sidewinder

I think the first time was ‘79/80 with the Ponomarev/Schnitter/Watson/Irwin lineup (or was it Bill Hardman on trumpet? - can’t remember). 1982 had Wynton and Branford. Early 1983 had Terence Blanchard, Donald Harrison and Jean Toussaint (who stayed over here). All those gigs were at Ronnie Scott’s. Packed houses - Blakey was very popular here.

Yep, I saw him that era too and the loudness level was significantly lower. Used brushes a fair bit, as I recall and more emphasis on standards compared with the earlier group. The playing in the early 80s was quite similar to that heard on ‘The Prime Element’ twofer. Yep, saw Blakey at least 3 times 1980-83 and he was loud too, I agree. By then he must have been pretty well deaf.

On one of his gigs with the Jazz Machine, my party had the table right smack-bang next to Elvin’s drums. It was loud ! During intermission he was so gracious as to pop over to the table and apologise to us for the volume. The loudest time I heard him was 81/82 though, with Pat LaBarbera and Alan Skidmore. By the 90s he had cranked it down a bit. Great guy.

Another cutout gem

Indeed.

My old cutout copy from back in the day. US Prestige/Fantasy. Released 1978, bought as cutout circa 1980. Seems mighty quick - or perhaps a scam? Sounding damn good though.

Can’t go wrong with this series !

I have a Japanese 180g reissue of that one. Must dig out ! Also on the ‘Verve Elite Edition’ CD (great series) Interesting to hear this US orig. issue as I’m more used to hearing this session on the Mosaic set. Not the quietest vinyl but otherwise sounds pretty good.

Moe Koffman Mo Mowlem Tickle-me Elmoe

I was planning on a gig yesterday but my booster is still a couple of weeks off and decided to play it safe. Shame, as it was Kate and Mike Westbrook.

Almost forgot I’d got this set on vinyl. LP5.

Very sad news. Great player, fortunate enough to see him at least 3-4 times and he kindly signed some of his albums for me in exquisite script. The last time I saw him was at NorthSea I think with his trio but also around that time I attended a viewing of his biographical film focussing on the illness, where he was present in person to answer questions. That was a medically sponsored event by the Welcome Foundation. Fond memories of seeing him in prime at Ronnie Scott’s. RIP - sorry that he is no longer with us but thankful that he had that illustrious second career.

Dilute solution squirted onto record surface, brushed in and then suction cleaned.

I use L’Art du Son solution in a VPI cleaning machine. Very noisy but effective !

Need to dig out !

It is very effective. If that fails, it usually indicates to me that the record needs a spin in the RCM. Use of an RCM should result in much less ‘fluff generation’.

Saw him and his band play once - apres ski in a ski resort !

Imagine my thoughts when the record collection was transported by container across the Atlantic each way. Best not to think about it ! Fortunately I didn’t have any Mosaics at the time.

I occasionally use a dab of that Audio Technica stylus cleaner fluid when buildup of crud starts to become an issue. You have to be careful though to avoid the liquid creeping up into the cantilever and causing damage so use should be very, very sparing. Never used the ultrasonic devices. I find the brush supplied by Dynavector to be the best bet, together with the Linn ‘green abrasive paper’ for daily use.

I have had chance to do a bit of cross-checking between LP and CD versions. I used ‘The Beehive’ on LP6 side 2 and CD 5 as a reference. I have to say that in general, both versions the sound is very good indeed. There is quite a difference in the mixes though. The LP version seems to give more prominence to the top and bottom ends, with a Mickey Roker’s ride cymbal and the bass benefitting in particular. More spread across the spectrum. The CD version seems to have a bit more concentration and emphasis into the mid-range. I’d be happy with either version of this set. In any event, the CD version considerably improves on the old 3CD, which was itself a mana from heaven at the time it came out.

Hi porcy - only 17 years late in responding to your question but I came across one of their Keith Tippett LP reissues today and was able to have a listen in-shop. Sleeve quality and reproduction excellent. The 180g LP sonics sounded very thin and lacking in dynamics - my guess is needle drop. There are some negative threads concerning this label on Hofmann so I would be inclined to avoid unless you are desperate.

Esquire

UK Riverside, Mono version

There are certainly some interesting 180g LP reissues of late. At least one of guitarist Monnette Sudler’s 70s LPs has come out again - those got a bit of a stir/good reviews when they came out but weren’t around for long.