BFrank

I wish I lived closer. Would definitely check that out.

SXSW focus has always been up and coming artists. So, it takes a lot of investigating to find shows that you think you might like. Sifting through the website in the weeks before help somewhat. There are always shows by more established artists, as well but you can't count on many that you're familiar with. There also happen to be dozens (hundreds?) of daytime shows that are largely free, but there's no central listing so you learn to be aware of the ones that feature bands you like, and are in venues that are interesting (e.g. back yards of bars, restaurants, parking lots ...). If you're going for the music, the only pass you need is the Music Badge which is about $800 this year. When I started, it was closer to $500. Still a lot of money, but they were also giving discounts to "alumni". Anyway, there have been fewer and fewer acts I'm excited to see, which is one reason me and my pals decided to try Big Ears.

Whoa! Excellent!

Me, too! Although compared to SXSW (which I've been going to for the past 10 years), this should be like a walk in the park!

NOJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ!!!!!!!!!!!! Have a GREAT one!

Blakey Blue Note 1960 - disk #1 Haven't listened to this in a long time. Still great!

I think some of the shows are going to require some "creative" scheduling. Plus, there will probably more "jiggering" in the next few weeks. To bad there won't be time to see any of the films!

That's right - I forgot that a lot of those titles were licensed from other labels. I'm sure that explains the eMusic selection. But they DO have almost 600 Steeplechase albums! The problem is they F-d up the Artist labeling, and a bunch of them are listed as "Various Artists" when there's clearly a leader. So searching sux. I notified them and they acknowledged the problem, but couldn't tell me how long it would take to fix.

After looking through the list, I realized that a lot of stuff from the 70s is missing. I don't remember specifically what, but Ritchie Cole, Cecil McBee as well as more Eddie Jefferson and Archie Shepp albums.

Sam Rivers big box - disk 1

Whoa ... Inner City! That's YUUUUUUUUGE!

Sunday: Jazz Epistles @ SFJAZZ. A tribute to Hugh Masekela (who was originally booked for these dates) with Abdullah Ibrahim and his group Ekaya, with guest Wadada Leo Smith.

That was a good series. Sorry to see it disappear. I agree with most of the ones already mentioned: Grachan, Big John, Carmell, Tolliver live, etc.

I just realized there are quite a few MPS albums available: Don Ellis, Manglesdorff, Clark/Boland, Oscar Peterson, Geo Duke, etc

Silent Way "metal spine" box, disk #1 (although THIS set didn't have a metal spine )

Fresh Sound, too. Some interesting jazz labels, for sure.

There's a nice show at the Fraenkel Gallery in downtown SF right now. If you're in the area, it's worth checking out. Many are original and one-of-a-kind pieces, too. ART & VINYL: ARTISTS & THE RECORD ALBUM FROM PICASSO TO THE PRESENT

Yep - and it's a great companion to the Gerald Wilson big box!

Thanks for the heads up. Interesting concept!

That looks good! I haven't tackled the schedule yet. I'm sure it will be challenging.

I haven't seen that, but I do pay for "Amazon Music Unlimited."

Yes, the Steeplechase selections were surprising to find. Unfortunately, they screwed up the cataloging and a lot of them list the 'Artist' as "Various" for no reason at all. I contacted them and they acknowledged the problem, but couldn't tell me how long it would take to fix. So for now you have to search on "Label" and then Save for Later the albums you're interested in.

I like Amazon. Easy to use and has MORE than enough music to keep me coming back. A few missing albums or tracks is no big deal for me in this situation.

Round Midnight Blow Up

Thanks for reminding me about it. Didn't realize they do a 'traditional' version of "Return to Forever". Listening now - sounds great!