Big Al

Kinda bummed that Grass Roots and Jacknife aren't being released as doubles. I understand it's likely a business decision; then again, maybe they'll show up as the limited edition members-only releases? For that, I might actually subscribe.

FWIW, I couldn't download this to my computer but I was able to listen to it directly from the site. Now for the ramblings: 1. I'm just gonna go ahead and pat myself on the back here and say I figured this one out without actually owning this or having heard it before. As soon as the groove started, I thought "man, this has a sweet Head Hunters groove!" Then the vocals came on and I heard "God Make Me Funky" and did a Discogs search. I was right! This rarely happens, and even if it is a gimme, I'm gonna enjoy this little victory! Track 1 from this. 2. No idea. Lost interest quickly. 3. No idea but I sure hope it's been ID'd by the time you read this! Lovely groove, lovely horn voicings. I could listen to this all day! 4. Gonna be interesting to find out what this is, I feel like I've heard it before. And if that's the case, I'm questioning why I don't own this! I'll just go ahead and guess Robert Glasper. I've heard very little from him but this sounds like something I imagine him creating. 5. Why can't all singers be this cool? I'll take this every day and can't wait to find out who it is! 6. This sounds like a mid-60's Verve date with Grady Tate on drums. Or maybe Walt Wanderley (which would fill that bill). Did Walt ever record with a sax? I dig it, regardless! 7. Oh I DIG this! It's got that mid-80's sound I enjoy! Is this a Carla Bley big band date? I sure hope so! 8. Yes please! More of this! Maybe a Kai & JJ date on Impulse? 9. Now THIS is how you close a BFT! The Godfather! Can't stand it, indeed! I've always loved JB's ability to make an entire composition based on one groove, one chord, no lyrics other than rhythmic exhortations, and it's one of the grooviest things you'll ever hear! This was a fun BFT, which yours usually are, but I applaud the consistency of quality tunes you give us every time! I never had any interest in this album until this moment. Glad you ID'd this, Fel "Z"!

The Dream Band is one of my favorite big bands so I am VERY excited for this!

A lot to dig here but I can see where I'm gonna have to dig deeper into Nick Goumas as I particularly enjoyed his tracks. Also gonna have to check out that Les Arbuckle album. And that McAll/Roy/Cappadocia album! A most enjoyable BFT!

I heard those stories back in the day. No doubt you (and @Joe and @JSngry ) are familiar with the local store that practically has a shrine built to the guy. It's run by two of his former employees who speak glowingly about him, which makes me curious about what they know about the guy. I only ever visited that store twice, both times I got the same vibe (as well as overpriced records) as y'all did. To the credit of the current store, they do a much better job of pricing records (and decent prices for the most part) and an all-around good shopping vibe that I never got at the old place.

I'd always hoped there would've been some kind of resurrection of this series. Streaming versions would be just fine these days or even downloadable versions.

I commend her for her honesty and desire to make a change. Here's hoping it sticks. Thing is, I've heard far worse from people who were stone-cold sober (working summers at Lone Star Park has caused PTSD for SSB singers employing all manner of unnecessary vocal gymnastics).

Something I've noticed whenever I'm able to find time to participate in a BFT: back when this all began, I was still very much getting into jazz and listening to it constantly and learning voices and sounds from various artists. 20 years later that isn't so much the case anymore and now these become exercises in seeing if I recognize anything from my collection. This explains why so many of the following answers are along the lines of "no idea but I like it" because for the most part I REALLY like this BFT! Then again, maybe I've always been doing this wrong! Track 1: Joshua Redman, something from Wish? That sure sounds like Metheny on guitar. Been so long since I listened to that album. If I'm wrong, I'm gonna find this album pronto. Track 2: Beautiful! No idea who this is and I can't wait to find out! Track 3: WOW!!! THIS is my kinda groove! Is it Trombone Shorty by chance? Sounds like a good New Orleans groove to me! Track 4: This sounds oddly familiar, maybe it just reminds me of something else. I sure do like it though! Track 5: Track 2 from this groovy album! Has this happened before where the same track is used on two different BFT's? This was previously featured on BFT 28. That BFT was one for the ages and I'm pretty sure I still have it, I'll have to get a copy to our host for the archive. I mean, check out this BFT, it's that good! Track 6: No idea but I like it! Track 7: Same Track 8: Well, it's a tenor-sax trio which I like but it sounds like the tenor is on the side of the room. Oh there's a piano after all. Never mind me, I wasn't paying too close attention to this one. Track 9: Nope. Nope. Nope. Don't know, don't care. NEXT! Track 10: No idea and I don't even know what to make of this. This sounds like one of those groups that everyone except me gets or understands. Track 11: Oh I dig this late-night groove. Bari sax with guitar-trio rhythm. Love it! Perfect way to cap this BFT! Or so I thought: I posted this guess before the song ended, not noticing I still had a whole five more minutes to go. I still have no idea who this is, though, but as usual I dig it!

After looking at this lineup, I fully regret not being involved with this BFT. Gonna download this one for sure!

That's fair. I'm just glad it's not a limited edition and will be getting a wider release this summer. I can wait for that.

Link to their website If you're in or near the DFW area, you can order it for pick up there or have it shipped to you. Not sure I'd pay their audiophile prices but it seems like they've got a decent selection of Mosaics for decent prices.

How overpriced?

Watching Jo Jones play is a thing of joy!

I like the sequencing. I enjoy listening to the development of each tune.

THIS.