JohnS

Lots of scope still for searching and uncovering personal treasures. Dartford, seeing the name I couldn't let it pass without comment. As contemporary of Jagger and as someone who spent most of his working life in the town I can say that there was no problem getting any record in the town. There were a couple of decent reord shops and for more specialised stuff the town is only an hour away from London. Sounds like a bit of a myth to me but it's good to see the town, which has probably seen better days, get a mention here.

Happy Easter everyone.

I'm sure you are right, it was one of the bins in front of the counter. There was also the Jackie's Bag bin where Jackie Docherty(?) sleeveless albums were sold.

Some of Ray's regulars may remember Bob Glass behind the counter. I understand he passed away some years ago. Another feature of Collet's basement shop was the 'wall of shame'. A collection of bounced cheques stapled to the wall next to the listening booths. Collet's ( it was a left wing bookshop as well as a record store) was also exposed by a Sunday newspaper as the headquarters of a communist cell, a serious danger to all young jazz and folk fans.

Very sad news. I bought my first record from Collets in 1958 and I've known Ray ever since. I always found him kind, considerate and helpful. Thanks for everything Ray.

Stitt's Bits (The Bebop Recordings 1949-1952). Prestige (Disc 1)

Have a good one.

A very happy birthday to you Flurin.

I agree, perhaps the best jazz accordion record.

This was probably the same group I saw in London. They were billed as the Jazz Doctors. The lineup escpes me now but was Geri Allen on piano? Billy Bang, Frank Lowe, Rafael Garrett, and Dennis Charles recorded in London in 1983 as The Jazz Doctors for the Cadillac label. Perhaps the name Jazz Doctors was used for other lineups at other times. Thanks Paul, that's probably the group. My memory is likely to be at fault. Nice gig irc, White lab coats were worn. I've just checked my old diary and found that I saw Billy at the London School Of Econmics in 1981 with Charles Tyler, Michelle Rosewoman, Wilber Morris, Denis Charles. I have absolutely no memory of this concert. But it's there in the diary.

The Complete Bud Powell on Verve, now on disc 2.

I think I had this on Everest?

This was probably the same group I saw in London. They were billed as the Jazz Doctors. The lineup escpes me now but was Geri Allen on piano?

Shocking news. A fine musician and responsible for some of my favourite recordings. I was lucky enough to see him perform in London years ago with Frank Lowe, aa exceptional pairing. Thank you for the music Billy.

I remember this set. If I recall it was a 12" box containing three 2cd cases. I used to have the Gil Evans. The individual boxes came up second hand from time to time. There was nothing there that did not become easily available later (or maybe even at the time). I may be wrong but I don't believe the original artwork was used and the notes were minimal. But it was definitely a proper issue.

Happy Birthday Allen!

The Murray for me.

I thought the inner sleeve was the best part of this record.

The Lovano gig was fine. I was struck by his enormous and majestic sound (perhaps to do with the radio mic as I hadn't noticed that at previous concerts). Pieces all came from the Bird and Folk Art cds. The two drummers have a lot of fun complementing and anticipating each other. The only con was that the piano was poorly balanced sounding off stage, a shame as Weidman played some interesting things.

Hi John, sorry not able to make this one. Will be interested to hear how it goes. Hi Bob, I'll let you know.

Tonight it's Joe Lovano US5 at Southampton University's Turner Sims Hall. Nice room, not too large with usually great sound.

I had a few Applause recordings. Filled the odd gap until the real thing came along. Blakey's Witch Doctor come to mind. In fact I still have Jimmy Smith Plays Fats Waller on an Applause cd. cover art was poor, notes lacking and cheap looking presentation.

Anyone in the UK remember Jackie. Put all his record on tape, kept the jackets and traded in the lps at Rays! I have two or three.

Same here!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROOSTER