gmonahan

I think deciding when to buy something like the Parker Dials (and keep in mind that there is more to this set than just the Parker Dials) can be a little like deciding when to buy a new computer. As technologies change (and improve?), this is the kind of classic music that will probably be reissued again and again, making use of that new technology. It's especially the case with the Dials, since we lack the original masters. I can't imagine anyone ever doing it better than Mosaic, but I may have a different opinion when the music is reissued in a different--and for now, unknown--format in ten years or so. Of course, I'll probably buy that one too..... gregmo

Pretty sure JSP ripped that Louis Jordan set off from the (outstanding) Bear Family box set. gregmo

Yes, only in America could we concoct a sitcom making life in a German POW camp seem like a comic romp. It did give the great German actor Werner Klemperer some money, albeit, playing a really shallow, dumb character. gregmo

I am new to this forum, and perhaps this is the wrong thread for this, but: I recently listened to a friend's copy of the Mosaic Charles Mingus Candid Rcordings. It is really good with very good sound, IMO. It is out of print and quite spendy. Most of these tracks are on the following albums: Charles Mingus Presents Charles Mingus, Mingus, Reincarnation of a Lovebird, Mysterious Blues and Newport Rebels. Has anyone compared these CDs to the Mosaic Box? Recommendations? First, welcome to the forum!! If I may, I'd suggest you start a new thread on this under "discography." You'd be far more likely to get responses there than under this thread! gregmo

Dude, that shit was always on at night (and on weekends). I'm talking daytime 70s stoner dorm fare, like 3 PM, when class were over, but before dinner came. gregmo

You must have lived in a different kind of dorm than I did! My stoner friends all watched Monty Python and Saturday Night Live. And compared to the Norman Lear comedies, shows like Hillbillies, Green Acres, and Petticoat Junction were pretty juvenile. Apologies to all the fans! gregmo

Well, the whole concept of the show--what makes it really good, IMHO--is the concentration on these characters and their interactions with each other and the relatively small confines of their world. Expanding it would make it a radically different show. gregmo

It's always amazing when archives like these pop up, especially about the African-American experience in America. So much of that was lost. Gives me hope that there's more out there somewhere! gregmo

Sorry to be a dissenting voice, but those shows were unbelievably DUMB. The only positive I know of to come out of them was the Irene Ryan scholarships that actress generously established with the money she made from the show. Otherwise, good riddance! Humbug! Bah! gregmo

"Roland Kirk: Complete Recordings, 1956-1962," disc 3. I've only just discovered Kirk. Wonderful, fascinating artist. gregmo

I assume it's because most people have some kind of clothes on when they die. gregmo

$35 or so. I think it was for a Sinatra bootleg. I'm a hopeless Sinatra completist. I gave up thoughts of treatment for the disease years ago. gregmo

Me neither. In fact, certain kinds of those exits are legal here in Oregon with the aid of a physician. As for me, I prefer to work hard on living. Way too much music to hear before I go! gregmo

As others have said, they're occasionally useful for finding something that hasn't otherwise been issued, and likely never will be. Also for sampling the work of an artist that one might not otherwise know much about. I used the series to get some albums by Jack McDuff I didn't have. I think I have a couple of others sitting on my shelf somewhere. The sound can be wildly inconsistent, as one would expect. gregmo

Me too! I guess we have to add Buddy DeFranco's name to this sad list. gregmo

There's too little Art on clarinet. What I have heard has always intrigued . Agreed--way too little. Sure wish Art had done a clarinet album. gregmo

Second that one. My favorite Kenton record! "Reuben's Blues" is a great track, but the whole album is wonderful. gregmo

Have a good one in The Big!!

A fairly lonely voice for a long time playing modern jazz on the licorice stick. I always enjoyed his work. He will be much missed. gregmo

Uh-oh. :D gregmo

I'm also enjoying the set. I think the notes are pretty good, though I'm a little wary since Ross Russell collaborated with Tony Williams, and his "Bird Lives!" is, at best, controversial. That said, I like the inside stuff, and I think the musical analysis by Tony Williams is very good. Photos, discography, and the book in general are all up to Mosaic's usual very high standard. gregmo

I'm on disc 5 of the Dial set, the great, great Relaxin' at Camarillo session! gregmo

Done and done. Thanks Jim!

Complete Dial Modern Jazz Sessions, disc 1. My Christmas present to ME! gregmo

I'm also listening to the first disc, and it does sound very good to these ears. gregmo