clifford_thornton

yeah, I've had the Japanese pressing of First Encounter for many years and it is indeed excellent. The Foster I'm unfamiliar with.

Yes, Vanguard in the US. I have the CBS version, strong album... and as far as Watanabe goes, I can think of several very good LPs he released in the 60s and 70s. Those with Charlie Mariano are at the top of the heap but others aren't far off. That's right. Also, RVG remastered it for Milestone; I prefer the mix on the Victor original. It is a shame that no CD was produced with all available tracks in one package.

Ordered this one straightaway. Toyozumi’s presence is rather special.

The initial digital version sounded pretty lo-fi, as I recall. Has this been cleaned up?

Yeah, the new one is nice indeed. He's from Seattle and relocated to NYC in 1974, seems like he was an East Coast working player until around 25 years ago (maybe less), when he returned to the Seattle area. Not a lot of sessions, but he's strong on everything I've heard.

Yeah, Booker T. on Silkheart. He only has one album as a leader for the label. Thom ID’ed the artist & track/disc correctly so only 12 more remain!

Glad you enjoyed! And bingo on Booker T. with Cyrille.

Yes on Lewis/Lindberg and yes on KD and Tabackin! Good calls on both. Glad you dug it! nope, no WP anywhere on this comp @mjazzg

Close -- another Japanese bamboo flute called the hochiku. Lindberg is correct! Bingo. I like the gradual emergence of tunes, always have, but I hear what you're saying in the context of BFTs. If you're not guessing in the first few minutes, you kinda just have to stick around whether you want to or not. my namesake is nowhere on the BFT but good guess.

will buy the CDs-- the 4LP imo is too expensive though I'm sure it is a nice package.

'71 is the intriguing factor for me. I'll probably pick it up once Dusty has it.

All Americans on #4, and the names should be familiar once they're revealed! I really love the music and have enjoyed revisiting that album in preparation for the BFT. Hamid is not the drummer on #2, but I can hear the comparison. Both drummers emerged right around the same time in the second half of the 70s. #1 is, again, all-American, and yes, the pianist is the leader.

Herbert Joos - (1940-2019) Mike Westbrook - 1936 Hank D'Amico - (1915-1965)

Happy Birthday Amina Claudine Myers! And I should pick up that Cohn in some form -- don't have the Dawn stuff.

Bueller...? Bueller...?

slap an obi around some terrible art and it instantly becomes collector-worthy... it's certainly been done in the past!

Certainly I've disagreed with others on whether or not someone is a good musician... that's hardly something to get bent out of shape about. For example, I thought certain board members were (are) insane for not appreciating Jemeel Moondoc's brilliance, but it's not like I'm going to change anybody's mind at this point, nor they me. Remler's Concord studio dates leave me a bit underwhelmed but I did like hearing the live stuff that Resonance put out. It's not her per se, but the mastering and the polished nature of the groups' sound.

Nice. I have that as a Japanese DIW of the Bird Notes original. Interesting record, though the Debut/Fontana sides are, for me, where things really get going.

yes, somewhat, but it depends. I certainly see a lot of "meh" new LP designs in the bins as well. International Anthem have some of the best, though not all of the records themselves are my cuppa.

Outside design can really add up cost-wise, and the number of people buying physical new release jazz CDs in 2025 is probably fairly small.

they definitely do not want to pay for artwork. That's the number one reason.

I have no bun in that fight, and opinions are like assholes -- everybody has one. Allen and Remler don't make the same kind of music in any way, shape, or form, so "leagues" are pointless to get into.

it was a bit heteronormative for me. That's all. NAGL. All Smiles is a strong record; the cover never did anything for me either way.

I remember that interaction, yes. Those CDs hold up and I very much dug seeing the band live (that actually goes for a number of recent/current ECM artists). Changes at ECM did send a number of artists to Intakt, which is interesting as well. I can't really speak to the details as I don't know all the facts, but the migration is true. Steeplechase covers are completely boring and art direction never was their strong suit, though of course they've released a TON of great music. I certainly don't feel like we are in an age of great album covers to be quite honest, but that's probably food for another thread... album art from the 21st century that doesn't suck!

I really can no longer abide by their cover art and fonts. I feel the same way about Intakt. This isn't about the music... the releases just don't look appealing to me.