gmonahan

What an amazing pitcher he was. Intense and fast as lightning. There's a nice eulogy/analysis of him here by Steven Goldman. gregmo

You're right. Jim was just being...Jim! Ella's 1960 version became so famous and successful, that, as Jim puts it, she remembered to forget the words from then on. gregmo

Disc 1

That was the more famous 1960 concert. gregmo

If we're going back into the 20s, it would be nice to have a complete Ellington set of Sony-owned material. That old 2-cd set has lousy sound. gregmo

Disc 2

According to Vincent Pelote's liners for the GRP Decca Jazz issue of the Andy Kirk cd "Mary's Idea," the soloists on the title track recorded December 1938 are Ted Donnelly (twice), trombone; Clarence Trice, trumpet; Williams, piano; and John Harrington, reeds. gregmo

Disc One

Listening to the Porgy and Bess disc from this foundational set

Playing myself through this one. Mosaic did a nice job with the Roulette label for a while:

My poor son will get to deal with it. I've drawn up some suggestions (including putting Mosaic boxes, booklets and cds back together!), but what he does will be up to him. I'll be past caring. gregmo

Disc 3:

Me too. I've actually written it down in a "last letter" for my son. And yes, it's hard being OC, but somebody has to do it! gregmo

Every time I think this miserable year can't possibly get worse, it does.

On tap for tonight:

Like him or hate him, he was deeply devoted to the music. Well, to the music he liked anyway. And he loved Bird and Duke. RIP. gregmo

The Original Master Recording version:

So did I. And I see we were both playing it today as well! gregmo

Nothing like some new Monk to make the miseries of the smoke dissipate from my head (if not my lungs)

Definitely in for this one! gregmo

Disc 7, with Kenny Dorham on trumpet

Here, here!

Fine work by the late Gary Peacock on this one. Actually, my copy is disc two of the Rustbox.

Ah, so many adolescent fantasies in my youth! Saw her live in London years ago with Rex Harrison in "Heartbreak House." A marvelous talent who will be much missed! gregmo