Don McConnell (mcconnel@gofree.indigo.ie) of Dalkey, Co. Dublin, Ireland writes:

While visiting Boston recently, I heard a Public Radio Broadcast hosted by Nancy Wilson. This programme featured Benny Carter. One of the selections by B. Carter was (I think) "I'm going on".This was at about 5.00 a.m. so I was a bit fussy. Does such a title exist by Benny Carter and is it available CD, tape, or record? I appreciate any help, thank you.

A: I checked all of my Benny Carter recordings (around 40, all but 2 or 3 of which have appeared on CD at one time) and none of them list a song by that name. That could be a line from one of his songs, as he has written some lyrics. Try visiting National Public Radio's web site (www.npr.org) and click on "Jazz Profiles," which is the syndicated radio series which you're referring to. You might be able to get a definite answer from someone involved in the production of the series.

Michael Gaebler (tonedoc@netscape.net) of Indianapolis, IN writes:

As an audiophile/amateur historian I am trying to research the old jazz scene of Indianapolis' Indiana Avenue (the likes of Wes Montgomery and Thelonius Monk from time to time). I have read some articles put out by a local rag (the Nuvo) and am now trying to find what company(ies) may have bought the older Indiana record labels rumored to be out of Evansville, IN and Richmond, IN. One name that has been mentioned was Sunshine Records. Do you have any advice for me? One of the old clubs of "the Avenue" was called the Rocket Room. I would love to get my hands on a recording of a live jam!

A: I'm not too familiar with older Indiana record labels, except for Gannett, which was located in Richmond and owned by the Starr Piano Co. They made many historic recordings by artists such as: King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Bix Beiderbecke, and others. An excellent history of the label was published in 1994 by Indiana University Press, "Jelly Roll, Bix and Hoagy," by Rick Kennedy.

Kathryn Douglas (taffrin@another.com) of Isle of Man writes:

Who are the five biggest big band leaders?

A: This question depends on whether or not one sticks to a particular genre. Big band means swing to some, sweet music to others, while a lot of us qualify any ensemble over 10 pieces or so as "Big Band." In terms of quality, volume of recordings and longevity, Duke Ellington and Count Basie would rank #1 and #2 respectively, in my opinion. My choices following them are more arbitrary: Benny Goodman (who made many important recordings over the years), Woody Herman (who was also a prolific recording artist and a durable leader over the decades), and Artie Shaw (though he retired prematurely in 1955). Ranking by list is always an easy way to stir things up among jazz fans as to why someone was omitted or ranked too low.

Evelyne Beddgelert (evelyne.tebrook@virgin.uk) of North Wales, UK writes:

Where can I order Brad Mehldau cds?

A: Evelyne, All 7 of Brad Mehldau's Warner Bros. CDs should be relatively easy to find at websites like Tower, Amazon.com, and any major music website. Mehldau has also appeared on CDs by Mark Turner, Peter Bernstein, Lee Konitz, Christopher Hollyday (which is out-of-print), and even Willie Nelson, to name just a few. Tougher to find is the promotional only Warner Bros. CD "Deregulating Jazz," which features two tracks that haven't appeared on any of Mehldau's CDs so far. I don't know if any of these promo discs were sent to Europe, but they are verylikely available in some used CD stores in the U.S.A. The pianist has also recorded at least 5 CDs for the European label Fresh Sound; they are available through www.planetmusic.es Good luck with your search!

Dave Webb (davew@venturedata.com) of Salt Lake City writes:

My dad had an LP of Erroll Garner (trio), and "Caravan" was the first track on one of the sides (sorry, don't recall which). It was one of the most excellent arrangements, and I'd love to find it on CD somewhere. THANKS!

A: Dave, I hate to disappoint you, but I don't know of a CD featuring Garner playing "Caravan," though many of his LPs (especially for Columbia) have not been reissued on CD and have been out-of-print for decades. Maybe someone reading this column can be of some help!

Bob Diddlebock of Denver, CO writes:

Ken, Great idea for a column. One question: Where can I find the Blue Note CDs Blue Piano, vols. 1 and 2? Cheers.

A: Bob, you're probably aware that these 2 Blue Note compilation CDs were released in 1992 and have been out of print for some time. I haven't run across them, so maybe a reader can help.

Chris Klockau of Kansas City, MO writes:

Hi, I'm trying to find either LP or CD of Oregon's Out of the Woods, recorded for Elektra in 1978. Thanks!

A: Chris, you're in luck! 800.com has the CD reissue you're looking for, which is now on Musicraft.

Anjum Hameed of Dubai, United Arab Emirates writes:

I would be eternally grateful if you could get me the address of any mail order company that can supply me with Japanese release CDs. I lived in Singapore and relocated to Dubai in July and since then have been e-mailing and asking around for a contact but to no avail. My supplier in Singapore (HMV) has not been able to help me out so far. As you know Japanese pressings of old Jazz LPs is an ongoing process and is almost like owning the actual record as they are made out as mini-LPs. The sound is also wonderful. I have the first 200 remasters in the Rudy Van Gelder Blue Note series and another 50 have been released and I want to get these. Prestige has also come up with many new re-releases as has Savoy Jazz. Hoping you can help me. Regards, Anjum Hameed.

A: Anjum, a lot of the Blue Note Japanese Rudy Van Gelder Mini-LP CD reissues that you are seeking are available currently from www.redtrumpet.com; I understand that many of them they now have in stock are already out of print, so don't delay!

Ben Singleton of Prato, Italy writes:

I'm sure I saw a "Jazz family tree" poster once - the lineage of the most important artists and groups in the typical family tree format. Any ideas if this is still around?

A: Check out the Jazz Store at www.jazzstore.com; they've had one in their catalog for several years.

Reuben Jackson (jacksonre@nmah.si.edu) of Arlington, Virginia writes:

Hi, Ken. Im wondering if the Randy Weston collection entitled "Little Niles" has ever been reissued on CD. I dont think it has been domestically, but you never know about Japan. Thanks.

A: This 2 LP compilation hasn't been reissued in the U.S., but I'm not sure about Japan. All three LPs from which it was put together, Little Niles, Destry Rides Again, and Live at the Five Spot seem worthy of reissuing completely.

Bob Ruether (bobgin@socket.net) of Sunrise Beach, MO writes:

Can you nme Russ Morgan's theme song? Thanks - - Bob

A: My source tells me that it's "Does Your Heart Beat For Me?" so I hope that rings a bell.