LAL

As a starting point, the 2 RVGs (Amazing Vols. 1 & 2) are probably the best bet. As mentioned, there is a fair amount of erratic playing by Bud and some alternate/incomplete takes. Personally, just the first two discs and comprehensive booklet are worth the price of the entire set. So, if there's a good bargain on that Verve box, then go for it!

Some discount is better than none, I guess. Looks like I'll have to bring forward my Mosaic purchases by a few months.

Elvin Jones, discs 5 & 6.

From saving on (junk) food to haircuts. I get my haircuts every four months or 3 times a year. Doesn't do much good for the image at work though. But, I can almost buy a 4-disc Mosaic with the savings.

Here's how I'm gonna save up to finance Mosaics for the rest of the year. Forego $25 worth of junk food, soft drinks, beer per week and maybe catch a bus once a week instead of drive (save on parking and gas). With about 30 weeks left in the year, that would be a nice saving of at least $750. Ignoring shipping, that should be able to get me one each of the Stitt, Condon Mob, Eldridge, Bailey, Tram/Bix/Tea and Joe Pass sets. Now, the thought of having all those sets is just ..... bliss Should lose some pounds too! B)

That's terrible news. I was just listening to him on a couple of numbers on Cecil Taylor's Jazz Advance album.

The Duke always seemed to get the gals. One of my favourite pics of the Duke outside of music.

That Paul Bley release sounds very tempting. Thanks for the information.

The J J Johnson set should be around till next year. Maybe, the Teddy Wilson set?

Enhanced my knowledge on jazz and music in general. Helped me not miss out on the Mosaic Vee Jays.

Greenspan may go down as one of the BIG culprits too. 52. Rather than a liability, Mosaic's are a great asset and a valuable addition to the estate, which can be passed down for generations.

Members of this BB should be given discounts for helping Mosaic speed up sales of sets on Running Low/Last Chance.

Stan Kenton 40s (discs 1&2) followed by... Elvin Jones disc 3 (again)

26. My Mosaic addiction is contributing to the American economy, which in turn is helping suck up exports from the rest of the world, which means helping keep a billion plus folks employed. 27. I like the exclusive look and feel of Mosaic boxes. They really are a marvel to look at - like a great piece of art. and of course... 28. That darn Mosaic order button is so easy to press.

Kelly/Chambers disc 6

I have been a Mosaic addict since early 2001. I liked the first sets bought so much that I was/am determined to get every in-print* and subsequent releases, and I've not been disappointed with any set acquired so far. The sound quality and choice of artists and recordings are mostly good to excellent. Packaging of the regular sets is bulky (as it is with most box sets) but that's a minor concern. My only grouse is not buying the Jimmy Giuffre and Bud Shank sets when they were in print. (* except the Four Freshmen of course and maybe the Johnny Smith) With Mosaic sets, I've been introduced to artists whom I'd never heard of before or would have even considered listening to. In terms of cost, $16/17 per disc may seem pricey, but if you consider that there's often more than 1 album's worth of material per disc, it really is cheaper than a single disc release by many other labels. Plus, once they go OOP, many of the recordings are unlikely to be released again, at least not for a very long time. E.g. the recordings on the Commodore label. The other great aspect of Mosaic is that they offer a broad range of recordings from the classic jazz of Bix and Tram to the avant garde of Sam Rivers. I'll agree with Cliff Peterson on scouting for bargains from online or bricks & mortar stores. These retailers sometimes sell Mosaics, I believe it's always Capitol material, and if you wait, you may even get them at nice discounts. I've bought the June Christy/Peggy Lee and Gene Krupa/Harry James both at quite large discounts. I even chanced upon an OOP Stan Kenton 40s set also at a discount - now THAT was a very happy find indeed. In short, my music-listening horizons have been greatly broadened and enriched by Mosaic.......but how the pocketbook suffers.

I tremble a little every time the Airborne man delivers a package - fear of having been imposed with a hefty customs duty. No such problems with deliveries by normal post. Btw, hasn't Airborne Express been swallowed by DHL? My last two shipments from Mosaic were delivered by them instead of Airborne. Now enjoying Elvin Jones Mosaic disc 3.

Stuff Smith disc 4

You mentioned three GREAT recordings, Harold. Love´em too! And the All Stars stuff I´m still getting started (two or three albums in my collection) Yes the Complete RCA box, Great Chicago Concert, California Concerts, the 2 1947 Classics discs - all must haves if you don't already.

I agree. There is a huge amount of material and some of the later recordings are probably of lesser interest to most jazz fans. Having said that, this is still an excellent acquisition for fans of swing music. For a one disc sampler, I would recommend ASV Living Era's "Harlem Lullaby" or Sony's "Incomparable Mildred Bailey", with the latter compilation CD being produced by Scott Wenzel.

Elvin Jones - disc 2 followed by Morgan/Shorter - disc 6

Maybe just maybe since the Herman set is still scheduled for release in the next few months.

I haven't watched since the final 4 but the winner is LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Fantasia Barrino 's fantasy of pop stardom became a reality Wednesday night when she was named the winner of "American Idol." Barrino, a 19-year-old from High Point, N.C., with a powerful, gospel-tinged voice, topped Diana DeGarmo, an effervescent 16-year-old from Snellville, Ga. The judges had pretty much crowned Barrino the winner the previous night, when she dazzled them with her powerful version of Gershwin's "Summertime" and two other songs. Associated Press

Coleman Hawkins. Benny Carter is right up there as well. Band leader/composer/pianist who didn't like his music classified as jazz considered? Then it'd have to be the Duke.

John R T Davies the musician