JohnS

I have a Rega 3 and can recommend it.

When I was younger I was happy to give some things a try. But I soon discovered that those 30 minute jobs described in the manuals were full of snags and pitfalls and generally took more than a day and several trips to the DIY store.

This album is well worth seeking out.

I'm not sure if I was a victim of the Cactus copy protection or I've just got a duff cd. Anyway I've returned it for replacement. If that one's the same I'll try copying or getting my money back and buying a US copy. What a let down, I really enjoyed the little bit I heard.

Another vote for "Mohawk", "School Days", "Four For Trane" and the original New York Art Quartet. What about the Numatic Swing Band?-I've not played that for a while. It could do with an airing. The reunion with Shepp has some of the old magic too.

My copy protected copy has just got to the top of my to play pile and IT WON'T PLAY!

I've just spotted a billboard advertising the Wilkinson QUATTRO (the first four blade razor). Can Gillette be far behind? Upgrade time.

The Konitz certainly. I'd also recommend the Paul Bley trios and the Harold Danko dates. The latters cds mostly feature jazz standards, "Prestigeous", a selection of Dolphy tunes is a nice one.

"Illusion Suite" is the one to get.

Yeah, that's right, on checking I have a bootleg lp on Jazzway. I saw a Rollins Trio at Ronnie Scotts in the latter half of the sixties, A great night with one long medley. No recollection of who played bass and drums though. Can anyone remind me.

Late, I think the second too, Art Taylor and Gilbert Rovere?

And another

Here's one from my small collection, taken in Paris I believe

Sent you a PM

I'd be interested in the answer too. Although I called them an improvising group my guess too is that the pieces were highly organised. However I don't recall any paper on the stand on the occasions I saw the group.

Just to add my two cents - packages sent via the postal service are very much less likely to be intercepted by customs and charged. Packges sent by courier or freight will almost certainly attract duty if it's due.

Any record by Air ought to subtitled "The Real Art Of The Trio". This is a fine example of one of the best improvising trios in jazz. I've had my vinyl copy since it's release and playing it now reminds me of those heady days in the late 70s when the next Air album was awaited with a great deal of anticipation. Although I'd been through the first wave of "new jazz" Air, I believe, took things to another level. The (inter)playing here is superb but I often find myself listening to the magnificent Fred Hopkins, a very physical player, and I can see him on stage now wrestling with his instrument. His playing is astonishing. All the cuts are fine, "Subtraction" is dangerously slow and spacy but it's never dull, the trio come up with surprise after surprise. I like the close sound stage and the recording on the vinyl. John Litweiler's very useful notes are a model of their kind. And I wouldn't mind a copy of the poster that features in the cover art on my wall! This is a great record although I'd be hard pressed to say that this is Air's best record as they are all good. Thanks Chuck for getting this on disc and impossible for the nomination.

John, you cheap bastard. Buy a Mach 3 on your way home from work tonight. This Bic thing is making the whole board look bad. Actually I got a free one throught he door when they first came out. Its still in the cupboard. To keep up appearances on the board I'll give it a try. Then I'll probably be too much of a cheapskate to buy new blades.

I'll be at the Purcell Room London on 22nd. I saw the V5 at the same venue just over two year ago. I went out of curiosity mainly never having heard them. The reviews I'd read suggested that the band were pretty far out but in fact they were amazing, the music had plenty of room for adventurous free expression but was structured and not hard to get with. I became an instant fan.

The Pathe sessions are essential. Two concert recordings I particularly like are the "Live In Japan" on DIW and "Live In Berlin" on West Wind. Also worth seeking out is "Phase One" from their time in Paris for it's storming version of "Ohnedaruth". My avatar comes from the ensemble's first Lonon concert, a magical evening. And man, how Moye and Favors can swing.

At the risk of sounding like a real skinflint (partially true I guess) I'm going to own up to still using disposable single blade Bics with Gillette foam. I won't admit to how long I can make a Bic last but I don't buy that many. On the other hand I can get pretty bristly by the evening.

I don't have the cd but the track listing seems to be identical to the MIlestone twofer. That only gives the sketchy date of summer and fall 1948 at the Royal Roost.

Propermusic's web site lists full details of all their issues. Can't lay my hands on the url at the moment. Sound quality is pretty decent I understand.

Ubu, I do. I agree "Pack Your Uniform On Top" is better. The group played at Ronnie Scott's in 1999. I've given up going there but the BBC did broadcast an excellent set by band.