sal

I can understand possibly not liking his album, but have you ever seen this guy live?? He's easily one of the best around right now. I've not been seeing live jazz for as long as many on this board, but I can tell you that I've seen many, many trumpet players from Wynton and Clark Terry to Jeremy Pelt and Maurice Brown. Stafford gave probably the best trumpet performance I've ever seen.

He's BAAAAD! I last saw him play last August at the Jazz Fest. He was involved in an onstage jam session with Ira Sullivan, Ron Blake, Bunky Green, Dana Hall and a bunch of other cats. He plays with FIRE! Reminds me a bit of Lee Morgan in his attack, but he has a unique style of his own. Borders a bit on avant-garde. After the Dave Holland Big Band show I headed to the Jazz Showcase and saw Maurice show up there for the after fest jam sessions, but the line was too long and I couldn't get in. I'm not sure what he's got going on right now....I think he resides in Wisconsin and comes to Chicago periodically. But from seeing him play that day I'd say he's definitely one to listen for.

Check out Malachi Thompson's "Talking Horns" album on Delmark. Its a very good release on Delmark with some great playing by everyone, including Willie, Oliver Lake and Hamiet Bluiett.

Yes sir! I'll be there for the Sunday matinee. Are you heading up there?

Gave this one a spin for the first time today and I really like it. Features Buster Williams on bass and Matt Wilson on drums. Includes some very nice, introspective playing, but to my surprise has some great free playing in the last piece. Nice mix of slower tunes (bossas, 6/8s) and uptempo stuff. The music sounds very challenging, and at the same time, the trio seems to enjoy the challenge. The performances of "ESP" and "Body and Soul" are beautiful. Anyone else pick this one up? Opinions?

10. Gee...I really can't afford this. I shouldn't buy it. But on the other hand, someday, I'm going to buy it, so may as well do it now!

Not that this happens very often, but once in a while I hear some music so incredible, its hard to believe, and right afterwards I found out that either almost nobody has either heard of the artist or that he is so underrated that his name hardly ever arises in discussion. Such is the case with Wessel Anderson. I'd never heard of the guy, nor heard any discussion about him. After hearing his album "Live at the Village Vanguard", however, I don't understand why. This is one of the best post-1990 jazz albums I've ever heard...period. This guy is a HELL of a player....definitely one of the best altos alive today. EVERY solo he takes on this disc is beautifuly constructed, melodic, swinging, and very exciting. I'm not trying to make any stylistic comparisons here, but listening to this album reminded me of the first time I listened to a Sonny Rollins album. Song after song, I sat there dumbfounded, wondering how he continues to create such diverse, creative solos time after time again. The ballads are rich and sensual, and when the guy plays the blues......shit, you feel that in your gut. He's a complete player, and an exciting one at that..something you don't find too often. Yet I can't understand why he isn't more well known, especially that he has (or had) a contract. To anyone that doesn't have his album "Live at the Village Vanguard", I give it my highest possible recommendation. Any other fans of Wessel Anderson out there? Anybody have any of his albums, or even better, seen him live before? I'd love to hear some perspectives on this amazing jazz musician.

I think every one you listed is essential.

Great purchases, musicalmarine! You'll be sure to enjoy.

David Murray is a great bass clarinet player.

I was thinking the same thing when I read the post!!

I just ordered them all except for the Mitchell, which I have in my Mosaic box already. I'm also excited to upgrade my "Inner Urge", which is one of my favorite sessions. Its extremely rare that I ever upgrade for sonic purposes, but this session is an exception!

Mosaic is the greatest thing to ever happen to a jazz lover.....period.

I agree with jazzbo. I have this set and really enjoy it. This, along with the Savoy and Dial Masters, is a perfect start to a great Bird collection.

I LOVE this one!!

This is like an oxymoron.

Not sure how many here are interested, but it was announced today that they are breaking up for good. I've posted the letter below from their guitarist Trey Anastasio that is on their website. I haven't seen them in years, I did quite a bit in college and its sad news that they are breaking up for good. Might try to catch one of their farewell shows this summer at Deer Creek or Alpine Valley. Last Friday night, I got together with Mike, Page and Fish to talk openly about the strong feelings I've been having that Phish has run its course and that we should end it now while it's still on a high note. Once we started talking, it quickly became apparent that the other guys' feelings, while not all the same as mine, were similar in many ways -- most importantly, that we all love and respect Phish and the Phish audience far too much to stand by and allow it to drag on beyond the point of vibrancy and health. We don't want to become caricatures of ourselves, or worse yet, a nostalgia act. By the end of the meeting, we realized that after almost twenty-one years together we were faced with the opportunity to graciously step away in unison, as a group, united in our friendship and our feelings of gratitude. So Coventry will be the final Phish show. We are proud and thrilled that it will be in our home state of Vermont. We're also excited for the June and August shows, our last tour together. For the sake of clarity, I should say that this is not like the hiatus, which was our last attempt to revitalize ourselves. We're done. It's been an amazing and incredible journey. We thank you all for the love and support that you've shown us. -- Trey Anastasio

TKM - disc 4

My hero is gone. Yet his spirit shall live forever. May he rest in peace.

I agree with this statement. I've found him to be among the top three most consistant creators of great jazz albums that I've encountered in my years of listening to this great music.

The One For All discs on Criss Cross are really good ones.

And I must add my voice as well. I picked it up on Dave's recommendation, and I am greatly enjoying it as well. Just some good ol' hard-swinging jazz, just the way I like it!

Satyajit Ray's Apu Trilogy had beautiful cinematography. One of my new favorites is the guy who does the Sam Mendes movies "American Beauty " and "Road to Perdition". Very haunting, beautiful images.

I'm very, very happy to hear that Nate Smith is working out well with the band. When Billy Kilson left, I was heartbroken and wondered how they'd ever recover from that loss. I'm glad to hear that they've found a good replacement. Haven't seen them yet with Smith, but looking forward to it!

I must add my praise. Its one of my favorite Mosaics as well. Beautiful music that never gets played out. Its excellent. Everyone who doesn't have it should buy it.