Can't share the love for O'Neill - I think he repeats certain ideas/phrases a lot in his improvisations. I love Braxton, but the Standards quartet is my least favorite music from him.
Nice! I already had the individual Taylor CDs, but I bought the Russell, Braxton and Threadgill boxes. Will probably get the Abrams, I think I somehow only have one of the individual titles.
I'm using Spotify to preview stuff before I buy as well. In fact, I'm listening right now to a French trio called Elifantree. Really interesting stuff.
I do think the other musician that responded has a point: that he shouldn't criticize if he's boycotting the festival and not participating as musician, or audience.