Leeway

This weekend-- so far : Blakey & Jazz Messengers, "Freedom Rider" Bobby Hutcherson- "Stick Up" Stanley Turrentine- "Mr. Natural" Coleman Hawkins- "Hawk Eyes" I have a lot of CDs, but I am starting to think that the only way to really listen to jazz is on vinyl. It just seems so RIGHT, know what I mean? Even the little staticky parts on the vinyl The vinyl sounds better, more ALIVE. I love that quality, as welll as the larger art work, the record label, and all that glorious vinyl.

I think the set sounds first-rate. I'm surprised to hear criticism of it in that regard. This is a must-have for any Art Pepper fan.

Here's a link for you. Great set BTW. Hollywood Sessions

FWIW, the album got a rave review in the Washington Post. LOVANO review Washington Post

I've never liked "Hey Jude"-- that lyric, "Mother Mary comes to me..." really gets on my nerves. Also don't like most of McCartney's post-Beatles music. I guess I'm a Lennon fan. Favorite albums are BEATLES 65, RUBBER SOUL, and REVOLVER.

I know there was an earlier thread on the Stitt Mosaic back in October 03 Stitt Mosaic What's the latest thoughts on this set? I like Sonny but this is a huge box set with a hefty price tag. Would be interested in hearing what recent buyers have thought of it. Also, has anyone checked out the Stitt Proper Box? Is there overlap with the Mosaic? And how does Proper compare with Mosaic in terms of sound quality?

I've seen a few Ornette LP reissues on the market. Don't know if they are "audiophile." Here's a link to some Ornette reissue LPs at our hyperbolic pals at Dusty Groove: Dusty Groove Ornette LPs

I cannot listen to jazz when I am working. I simply can't concentrate. However, I can listen to classical music. I ususally have the classical station on at a low level, or play classical CDs. I find Bach, Mozart, Couperin, Marais, and various Baroque performances not only relaxing but also help me focus most of the time. When I really have concentrate, I turn off the music. When I get home, I go straight to the jazz collection

Thanks all!

It doesn't appear as if Mosaic still lists its OOP Mosaics-- if it does, then I'm having a "senior moment" and can't find it. So, does anyone know where I can find a current list of OOP Mosaics? Thanks.

Must be tough for Bang or any other artist to have to face such indifference. Apparently, the Smithies are not huge jazz fans. You would think a college town like that would have a more active jazz scene.

Thanks for the different ideas- I will try some of the suggestions. I do bring CDs of music I have played a lot , but I'm really not sure how realistic the sonics are in some cases. Frankly, I'm better at vinyl, but few stores have vinyl rigs ready to go. Of course, I really like Blue Notes, so was wondering if there was a "consensus" pick out there as to a BN CD -- whether it be RVG, TOCJ, JRVG, etc-- that will test a variety of speaker parameters. Additional comments, if any, are welcome.

It would be interesting to compare the sound of this LP and the Mosaic Select CD. Perhaps the release date got pushed back because of the Mosaic?

Interested to know which jazz CDs you use to test or audition audio products. Not so much interested in special "demo" or "audiophile" CDs but just well-mastered CDs with the right combo of instruments and perhaps vocal that will bring out the best and worst of a product's capabilities. Any suggestions?

I agree with you. OP has considerable technical facility, but his playing, or the musical thinking behind it, seems to me utterly conventional. I'm rarely surprised or challenged by OP's playing. Your comment about "cliches" strikes me as spot on. Like you, I do like the way he backed up some of the better horn players of the day. In some ways, he reminds me of Wynton Marsalis-- great technical ability but a fundamental conventionality of musical thought.

Welcome, and thanks for the interesting list. Will have to check out some of your suggestions. I like the sound of "redneck jazz." BTW, there are quite a few posters from Europe on this board, so some might already be your "neighbors. "

He plays a mean Baroque trumpet though. Actually, even his classical recordings, which show considerable technical facility, strike me as ahistorical and rather abstracted.

Quite likely the WORST Blakey album. If Art thought Mangione was "jazz" going in, I doubt he thought so coming out. I do not know Blakey's entire discography, but I bet this is the only album he cut with Mangione. Mangione has my vote as the worst trumpeter (flugelhornist?) to play with Blakey, and there is no second place. Oh yeah, I have the remastered Limelight CD (I will say nicely packaged and produced). If anyone wants to buy this fine, hard-to-find, highly collectible (ignore above commentary) OOP CD, PM me!

John L, where is that picture in your avatar from? Never seen it before. Do you know who is the photographer?

That blackened prime rib sounds good

Well, I have listened to Mahler and read Lorca, and I do not demand everything in 4/4 time. Nevertheless, I still find Stanko's music to be -- let me be blunt here-- a bit of a bore. Stanko always appears to be reaching for the grand statement, the galactic effect; to me, it comes across as "mood music" for the bien pensant. I guess because he's European (and us prole Americans just can't understand the Old Worlders), he must be way head of us, like Derridean criticism or Foucaultian philosophy, and other such engaging European products. While I'm at it, let me also say that I also find Stanko's trumpet playing to consist of a limited range and a limited technique. It's clear he has been studying his Miles records, but he lacks what Miles had-- real genius. So, I don't get it.

Ok, this is clearly a minority opinion, but I just don't "get" Stanko. I've sampled several albums, Litania, Balladyna, among them. I really don't see what all the excitement is about. I do like "out" music-- and I can't even say if Stanko should be so classified-- but his music just doesn't grab me. Stanko appears more concerned with aural effects and aesthetic postures. There is something studied about it. The music doesn't really swing and, to me, lacks vitality. In other words, too much head, too little heart. What am I missing? Or are there others who feel the same way?

I have to travel there the last week of April. Have never been there before. Would also appreciate info on jazz clubs and record stores.

Great idea- I should have thought of that Wonder if I'll need to go in disguise on my subsequent trips

Probably things like headphones, Walkman, portable stuff etc. Don't think they have anything more than that.