golfcrazy1984

Totally agree! Though, I don't have the Armstrong set, I've heard from friends that it's been marred by excessive noise reduction. But by the same token, if you talked to a trumpet player he'd probably say, "Armstrong sounds GREAT!" Just as I would say if the Count Basie Roulette Studio set just had Marshal Royal and the rhythm section in the mix!!!!

I also find the earlier part of set harsh (Disks 1-4) compared to the Goodman (I don't have the Herman yet...). I also find the Shaw harsher than the Goodman too. Perhaps this is related to Andreas Meyers' transfers/remastering compared to Malcolm Addey (who remastered the Goodman and Herman)? Also, the Goodman and Herman are several years to a decade "younger" in recording quality than the Ellington big band sets first four disks. So it's almost comparing apples to oranges. I do understand what you are saying. I think Malcolm Addey's remastering is more "liquid" and "natural" sounding. Has Addey remastered anything from the early 30s for Mosaic? That would be interesting to do a comparison. Perhaps he will be doing the remastering for the upcoming Lunceford set. I find the sound quality more enjoyable on the Mosaic Ellington Small Group set than this new big band set. I also agree with the commentary on solo order, Lasker appears to be more of a historian than a musical critic. I don't want to sound negative or rip on Andreas Meyer, Steven Lasker or Mosaic, because I TRUST that they did the best they could with the material. With all that said, I am GLAD I have this set! Opinions?

Jack Teagarden Roulette Sessions Disk #3

I think I know what you are saying, his notes are factual and historical. Were you wanting more of a track by track analysis on musical value? aka Loren Schoenberg? Schoenberg is an experienced musician/historian whereas Lasker (not that I know for sure) appears to be a historian/collector. I think Lasker's liner notes are certainly a change from what we are all used to, however this allows the listener/reader to judge the music for themselves. With that said, of any artist/composer, Ellington gives SO many opportunities for insightful commentaries to his "beyond category" music. I think if there could be a balance between a subjective Schoenberg and the objective Lasker that would be the best. BTW, Schoenberg, in the Lionel Hampton Mosaic set misidentifies Marshal Royal for another altoist Ray Perry. The song is "Bouncing at the Beacon" it's clearly early 40s Marshal Royal. I haven't come across any mistakes like that in the Ellington 30s big band set.

Totally agree, I made it through disk 4 and 5 yesterday, and the band was really hitting it's stride.

I can't wait for the Lunceford as well! I wonder who will be doing the remastering? Steven Lasker or Andreas Meyer come to mind, since they have been doing a lot of the pre-WWII music at Mosaic. But my personal favorite is Malcolm Addey...I rechecked the email he sent, and it he did indeed say, a Sam Rivers big band set. I am not very familiar with Sam Rivers, but from the talk on the board, it sounded like it would be trio stuff. Perhaps a typo. Either way with the Ellington 30s big band set selling so well, I really hope we can see an additional release or two on top of what is planned for 2011. Am I being greedy? I guess they'd rather move slowly, pending the economic situation. They've been through tough times recently and they didn't put sets on the backburner for nothing. I agree. I remember a year or so ago, Mosaic really had a tough time. They sent out the email about the economic situation, and all of the backordered sets, and the several sales. I would hate to see a company like them go under. For 2011, I will certainly be getting the Lunceford and the LT select. AND the Buddy Rich when it comes back in stock (if ever...) because it has a cool session with Webster, Frank Wess, etc.

I can't wait for the Lunceford as well! I wonder who will be doing the remastering? Steven Lasker or Andreas Meyer come to mind, since they have been doing a lot of the pre-WWII music at Mosaic. But my personal favorite is Malcolm Addey...I rechecked the email he sent, and it he did indeed say, a Sam Rivers big band set. I am not very familiar with Sam Rivers, but from the talk on the board, it sounded like it would be trio stuff. Perhaps a typo. Either way with the Ellington 30s big band set selling so well, I really hope we can see an additional release or two on top of what is planned for 2011. Am I being greedy?

I just sent them an email. I know it's not Mosaic's fault directly. Either it is insufficient packaging quality/materials or UPS really had a field day with my package. I hate to complain to a company such as Mosaic, but I value and take care of my box sets...and having one damaged like this is kind of a let down.

Thanks for the responses. I heard back from Scott at Mosaic and he said that the Lunceford 7cd set, Lucky Thompson Select and a Sam Rivers big band set (not sure if "big band" was a typo or not) will be the 2011 releases.

I received my order on Tuesday and the back of the booklet had a few white scuff marks and one of the cd cases was cracked. So something was dropped or set on top of my box during shipping. Thinking of sending Mosaic an email.... My shipment was bubble wrapped and the Mobley set that came with the Ellington 30s big band set was unharmed. The only problem I have had in the past was loose cd's. I think the shipping quality has gone downhill since they outsourced it to a 3rd party.

Hi All, just wondering if anyone knows what Mosaic is planning to release in 2011? I just sent Mosaic an email asking, but am curious! I will post the email response when I get one. Yeah I know the Ellington big band set just came out but still....I'm an addict...!

Listening to the newly acquired Mobley set, it sounds wonderful!!! But I also just received the new Ellington big band box set. Kid in a candy store=me!!! Very good night of listening ahead!

Whoops I meant to post in the Mosaic thread...I'm a newbie...

Hi All, I am new to the forum. But I have enjoyed following Mosaic Records discussions for a while and decided to join! I have been a freelance musician in the Minneapolis area for the last 7 years and love Mosaic for what they do. Anyways, I just received the Ellington '30s big band set #243/5000. Very excited, just a little past half way through the first disk, and sonically it's similar to the Ellington small group recordings. I don't want to post a full review until I am finished listening to ALL 11 disks LOL. BUT I will say that Johnny Hodges is an absolute genius...I thought his mid-50s-mid 60s stuff was the best, but his technique and ideas are fantastic here! Soooo excited to listen to this over the next few days! p.s. I got around to getting the Mobley set too and right now, they are battling for my attention...