jazzbo

I'm Batman. Welcome back.

Yes.

Well, I'm not one who disparages Miles' chops; I think you are on to something real when you say "He didn't choose to play that way all the time". . . (to paraphrase your phrase). I believe that Coltrane was a presence that caused Miles to react in a different way than he did with Stitt, or Mobley, or Shorter, or Grossman, or Leibman, or. . . . I think Miles tailored his playing to the music and the musicians he was playing with in a more studied way than many/most of his contemporaries. Of course, that's just my personal thoughts from a three decade listening experience. . . .

Alright Marty! Now you LOOOK like a Newk Nut!

I personally don't think the VMEs are "much better" than the box set. An improvement. . . yes. The Japanese 24 bit cds are better to my ears on my system. I voted for "At Basin Street."

He's doing fine. He's not here!

I don't think we'll ever hear the rejected session this decade. . . .

A celebratory wish to all the Sangreys!

I agree, those Morelenbaum2/Sakamoto cds are amazing and essential. And sound magnificent as well.

I might even recommend the second Morelenbaum2 over the first! And I'll echo Jim's recommendation of the Gilberto cd, and his anguish that it is not in print! The Spanish version of this WAS released as two separate cds as far as I can tell. . . . How about an RVG? Jim has been the most helpful person on the planet for all things bossa novan for me. . . . I'd like to thank him publicly, and say you should heed his words about the bossa!

Shaw 'Nuff!

That would be my recommendation too. . . though they're mighty tasty "blackened" but I've never personally prepared them that way. . . .

Just got back from a viewing of "Van Helsing." Reminded me of the sort of matinee movies I saw as a young 'un, but with of course an MTV seasoning. . . . (No MTV when I was a youngstah!) You won't need to use your brain much, but nice visuals, including the stars Hugh Jackman (a gal I went with was all aflutter) and Kate Beckinsale (beauteous indeed!)

I agree, Addey's work is very neutral and musical. Hard in some instances however to tell if it is his "mastering" or the "tape transfers" of others (both most likely) that should get big credit. Conn, there are many Mosaic sets that are wonderful to have, that have sound that rivals the Japanese . . . . The new Mulligan set for example sounds so much better than any other release of the music, original or reissue, I've ever heard! (Ellen Fitton tape transfers, Malcolm Addey mastering engineer). Great music as well, wonderful jazz!

Chuck, thanks very much. It was Baker, Snyder and Marshall I was really enjoying and wondering who!

I'm listening to "Connee" by Connee Boswell on DECCA with the Sy Oliver Orchestra. . . . Anyone have any personnel information for this lp? The band is great!

I'm with Z. Your speakers will determine which amp to get. . . if your speakers are reasonably efficient, and you don't have a large room to fill, I'd recommend looking at the tube amps taht Decware builds. . . amazing bang for the buck: Decware page

Daaaa aaammmmmhhh! Looks just like him!

Okay, I don't think they are actually performing together on this one. . . . Wouldn't that be something though?

I recommend the "Manic Mode". . . .

http://www.hrm.uh.edu/cwcole/bubblewrap/

All those Glenn Miller last time. . .sort of makes me less surprised to see all these Bob James this time!

See, that's just it: I honestly have never felt other than the sum is less than the two separately. Ron Tutt on the solo sides. . . is a stiffer more structured drummer, and I enjoy his work as well. I can do without Hart. . . . Just a personal thing.

MM, the music is very good, in my opinion. I'm one of the few people here that likes the "How Insensitive" lp included, and "The Phantom" is a highlight, and so is "It Could Only Happen with You." Duke here explores Brazilian bossa nova with Airto Moreira and Flora Purim on board and I think his explorations have found fertile musical lands. There is also "Merry Ole Soul" included, which is my favorite Xmas session, period. I must say however that if one already had Japanese remasterings of those titles in this set released in Japan, there would be no need to purchase this Select. The remastering is the downside. . . just plain ole McMaster, not his best work.

I'm glad you got to meet her! She has always impressed me as a wonderful woman from what I have read about her. And I'm not surprised she remains a beauty! Miles . . . Miles . . . Miles. . . . He woulda/coulda/shoulda.