Classic Vanguard Small Group Swing Sessions Limited Edition Box Set (#280 – 7 CDs)

[mikeweil]

I compiled a Vanguard 1950's LP list to further the speculations about the contents of the second set: 

 

Edited November 19 by mikeweil

[Big Al]

I'm really torn about this. You'd think this would be an absolute no-brainer. Thing is, I remember having this same feeling last year when Mosaic announced the release of the JATP Jams: I was so happy to get it but I can count on one hand how many times I've actually listened to it. A big part of this is the fact I just don't listen to CD's much anymore and I'm afraid this would sit and collect dust like all of my other Mosaics. Then again, these sound clips are EXTREMELY compelling!

Maybe I should just shut up and spin those JATP Jams again!

[Lino22]

On 11/18/2024 at 8:20 PM, mikeweil said:

I compiled a Vanguard 1950's LP list to further the speculations about the contents of the second set: 

 

If Mosaic is sticking with, “the mainstream swing sessions” then I believe the second set will have the following.

10 inch
VRS-8004 Mel Powell Septet +
VRS-8006 Sir Charles Thompson Quartet  +
VRS-8018 Sir Charles Thompson Trio +
VRS-8019 Ruby Braff - Two-Part Inventions in Jazz Vol.1 +
VRS-8020 Ruby Braff - Two-Part Inventions in Jazz Vol.2 +

12 inch
VRS-8501 Mel Powell - Borderline +
VRS-8502 Mel Powell - Thigamagig +
VRS-8506 Mel Powell - Out On A Limb +
VRS-8507 Ruby Braff - Two By Two: Music of Rodgers and Hart +
VRS-8511 Bobby Henderon - Handful of Keys +
VRS-8525 - Jo Jones Plus Two +

It’s a close call to exclude the Nat Pierce, Urbie Green, and Mel Powell’s “Bandstand on either of the 2 new sets. Maybe the sets were just going to be too big. There is plenty more for a 3rd set! So, let’s grab these up in hopes of getting some of the missing sessions, especially Powell’s “Bandstand” and the stunning “Constance” on the Nat Pierce date on a Volume lll!

[mikeweil]

I have some of these on reissue LPs and cheapo Avid box sets (the only way to get much of this music) and I expect much better sound from the Mosaic. 

There is a Mel Powell Trio session with Paul Quinichette and Bobby Donaldson that may be the best or arguably most prgressive jazz that Quinichette ever recorded. 

16 minutes ago, Lino22 said:

It’s a close call to exclude the Nat Pierce, Urbie Green, and Mel Powell’s “Bandstand on either of the 2 new sets. Maybe the sets were just going to be too big. There is plenty more for a 3rd set! So, let’s grab these up in hopes of getting some of the missing sessions, especially Powell’s “Bandstand” and the stunning “Constance” on the Nat Pierce date on a Volume lll!

The music you listed would fill five CDs, so I hope at least the Nat Pierce will be included.

[Lino22]

7 minutes ago, mikeweil said:

I have some of these on reissue LPs and cheapo Avid box sets (the only way to get much of this music) and I expect much better sound from the Mosaic. 

There is a Mel Powell Trio session with Paul Quinichette and Bobby Donaldson that may be the best or arguably most prgressive jazz that Quinichette ever recorded. 

The music you listed would fill five CDs, so I hope at least the Nat Pierce will be included.

RS-8502 Mel Powell - Thigamagig  is the session with Paul Quinichette and Bobby Donaldson and it's great so is Borderline with Ruby Braff. I'm confident they will be on the next set but not so much about the Nat Pierce. There was a French release with the Nat Pierce and most of the Mel Powell "Bandstand" sans the 2 vocals. Also, the Nat Pierce date is on a Fresh Sounds release. But, I am sure the sound on the Mosaic set would beat anything.

[jazzbo]

I've been collecting Mel Powell for decades, think his work is awesome. I have the "Trios" with Quinichette and with Ruby Braff on this excellent Vogue Jazz 2 LP reissue:

https://www.discogs.com/release/5843598-Mel-Powell-Trio-Bouquet

Edited December 5 by jazzbo

[Lino22]

15 minutes ago, jazzbo said:

I've been collecting Mel Powell for decades, think his work is awesome. I have the "Trios" with Quimichette and with Ruby Braff on this excellent Vogue Jazz 2 LP reissue:

https://www.discogs.com/release/5843598-Mel-Powell-Trio-Bouquet

Those will be on the next set for sure and I believe even the "classical" piece from the Septet 10 inch lp, "Sonatina for Piano"

Edited December 5 by Lino22

[jazzbo]

I hope so.

[Lino22]

2 hours ago, mikeweil said:

I have some of these on reissue LPs and cheapo Avid box sets (the only way to get much of this music) and I expect much better sound from the Mosaic. 

There is a Mel Powell Trio session with Paul Quinichette and Bobby Donaldson that may be the best or arguably most prgressive jazz that Quinichette ever recorded. 

The music you listed would fill five CDs, so I hope at least the Nat Pierce will be included.

