What Bix should I get?

[sal]

Greetings all -

I'm looking to make my first Bix Beiderbecke purchase after hearing him on NPR the other day. What a fantastic player! With all the material availiable out there, I was wondering which CD or CD package combines the most thorough, comprehensive selection of his music with the best possible sound? I'm looking for 1 to 3 CD package, as I really can't afford a big box set at the moment. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[sal]

Should've put this in the Recommendations section. Sorry.

[minew]

Try the JSP set "Bix and Tram." 4CDs for about 20 bucks. JRT Davies' expert remastering. All the crucial material.

[couw]

there's a 4CD proper box out there I believe.

Sells for around 20 USD. Always a proper starting point.

I don't know about the sound on this one.

[jazzbo]

Or there are four three cd sets on the Bix Restored label that reissue all his work chronologically. . . the first set may be the best (the second may be the best too) and would make a nice purchase: best sound available in my opinion for this material and good notes too. . . .

In this manner you can slowly get the sets sequentially if you really are digging Bix (I have a feeling you will.)

[jazzbo]

Here is the website for the Bix Restored cds:

http://www.originjazz.com/

[EKE BBB]

Another big for the Sunbeam sets!

But if you want to start with JUST ONE CD and no box-sets, I would pick this Columbia release with some of his best recordings, from Feb 4, 1927 to Sep 30, 1927:

Bix Beiderbecke, Vol. 1: Singin' the Blues

I have it in a two-offer with Vol.2: At the Jazz Band Ball, which is a good choice as well.

[sal]

Thanks all, for your help!