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My first visit to New York City was in 1984, and on my first visit to the VV, George Coleman performed. I really enjoy the sonic experience of the Vanguard; it's reputation for great sound and instrumental balance is well-deserved. Since then (and mostly on visits from 1992- the present), I've heard there on one or more occasions: Don Cherry Mal Waldron Bobby Hutcherson Tom Harrell Jason Moran Greg Osby Roy Hargrove Terrance Blanchard Pharoah Sanders Michel Petruciani Paul Motian Craig Handy James Carter Tommy Flanagan David Sanchez Cyrus Chestnut Clark Terry Robert Glaspar Eric Reed Nino Josele

I must say that I really have enjoyed this CD--it is excellent--count on me to be onboard for any future projects of this ilk.

Wilbur Ware--The Chicago Sound (Riverside, Japanese Viktor pressing)

There are plenty of LP bargains on ebay--you just have to concentrate on on high quality labels that are not so trendy/collector oriented--impulse and Prestige (later pressings, anyway), for example.

Jean Michel Pilc's appearance on January 15 would be one I would try to attend, based on hearing him at Small's and the 55 Bar . Featuring: Jean-Michel Pilc - Piano, Francois Moutin - Bass, Billy Drummond - Drums & J.D. Allen - Sax.

Don Patterson -- Four Dimensions (Prestige, blue label) Hampton Hawes and Martial Solal-- Key for Two (Byg)

I've heard Alexander live a few times--I didn't like his playing at all, a personalityless regurgitation of the past--in the future, his presence at a concert or on a recording likely will send me in the opposite direction.

An ipod nano or ipod shuffle would work.

It was a slow year for me, but I saw: Lucky Peterson at Pearl on Commerce, on March 7 and July 11. Guitar Shorty at Poor David's Pub on June 27 and at Pearl on September 11. Eddie Turner at Pearl on Commerce on August 11. Buddy Guy at House of Blues on October 15. Tom Harrell Quintet at the Village Vanguard on October 30 and November 1. Go Home (Ben Goldstein, Charlie Hunter, Curtis Fowlkes, and Dannie Amendola at Jazz Standard on October 31. Pat Martino at Birdland on October 31. Ron Carter Trio with Mulgrew Miller and Russell Malone at the Blue Note on November 1. Francisco Mela Trio at the Blue Note on November 1. Dave Burrell (solo piano) at Sandaga Market on December 12.

Pee Wee Russell--Ask Me Now (Impulse, red and black)

The early material is on five Classics CDs covering 1948-54. Three of these can be downloaded inexpensively on amazon.com, and the other two are available at a reasonable or at least semi-reasonable price.

Jaki Byard and Earl Hines--Duet (MPS)

I received the Stanley Turrentine set this Christmas.

The Best of Willis Jackson with Jack McDuff (Pretige, blue label)

Dave Brubeck--Time Out (Columbia six eyes) Lucha Moreno (Orfeon)

An order of two from dustygroove: Sun Ra--The Antique Blacks Thurman Barker--Rediscovered

In Dallas, the police have figured out how to make crime fall--they classify violent crimes as non-violent crimes and classify crimes as non-crimes. It's all in the definition.

Unfortunately, running across used Classics CDs in Dallas does not happen very often; I buy them whenever I can find them.

Charlie Shavers Quartet--Girl of My Dreams (Everest) Trio Los Panchos--Los Favoritos de Todo del Mundo (Columbia, six eyes)

Morris Nanton--Prelude (Prestige, blue label) Buddy Rich in Miami (Verve trumpet) Ornette Coleman--Ornette at 12 (Impulse, red and black)

This was a fabulous band that I heard live several times at the Caravan of Dreams (once backing up Ornette Coleman), and this is their best recording (out of two): VHCD 04132 Moffett Family Jazz Band/Magic Of Love

Dave Burrell, solo piano, at Sandaga Market. I thought this would be interesting, but it turned out to be fantastic. The first set consisted of two long Dave Burrell compositions, The Edge--an inside/outside piece with a very compelling melody at its center, followed by The Rag (which it was). I was really blown away by the first set. The second set was completely different consisting mostly of standards--Ellington (It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got that Swing), Strayhorn (Lush Life), Monk (Round Midnight), other standards (Autumn Leaves, You Go to My Head--the latter was the highlight of the second set), a Jelly Roll Morton piece. The second set was wonderful as well. Dave Burrell is clearly an underappreciated master pianist.

Red Garland--Soul Junction (Prestige mono, blue label)

$16 at Worlds Records, with free shipping over $25.

It took over a month to arrive, but finally it did and I'm very much enjoying listening to this set--thanks very much for the recommendation.