Brad

Presumably Cuscuna means that it sucks and will NEVER see the light of day...over his dead body. Any other sessions out there the MC has roundly rejected in such a manner? There was a great thread back at the BNBB where Kevin B went through these one by one after discussing it with MC. There were logical reasons for rejecting these sessions. A couple of years later (this year, before the demise), someone resuscitated this thread and it made interesting reading comparing what came out. In listening to the Lost Sessions (which is not one my favorites), there was good reason for keeping these in the vaults. I think Michael has done a pretty good job in getting many of these out although obviously there may be some more in there. I seem to recall Dan Gould or somebody starting a thread about another Grant Green session that ought to be reissued.

Jim, I saw that Red Trumpet also has a Pro-ject 1.2, which is still going for the same price that I got mine a couple of years ago, $319. Good price and a very reliable turntable, well suited I'm sure for what you need. I'm very satisfied with mine.

Mark, Not to take anything way from the Classic Capitol Jazz Sessions, but you're in for a real treat with the Bird set, especially the Red Norvo sessions. They're a real classic and important in the history of the music. There is so much good music on that set, it's hard to know where to begin.

I'm a corporate type. Some of you know what I do. That's not what I wanted to do but it has it moments at times when we do a transaction. What I really wanted to do was teach Latin American History but I realized early on I wasn't god's gift to the history profession so I changed careers and became a court reporter for awhile. That was about 25 years ago and it was fun for awhile. Went to graduate school after that and I've been with the same company for about 22 years. Came to jazz only 4 years ago and I really love all you guys. Wouldn't be the same if I didn't have this place. Plus, I'm learning to play alto sax. Been sticking with it for about 9 months. My teacher says I might be ready for the community band in six months or so. So that's my story.

You might try contacting Hiroshi at Early Records. He may be able to get it for you at a reasonable price.

In case the size of the set might be a bit too chew, a good alternative would be the Complete HRS Sessions.

I don't have this or the album Late is sponsoring but I'm looking to order both today. Seem like very interesting choices.

Wow! That's a real rip off price. I think even Red Trumpet is probably lower than that. Fortunately, I have it.

Late is right on in his analysis. Horace does seem to allude to the melodies. It's a different technique (at least to me) and threw me off at first. And they do grow on you. I just discovered that I had an LP that Blue Note put of Horace's BN Trio work, not just from the early 50s but later as well. Too bad all of it couldn't have been reissued.

I love this disc too and that's because I love Dameron. What's not to like.

It's funny you should mention that because the first time I listened to it, I had the same reaction, plus some of the standards he plays seem hardly recognizable. I'm listening to it again (I was wondering if I was crazy) and tonight I'm planning to compare Horoscope to Horace-scope to see the difference. I believe you're right however. Another point, on Safari, I almost thought I was listening to Max Roach from Un Poco Loco for a little while, instead of Blakey.

As most of us, I go through phases, but generally speaking Sonny Stitt, Dexter and Bird. Right now, I'm in a Pepper Adams mood, so I'll say him too, for the moment.

I picked this up when I got the RVGs. When he recorded this, he hadn't lost a thing. Three Little Words is good but my favorite is the title track and Dexter Rides Again (and no, not for the obvious reason; it's just a great track). His sound is like no other bari player I've heard. I give this a hearty recommendation. In fact, I just got out his recording on Mode (since reissued by VSOP) and that's great as well. Stu Williamson really caught my attention on this one.

The article in the August review of JR about thinning out your collection is a classic. Had me in stitches. That just by itself made this issue worthwhile.

Paul Chambers is no doubt one of the great bassists. But to call him the best, well, I leave that for others to decide. Also, we should not forget that there are many great bassists in that era. A few that come to mind that are favorites also are NHOP, Sam Jones, George Mraz and Leroy Vinnegar. From the bop era, ones that come to mind because they played with Bird are Tommy Potter and Curly Russell (did play with Blakey as well). And of course there's Milt Hinton. So Chambers is very good, but let's not forget some of the others.

Mnytime, I'm just a beginner (since December) like your cousin's child and one option you may want to consider (what I'm doing) is rent. I have a Selmer Altosax and like it (of course, I have no basis for comparison). I also like the Vandoren reeds (2, which is probably good for a beginner). Slightly off topic, but I find that practicing gets my mind off stressful activities of daily life. You can't properly practice and be thinking about other stuff (one of the first lessons I learned from my teacher, who plays jazz).

Brownie, A couple of years ago, I picked up from Amazon France, Sonny sits in with Oscar Peterson. I don't know if you have that or if it interests you, but it's well worth picking up. His Verve stuff is quite good.

For me, it's Jackie. The way he plays his horn is just unique. Second, would be Bird, no one has that delicious sound on the alto like Bird (Sonny might be close).

I was on that show when I was a kid. Embarassed my parents to no end.

I Remember Clifford but that is also one of the saddest, a very wistful ballad. Along Came Betty and Blues March would be second.

I'm with Jim on this one. Not a real good one.

Our Delight is one of my favorites, with Good Bait not that far behind.

I'm not sure this qualifies but yesterday while I was picking up some of the new RVGs, I noticed a JRVG of Grant's Sunday Morning for 12.99 (marked as used) which I though was interesting. I then saw both JRVGs of Elmo Hope for also 12.99 each. I started to get excited. So I carefully checked the stacks. By the time I was done, I had gotten JRVGs of Jutta Hipp (not the Hickory House or Zoot Sims' ones), Sal Salvador, Tal Farlow, Kenny Burrell and Bill Evans' Sunday at the Village Vanguard (one of those Japanese reissues from JVC that is slightly larger than the JRVGs) and Eddie Higgins' Haunted Heart on Venus. All for 12.99. Even though they were marked as used, they weren't and were all sealed. A lucky haul. The person at the front desk said they'd had a lot more. Too bad but I can't complain.

Happy Birthday to THE MAN!!! Thanks for everything.

I received an email, allegedly from Ebay about problems with my account, asking me to click on something called the Ebay Billing Center. This is fraudulent. Don't click into this. I checked my account with ebay and it's just fine. Be extra careful when you get emails like this. It bears repeating from time to time.