Sundog

Air Mail Special. Talk about a hook!

In Walked Bud

Ditto on the book falling apart. I've been trying to find some oversize sheet protectors with holes for use in 3 ring binders. No luck though. Too bad they couldn't properly bind that book.

Yeah, that's an eye opener. I wasn't sure I even liked it the first 4-5 times that I listened to it. However, I couldn't turn it off! It has grown on me. Not bad for a guy who was puhing eighty at the time it was recorded!

Kenny D.

My favorites are Earl Hines and Jimmy Smith. George Benson also comes to mind.

Will do!

I'm more interested in the music, than the collectable aspect of the Mosaic Box. I appreciate your candor regarding the sound quality of the Blue Note Box as compared to the Mosaic. It looks like this is the way to go for me. In addition to the sound quality, the BN box includes contains "Parker 51" which for me is essential. P.S. If you ever happen to find an extra Serge Chaloff Mosaic lying around at the bottom of that pile.... B)

I'm looking for this set. What's a fair price for this OOP Mosaic set? (either CD or LP versions) Thanks!

Thanks for the encouragement!

I know you weren't being critical. I was just enthusiastically stating my point! B) I actually tend to agree with your main point about exploring an artists catalog. About a month ago, I decided to really concentrate on learning compositions by some of my favorite artists like, Ellington/Strayhorn, Monk, and Rollins. I actually now have two Monk songs under my belt! Blue Monk and In Walked Bud. Also, now know Alfie's Theme. I've never heard either of these two songs played in these parts. I'm looking forward to being the first. If I can turn on one person to Monk or Rollins that would be great. Hell, if people tap their foot I'm happy!

Blue Monk is a bit overplayed (guilty B) ). But it's a nice entry point into Monk's music for both listeners and musicians. As a matter of fact, it's the first Monk tune I ever learned. One has to start somewhere! To keep things interesting I like to segue from Blue Monk into Gooden's Corner or vice versa. That usually puts a nice twist on the proceedings. If you really want to mess with people, try having two soloists play both melodies simultaneouly. Now that's hip, and it actually works!

It don't mean a thing.... B)

Just heard the Shorty Rodgers Big Band doing the Nut Cracker Suite. A fine holiday listen!

I got the Sonny Stitt last year for XMAS. I don't think you'll be disappointed. As for me, I want the Gerald Wilson box. Just discovered him with his latest album. Mosaic seems to be the best way to go for his earlier work. Also, want the Duke Pearson Select.

There's a great version of Caravan on a compilation album called Swing West Volume 2 Guitar Slingers (Razor Tie). The version is credited to Ferlin Husky. However, it's really just the studio backing band fooling around in between takes. Unfortunately none of the artists are credited. However, the steel player is probably Curly Chalker. The guitar player had obviously been listening to Charlie Christian (not that his playing was derivative) great stuff! There's also a very fine version of the Benny Goodman/Charlie Christian song A Smooth One by Roy Lanham. If you love guitar music check this one out! It's full of "West Coast" style country. Cross-pollination is alive and well! The Brian Setzer Orchestra did a killer version of Caravan a few years ago that won a grammy.

May I suggest the version of Caravan from Kenny Burrell's Ellington Is Forever Vol. 1. Nothing uninspired about that reading. For me it's got to be Autumn Leaves. Been there done that! Of course the one exception is Miles' and Cannonball's version from Something Else.

Any rockabilly tune must be played loud for maximum enjoyment!

There's a nice version of White Christmas on the Conn. of Booker Ervin's Structurally Sound.

Cannonball's Mercy, Mercy, Mercy kicks ass! That band is so tight. Fun & Games stand out for me as well crafted blowing vehicles, that I actually like more than the title track. I've listened to this album 15-20 times in the last 6 months and I'm nowhere close to being sick of it. A stone classic Soul Jazz date. Ray Charles anyone?

Playing Lou Donaldson's "Everything I Play Gonna Be Funky" extremely loud as I type this message.

The Derek Trucks Band is a very, very interesting band. Derek trucks is a "jazzman" in a "jamband". Highly recommended!

Superfly!

Better Late Than Never. In no particular order... - Love to hear you guys take a stab at "Wee Dot" - How about "Take Five"? That song needs a funk treatment, and you guys are just the ones to do it! - Sister Sadie? - Always enjoy hearing the ballad "My Ship". Perhaps even a vocal? Looking forward to hearing the results!

I think it depends on the vintage of the recording and other factors when judging whether mono or stereo sounds better. Cannonball's "Something Else" sounds great in mono. As a rule of thumb, I would buy the album in the format it was originally released in.