Dr. Jeff Monroe from Italy wrote:

Ciao Ken. have written you some time ago. I am big fan of your column, us Jazz maniacs need a place to turn.

I am looking for Bud Powell's "Inner Fires" CD. I know it was released in the US by Discovery, but am looking for the Japanese versions (on Elektra/WEA,I beleive) with remastered (and much better, from what I hear) sound. Any ideas that won't cost me the farm or fattoria? Ditto for 'Introducing Joe Gordon' (Emarcy). Last one I promise, was Charles Tolliver's 'Paper Man' ever released on CD?

Thanks Ken, keep up your great work.

Dr. Jeff:

I have a helluva time trying to keep up with Japanese issues, as they come and go so quickly and I don't seem to have the resources to research older titles. But I have some good news! 'Introducing Joe Gordon' (Japnese paper sleeve edition) is available for $19.99 + shipping through www.dustygroove.com. No luck on Bud Powell.

---

Bill DeBauche from Shawnee Mission, Kansas wrote:

Have these albums been issued on CD:

Jack DeJohnette-Inflation Blues (ECM)

Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt-Jug & Sonny (Chess)

If so, do you know where I can find them? Thanks.

Bill:

To the best of my knowledge neither of these titles has been reissued on CD.

---

Jim Orsetti wrote:

I collect LPs and CDs as a hobby also. Have you ever heard of or seen Jack Sheldon's 'Out!' on a Capitol LP? I would love to see it resurface on CD but, I doubt it will ever get out again, who knows?

Jim:

I haven't run across it before, and doubt it will be reissued on CD anytime soon. But I found two copies of it on LP listed for sale at www.euclidrecords.com.

---

I have a Verve cassette entitled "Have Yourself A Jazzy Little Christmas". On this tape there's an Ella Fitzgerald recording entitled "The Secret of Christmas" (Credited to Sammy Cahn/ Richard Shephard). I have lookeded for a CD with that same song recorded by Ella but cannot find any recording compilation that includes this. It's a beautiful song and her voice is "THE VOICE" - it's an incredibly beautiful voice.

At holiday times I have looked for other CD compilations that might include this same recording. Are you able to tell me anything about this song/recording and why it is incredibly hard to find? I cannot find that it was included in any of Ms Fitzgerald’s other collections. Thanks.

Lynn:

Ella's version of "The Secret of Christmas was reissued in 2002 as a part of the expanded edition of her Verve CD 'Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas,' which is still in print and available through Amazon.com, along with a number of other major dealers in new CDs. Be certain you are buying the 2002 edition of this CD (with 18 total tracks), as the earlier one omits the song you seek. Hope it makes your Christmas swing!

---

James Kidd from Lesbury, Northumberland, England wrote:

I have been unable to find any biography or autobiography for either Big Joe Turner Or Jimmy Rushing. Do you know if any have been published?

James:

I am unaware of any biographies or autobiographies about either man, though both would be worthy subjects. Perhaps someone is at work on one of them right now.

---

Bryan Wadeof the United Kingdom wrote:

Please advise if the 'Kenton Christmas" LP has been re-issued on CD and if so please provide the details. Thanks.

Bryan:

I haven't turned up any indication that Kenton Christmas has ever been available on CD. Sorry.

---

Brick Wahl wrote:

I recently stumbled across a copy of Lester Young’s ‘Pres’ LP (Charlie Parker Records PLP-402). It’s a very rough selection of live recordings, with no line-ups given (still, for a buck in mint condition I ain’t complaining....) With a little research on the web I’ve found that John Lewis was on at least some of the tracks, but that’s as far as I’ve gotten. Have you any additional information on this record, such as date, venue, players, or what they were drinking? You have an excellent column by the way.

And a belated thanks for answering my inquiry about who was playing that gorgeous tenor on the Fletcher Henderson Sextet 1950 sextet cassette I picked up at the car wash (I was thrilled to discover it is one of my favorites, Lucky Thompson.)

Brick:

The Young discography lists the following musicians present on these tracks recorded circa 2/22/50, at the Savoy Ballroom in NYC: Jesse Drakes-trumpet, Kenny Drew-piano, Aaron Bell-bass, Jo Jones-drums, unknown-vocals.

Glad you enjoy the column. Questions like these make it fun to do.

Alexis Laurence from Chester, NY wrote:

comments powered by Disqus