Elizabeth of Chicago, IL wrote:

Has Vince Guaraldi's "Little Birdie" ever been recorded on anything other than his Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving television special? I have had no luck finding this recording and my daughter and I love it and are seeking a copy for the car! Thanks very much.

Elizabeth:

During a follow up email, I was surprised to learn from you that Guaraldi actually sang it himself for the TV special. Unfortunately, that version has not been issued on LP or CD, as far as I can determine, thought it should be on the video of that cartoon. There are two versions available. An instrumental version is on the Wynton Marsalis release "Joe Cool's Blues" (Columbia) and Joe Williams sang it for the GRP compilation "Happy Anniversary, Charlie Brown," which may be currently out of print but is scheduled to be reissued by Verve later this year.

Lane Webb of Benton, IL wrote:

Ken....this is not about an LP or CD, but I've tried elsewhere to no avail. A PBS program aired at least a year ago, "Swingin' With Duke", Marsalis with Lincoln Center Jazz Orch. I have tried PBS etc., etc. for VHS copy, with no luck. My only hope is an individual that possibly taped the program. I will pay all expenses for same. Can you steer me to success??

Lane:

I've tried tape swapping in the past but never much cared for it. The problem I had was you never knew what quality of recording that others might have and how much care they used in making a dub. Copying videotapes is even a bigger pain because not that many folks have multiple VCRs in the same place. You might try joining the IAJRC (International Association of Jazz Collectors). Many of its members trade tapes and videotapes. Visit their website at www.geocities.com/iajrc/index.htm.

Paul Freidin of Northridge, USA wrote:

I have been looking for an LP called Jam Session #4 on Verve. It features a long forgotten tenor player named Wardell Gray, who I was priviledged to hear and see in person when I was growing up in L.A. It also features Stan Getz, Sweets Edison, Benny Carter, Count Basie and other jazz greats. I have Jam Session #3 which features the same players, but haven't been able to locate #4. Perhaps it has been put on CD? Can you help me on this? Thanks.

Paul:

None of the 1950s Verve JATP Jam sessions have been reissued on CD to my knowledge. Try www.euclidrecords.com or joe@euclidrecords.com for the LP, which was last issued as a record by Book of the Month Club some time during the 1970s; that's the version I own. Hopefully, Verve will or Mosaic will do a comprehensive set of the 1950s studio jazz sessions featuring JATP.

Keith.J.Massey of Berkhamsted, United Kingdom wrote:

I'm interested in a discography of Benny Goodman.

Keith:

You are in luck. Two are available through www.scarecrowpress.com, both are by serious Goodman collector and archivist Russell Connor: Listen to His Legacy (1988) The main title, and Wrappin' It Up (1996) A follow up of newer discoveries. Both volumes are essential for Benny Goodman fans and set the standard for well done artist discographys. He comments on the performances, including unreleased rehearsals, broadcasts, audience tapings, etc. In other words, he is very thorough.

Kathy Newton of Clute USA wrote:

Hi, Have you ever heard of a jazz guitarist named Larry Camp? He's supposed to be from Florida, if you have could you tell me a little about him, what he looks like, picture maybe, albums? I've heard he was a legend, just curious. Thanks, man.

Kathy:

There's a Larry Camp playing guitar on Ron Holloway's 1993 CD Slanted, but I don't have any additional information about him, and I no longer have that release.

Dexter Wilson of Providence, RI wrote:

I'm an uneducated listener of jazz; I listen to various types of jazz from Miles Davis to Medeski, Martin & Wood, without really knowing the true "style" of jazz it is. I recently saw a movie called "Thick as Thieves" starring Alec Baldwin, in it he listens to a lot of really cool jazz tunes of a style that I would like to famiiarize myself with. I tried to get the names of the musicians when the credits rolled; but they were so varied and many that I was unsuccessful. I also couldn't find a soundtrack to the movie which evidently came out in 1998. Have you seen or heard of the movie and do you know what style of jazz it featured? I would appreciate your help as I really enjoyed the music.. it actually made the movie worth watching! Thanks for any help you can give me.

Dexter:

I haven't seen "Thick as Thieves" but maybe I ought to. I like Andre Braugher (who is also in the film) better than Alec Baldwin. You could try renting the video or DVD and slow down or freeze the credits. Or look for it on HBO; they showed it on April 6 and will probably rebroadcast it again in the future.

Federico Galizia of La Plata, Argentina wrote:

Hi, I'd like to know if there is a recording of Thelonious Monk with Charlie Parker. I know that they played together including Dizzy, but I don't know whether if the recording exists as a CD. Thanks in advance.

Federico:

Parker and Monk recorded together during Parker's time with the Verve label. This session took place on June 6, 1950, and includes Dizzy Gillespie, Curly Russell and Buddy Rich as well. It appears on the CD Bird & Diz (Verve) and the 10 CD Bird: Complete Charlie Parker on Verve boxed set, too.