He was such an iconoclast and an intriguing artist. I’m reading the new (somewhat disappointing) bio of him and need to revisit some of the recordings–I just ordered from squidco.com a new ezz-thetics cd of never before released recordings from the band with Samson.
Ben Webster “See You at the Fair” Impulse/GRP cd
Expanded from the original album, and that’s a good thing.
Webster was something else.
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I have that particular one on my Discogs want list, now at 71 items. I do have most of his early releases, but noted a gap in several CDs including that particular one. I do have Holy Ghost, at 10 CDs, which can be a bit overwhelming. The box is a bit of a headache regarding storage, but so is my recent acquisition, Lady Day (The Complete Billie Holiday on Columbia) (1933 - 1944). No regrets on either.
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I’ve had the Revenant box and the Holiday Columbia since they were released–and I’ve had all the studio material in it on Columbia LP sets since the 'seventies. I put the Ayler discs in fat jewel cases and the actual box is in my storage unit!
The Ayler I was referencing is not yet in discogs. Bandcamp has listed the files for a few weeks, but the cd didn’t show up til this week for sale (and still is not on Bandcamp).
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That’s probably my favorite Sarah right there.
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The above is the new Ayler I referred to, with a January 20, 2022 release date. I wasn’t aware of the one you suggested, and it has been added to my SquidCo wishlist, now at >15 items.
Since being acquired I have had some issues with BandCamp, regarding incomplete listings, or not accepting orders. I get the notion BandCamp is shifting its focus to downloads. As my server is full up downloads aren’t an option at this time. So BandCamp has been frustrating recently with its focus shifting to downloads…
Yes, I picked up the Reverent box when issued. The Holiday and Vaughan I came to late, as my interests at the time of their release were elsewhere. Playing catch-up with those as time and budget permits.
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When I think of a favorite Sarah Vaughn this one comes to mind. My Chicago bias comes into play on this one, and she is so at ease as well.
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I think in a large part Bandcamp is responding to both the customers and the labels, which are probably responding to one another. CDs are just not being produced and marketed as they were, and the attention goes to downloads which are so much easier for the label and the Bandcamp middleman and who knows maybe to the customers themselves (I don’t do any downloading so have no informed opinion). There are a few cases where I’ve learned of something from Bandcamp and had to go elsewhere for a disc, and there are instances where the items are only download period, and I do without. Luckily they have been items I can comfortably do without.
Right now Count Basie “The Golden Years” disc 3, studio big band sides. I bought this set many years ago and since then have about 75% of the source material of this compilation in complete original releases. My esteem for late Basie grows all the time. There was nothing else quite like this band when he was at the piano chair. A whole “philosophy” of swing on the bandstand.
This is really a well compiled and mastered collection.
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I concur with your BandCamp assessment. Still frustrating all the same. The smaller independent labels do prefer the download model as it is a quick path to capital. Vinyl can be problematic due to pressing quality issues and production backlog, especially for small batch runs. I’ve had my eye out for some recent Ivo Perelman releases that are equivalent to 10 + CDs. IMO a download format for a release of that size is impractical. I just prefer hard copy releases.
Regarding Count Basie The Golden Years, just picked up a copy on Discogs for a a few bucks. Saw the Count and his band several times in the 70’s, a real treat!
I heard that one yesterday as well. My wife heard it independently and commented, that she’d heard this from me before repeatedly at concerts, especially when the rhythm section was either having a spectacular night or an off night. I can’t say I completely buy into the computer analysis of the music. Can’t say I look forward to hearing jazz played by an AI algorithm.
With swinging jazz, yes there is an emphasis on the beat, and a slight delay with the rhythm section. For jazz, free improv especially, that is not intended to swing I prefer the bass pushing the horns slightly with the drum kit providing accents and varying the beat.
Regardless, the NPR piece is worth one’s time.
I saw the Count several times in the 'seventies as well, once in a Catholic Church on the South Side that was very memorable. Very.
I agree about the NPR article, interesting, worth the read, thought provoking (if mostly in intuitive opposition).
By the way that ezz-thetics of the material from Le Cave is not NEWLY discovered, it’s all in the Holy Ghost box.
Yup, I saw that, so no compelling reason to get it.
Finally had a chance to listen to this new cd. Chicago stalwarts and the amazing Elisabeth Harnik on piano. Really well recorded on tour in Austria.
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Revenant/Table of the Elements was such a cool label.
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