JPF

Before I spend the money needlessly, can someone tell me if the new Japanese "Cross Section Saxes" is in stereo? The original LP was stereo, but when Orrin Keepnews reissued it, not only did he leave out those tracks, (with the excuse that he didn't have room, even though the CD is only 61 minutes long) but he used a mono master. Why?

Rob-- I spent several months living in Berkeley in the spring of 1960, and went over to the Blackhawk several nights per week to hear Cal's group, which at that time was the house band at the Blackhawk. I have many happy memories of hearing Cal, Lonnie Hewitt on piano, probably Victor Venegas on bass, and Willie Bobo and Mongo Santamaria in that fabulous group. Their straightahead tunes (without Mongo) were great, especially the ballads, but when they did the latin numbers, everything went into high gear. After Cal's vibes solo, he would switch to cowbell or some other percussion, Willie Bobo would play timbales instead of drums, and with Mongo, they would get into such a deep latin groove that they would play over a piano vamp for what seemed like 15 or 20 minutes. It was hypnotic, in the best sense of the word. It was very, very hip trance music. None of his records have captured that, although some come close. As popular as he is, I think Cal was a very underrated vibes soloist. Rest assured he will not be forgotten by us.

Amen to that. This is the one essential DVD set that anyone who loves jazz must own. Bird, Dizzy, Pres, Monk, Miles + Gil Evans, Coltrane, Billie Holiday, Basie -- what else could you want?

Charlie Mariano. Gene Quill.

If you're referring to Blue Note Perfect Takes, the Rudy Van Gelder DVD, I was very pleased with it. It's Michael Cuscuna interviewing RVG about his career, his studio, etc. Be aware, the interview portion of the DVD is only about 30 minutes long. It has some extras - his bio, a history of Blue Note, Francis Wolff photographs and other things. With the included CD, the package is worth it, I think. Of course, I got it as a birthday present, so.........