Here’s the French cd with the complete Nat Pierce 10inch lp and almost all of the complete Mel Powell “Bandstand” 10 inch lp.

https://www.discogs.com/release/10880164-The-Nat-Pierce-BandMel-Powell-Band-Easy-Swing

1The Nat Pierce Band*–Stomp It Off2The Nat Pierce Band*–Constance3The Nat Pierce Band*–Blues Yet?4The Nat Pierce Band*–Why Not?5The Mel Powell Band*–Firebug6The Mel Powell Band*–Easy Swing7The Mel Powell Band*–When Did You Leave Heaven8The Mel Powell Band*–Ezz-May9The Mel Powell Band*–Everything I've Got

This set has the complete “Bandstand” lp. And, is worth it for the lp “Jam Session at Carnegie Hall,” with the swinging “Lighthouse Blues” and some awesome Powell.

https://www.discogs.com/release/10451116-Mel-Powell-Six-Classic-Albums?srsltid=AfmBOorT_awcaRfzG21xxTYSFuzGZJaP5D6OMZjsrEI89oKGVafQ7NoC

[mjzee]

I pulled the trigger and ordered.  The audio clips convinced me: very lively and involving music.

On 11/30/2024 at 12:11 PM, Big Al said:

I'm really torn about this. You'd think this would be an absolute no-brainer. Thing is, I remember having this same feeling last year when Mosaic announced the release of the JATP Jams: I was so happy to get it but I can count on one hand how many times I've actually listened to it. A big part of this is the fact I just don't listen to CD's much anymore and I'm afraid this would sit and collect dust like all of my other Mosaics. Then again, these sound clips are EXTREMELY compelling!

Maybe I should just shut up and spin those JATP Jams again!

At the time, I detailed why I would not be buying the JATP box - I found the concept and execution of the music to be boring and predictable.  As I mentioned at the time: I'm on the fence about this one.  The format (long blowing jams on uninteresting standards) bores me - I barely made it through the JATP '40's box.  All the usual suspects are here: Lady Be Good (2x), Indiana (2x), Idaho, Honeysuckle Rose, Tea For Two, Stomping' At The Savoy (3x).  Nat Hentoff famously said that jazz is the sound of surprise, and, boy, this ain't it.

I was concerned that this Vanguard box would be a similar experience, but the audio clips convinced me otherwise.  We shall see!

[mikeweil]

3 hours ago, mjzee said:

I was concerned that this Vanguard box would be a similar experience, but the audio clips convinced me otherwise.  We shall see!

My impression is that those Vanguard sessions have  the spirit of camaraderie and group feeling that some of the best Verve sessions have, without that competitive hard driving atmosphere of JATP. Some of the best studio mainstream jazz you can get.

[Lino22]

6 hours ago, mikeweil said:

My impression is that those Vanguard sessions have  the spirit of camaraderie and group feeling that some of the best Verve sessions have, without that competitive hard driving atmosphere of JATP. Some of the best studio mainstream jazz you can get.

And, I think the Vanguards are recorded better than a lot of the Verve sessions. The Vanguards are similar to the Buck Clayton Jams on Columbia, also produced by John Hammond in many cases. And, as much as I love those Clayton jams the Vanguards rate higher to me. In fact the Vanguard sessions have the majority of my favorite 1950’s mainstream jazz recordings. To me this is an essential set!

[jazzbo]

This is an essential set for me as well, even though I believe I have all the material previously. I really enjoy these recordings, think they are excellently captured, and am looking forward to this set and seeing many discover the music with enthusiasm (I'm pretty sure this will occur).

Edited December 5 by jazzbo

[trane123]

I ordered this yesterday and just received a shipping notice and tracking number.  That was quick.

 

Edited December 5 by trane123

[tranemonk]

2 hours ago, trane123 said:

I ordered this yesterday and just received a shipping notice and tracking number.  That was quick.

 

Good for you. I ordered last week and am still waiting...

[Brad]

My wife ordered this for me yesterday and got this odd message: Thanks for your order. It’s on-hold until we confirm that payment has been received.

Have others received this type of message?

[mjzee]

5 minutes ago, Brad said:

My wife ordered this for me yesterday and got this odd message: Thanks for your order. It’s on-hold until we confirm that payment has been received.

Have others received this type of message?

I did.  Doesn't worry me.

[medjuck]

10 hours ago, trane123 said:

I ordered this yesterday and just received a shipping notice and tracking number.  That was quick.

 

What! I just phoned and asked them to hold it for me until after Xmas since I'll be away after the 16th. 

[jazzbo]

I wonder if trane lives overseas--I think they may ship those first.

[trane123]

I'm in California.  I was definitely surprised to find it was already on its way.

[Lino22]

Looks like Mosaic is on schedule with this set. I just got the mail saying my order is be processed. No shipping and tracking email yet but this is progress.

[jazzbo]

Mine is also processing.

[mjzee]

Being processed.

[miles65]

My CC has been charged. Just waiting for the shipment confirmation.

[jlhoots]

I love all of these shipping "issues".

I just stay away. My loss, I suppose.