Teasing the Korean

Ella Wishes You a Swingin' Christmas - Verve (stereo) Extra points for using the original lyrics to "Have Yourself a Merry Little Xmas." The only swingin' version I've heard that uses them.

I have an 80s vinyl reissue of it. It's in glorious out of phase mono. When you hit the mono button, it sounds like it's coming from inside a phone booth. If you can remember what a phone booth was.

Who cares what the record sounds like with that great cover art!

That was my understanding from other things I've read, but I could be wrong. All my Coltrane is on vinyl, so I can't address the sound quality issue either way.

That predates the disco jazz period by a couple of years.

So in other words the individual CD releases have better sound and bonus tracks. If that's true I think I'll pass on this one, even though the price is tempting. I have most of these on LP anyway.

Fair enough. Right off the bat, since you like Gabor Szabo, I would recommend you getting ASAP both "Impressions of the Middle East" and "The Wailing Dervishes," both on Atlantic, circa 66-67. They both have a groovy eastern vibe to them that I think you'd love. Also, the early bossa LPs - one on UA, and the other, "Do the Bossa Nova" are worthwhile. Generally, though, most of his LPs from the 60s - if not exactly groundbreaking or surprising - feature nice latin grooves and vibe work by Roy Ayers. Considering what these LPs go for (i.e. cheap), they've rarely disappointed me. Agree that his late 60s and 70s output is on the commercial side of the spectrum.

I'm tempted to say no, just to see if word got around and someone in control would accidentally reissue it. But yeah, wishful thinking on my part.

Jobim - Tide - A&M/CTI stereo

Blue Note Records is proud to announce the twofer reissue of "Jungle Jazz" and "African Jazz" by the great Les Baxter, featuring Plas Johnson on tenor sax and alto flute, and Larry Bunker on vibes. 24 bit remastered. January 2008 release.

Did anyone pick up the expanded Syd Barrett "Piper" set? Has the mono and stereo mixes, along with some singles. Is it worth it? How is the packaging, book, etc.

Why not the others?

He was more "rock" with Julie Driscoll & Trinity. The first couple of Oblivion Express albums have a proggy edge to them, but most of the others have more of a jazzy/funky/groovy aspect. Knowing your taste, I think you would like the "Closer To It" album.

Still looking for "Stress," his collaboration with Marius Constant...

Which albums are included in this set?

Toqinho e Vinicius - Personalidade - Philips collection

Henry Mancini - Two for the Raod - RCA Dynagroove mono. Great breakfast music - EZ, jazzy, with a continental bent.

That one is generally considered one of his best, and it may be my favorite.

"Closer To It" is their best, with "Whenever You're Ready" and "Happiness is Just Around the Bend."

All the songs on this LP were written specifically for it. It's a concept album, of sorts, about someone trying to reconcile the idealization of the holiday season with the realities of life. Unusual for a Christmas album of this period to take such a view of things. Probably the most famous song on it is "The Merriest," which has shown up on a a few Capitol Christmas comps over the past ten years or so.

Nice to know Folk Songs is on CD. I meant that LSoH hasn't made it to CD, AFAIK, but you can find the vinyl.

Considering the time, I'd call that a ringing endorsement.

Never heard it, but his score for "Little Shop of Horrors" is a fave. I should add that this was available on LP, but I don't think it's made it to CD.