Brad

Reinier, I don't think it's a question of people not believing you or doubting your word (you are a well respected member), it's probably more astonishment that these sets won't be available soon, that's all.

Fair enough. We all have our preferences. I like Wendell also.

"It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing."

I don't have the originals to compare it too but just the other day I listened to the K2 of Everybody Digs Bill Evans and the sound is exquisite. You can really hear down to the deepest levels. I've also just picked up the Monk one and have been listening to it in the car but that's not a good test. Lon, I'm not sure I understand why you don't think Oscar is not good here. I understand why you like Wendell but not necessarily OP.

I guess my point is that it's more important to get the music out than worry about the remastering although obviously it shouldn't be garbage either. I'm not an audiophile although I have a good system but based what I know of Lon's not as good as his. I'll also admit that if I hear crappy sound it'll drive me a little nuts. I remember somebody saying a long time ago that because they didn't like who remastering the Fantsay reissues they wouldn't buy the cd. That to me is the center of the debate or the crux of the problem. And to me that's plain nuts.

sjarrell raises a really good point. If the guy sucked so bad, do you think Michael would continue to use him. I don't think so. Others may do this but I don't look to see who remastered it before I buy. I buy when I see a new unavailable session comes out. That should be the test for purchasing.

I think this stuff about the sound not being up to par is a little overblown. Like Shrdlu said, where else are you going to get it? Better to have it than not in my book and I'm glad I do.

This is not my favorite Sonny album but it's up there. I'd reserve some of the Verve, Roulette and Muse offerings for that it, but it's up there. I'm looking forward to listening to this in the next day or so.

Of the ones you mentioned I only have the Dinah Washington box, only Volum3 1952-1954, however. It's well worth the money because everything on there is great. If you're only going to buy one of the Dinah Washington boxes, that's the one to get. It's a purchase you won't regret. You didn't ask about the Clifford box but that's an essential part of a jazz collection, in my view.

Philly Jo was the house drummer for Prestige for a long time as was Art Blakey for Blue Note. Not exactly on point but certain clubs also had their house musicians. Monk, for example, was the house pianist for Mintons and Tadd Dameron for the Royal Roost a/k/a the Metrolitan (B)opera House.

I'd echo the thought about the Mulligan and the Brubeck-Desmond. Favorites of mine are also the Stitt, Billy Mitchell (outstanding), Jazztet at Birdhouse, Buddy DeFranco and the Woody Herman. Unfortunately, the last batch they just issued on Tuesday doesn't look too good to me. Others may differ but that batch doesn't move me to buy any of them.

I believe that bebop is generally considered the beginning of what is now called the modern age. It's the dividing point of how things were before and after.

You may want to check out some of the stuff he did with Shirley Scott, some of which is on the Mosaic set. I highly recommend Queen of the Organ under her leadership. That's a kick ass record. It's also been talked about earlier in this thread. All of his early BN is special.

Fantasy has listed these on their web site as coming out on April 27: Bud Powell - Bebop and Zoot Sims with the Joe Castro Trio. Both look like great pickups.

I'm not sure people on this Board like the Four Freshmen but I do believe it appeals to a certain audience so I don't think you can say it's a bomb. Regarding your comment on the Parker, you couldn't be more wrong. For an extended discussion on this set, see this thread.

Nice article. Even mentioned Hank so that was impressive. Thanks Dr. Strange -- I mean Lon

That's one bad looking bed

Monk is not only the most identifiable composer but also the most identifiable pianist. When you hear him, you instantly know who it is. After that it's Ellington/Strayhorn and then Tad Dameron. Tad has created some of the greatest songs ever written, IMHO.

Does anybody know if Rockin' the Boat has any bonus tracks over the TOCJ. Reason being, I'm pickin up Cape Verdean Blues today and if the other one does I'll get that too.

I wouldn't call myself a completist; there's too much out there. I will buy lots of an artist's cds that I can get my hands on when I'm really listening to him a lot. I can relate to some of what Africa Brass is saying but I've stopped worrying about it because this is my hobby. I have a lot that I haven't listened to but that doesn't concern me either. I'll get to it some day and I'm in no rush. If I try to rush, I'll just get nothing from it so I take my time.

Let' not forget this great collection:

Brad: As I said I was surprised to see that this book is readily available... try this link. If it does not show up the actual book, just insert the book title and author.. Alun Morgan... there is one "working copy" available for the less than $6.00 .... A really interesting addition to anyone's jazz library .. http://dogbert.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDe...sPL?bi=79328924 Garth, Thank you for that. I have also ordered the Marshall Stearns book as well. Thanks again.

Sent you a PM on the Jazz Modes.

Anybody heard from grey lately. I need a fix

BTW, the Garner project had been discussed here a couple of months ago. That project has been shelved. I seem to remember that the family wouldn't give its consent or grant rights to use the material or something like that.