sidewinder

About 1974 seems to be the crunch time as far as UK vinyl is concerned. Those from the 50s and 60s are often spectacularly good. From the early 70s they are usually pretty good too. Avoid budget labels, where they used recycled vinyl.

Yep, the NAP250 power amplifier. The design that put Naim on the map and which lasts forever. It will drive just about any speaker known to man !

And Louis Prima documentary just before it ! Pre-Mosaic set primer.

I've been hit hard by DHL so avoid them like the plague !

Apart from the 'Sound Pieces' Suite, which is one of the best things on the set !

The Virgin chain in the US has never impressed me - always seems very expensive compared with some of the US-based chains. Beardie Branson sold up years ago I think - no doubt he saw the writing on the wall. Their UK operation is better but never my first port-of-call. Their selection of jazz is usually laughable.

Spinning this one again now. The Conn CD is sounding not at all bad, sonically.

Kurt Jurgens Goldmember Jaws

"Off with his head !"

My Venuti/Lang set is over at the post office awaiting payment of Her Majesty's Taxes . Once I've collected it, I'll post a few thoughts. I think I'll go for the Prima/Manone, even if it needs a request to Mosaic to hold one back. The Hodges, yes, is a 'no brainer'.

'Avotcja One' is a great lead-off track - one of John Hicks' compositions I think? Hicks and Benson also make a nice combination in this context.

Oh heck ! I'll bring it back for an encore at some stage.

Totally agree. That one roars from beginning to end. Both Shaw and Hutch in great form ! Released 'mid-price' when it came out I seem to recall.

Good move !

Thanks ! I tried to upload one of a NAP250 amp crashing through some floorboards but the file wouldn't fit.

Jackie McLean 'It's Time !!' (BN NY USA mono). With Charles Tolliver.

Thanks for the reminder, Durium. I'll put the Conn CD of this one on shortly. Hard to believe it was recorded 40 years ago. Didn't Taru himself (son of Cal Massey) visit the board a few weeks ago?

Would you say that the 12-inch, 45 rpm records skip more than 33 rpm, given the same surface condition? Hmm, not sure. I don't think I've noticed any extra problems/vulnerability with the 45rpm pressings compared with 33-1/3 but there again I don't have too may 45s.

Just last week with an audiophile Music Matters 45rpm pressing of Blakey's 'Big Beat'. It was a bit of crud on the surface. Easily removed and problem went away. I was a bit worried for a while though.

Don Wilkerson 'Elder Don' (BN NY USA mono)

'The Innovations Orchestra' 2CD is a really good place to start, if you can find that one (doubletime twofer).

There are a couple of vendors on the Amazon Marketplace who have it for less than $45, but not Newbury (theirs is $69). Thanks !

I like all 3 - vinyl, CD and I-Pod. Each have their place. Vinyl for those special recordings with glass of scotch in hand. CD for everyday listening - can't beat it. I-Pod for the car and at work. :rsmile:

That's not a bad deal for the Dolphy, another great set. I was hoping they would have a $49.99 'special' on Bill Evans 'Secret Sessions' but so far, no luck.

Damn. I hope that Prima stays in 'Running Low' for a month or so. If Jazzbo likes it then it's likely to be on my list..