LAL

Yes, but it's insanely expensive. Actually I feel it's relatively cheap at less than $2 per disc (provided you optimise the order value). Other music stores that sell online and ship overseas via courier charge double the amount or more.

Earliest Fletcher Henderson on ... mostly quaint music of the period with some jazz elements. Fletcher takes a few rare solo pieces on the first disc. Quite listenable but this music will certainly sound outdated to most 'modern' ears. Sound quality is mostly quite bad or at best decent.

First stop: Buddy Bolden and band introducing the 'new music' to folks in New Orleans. Second stop: Louis Armstrong and Hot Fives at various Columbia recordings. Third stop: Charlie Christian/Dizzy Gillespie etc jam sessions at Minton's and Monroe's. Fourth stop: Duke Ellington and band's premier at Carnegie Hall. Fifth stop: John Coltrane's various takes of Countdown for Giant Steps album. Final stop: Fast forward 200 years from now to see if all these jazz greats are still remembered and/or listened to or, horrors, that Mr Gorelick has been crowned "Emperor of Jazz"!!

You may want to try e-mailing Cindy at csr@mosaicrecords.com if the box still hasn't arrived in a few more weeks - The last time I e-mailed on other issues, she was helpful enough.

I haven´t picked this one yet! I´ve seen it´s available at worldsrecords.com for $20 (2 CD). Any other source? Thanks for the tip, LAL! EKE. Got it at Tower's recent sale but their website says it's no longer available. Ditto for amazon.com and B&N. Sorry can't help with alternative sites. You may want to grab that worldsrecords copy while it's still there.

Both the Johnny Hodges sets top the list. Hodges alto sound is instantly recognisable and absolutely gorgeous, particularly on the ballads. The BNote Thad Jones, Sam Rivers, Curtis Fuller, Stan Kenton 40s, Classic Capitol Jazz Sessions sets rank not far behind.

For Duke fanatics, this 2 disc set of 1941 radio broadcasts would be of interest. Haven't listened to them but given Duke and band's high standards, this should be a good one... ...and for Ornette fans who haven't picked this one up.

Nil. Have been tempted to buy a few to fill in some gaps BUT the prices are a major deterrent. On a per CD basis, they even cost more than OOP Mosaics (granted many of JRVGs have never been on Mosaic)! I'd wait for RVGs or the Connoiseur series or Mosaic reissues even if takes 10 or more years.

Wonder when will they reissue those hard to find Clifford Brown Quartet and Sextet discs!!

I can't believe there're something like 56 volumes in the Bird's Eyes series! Btw, do those CDs come in bare bones format, i.e. just the CD with no liner notes, front and back covers? I got a message from Paulo saying once an order's placed, he'll send the front and back covers by e-mail.

Not a specific instrument but the electric guitar played in the fusion, "jazz rock" style just doesn't cut it for me. If I wanted to hear guitar based music, I'd go for Hendrix or Metallica or some other rock group. Comb & Tissue or Kazoo wouldn't stand repeated listenings, if not for the presence of other instruments.