sidewinder

Fond memories over the past few days of the one time I saw him with his big band at NYC's Town Hall (along with a tribute to Buck Clayton which was also memorable). One of the hardest swinging performances I've ever seen and Illinois' showmanship on the stand and interaction with the audience was brilliant, as was his ability to get great work out of the big band. Listening to the Mosaic brings all of this back and for me he was the master at integrating jazz and R&B into an extremely potent combination. He was also a shrewd talent spotter (good example being JJ Johnson on LP1 of the Mosaic and Leo Parker on the later sides).

I've found with the LP12 that careful alignment with the spirit level can pay dividends. With the LP deck in the corner of the house you always have to be on the look-out for minor subsidence. Definitely scope here to rig up a laser levelling gizmo with real-time feedback to adjustment mechanisms on the LP12 supports The Naim Aro arm never gives me grief though. After initial set-up it has done its stuff without any further change necessary.

That looks like a good deal for the 'Soul Sister'. Great LP !

Yes, my version of the 3LP set is on the America label. The inner gatefold has the Dolphy picture as in JS's version (on the right though) and the left and middle are different (liner notes only in French/English/German by looks of it). The Dolphy 3LP set was also put out on the America label, again similar format. After all these years that Dolphy solo on 'Fables' still raises the hair on the neck. Would have loved to have witnessed that performance in person ! Some of those America LPs were pretty damned interesting. Just wish that I'd picked up the Clifford Thornton 'The Panther and the Lash' when it was around...

I've got the 'Relaxin' etc. series on the yellow label Bergenfield New Jersey pressings and they sound pretty nice. Compared to the 'Chronicle' LPs most definitely a better soundstage and presence. The one penalty you pay may be a bit extra noise due to the age of the pressings but this is a small price to pay. Paul Chambers' solid bass also seems to come across more coherently. What great music these four LPs contain, truly timeless stuff...

I've just been reading Ian Carr's 'Music Outside' (Latimer, 1973) which is a good overview of progressive UK jazz of the late 60s, early 70s. I don't think this one has ever been reprinted.

Great album Tooter - love the playing by Bobby Timmons and Jackie Mac on this one, in addition to great Dorham. Is this the UA version? Currently on deck: Sandy Brown 'Hair at its Hairiest' (Fontana) Tubby Hayes 'The Orchestra' (Fontana) and waiting in the wings: Illinois Jacquet Mosaic LP1

RIP, very sad to hear this. He put on a really excellent show the time I saw him, will most definitely put the Mosaic on later tonight.

Hank Mobley 'Thinking of Home' on the Liberty Rainbow series. To be followed by Andrew Hill 'Black Fire' on the NY USA pressing :rsmile:

Build an extension? (my last-ditch fallback option.. )

Ta !

Great Cal Massey tune . Morgan was an excellent interpreter of Massey's music.

Look forward to this one. I have the double CD, its a good excuse to dig it out of the vault.

What label is that one on, Joe?

Here's the (slightly blurred) cover to the 1969 Deram John Cameron 'Off Centre' LP, on which McNair is featured with Cameron's group. Hopefully this will be a candidate for 'Impressed Vol 3'. Looks amazingly like a screen shot from 'The Prisoner' (the TV show not Herbie's LP) :rsmile:

Disk 1 of the Mosaic kicks off with 'Land of Nod', which is just the most perfect introduction to Hill's music..

I have a suspicion that unearthing the Holy Grail would be easier ! I haven't heard a full play of the Downes but occasionally tracks from it have been played on UK radio (I remember hearing one around the mid-70s, sounded excellent). I believe he moved to Germany many years ago, his name is seldom mentioned here in the UK these days. I've got the following list of LPs by Downes from the 60s/70s: 'Dream Journey' (Philips) 'Electric City' (Vertigo) 'Deep Down Heavy' (MFP) 'Diversions' (Openian) The latter has Barry Guy and looks as though it was by the 'Open Music' group.

:rsmile:

Fantastic - thanks Jim. This is obviously one to get hold of and the side with Hancock, in particular, sounds like one to hear.. B)

I've never seen an actual copy either. This one was posted on ebay recently - apparently lots of surface noise on it and a less than great cover. Still went with a £100 'buy it now' though. There can only be very few copies of this one out there, like you would love to hear it some day ! McNair is certainly an interesting figure in UK jazz. One track of his RCA LP ('The Hipster') was recently put out on the 'Impressed Vol 2' compilation. He was also a key member of Alexis Korner's session band CCS, renowned for their cover of that Led Zep track used by the BBC for all those years as theme to the weekly 'Top of the Pops'. Still ingrained in my subconscious ! Look out for his great work too (along with Ronnie Ross) on John Cameron's soundtrack to the movie 'Kes' and the Deram album released by Cameron, 'Off Centre'.

This UK vinyl rarity was recorded in 1965 by the late altoist/flautist Harold McNair with Ornette Coleman's (then) rhythm section of David Izenzon and Charles Moffett. Released as 'Affectionate Fink' on Island Records. Anyone heard it and have any opinions as to the music contained there-in? As far as I know, it's never been reissued in any shape or form.

Anyone got any thoughts as to what the music on Burrell's 'Freedom' is like?

I have this particular 'Solid' LP. It's on GXK-8187 and cover is in murky green with a line drawing of Grant plus fretboard. Sort of similar to the 'Oleo', 'Matador' and 'Goodens Corner LPs on this series.

That is true - the level of surface noise on the Kings especially is very low. They are a real pleasure to listen to. Also agree that those 'rechannelled stereo' LPs are to be avoided in the Liberty imprint. The two Monk 'Genius' albums and the Bud Powells come to mind.

I use a thing called 'Freeview' here in the UK. Costs about $100 for the box and gives a basic package of digital channels as an alternative to the analogue terrestrial channels, also digital radio (which I feed through the hifi). Works for me, no monthly fee - and I resent having to pay Rupert Murdoch $40 or so a month for a bunch of crappy extras. There's even the occasional jazz on BBC4, the 'cultural' channel that is provided for digital-only.