sidewinder

Obviously not McCoy then. The mystery continues.. Good excuse to pull out 'Cosmos' tho' !

The '52nd St' material is representative of the quality of the later disks in the set, after Benedetti had followed Parker to NYC. Performances tend to be longer and audio quality not too bad. The earlier material recorded at 'Jack's Basket' in LA (I think that was the name of the place) was from the more primitive recorder and (with recording media at a premium) in the main it was only the alto solos that were captured in full. Quite a few Earl Coleman vocals, for example, are cut out just as he gets started. Having said that, its the early disks/LPs that - for me at least - really communicate the power of Parker's inventiveness and bring home just how fantastically Parker was playing during live dates at this time.

Don't let my comments on the audio quality issue put you off. This is a truly fascinating set and huge kudos to Mosaic for the presentation and attention to detail.

The audio quality of the first few LPs in my set remind me of the output from those baked-bean-can-with-string telephone rigs I used to put together as a youngster..

I find that the Benedetti Mosaic provides a unique insight into the genius that was Bird. Although very low-fi, there's some incredible solos here and the level of inventiveness is astonishing. This is a Mosaic to bring out every so often from the rack and to digest several LPs of end-to-end with the accompaniment of a single malt. Almost a Zen listening experience... Oh - and the booklet is pretty damn good too ! (probably their best) :rsmile:

Hairy armpits?

Still pondering #9 but a bit of research needed. Sure sounds similar to the group sound in McCoy's 'Asante' session. I'm wondering if it could be one of those strings-attached tracks off the 'Cosmos' 2LP set put out in the 1970s (strings directed by Kermit Moore). I have the set and will check it out tonight..

Crikey - it only seems like yesterday that 'Sixth Sense'came out in its previous reincarnation. Nice to see 'Blue Spirits' back though...

Crikey - it only seems like yesterday that 'Sixth Sense'came out in its previous reincarnation. Nice to see 'Blue Spirits' back though...

That modal piano playing sure sounds like McCoy, this was one of the few LPs of his I've never heard.... Intriguing !

Ah well - here goes ! #1 - Yes, Pastorius 'Donna Lee' from his first Epic album with Don Alias. Created one heck of a stir when it originally came out. #2 - Yes, that tenor player has a very familiar sound. Some similarity with Charles Lloyd but I don't think it's Charles. A very nice track indeed. #3 - 'Fly By Night' by Rahsaan. Wasn't this the track that he wrote listening to the sound of aircraft engines on that tour to Europe? #4 - I didn't know this one but I had the label pinned down to either Strata-East or Black Jazz. It has that particular 'period' recording quality. Very nice indeed - will have to pick up a copy of this one. Like the backing arrangement very much. #5 - Yes, 'Odessey of Iska' it is. An under-rated Shorter album and great tune. #6 - Sounded a bit like Cassandra Wilson. 'New Moon Daughter'? - Not sure.. #7 - Arkestra with June Tyson? Definitely that sort of vibe, mid to late 70s. Live recording. #8 - A total loss on this one I'm afraid. #9 - Thought this one was McCoy plus strings. One of the Milestone albums? Perhaps 'Song For My Lady?' (flugel player here - Charles Tolliver perhaps?) #10 - Sounds definitely like Barbieri. Possibly one of those Impulse LPs which was recorded with local Buenos Aries folk musicians. Not sure which album though. #11 - Benny Bailey for sure - one of the tracks on the 'Berlin Contemporary Jazz Orchestra' LP on ECM? #12 - Another blank. #13 - Yes, of course, 'Tears For Dolphy' and Ted Curson. I recognised the tune and have the LP but couldn't quite pigeon-hole it. Sounded a lot like a Max Roach group at first listening. #14 - My first impression on hearing this was that it could be Lenny Breau but I don't think the technique is as good as Lenny's was. Possibly from the 'Sitting Room Tapes' (lousy recording on this session - must have been done at home). Late 60s? #15 Tony Bennett's name crossed my mind immediately on hearing this but not sure. Organ player called 'Kenny' doesn't sound familiar though. 60s-ish sound to this number. Very nice sequence of music, most enjoyable !

Thoroughly enjoying the disk - #1 immediately recognisable, as is #3. I've had a 'stab' at the rest, will post my first opinions tomorrow. Nicely transfered to CD and neat disk artwork, Rockefeller...

Disk received - thanks Rockefeller and Tooter. Just listening to it, some good stuff on here, excellent listening to accompany the Friday night beer.

- Time to search out 'Jazz Studio 4'. Not heard this one.

I've got the Liberty LP of Millman's 'Shades of Things To Come'. A good excuse to dig it out again - very typical West Coast fare of the time. He's listed as being on flugelhorn on this disk..

I operate a NAC82 pre in combination with NAP250 power amp and can recommend it. Lots of detail and good dynamic range (there's nothing like it for playing Big John Patton Blue Note vinyl cranked up B)) . I've always had very good experience with Naim back-up too (in fact if you want details of build standard, servicing etc. on any of their amps you can give their UK servicing department a call and they check the records for the unit). Not sure what the support is like over in North America though. I had a chat with a very knowledgable Naim dealer recently though who advised some caution re: the more recent 'integrated' components. Not sure about the model details but I guess he was referring to some of the stuff intended for the home cinema market.

'Nuff said. Thanks !

The 'British' series is excellent and there's some particularly good stuff by Bax, Delius and Holst. I've picked some of these up for £1-£2 and they are exceptional value for money.

Pick up the MCA twofer LP set if you can find it. Sounds just dandy. Both sessions excellent, some superb Bill Evans and with Jon Hendricks showing the rap guys a thing or two. Talk about ahead of its time ! B)

I think they are 180g. They look comparable to the Mosaic Analog Masters Q-XLs.

I've checked the booklet and also the back of the box of my set but there's no indication as to whether or not it's an analogue or digital master. The set in my posession is from the second pressing (1 of 3,000) issued in 2000. The first pressing was a numbered edition released back in 1995. I'll have a listen to 'Equinox' sometime over the weekend to check that 'botch job' issue.

'Powerhouse' - Jazz Crusaders I've got my eye on a nice World Pacific LP copy of this one and was wondering if there were any opinions/thoughts from the board membership regarding the quality of the session. I'm hoping that it's along the lines of 'Uh Huh', which I like a lot and is also from around this vintage (1968). Looking at the list of tunes, it would appear that Buster Williams' 'Firewater' is on there so the omens are good.. B) Thanks in advance !

Yes, I remember mention of that too. I'll check the box in a wee while..

Better not mention that 'Bardot' thread...could be messy

I have the set on vinyl and it sounds pretty nice - recommended. $200 sounds about the right ball-park for a mint set (I saw another one advertised here in the UK for £120 this week, about the same amount). Not sure on the source of the mastering at present time - don't have the set in front of me but will have a check later tonight. I view this set as a 'Rhino Does Mosaic' - certainly a nice one to have.