Eric

This is how I would describe all his Criss Cross CDs - except I really like his compositions. They take a little while to sink, but this is stuff you can really get into.

I have several of them. I think they are worth the $ for a number of reasons. You can stack them and put your actual gear on top (you can either buy the laminate top or make your own). They are strong and sturdy - never had any problem with any of the mechanisms. On color, mine are black - they look sharp!

He has long been one of my favorite pianists. So young, so sad. Damn ...

My retail buying habits have changed significantly over the past 10 years. Used to be, a business trip to Chicago meant a mandatory stop at JRM and a financial impact to be in the $200 - $300 range. Now, I cannot remember the last time I went there. The online model is quite compelling, especially if you know what you are looking for. In 2006 alone, the three largest used record stores in KC have shut down. The remaining retail stores are awful. I still think that a independent record store could work, although maybe I am nuts. For me, the key would be service - in particular, the ability to recommend something fresh. 99% of the recommendations I receive now are online - from some critic or here. Frankly (aside from this place), my tastes seem to be out of alignment with many critics, especially on the rock side of the house. So in terms of directing my music dollar, I would definitely spend with a local independent with a great staff. The key of course is "great staff". There is a pretty cool indendent store in nearby Lawrence (a college town), but the staff is rather clueless. Still, it is fun to talk music with the owner when he is around.

One thing I find useful (and fun) is the ability to search through old threads on an artist. I may hear about something somewhere else, but then take a look here for the straight poop.

Ditton, I had the same experience.

Nice record - the vibes/organ combo works very well here!

Nice to see the heroin angle got plenty of ink ...

Double-damn ... that is wicked Any idea if it is commercially available?

Personal Admission Of Guilt Pt. 2: I've always kinda dug it. Personal admission of guilt #3: I have never seen or heard of this one! Personal Admission Of Guilt Pt. 4: Snagged a clean copy of this over the weekend for a dollar. Not to damn it with faint praise, but it is no worse than the "2nd tier" CTI records, with the added bonus of no strings or orchestra. I liked it!

I have been listening to all three the past few months. Hard to pick just one. I think he makes really nice music - heady and passionate!

My thoughts go out ot his family ...

Me too, sold it during a rough period and have since bought it again. Great set, it *all* sounds good!

Notwithstanding what I said above, I agree - this one is not quite the goods. I also struggle a little with "George Burns", a newer one on Southport. But mostly because "Birth Sign" and "Rebellion" are so damn good, the newer ones suffer a bit by comparison. But still *loaded* with personality!!

You nailed it!! For the perfect demonstration, check out "Mama, Papa, Brother" off Birth Sign. One of my all-time favorite jazz cuts. In addition to the Delmark album, this one is definitive: Plus, note the groovy photo of George on this one:

Sounds like Miles is getting the "Concord Select" treatment ...

I have been on a bit of a Burrell kick - I have always loved Soul Call and Moten Swing (back from the lp days). Picked up Night Song a year ago based on one of the threads here. I agree with you on his tone ... wow

Just out of curiousity, what are they? "It was finally released in 1986, but Blue Note was right; it didn't measure up to what are now known as Patton's first three alums." Or, did you mean the two great Soul Jazz albums? They were "Teasin'" by Cornell Dupree and "Birth sign" by George Freeman. And MC was only one of two producers on the Dupree; the co-producer was Mark Meyerson. MG Sorry, the second part of your answer is what I was looking for. I never realized he did "Birth Sign" - that is one cool record

Actually I was thinking of their (Verve's) out-of-print album program on iTunes ... did not even know they had another one.

No doubt!!! Mine *just* arrived in KC and I ordered it just last weekend. On to the music!!

Quite ...

It is an interesting question. I have seen a few local used CD stores go out of business recently, but others seem to be thriving. I am 44 and still like having the "hard copy" version of music. But my kids could seem to care less. I am not sure if prices will drop. I does seem like there will be fewer of them around, but maybe with less demand, the prices will stay put. To a certain extent they will always be a function of the going rate for a new CD.

Just out of curiousity, what are they?

WOW - no doubt!!

This has already existed for Universal's classical labels. Yeah, that is why I presumed it was legit. With Verve and Rhino putting OOP albums online, it seems like this service may be a bit "dated", but hey, if you are looking for the music and this is the only way to get it, what the heck?