Mosaic

js wrote: I think when some people say big band they mean Glen Miller and Dorsey etc, I don't like that stuff at all, but Ellington, oh yes.

Exactly, spot on

js wrote: I think a big recent revelation for me was how much the early Basie Kansas City band sounded like RnR and just how energetic and wreckless they were. When I was young, the Basie on TV was more into some kind of generic commercial  swing for old folks, huge difference. Hearing his earlier stuff gave me a whole different outlook on him.

Jo Jones was one great drummer and Jimmy Rushing gave the band such versatility when he did his vocal numbers. They really did rock  I am not that much into big bands as you know John but Basie and Ellington are exceptions.  I just slaughtered my Credit Card by the way. 

Those Louis Armstrong Decca sessions look awesome, John. Lucky for me I only mainly have Columbia and Verve material with only a very small amount of his Decca stuff( few songs on a comp). Salivating right now just looking at it  with the cheezy as well

Anybody into here into Michael Cuscuna's Jazz Label. Specialising in re-issues with the lot. By that I mean sessions never released, alternate takes ( if good) and of course the albums from the artists period at that time with often some albums never released on cd. Only issued in limited numbers either 5,000 or 10,000, depending on the artists popularity and the notes are the best. Many of the releases have gone. Yesterday I received their current catalogue in the mail and they have released the Complete Louis Armstrong on Decca, Lester Young and Count Basie Sessions 1936 to 40 as well as in another set his complete Clef/Verve 50's material also all the Ellington small band material 1936 to 40 plus some great looking material from Sam Rivers and The Charles Tolliver Big Band and the list goes on and on.