LAL

June Christy/Peggy Lee, disc 3

And if they do get it done, expect some fancy smancy packaging. Hope they don't catch on the idea of the glass jar PD mentioned at AAJ.

Blazing hot outside at 35C but freezing in the office.

DON'T encourage me to go there, man. (Will NOT get second copy just for backup... Will...NOT...get...second...copy...for...back-up... WILL.......NOT.....) ...then again, you should be able to sell it at a markup on your original cost after it goes OOP.

I'd go for the sets in the following order: Hodges (You never know when Verve sets could go OOP due to some legal wrangle. Ok, so that's based on the Stuff Smith case, but why take the risk? The music on this set is absolutely 'beautiful' and not to be missed for even one more day! I'm thinking of getting a second copy just for backup) J.J Johnson (While the music on this set is great, it may actually stick around longer than the Hodges set. Mosaic has said this will last well into 2005. Still, it's best to double check with them) Stitt (Just received this one, it's numbered in the low 2000s) But, if you're gonna get all these in the next few months, then it probably doesn't matter in which order you buy them. B)

Over the weekend: June Christy/Peggy Lee - discs 4 & 5 (Peggy Lee sessions) Elvin Jones - disc 7

..... oh so true ..... now I have to admit: of this I never heard... are you sure? Think I just proved that to myself.

After laying off buying any CDs for the past 7 weeks, I finally caved in... . Blame it on the reduced shipping.

Thanks for the info. Brownie. Duke with Ivie Anderson

A truly great musician. RIP Ray Charles.

Thanks P.D. for the insights and recommendation. I'm now wary of Proper's sets -their reputation for lifting others work and all. Think I have the JATP performance somewhere - gotta dig it out again. I probably should just start with a 'best of' to see if the music is to my liking.

Duke, Benny Goodman and Richard Rodgers watching Ella sing. A couple of pics of Duke and Ella at the airport here and Duke and Norman Grantz here. Wonder if these are from the Cote d'Azur concerts.

I've never heard any of the music of this legendary guitarist. Any album to start with? I've seen the following (Complete Decca Trios Plus '36-'47) in stores but have held back. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

First introduction to the music was around summer '93 via an EMI 3CD compilation. Only started listening 'seriously' towards end '98.

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?