Alexander Hawkins

Jim, Don't Blame Me/My Old Flame were the first to come to mind here as well.

Thanks for the tips!

Actually, someone else I know nothing about is Horace Tapscott, but I do know that lots of people speak very highly indeed about him. Is there a good starting point for his music? Perhaps in a trio format, of preference?

One that immediately sprang to mind on seeing this thread, and which was discussed somewhere recently, is the 'Max Roach Trio featuring the Legndary Hasaan' album. I bought it on the strength of the recommendations in that other thread, and I really enjoy it. Have now had my curiosity pricked about this Valdo Williams guy..!

I'd say Monk and Rollins, but I don't know if they were long term enough to count as a 'collaboration' as such?

Yes, me. I'm working on it, though. I'm just starting out playing a lot of gigs, and sort of learning on the job. I'm painfully aware that I'm not structuring solos right at the minute, and I guess my self-defense mechanism is to keep pumping out ideas (I won't flatter myself and pretend that this sustains interest, either). But at least musicians I've played with have let me know constructively, rather than bluntly - really important for the confidence, I think.

Forgot to add, I also have these. Thank goodness - I'd find it hard to survive without them Thanks for all the help in this thread. If I'm being a scrupulous buyer, should I be avoiding 'Definitive'? I can't remember which of these companies it is which is apparently fleecing various people. I think I might go the 'Chronologicals' route. If I can broaden the question a little as well, how does one go about recognising/getting these 'grey market' live recordings? Up until this point, my collection has really been such that I can do just fine with the major releases, but I'd love to get into these slightly less mainstream things now!

Either! I'd like to hear as much as possible!

Thanks very much John. Is the Babs Gonzales stuff dispensable, then? And if I don't believe you ( ), is there a recommended way to get it? Thanks for the input!

Forgive me if this is not a simple question - probably not, I just don't know! - but is there any advised and/or economical way to pick up Sonny Rollins' pre-Prestige recordings? I've got the Bud Powell date in Bud's vol.1, but other than that..? I'm wanting to expand my Rollins collection outwards at either end chronologically - I've got the Prestige/Contemporary/RCA boxes, the BNs and a couple of Milestones, but none of the earlier things! Anyway, any advice as ever much appreciated!

I've just recently been given ths album by a friend, and am enjoying it immensely. I must admit, 1st time through, I didn't quite 'get' it: maybe just not listening properly. However, from then on in, I've found it endlessly fascinating. The three players are so clearly musical in everything they do. First time I heard Fred Hopkins - on Don Pullen's 'Warriors', I think - I didn't really like his sound. I must admit, I still find it something of an acquired taste, although I think it works much better in the sparseness of this group than it does in its (slightly!) more conventional rhythm section role on the Pullen album. But WHAT he plays is astonishing. I agree with lots that's been said above: especially on the merits of the beautiful 'I'll Be Right Here Waiting'. What I've most enjoyed about listening to this album, though, is hearing a set of sounds and concepts that I've never really heard before. Sure, I've heard AACM stuff, and saxophone/bass/drums instrumentation, etc. - but what I hear here was a completely new approach, and that's a brilliant musical experience to have - so thanks everyone for introducing this music!

I used to like him when I was first getting into jazz, then began to steer away from him - I thought at the time that it was all a bit glossy and a bit facile. But recently, I've really begun to enjoy him again, and think that there is definite substance behind a lot of it. I would second the recommendation for the 'Stratford...' CD. Sure, it has its moments of 'death by two-handed tremolo', but I still really love it, and it swings like crazy.

The Thelonious Monk 1954 session for Vogue, and Satch Meets Fats. Sweet as.

Don't Stop the Carnival!

Interesting - cheers for that!

Just listened to this for the first time! This is a great album IMHO. Really inventive playing all around, and by a cast including some lesser known guys. Clarence Shaw is awesome on trumpet, and I really like Bill Triglia on piano. Does anyone know anything else either of these did? I hadn't even heard of Triglia, but he's quite original. Anyway, a hearty recommendation for this great Mingus album!

What he said!!!

Bev - I think I saw somewhere that Robson was about to start a tour with Genus and Hart!

I don't know, but off the top of my head, isn't this on '5 by Monk by 5'?

The Joe Albany album was also the first time I'd heard Marsh. I love it, but I'm particularly taken with Albany's playing - I really should give Marsh some more attention, especially since lots of people I have lots of respect for speak of him so highly.

Thanks! These look great - I'll have to track them down.

I am a definite fan. I was only listening yesterday to Coleman Hawkins/Roy Eldridge 'At the Opera House', and thinking how great he was. Some favourites, though? Well, I guess obviously 'Body and Soul' is simply one of the very greatest interpretations of any tune we're likely to hear, but I also really enjoy (amongst countless others!) Hello Lola and One Hour. I imagine some people here got to see him live? My father did, although I'm far too young, unfortunately!

I think Monk is the most obvious one to me. Eric Dolphy as well. It's difficult. Are we talking recognising the changes during solos? I could pick Monk then. If we're talking hearing the melody, perhaps Ellington? I don't know. A really interesting question, though - I'm interested to see what people say! For example, I don't think I'd get Herbie Hancock compositions necessarily.

Duke and Bird, and Tatum probably. I wish the answer to this question could be complicated by any number of other guys - Dolphy, Elmo Hope, Clifford Brown, etc. - but such is life.

It was 'Workout' for me. It was my first Mobley, so that lends it the sentimental edge, I guess. Plus, though, Mobley with Grant Green I think works a treat.