sidewinder

That's a nice set in the Tone Poet series.

Just to mention that London Jazz News today has some comments about this performance - in-house sound being compromised and Billy Hart's volume set too loud. I was in the 3rd row and expected a bit of a loud, muddy sound so this didn't register too much. The article makes special mention of Cecil McBee and Eddie Henderson's playing, which aligns with my impressions on the night.

Not had any trouble playing any of them on my deck. Don't have this version of the Carmell Jones though. I will give Cornbread a spin for a 'warble check' tonight.

I recall mention of a 6am start so not surprising really. Given that and the ages of most of the band members, I thought they did brilliantly.

Yeah, that rings a bell. It did seem a bit strange that Billy wasn't named at that intro but things quickly moved on. Maybe fellow board member and Lead Cooker David W. might comment but there was mention at the start of the concert that the band had had a very long day.

That's correct, it's sessions not previously released under Music Matters (these are covered under the Classics series). Possibly then prioritised by Joe Harley preferences and/or wish lists.

There was a point in the performance where Billy was introduced as 'the drummer' on a feature for him, after someone in the audience shouted 'what about the drummer?' after the intros at the end of a previous tune. My perception at the time is that it was a simple slip up taken in good spirit. There didn't seem to be any obvious tension that I could see. Billy played pretty loud from the start but I thought that this well suited the performance.

I must be going blind as I didn't even notice that ! The obvious question for Tony Higgins is - when is the next batch of the 'British Jazz Explosion' coming out, or has it gone the way of the Norwegian Blue? Presumably as a 'Rare Groove' back in the 90s.

Ha ! I guess the space to be vacated by the Blue Note pop-up could be available..

Yes, I think 'Action' is in the Mosaic. And Stanley T. ! Some awesome deals have been offered Stateside. That Halloween deal was almost a giveaway and sent the Hoffman Board into raptures. Sadly, across the Atlantic we only get Tone Poet scraps.

You could always go the Ed Dipple of Mole Jazz route and rent a lock-up..

So far the only ones which jump out and say 'buy me' are possibly 'Medina' and 'Action'. I would be interested in 'Iska' too. Most of the rest I will be happy to live with originals and/or Japanese reissues.

Yep, I picked up a copy of Cedar Walton 'First Set' on Steeplechase in the S/H section. There was some nice second hand vinyl offerings in there plus decent selection of Tone Poets etc. Jazz books too. It's nice that Kings Cross now has a decent jazz outlet to finally take over the baton left by Mole (all trace of which now seems to have been obliterated). Re: Charles. Last time I saw him was at Cheltenham Town Hall I think but I've also seen him at Carnegie Hall back in the 90s. I still can't believe it was him !

Ron's just finished his first set at Cadogan Hall and his trademark glissandos were much in evidence, along with his 'walking' style. Made it all look so effortless. He dedicated the first set to the late Richard Davis, with some nice words in tribute. I saw Buster with his quartet on one occasion - and to my delight they did 'Firewater'.

There were only 5 or 6 people in the store when Charles was in there so to say it was a stealth visit would be an understatement ! The concert tomorrow should be good.

Just also to add that the guy in the store confirmed that they had several boxes of Tone Poets brought in specially from the US with Tone Poets otherwise currently unavailable here. 'Cornbread' is in that category. Honest Jon's also just opposite, which is nice.

Yeah, it was totally unexpected. In fact I was stood right next to Charles scanning Tone Poets wondering justvwhat this guy to my left was doing sat down at a table doodling away. Then reality kicked in when it dawned, didn't have long but got some nice shots before he left like a flash. Very low key to say the least but nice guy ! There weren't many folks in the store at the time but all left delighted. Not only that, they threw in a Blue Note beer, stickers and tote bag too !

For anyone currently in Central London, Blue Note UK are currently running a pop-up store at King's Cross (Coal Drops Yard) and they have a good supply of Tone Poets and other LPs. I just picked up 'It's Time' and 'Cornbread' plus a signed Charles Lloyd LP. Not only that, Charles was in the store signing LPs so I had my photo taken with him. Awesome !

Sadly, being fleeced comes with the territory for these sets, great as they are, these days. Fortunately they are not issuing new sets every week !

No answers to your question but I am on my way by train to see Ron's sellout London performance tonight ! Never seen him live before so should be good.

I have a copy if that King pressing too - supplied by Mr Tanno and graded by him as 'N--', looks immaculate. I wouldn't be surprised if this one is reissued in the Tone Poet series. More than happy with the King. I saw a styrene copy in a shop in London once - knackered with only one label and that was hanging off. They wanted a small fortune for it too.

CD6 - Brick Fleagle

I've gone the Mosaic direct route for this one. The nice pre-release discount will offset the shipping charges to some extent. A nice Xmas present to self, when it arrives.

I'm finding this 2CD set of Shearing MPS recordings, picked up second hand at Ray's Jazz in London, surprisingly very enjoyable and very well recorded. Time to dig out his Mosaic box again. Followed by another London 2CD purchase on the 'Sleepy Night' label (whoever they are..) Edited to say that it doesn't play on my CD player. What a crock - back to the shop it goes.

Winnipeg 60 for me. Thanks for running this again !