LAL

I'm all for the Basie set. However, with the Duke, only pre-50s material should be made into a set since so many 50s albums are now being reissued.

According to True blue, the George Braith Blue Note 2CD is also OOP.

MMilovan- sure, but we still need a few hundred (or at least dozens) more names and signatures. The grand total of 3 we had on the other BB probably wouldn't get past Columbia's mailroom clerk.

I'll second that. Michael - are you reading this? ..of if Verve does it, please spare us those fancy packaging - just let us have the good music.

Since Columbia messed up their Basie reissue for a second time, should us fans send them a petition to do it properly (i.e complete chronological reissue) or allow a dedicated party (e.g. Mosaic) do the job or is this going to be an exercise in futility?

I started off with the "King of The Clarinet" (Hindsight) box then went for the Classics some time later. As usual, Classics' sound is not great but at least it collects most if not all the studio recordings. If you anticipate digging Artie Shaw's music and are not too concerned with sound (or that royalties are not paid), then this is probably the place to start, IMO. Btw, I suggested to Mosaic a few years back that they do an Artie Shaw set and they replied that they tried but couldn't as quote "Artie is a difficult person to deal with" unquote. Perhaps, he wanted to have only those songs which he feels/felt are the 'best' released rather than a complete of everything - hence the "Self Portrait" set, rather than a Mosaic, just a hunch.

Agree with Claude on this. My experience with major courier companies is that parcels ALWAYS arrive with customs duties attached plus a bill (naturally!) from the courier for related costs (always exorbidant). With the postal service however, parcels arrive without all these redundant and infuriating costs. The drawback of course is delivery by post can take 2-4 times longer and can't be tracked. I have since boycotted couriers and chosen delivery by normal post 100% of the time - the exception being for Mosaic sets.

Have about 4 box sets and 1 Select I haven't unwrapped simply because I don't have the time to listen to them all. Will eventually get there, soon, maybe by middle of next year. -_-

Don't mean to be a wet blanket here but this is one piece of Ellingtonia that I don't (currently) enjoy. I can understand the rationale/reasons behind the compositions but musically they just don't appeal that much to me (relative to other Ellington compositions of course). Having said that, I will still put this incarnation of BB&B on my wish list.

THE Strayhorn CD to get .

A few more, if some of these can be considered standards... - Accentuate the Positive - These Foolish Things (Rod Stewart version, not) - Syklark - Ain't Misbehavin - Black and Blue - Rockin Chair - Autumn in New York - September Song - If I Should Lose You - They Can't Take That Away - Let's Call the Whole Thing Off - Fascinating Rhythm ...and so forth.

Was late in getting into Blue Note material and thus never bought any albums (well maybe 1) that were also on in-print Mosaic sets. Thus, Mosaic Blue Note sets were/are an extremely convenient and more economical way of obtaining albums of artists in one go. Also, not too keen on the idea of buying easily available individual albums and then having to search the world over for 1 or 2 more obscure ones. for Mosaic sets.

Sam Rivers in 2001. Wish I'd gotten in 2-3 years earlier - just in time to get the Ellington Capitol, Basie live, Lee Morgan etc.

Thanks Berigan for that review. Though I'd start with the Classics but the Collectables should do.

Thanks again jazzbo/Lonson and Harold Z. Looks like another series of jazz recordings to explore.

Need some advice on the "This is Jazz, Rudi Blesh" series issued by Jazzology on 8 (or is it 10) volumes. What is the sound quality like, how are the performances - do they match up to the high standards of the Eddie Condon Town Hall Concerts? Thanks in advance.

All the volumes are GREAT! I started with volume 1 and was hooked, bought another and another. Volumes 10 & 11 seem to be available only directly from Jazzology (or True Blue Music). Eddie Condon certainly brought in many top musicians for these performances and also allowing each to display their solo abilities. Even the commentary and Eddie's (and Fred Robbins?) jabs at Pee Wee Russell and the occasional whiney noises Pee Wee makes with his clarinet in response are 'interesting' and humorous. Lee Wiley's infrequent vocal features make you treasure her appearances on these records even more.

Haven't unwrapped my Anita box set yet but can tell just by holding it that it's jam-packed with great music which you will return to again and again. But seriously, Anita is in top form during this period, willing to shift from her 40s big band vocal style and chart new directions in her music. Given the vast amount of material, you may want to listen to 1 (or 2) disc at a time to slowly savour the music.

Joya Sherill is still around. She last recorded a Duke tribute album in 2000 with (Danish/Swedish?) musicians.

Can someone enlighten on the Erskine Hawkins band and Classics discs? Were they just another big band of the period or were there any outstanding features, soloists in the band?

It's actually great for folks outside Europe living in countries whose currencies have/are appreciating against the USD. Too bad that's not happening where I am.

Kenton in Hi-Fi was what alerted me to this band, and getting hooked. Interlude and Collaboration are simply beautiful while Intermission Riff and Minor Riff are uplifting and swinging plus, there are the handful of songs that became fairly popular that Kenton and band recorded in the 40s. Wonderful stuff even if the album only had the first 6 or 7 songs.

Always look forward to Ms Wiley taking the spotlight (not often enough) on Eddie Condon's Town Hall Concerts.

It seems to me that most folks who listen to jazz, i.e. the diehards are males. Where are the female fans or are they just not bothered to be on BBs??

Should be enough material here for a 2 or 3 CD Mosaic Select.