass this one is....not sure is Yoda... Smart ass is better than dumb ass? Mmm... well, no, maybe not. I think I'll go hide (from my elders).