mhatta

"The Complete Blue Note 1964-66 Jackie McLean Sessions" is my favorite Mosaic box set. While most of it is available on single CDs or streaming services, the inclusion of the so-called “High Frequency” session—which has never been available on CD except this box —earns it major points. The live recordings from SteepleChase feature the repertoire from this period. I really want BN to release "High Frequency" (and my another favorite, "Hipnosis" ) as a single CD or for streaming.

I'm definitely more interested in Mulligan as a baritone sax improviser, though I do think he was also excellent as a big band arranger and composer. He never could manage to sustain it financially long-term, but Mulligan seems happy when he's leading a big band on a spot basis. This is from his relatively later years; some might find it overly sweet, but personally I quite like it because it features plenty of Mulligan (and others) solos.

I, too, consider this one of Coleman's masterpieces. Around 1978 to 1979 was Coleman's peak period, and this rhythm section was a perfect fit for him (personally, I preferred Hilton Ruiz over Harold Mabern, whom he often worked with, as I found Ruiz more modern). However, I think this unit sounds better live, so I prefer the live recording from Ronnie Scott's in London. It's a shame it's not available on CD or for digital download.

Yeah, Eddie Gladden is one of them!

I'm not a drummer myself, so I can't explain it technically, but I love that undulating, heavy-bottom drumming. In that sense, Mickey Roker, Ed Soph, and Hugh Walker are drummers I really love.

I hope to see it someday. (From https://destinationsunknownjazz.wordpress.com/2019/01/18/musings-and-imaginary-cover-art-of-some-still-unreleased-blue-note-sessions/)

If we can include unissued material, we might also include the infamous Blue Note recording with Dexter Gordon (May 14, 1962). Only “Lady Be Good” saw the light of day. 7.5. Rejected session w/ Dexter Gordon 5/14/62 Blue Note

RIP. Papa Joe, Buddy, Klook, Roy, Art B, Art T, Max, Sherry, Philly Joe, Elvin, Tony, Billy, Paul, and now Jack... each had their own distinct personality, and you could tell who it was just by hearing them play. They're all gone now. Am I the only one who thinks drums have become so bland lately? I also quite like Jack as a modal pianist.

I recall reading somewhere (I believe it was in the booklet for Bud Powell on Verve) that Horace mentioned writing the piece with Bud's style in mind. And Bud apparently loved it so much he begged for the sheet music. He actually played it on his very last album, Ups 'n Downs (listed as Untitled). It's a ragged, terrible take, but somehow it still has dignity. Also, I saw a reprint of sheet music Horace gave to Bud, signed with Horace's gratitude.

It's now available on Apple Music. The sound quality and performance are decent. “No Smokin'” is one of my favorite Silver songs—is this the first time a live version has seen the light of day?

I have the Japanese CD release. The personnel besides Ammons and McGhee seem to be Jake Fisher (g), Barney Richmond (b), Willie Mashburn (ds), and Waco (bongos). There's no information available about the sidemen, but they were likely Chicago locals active in the Soul, R&B, or Blues scene. Since it was released on Argo under the name Howard McGhee & The Blazers, perhaps there was a plan to market it similarly to The Aces (and not really about Ammons & McGhee?)

I didn't know there is another famous musician, Sam Rivers, though the name might not be as rare as Ella Speed. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj3z0pypnpro

Great news! Since Resonance reissued Albert Ayler's Foundation Maeght recording a few years ago, they should have access to Cecil Taylor's tapes too. Andrew Cyrille is in top form here, so I hope they release it while he's still alive. The Great Concert of Cecil Taylor aka Second Act of A is my favorite Cecil Taylor. Recordings from his quartet around that time, as far as I know, are: 1969/2/8 Grinnell College, IA 1969/7/29 Foundation Maeght, France aka “Second Act of A” 1969/11/4 Copenhagen, Denmark (w/ color video!) 1969/11/5 Stockholm, Sweden 1969/11/6 Berlin, Germany 1969/11/9 Rotterdam, Netherlands aka “Cecil Taylor Quartet In Europe” 1969/11/10 Stuttgart, Germany aka “Fragments of a Dedication to Duke Ellington” Are there any others?

Clifford Jordan's piano-less trio (featuring Philly Joe in his final days) is fascinating, yet it's never been released on CD, nor is it available for streaming or on YouTube. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rotterdam_Session

That's right, I'm one of the administrators of jazzdisco.org. If you want to create a discography for Steve Lacy, you're welcome to do so.