sidewinder

Just had a mail confirming that the Westbrooks will be doing their first gig for over a year on 9th Feb at the Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, Dorset with a very welcome performance of their 'Band of Bands' project with Pete Whyman, Karen Street et al. Excellent news - I know that Mike hasn't been too well of late so hopefully this is a return to more gigs.

They were very different shows- the London show was not Strata East but a tribute to Max Roach. I wouldn't say it was particularly 'up and down' either - both sets at the Barbican very good. The core musicians were brought by Tolliver from the US and supplemented by some of the best from the UK e.g. Tony Kofi.

I do have good original LPs of both of those titles - and the Tone Poet of 'Dialogue'. Not played them for a while but it is swings and roundabouts I think. There would likely be higher fidelity but possibly at the expense of somebsurface noise. At the end of the day it will probably depend on your LP and/or CD playback equipment but what I am finding with the Mosaic is that it is more than adequate and noise-wise dead quiet. A great set - the people who gave taken over CD mastering at Mosaic are doing a brilliant job.

Bobby Hutcherson 'Classic Blue Note Sessions' Mosaic set, CD2 - 'Dialogue' and 'Components'. The sonics of this set give the Tone Poet LPs a serious run for their money, to my ears.

Great to hear this - and hope that Matt is feeling improved health-wise.

I'll stick with my Delmark LPs !

The London show last November was very good, albeit Tolliver was sparing with his solos (which were incisive). As an over-80 year old he is being careful with his lip. Totally understandable - indeed it is very impressive that he is still playing at this level. Long may it last ! With the Big Band he largely concentrated on conducting/directing - with great energy. Echoes of Gerald Wilson.

Thanks - I need to get copies of some of those later Garrick CDs.

Just had a quick scan through, some nice tracks. Track 13 is Art Farmer/Benny Golson Jazztet playing 'Django' from the album they did with John Lewis.

I've got that music on the 'West Coast Scene' Vogue Jazz Double set as well. All 3 sets in that series are useful.

Just ordered the Hutcherson set from TYQ. I have most of the music on LPs and older CDs but it will be great to have the best CD masterings on one set, plus the additional tracks. I really like these Mosaic Blue Note sets and it is sad that there will be no more of them initiated and supported by Mr Cuscuna. I was really tempted with the new Vanguard set but that will have to wait !

He had one slightly beat-cased copy of 'Chan's' in his box when I saw him last Summer. Greg signed it but was a bit saddened I think that I went for that one and not one of his newer CDs. I'd aimed to put that right at one of his fairly frequent UK tours but so far I've yet to catch a more recent gig (usually with the Craig Milverton Trio when in this part of the country). Hopefully he is back at Swanage in July for me to check out his box of goodies.

Indeed it is, very fine album created under sad circumstances. I have an original pressing of this but the Tone Poet to my mind might be even better. I'm currently spinning Big John Patton 'Let Em Roll' Tone Poet and coming to a similar conclusion vs the Liberty ! Just put in an order for a few more - including 'Dialogue' and the Clifford Jordan. They are dangerously addictive..

Good one - and a real shame that she passed last year. RIP. Just spinning Wayne Shorter 'Odessey of Iska' Tone Poet. I saw that group too - a bit later though, in 1982 or early 1983 I think.

Thanks for communicating this @Smith - I'm sorry to hear of Matt's illness and will hang fire with any claim for the time being.