John Tapscott

I think Bishop will be the Argos' man this year. He's got so much potential, but it's never really blossomed. I'm not sure what the trouble is but he should be better than he has been thus far. So many talented American QB's have a tough time adjusting to the Canadian game. But this year I see a reversal of roles. I think Bishop will start and Allen will come off the bench when needed. That could be a good combination - Bishop with his speed and his bombs, and the slow as molasses Allen with his smarts and short dump-off passes. It could be tough on opposing defenses.

Obviously, but I don't think Mosaic is going to tell you that. I don't think it's any huge secret. You can figure it out by looking at when sets first came out and when they go out of print. If you look at most sets, it seems like it's for five years, then with (probably) an option to renew for another 5. I think the J.J. was on the market for 10 years. Looks like the Roach has been around for close to 10 now (same with the Hodges). They're timing out (as opposed to selling out the maximum number of copies).

I agree with Matthew. Good observation about Gomez. Does anyone know why Evans considered the Johnson/LaBarbera trio his best since the VV trio? What was there about that group that Evans dug more than the Gomez/Morell trio? I always find it a bit surprising because from a listener's perspective I prefer the latter group - it's looser and more relaxed. To me, the Johnson/LaBarbera trio, while a group of very talented virtuosos never quite hooked up or swung like the earlier group. But maybe I'm missing something. Or perhaps it's because I'm not a big fan of LaBarbera - I find his drumming to be sometimes noisy and his long solos are to me, rather a bore.

Herbie Hancock - The Complete Blue Note Sixities Sessions

The Dave Brubeck Quartet w. Paul Desmond (actually almost ANY of Brubeck's groups).

I picked up this one earlier this month and heartily second Matthew's recommendation, though I must say I enjoy the '66 concert more than the '80 concert. Better camera work on the earlier one in my view, also I sense a more relaxed and natural feeling. I wonder if my slight unease over the '80 concert is that we watch it now knowing that Evans had only a few short weeks left on this planet. Or maybe it's just the fact that I am not quite as big a fan of the Johnson/LaBarbera trio group as some, though Evans himself says in the interview it was his best trio since LaFaro/Motian. But overall the DVD is

Happy B' day Larry!

I agree. Very moving. Don't be too hard on yourself, Allen. People are very skilled at hiding parts of their lives from others. You were young and you're not a psychologist (though you have some very good insights into human behavior - we really are complex beings). You're not responsible for whatever reprehensible actions he undertook. You weren't supporting that part of his life. Everyone needs a friend you were the friend and support Haig needed at that time. Nothing wrong with that.

The Complete Blue Mitchell Blue Note Sessions 1963-67

Yeah, but the Roach is only a seven CD set. That's moderate, at least by the standards of this place.

Sounds like he's taken advantage (or maybe he needs to) of one of the "colon cleanse" products which are a staple infomercial north of the border (by some phony doctor - Dr. Ho, I think his name is). Just the ads themselves will scare the crap out of you, let me tell you!

I'm late to the game on this one. I listened to it a couple of times after I got it, but kind of held off on it. But this weekend, I have given it 5 listens in a row. It's so intense that your brain needs a couple spins to get used to it and to sort out all that's going on, but once this happens, watch out!! I think it's a very fine CD, and very nearly a great one, which not only gets easier to listen to which each spin but reveals more and more with each spin too. And man, the trumpet section. I've never heard anything quite like it. Usually one or two guys may be way up there, but in this case, the four seem to be way up there all the time, with a very narrow spread from top to bottom. This is the kind of strong music I really need to hear once in a while. Makes a lot of other jazz (and much of today's big band jazz) seem rather tame by comparison.

The Jackie McLean at Montmartre (1972) is excellent. I have it on LP.

The Complete Verve Gerry Mulligan Concert Band Sessions

It's more than a good one. It's very good, some may even say excellent. Hard swinging, exciting big band jazz. Highly recommended, no matter what coast you like.

On CD I have Concerto for Joe on Hep, Double Duke on Naxos, Sunbeam and Thundercloud on Concord, and as of today, a new one on Sackville - Joe Temperley & Harry Allen - Cocktails for Two (liking what I hear so far). I also have a Temperley Lp on Hep with Jimmy Knepper.

Curtis Fuller - Discs 2 & 3

Curtis Fuller Disc 1 - Haven't heard it for several years but my gosh, this is nice stuff.

Thanks, Claude!

Who are the sidemen on this date? I will probably get 'em all. I bought all of the first series (except the Baker which was out-of-stock) at the post Christimas Best Buy sale. My personal favs are the Monk and the Blakey (Lee Morgan is really in top from on this date. Actually seeing him in action has made me appreciate his artistry even more).

Just ordered one. $5.00 for Canadian delivery. Cool!

Glad to hear everything went very well at the two gigs. I'd love to hear those guys togther in a live gig. And see, two trombones won't empty a club! BTW, I recently got John Fedchock's new big band CD "Up and Running" and it is EXCELLENT!

Today - Bud Shank - discs 2 & 3

Of the three sets you mentioned. I only have the Pass which I bought in Mosaic's 10% off sale last year. I've listened to it three times and I have really warmed up to it. I think it's a fine set overall. I would give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Dizzying! The thing moves so fast my aging eyes can hardly follow it. I notice in the comments that Toronto jazz pianist Mark Eisenman says that "Pat Labarbera, Kirk macDonald, and probably hundreds of others can play this solo." to which I reply, "OK, but could they have created it in the first place?" Nothing wrong with learning from the masters (in fact, necessary, in my view), but the whole point of jazz is to eventually "do your own thing," and develop your own voice, isn't it? Eisenman's comment gave me n insight into what wrong with so-called "jazz" education (with all due respect to FFA and the others on the Board who are deeply involved with jazz education.) If jazz is simply all about playing what someone's already played before you, you might as well call in the undertaker. Edit to add: When someone asked Al Cohn whether he played "Giant Steps", he replied, "Yeah, with my own changes."