Leeway

Well, not exactly, I think it was the Stones, but not a bad scenario anyway ...

UBU, thanks for starting this thread, and bringing a very worthwhile series to our notice. I have about 16 of the titles, and they are all quite enjoyable. I second many of the comments already made. One I'd like to give an honorable mention to, don't think it has been mentioned, is Max Roach, "Parisian Sketches," (#96 in the series) with Tommy Turrentine on trumpet, Julian Priester on trombone, Stanley Turrentine on tenor, Bob Boswell (don't know more about him) on bass, and Max on drums (of course). A really nice set, and I like the musical sketches Max wrote for the set, based on Parisian sites. Can anyone comment on "Louis Armstrong The Best Live Concert" (Vols. 1 & 2 ), and "Oscar Peterson featuring Stephane Grappelli" (Vols. 1 &2)? Are these among the better performances by LA and OP? How does Grappelli fit with OP? Also, anyone care to comment on the general style or approach to jazz demonstrated by the French musicians on these CDs? Can one attribute a certain style or approach to them? In those sessions where French musicians sit in with American jazz players, do the French bring an identifiable quality to the sessions? For myself, I think there is a certain Gallic order and wit to the playing, a desire to balance improv with structure.

I wonder how the mastering is done on these. Have they really had access to the original masters? Or are these dubs from an original LP? And I suppose they can charge what the market will bear, but $30.00 seems like a lot of money. I note that the remastered CD can be had for 12.99 to 14.99.

I was really impressed with Don's musicianship, technical and expressive. Surprising he doesn't gig more, wish he would. I really appreciate what he's doing for Mobley's legacy. As for Lovano, Youmustbe, did you attend the show? Or are you talking more generally about his career? As I commented, I was not impressed by some of Lovano's solo work during the set. Maybe he was still finding his groove, as this was the early set. On the other hand, a few of the solos DID burn, and the overall quality of his playing was certainly high. I also commend Lovano for taking on such a relatively small gig for him. As for his getting better and better, that I'm not too sure about. I'm still trying to decide if he belongs in the first-tier of Blue Note tenors. Does he belong with Rollins, Shorter, Henderson, or Mobley for that matter? I'm still undecided.

In the new issue of Jazz Times, there is a letter from Lovano in which he stoutly defends "On This Day," maintaining that he was involved in all aspects of the recording. "I am proud of this recording musically and sonically, and feel it will stand the test of time..." Most of the other letters to JT have roundly criticized the sound quality of the recording . As to how this happened, how about "Nepotism"?

I got mine for $20 each, which I suppose must be considered a decent price.

Was at the gym, running on the threadmill, watching CNN, commercial comes on...for the new Van Morrison. A clever, attractive commercial, working off the cover graphics of the CD. First time, except for Norah, that I recall seeing a commercial for BN on TV. Van is definitely getting the big push from BN. Up until now, Elling was probably their first-team male vocalist, but he never got this type of promotion. Definitely a new phase for BN.

So..where are all the Mobley fans? Must not be any in New York

Thanks all for the information and listings. I was just able to pick up (NOT on EBAY ) the following Toshiba 10-inchers: Bud Powell Vol. 2, BN 5041; Lou Donaldson Sextet, BN 5055; and, The Prophetic Herbie Nichols, Vols. 1 and 2, BN 5068, 5069. All with OBIs. From what I've heard so far, they sound really good. I'm not sure they make a whole lot of practical sense, but I couldn't resist picking them up, as I will others in the series if/when they come my way. The formula is pretty simple: BN + vinyl=

Too bad Dolphy isn't around, period. But whoever owns the copyright to the music will receive royalties from its use.

Just got back from NYC, where I had a chance to catch one night of the week-long Hank Mobley Festival. Different tenor each night. On the night I went, Joe Lovano was on tenor, Don Sickler, trumpet, John Hicks, piano, Tom Givens, bass, and Victor Lewis, drums. I really enjoyed the show. Lovano was terrific on several of the pieces, but a bit "off" on a couple of others. Sickler was the music director of the festival and the group, and he was surprisingly good. Hicks also turned in a terrific set, and Lewis and Givens were excellent. Tonight's performance (Saturday) has Seamus Blake on tenor, and tomorrow (Sunday), Eric Alexander on tenor. Anyone have a chance to see any of these shows? It's good to see the memory and musical contribution of Mobley kept alive.

Toshiba EMI put out a series of 10" LPs of many Blue Note titles. Can anyone provide any discographical information about these. When were they issued? How many titles in the series? Sound quality? Is there a site which discusses them? And anything else that might be of interest. Thanks!

It's great to see a Vinyl Forum!

I might have a chance to see Ron Carter and his current group when I go up to NYC next week. Has anyone seen Ron recently and can comment on his current group?

Sort of the Vivaldi of Jazz.

In an act of nostalgia (and with some curiosity), I went to the BN site (hey, guess what, still no BNBB ) and watched the artist pictures scroll through. One that surprised me- Pat Martino? On BN? What's that all about? Also, I noticed Andrew Hill is pictured. I know BN puts pictures of its "backlist" artists on the site, but in Hill's case, it's somewhat disingenuous, as he still very much active and is currently contracted to another label (Palmetto). Oh yeah, has Wynton's picture made it to the BN site yet?

I pre-ordered all the new Conns. Just got an e-mail from CD UNiverse saying that Passing Ships, Mothership and Mobley's The Flip are all on backorder. What the hell is that about! Anyone else have this problem? Can't believe it really. AND, I still haven't received the other CDs. DAMN YOU CD Universe

Will be going to the Jason Moran show at the Kennedy Center Jazz Club 10/15. Anyone else going? I think Greg Osby will be there the next night. Don't think I'll be able to make that. Has anyone seen Osby live? What do you think?

My guess is that in a few years, the RVGs will morph into the SACDs, and not all will make the transition. Sort of death by omission.

That's what I was thinking. At this rate, there will soon be nothing left in the vaults to re/release. THEN WHAT? Oh yeah, then SACD B)

I am not familiar at all with the Charlie Rouse Conn, "Bossa Nova Bacchanal." Can anyone enlighten me on this one? I'm not a big bossa nova fan, but I dig Rouse's work on Monk albums. Is it worth straining the budget for this one?

Oh man, those covers get me excited ! Can't wait for the new Conns BTW, who has the best deal on Conn pre-orders????

In honor and celebration of Coltrane's birthday, I am playing "Blue Train," "Chasin the Trane," and "A Love Supreme." I was driving to work this morning, and the local public radio station was playing some Coltrane. Sometimes it hits you-- just how great he was. To hear "My Favorite Things" during a rainy, sloggy commute, just reminds you how beautiful things CAN be-- and ARE, when you look past the surface. That's Coltrane.

Congratulations and best wishes to Mr and Mrs Moran. However, I must note that the musical menu at the wedding hardly commands enthusiasm. I'm OK with the African drums (especially if it gives the bride a bit of a sashay in her walk ) but a classical quintet? Madonna?? Michael Jackson??? I know Jason is eclectic, but, c'mon, where's the JAZZ?

Decided to take a virtual stroll over to AAJ, site says, "Down for Maintenance." Anyone know more about that? Just temporary site work, or more serious problems at AAJ? (Seems to have coincided with GregM's reentry over there ).