RDK

Would it help if you cover a bunch of his tunes, so that he gets more royalties?

Alright, who wants to now start a Favorite Rare Grooves poll?

I keep thinking that many of my faorite conns (and obviously some of yours) are from rare or unreleased sessions. There also seems to be a "pleasantly surprised" factor involved. I mean, probably few of us had ever heard of Tina Brooks before the Mosaic and then the conns came out. When we finally heard "True Blue," how could we react in any other way than "wow!" after all the mystery and hype. It was a legendary session kept from us for years and finally brought to light. The same was true, for me at least, with "Basra." I had never heard of this disc until I discovered that the conn of it was fetching big bucks on Ebay. So I was thrilled when I found a used copy for cheap. The fact that I really love this session is a bonus, but i wonder if i still would have considered it one of my top five just because of its scarcity and legendary value? Ray

This one was easy because Leeway is one of my favorite Blue Notes of them all, but I really wish we could have voted for 2 or 3 from each list rather than just one.

Now I don't know much about how the recording biz works on that level, but why couldn't you? I mean, it's not as if the majors are burnin' up Braith's phone to offer him recording opportunities. Would it just be a matter of how much money a band would need to offer him for the session or is it more a pride thing, like "hey, I used to record for Blue Note, now I'm backing the boys in Organissimo." (No offense, B-3 ) What exactly does it take to get some of these somewhat obscure "old-timers" to record again? Ray

I agree with Joe that this is a terrific and somewhat overlooked album. "This Could be the Start of Something Good" is just so cool. I remember a few years ago hearing this on a local jazz station and digging it so much. When they announced who did it I was a bit surprised since I wasn't expected Grant Green for some reason. But I ran out and bought the CD the very next day. Nevertheless, I cast my vote for "Feelin' the Spirit," with "Idle Moments" a very close second. Ray

Well, she could certainly marry me!

Just counted and it looks like I have 88 Conns, though a couple of them are either Japan issues, newer RVGs, or parts of Mosaic sets. I had a few CDRs as well, but I think i've finally replaced them all with the real things. It's hard to say which five are my favorites, but I think the five that surprised or pleased me the most as "discoveries" are: Lee Morgan "Leeway" Pete La Roca "Basra" Hank Mobley "A Slice of the Top" Paul Chambers "Quintet" Dizzy Reece "Comin' On" Ray

btw, the film grossed nearly $86 million this opening weekend. That beats our Friday estimate of $74 million.

Alexander, where was Hank McCoy? I must have missed him. Did they mention him by name in the film or only in the credits? Also, why do you say that Colossus wasn't Russian?

Saw it today. A terrific film. Better than the first? Probably, though I liked the first one quite a bit. The plot's a bit hinky in spots (and I agree that it may be a touch too long), but the characterizations are spot-on and there are dozens of small details that will put a smile on the face of any X-Men comics fan. Ray

Most of the sets are back on the website (some were removed briefly) saying they are out of stock but will be available again in four weeks. I never got a response about my order, so I e-mailed them and they replied that it was sent out and should be here in 2-3 weeks. So hopefully I'll get a big package soon!

The CD had been played before I bought it. Upon first inspection after purchase, the "play" side displayed under light some blemishing from use toward the outer edges--this had been disclosed before purchase but with the proviso that the CD played out perfectly; nonetheless, this still caused me initial concern. But lens inspection at my home laboratory showed that the blemishing has not truly cut into or worn away the surface integrity of the disc. Geez, that guy should get a life. Using his home lab to inspect blemishes on used CDs? Heck, I reserve "lens inspections at my home laboratory" for important things like judging the quality of internet porn.

Well, my (accurate) name and address pop up, but it's nothing that's not part of the public record. I am listed in the phone book after all. Still, the internet makes such personal information so easy to find that it is kind of scary!

If you can get it for a good price then I'd say go for it, but don't overpay as much of this is available in other packages. I prefer the Verve "Autobiography" 3-fer as i love Louis' spoken intros. Actually, for a good chuck of LA that isn't in this set, but that I think is even better and more fun to listen to, check out the 4-disc "California Concerts" package on Decca. I picked this up recently and it's zoomed to the top of my list of favorite Armstrong recordings. Ray

I had the great pleasaure of seeing Teddy Edwards lead his Brass-String ensemble at what was unfortunately a sad event - a local fundraiser for the late drummer Billy Higgins. I had only known Teddy's music from a couple of CDs at the time, but hearing his "jazz orchestra" (which included a harp and a trio of violins!) was breathtaking. It was an utterly unique sound that is only barely captured on "Blue Saxophone." I had the chance to say a few words to Teddy and shake his hand at the event, and all I can say is that he was one classy gentleman. Unfortunately his illness prevented him from playing much the last few years; I can only wish that I had discovered his talents sooner and that he could have been with us longer. He will be missed. Ray

I heard the show was a bust.... Lots of padding, not as titilating as one might expect, and parts were sagging. Still, it had its perky, uplifting moments...

Woody Shaw

Are you saying that FX is now showing movies unedited and uncut, but that Bravo and A & E no longer will? What the HELL Is this world coming to!!

Well the Jutta thread is back at AAJ, though it looks to have been edited a bit. Oddly, DEEP has completely changed his mind about Ms. Hipp's talents. Seriously, though, obscure or well-known, Blue Note artist or otherwise, it's always sad to hear about a jazz musician's passing... I think i'll spin the Hickory House discs tonight... Ray

Fairly good prices can be had at Amazon.con - often with free shipping. When Tower had their 25% off sale, I got the Armstrong box for $16! To add, the Miles Davis, Gillespie, and Sinatra boxes are no longer "allowed" to be sold in the U.S. (for legal reasons one presumes), so pick these up while you still can.

Count me in as a big fan of the Proper boxes!

Chris, I'm curious why you'd want to erase all your old posts on the BN Board? While I didn't agree with everything, you certainly made some fine contributions over the years. You may not like what the board has become (or will become when it reopens) but I would think you'd stand behind any posts you might have written there. To be honest, this seems like 1984-ish revisionism...

This is a link to the Internet Archive (also known as the Wayback Machine ) It's a pretty cool site to explore... http://web.archive.org

great news! But it's not the last one is it? Wasn't there one with Pat Methany, or did i miss that one?