sidewinder

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Apparently (or at least according to Hoffman Forums) the PP 'Glass Bead Games' was a needle drop. Haven't heard that version but can say that tge audio on the CJ Strata-East Mosaic is really excellent for this session.

My subscription CDs have just arrived courtesy UPS after being stuck for a week in their warehouse for UK Border Force checks. A saga - but all ends well. Starring off with 2/25/79 and it sounds great.

Nimbus Collective 'Live In Lotusland' (Pure Pleasure/Nimbus 3LP)

I will be interested in reports on the new LPs but to be honest am more than happy with my Pure Pleasure LPs, various originals and what is included on those Mosaic/Select sets. Will probably go for the Heath Brothers release and others not already purchased. I'll have to dig out my Keno Duke 'Jazz Contemporaries - Reasons In Tonality' - an unexpected find at a shop in Australia.

Yes, I was unable to see the Ashburton gig at which 'Band of Bands' was recorded but this made up for it. Not sure what the plans are for future gigs but will be keeping an eye on Mike's 'Diary' page on the website. Maybe also Kate will be doing further gigs with the 'Granite' Band (who I have also yet to see).

Delivery of my bundle of #2-11 is scheduled for tomorrow, via UPS.

Sad news - I think I have one of his trombone mutes somewhere.

Yes, one can detect the hand of Woody Shaw in the production as well (plus Cuscuna and Gregg). Now spinning - Don Wilkerson 'Preach Brother !' (BN NY USA stereo) Another fantastic album, effectively an Andrew Hill 'stealth' album. I am impressed by the recent Tone Poet release.

Very sad news - I was literally just playing the recent CD release on R&B Records (excellent) when I heard the news. The CBS and Turtle Records releases are particular favourites. Also of note - his valuable contributions to the 'Jazz Britannia' TV series. Don't think I ever saw him, alas. RIP. With Tony Kinsey's passing also just announced, this has not been a good week for British jazz.

Hi Anthony - It was a cracking concert, in a lovely theatre location right next to the sea wall at Lyme Regis. I'm a big fan of the 'Band of Bands' CD and the performance was at least as good as on the CD, it really is a good show and the players fit superbly with Mike's objectives for this group, sounding bigger than a 7-piece with the dual sax (Chris Biscoe, Pete Whyman) and accordian (Karen Steet) front line. They also cover a lot of stylistic ground - Ellington, Hollander, various Westbrook projects across the decades. It is great that Mike W. is back in live performance. This was the first performance back after long illness in 2024. He's wheelchair-bound at the moment but playing and directing the band with his usual enthusiasm, with Matthew Bourne providing some additional keyboard support. Worked very well. Hopefully there will be more such gigs during 2025. As an added bonus the sun was also out on the seafront at Lyme, a rare chance for February tan !

Carter Jefferson 'The Rise of Atlantis' (Timeless)

Yes, the Milestone floodgates seemed to open around 1978. I remember buying McCoy's 'Super Trios' around that time. Needed ear defenders when spinning the Tony Williams disk.

Yesterday - Mike Westbrook's 'Band of Bands' at Lyme Regis, Dorset.

Sorry to read this, enjoyed his knowledgeable posts- RIP.

I've also just received a shipping notice for the full batch.

Just had a mail confirming that the Westbrooks will be doing their first gig for over a year on 9th Feb at the Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, Dorset with a very welcome performance of their 'Band of Bands' project with Pete Whyman, Karen Street et al. Excellent news - I know that Mike hasn't been too well of late so hopefully this is a return to more gigs.

They were very different shows- the London show was not Strata East but a tribute to Max Roach. I wouldn't say it was particularly 'up and down' either - both sets at the Barbican very good. The core musicians were brought by Tolliver from the US and supplemented by some of the best from the UK e.g. Tony Kofi.

I do have good original LPs of both of those titles - and the Tone Poet of 'Dialogue'. Not played them for a while but it is swings and roundabouts I think. There would likely be higher fidelity but possibly at the expense of somebsurface noise. At the end of the day it will probably depend on your LP and/or CD playback equipment but what I am finding with the Mosaic is that it is more than adequate and noise-wise dead quiet. A great set - the people who gave taken over CD mastering at Mosaic are doing a brilliant job.

Bobby Hutcherson 'Classic Blue Note Sessions' Mosaic set, CD2 - 'Dialogue' and 'Components'. The sonics of this set give the Tone Poet LPs a serious run for their money, to my ears.

Great to hear this - and hope that Matt is feeling improved health-wise.

I'll stick with my Delmark LPs !

The London show last November was very good, albeit Tolliver was sparing with his solos (which were incisive). As an over-80 year old he is being careful with his lip. Totally understandable - indeed it is very impressive that he is still playing at this level. Long may it last ! With the Big Band he largely concentrated on conducting/directing - with great energy. Echoes of Gerald Wilson.

Thanks - I need to get copies of some of those later Garrick CDs.

Just had a quick scan through, some nice tracks. Track 13 is Art Farmer/Benny Golson Jazztet playing 'Django' from the album they did with John Lewis.