sidewinder

McCoy Tyner ‘Essence’ (French Milestone 2LP). No usable cover graphics on the internet.

Worth a listen ! One thing I noticed after visiting the Lighthouse in more recent times was the old wooden band platform. Assuming it was the same one (and I have no reason to doubt that it wasn’t) there was a noticeable boominess. Nothing excessive but it was a sound characteristic that I noticed as familiar from recordings. I think they have also reoriented that stage from its position in the space that it would have been in 1970. The club was probably also packed out right through the engagement and I guess Dino and his 4-track must have been squeezed into a booth somewhere less than optimum. Indeed the audio mentions ‘The man in the booth’ at some point. Morgan also refers to ‘Duke’ in one of his announcements so presumably Duke Pearson had also been flown over to supervise proceedings?

Agreed on that. He was still on drums I think in a Gillespie Reunion/Tribute Big Band I saw in the 90s but will have to check. As was Billy Root ! (In the saxes)

Listened to quite a bit of the new extended issue today streaming on Spotify. Impressed with just how strong much of the previously unissued tracks are. The sound obviously cleaned up quite a bit too, bags of presence. This set now reminds me a bit of the Miles ‘Plugged Nickel’ being a warts and all in depth examination of a band at its prime presented over several nights. Can’t wait to hear this now on physical media !

and a young Lee Morgan featured on trumpet !

Some good stuff in that box !

Hope the van doesn’t break down ! Enjoy !

Yes, the ‘Windmill Tilter’ LP insert has a good bio write up for Kenny. He emigrated not too long after completing Royal Conservatory studies in Toronto. A big gain for us over here.

It will be interesting to hear how the sound compares with the old 3CD set. Presumably warmer/less trebly? Not that the old set is bad - I was impressed with it soundwise tonight.

Early 1950s I believe. At a time when it was easier to move to the UK than the US for Canadians, thanks to the old Empire links.

Up on Spotify as well..

Looks like ‘The Lighthouse’ is high profile on here today.

Definitely catch Norma, if you get the chance. I caught Kenny’s 80th tour as well. No Norma on that one but a very fine Italian vocalist whose name escapes me for the moment (Diana Torto).

I remember seeing Norma singing with Wheeler and Orchestra during Kenny’s 75th Birthday tour. Also saw them a few times with Azimuth.

Slummin’ it with the old version.

Amazon are currently listing it. Delivery quoted as 1st Sept. The price seems to be as good as anywhere over here and who knows, may actually drop (not holding my breath). Yep, I’ve lived with and enjoyed the 3CD version from the time it came out. David Weiss has said some good things about the sound of the new issue, it’s Kevin Gray/RTI for the LPs and the Hoffmann Board people are already frothing at the mouth so resistance is futile.

After much Procrastination, just ordered a copy of the vinyl box. I hope it arrives, as it seems to be a pretty limited run.

Good move, both are worth having. As for me - just self-bankrupted and ordered the Lee Morgan Box, which is a must have for me. It will be interesting to see if it actually arrives.

No word that I’ve seen of as yet. The double album will presumably give some clues as to the shortlist though. Yes. that was a good CD issue. The LP came out originally and most unusually on UK Verve. There weren’t too many British jazz issues on that imprint. NJO and Phil Seamen come to mind. Both issues were very scarce.

On the basis of side 1 track 1, sounds pretty good, nice and crisp. I have a good original so will check against it at some stage. Certainly trounces the BGO CD, fine release though that was. One thing I like from this issue is that the fine rhythm section interplay with Holland, McLaughlin and co. comes through nice and clearly. Next stop - Le Dejeuner Sur LHerbe..

My ‘local’ had half a dozen copies in stock ! HJs are getting too popular..

The new Decca reissue.

The Tide is out chez moi..

Those Vogue 2LP sets were the business ! I’ve still got loads of them. Not forgetting also the Clifford Brown ‘Complete Paris Collection’ on 3LPs which they did. £3.99 back in the day !