I'm sure this package is worth the money for some people, but not me.

Would George Peckham have only mastered the original UK press? I read that the German press is much better?

For sure! I've seen many Factory posters in my life, and many are striking and cryptic. Now, I really wish I owned a few when I had the chance in the 80's..

I would like to own this, but I've bought over 60 LPs in the last 3 months, and I feel like a dirty whore. Lol...

And OMG Malachi... Start using CAPS!!! You're a friggin writer fer crissakes! Lol.. I hope Michael is smiling...

"...meaning can be created through the absence of rules, too. Seemingly random colons, a complete absence of periods and the generous use of parentheses signified not only Cummings’ fondness for poetic license but also his understanding that poetry is as much a visual experience as it is a syntactical one. His work showed me that rules are often broken for a reason."
Or for no reason at all, in fact.
-Tom "eats shoots and leaves" L.

Malachi, thanks for the informative review. As one who was listening to John Peel nightly during this period (and taping the best cuts) you show an appreciation for what Factory (and others) achieved. These were depressing times in the U.K. (unemployment, poverty, hard drugs) but indie music and the quickly evolving commercial scene (reggae, punk, ska, synth and, even, the new romantics!) provided relief. I feel extremely lucky to have witnessed these scenes, these were exciting times. Unfortunately, my hearing is now so poor that I would not appreciate this lavish box set, Use Hearing Protection, indeed.

Great review Malachi, very good writing and insights into the recordings. I'm a big Tony Wilson/Factory records fan but I agree with your assessment and you're doing the right thing to be highly critical when the asking price is such. Factory, Rough Trade and Mute changed the landscape and essentially created indie Rock at the end of 70s, they made a lot of mistakes but ultimately shaped the sound of the following 2 decades.

Great article about someone behind the scenes who had a short but fascinating career. Thank you so much Mr. Washek and MF for publishing. Despite being in existence only about a decade it's pretty amazing how much wonderful music Riverside released, and the label really doesn't get the accolades that Blue Note, Verve or even Prestige generally receive. Pretty cool someone working with Tchicai and Rudd is also writing about New Orleans recordings from the 60's (though I'm sure he's aware Rudd put in some dues in striped shirt "Dixieland" bands to pay the rent).

Working in a Philadelphia-area mostly used record store in early 80's infrequently encountered some of these titles but never auditioned. They tended to be pretty beat up and didn't recognize any of the performers as being "original" New Orleans jazzers. Recall Atlantic also recorded some "trad" jazz around that time from more "recognizable" performers like Young Tuxedo Brass Band, Wilbur de Paris and Paul Barbarin. But otherwise was mostly Dixieland-style schlock. Just ordered 'New Orleans: The Living Legends' on Discogs so looking forward to checking it out!

BTW - audio publication readers of a certain age might recognize Chris Albertson as being a long-time reviewer in Stereo Review.

A magnificent piece. Thank you, Michael, for publishing it.

But I'm not clear, I might have missed something - what happened to the tapes?

AnalogJ, my sentiments exactly. I hope that Michael may have the opportunity to publish other pieces by Mr.Washek.

A fascinating read, thanks!

If the tapes can be found and are in good shape, I'm all in for a reasonably priced box set - $20 per record perhaps?
I imagine this piece will produce a big time run on whatever is used on the market out there. Sigh.
Frankly, just not interested in the gear reviews anymore, but love stories like these.

Really enjoyed this article Michael - thanks. Keen to understand what happened to the tapes

“His recordings of Ali Akbar Khan and Manitas de Plata, sonically and musically, rank among the greatest recordings ever made.“

I’d be interested in the titles of the two, thanks.

Excellent! Fascinating read.

This is a great story. If Mr. Washeck has more to contribute to Analog Planet or Stereophile I would say, "Yes, please!".

As a former Louisiana resident, I have great fondness for its unique music (and food). This is such a great story through a great storyteller. Thank you.

I moved to New Orleans in 1967, left for the undergraduate years, returned in 1976 and have been here since, subject to the 4 month evacuation for Katrina. She robbed me of a giant LP collection, vintage ARC and McIntosh gear, like an SP3, and a very high end, main system. A life like this is in a sense the roux that underlies years and years of habitual Jazz Festing. The acts are far beyond the ken of this contribution, but, apropos this glorious piece, which does great honor to New Orleans' legendary African-American American community, with its indescribably important creole component, which resonates with the name of the hall in which this music was tracked, it is impossible to overstate the breathtaking beauty and power of what happens every Jazz Fest in the Economy Hall tent. It is, MF, what remains of the traditions you celebrate in this wonderful gift to those who love the Analog Planet. For the readership that does Fest, if you haven't tasted the Economy Hall Tent, trust me, it's a stunning experience. Many of the readers, as we say here in yaat, "been knowin that." Do you know.

I've often wondered why the Bill Evan's Vanguard recording sound 'different' to other Riverside recordings, now I know! Over the last ten years or so I've been picking up OBCs at Newbury Comics and, while the blues is not my primary interest, they are all well recorded and musically interesting but I don't believe I have any of these Living Legend OBCs, oh well. Thanks for a great article.

I have been able to find and purchase several nice copies of 6 of these recordings. Not at all expensive...
In a word: FANTASTIC!
Delightful music, you-are-there sonics, and a captivating musical adventure to another time, and another place.
This is why I am an audiophile. The adventure is pure joy.

The late Chris Albertson has a cut from the 1961 sessions posted on his YouTube page at https://youtu.be/3deu0x_sEfE. It's digital, natch, but sounds pretty good to these old ears. :-)