I am loathe to have to rate an item I have not heard. The Amazon review feature, unfortunately, requires it. While I initially intended to register a one star rating, due to my irritation, I have decided otherwise. I feel it best to err on the side of caution and give the musicians the benefit of the doubt.
Gary S. Stager wrote: "This 2007 Grammy Award winning CD is one of the finest jazz, latin jazz or world music albums of the past decade." Well, sadly, I will just have to take his word for it since this CD is unavailable on Amazon. It is inexcusable that a recording that won its Grammy category just one year ago is not available. I buy many CD's and have always held considerable disdain for those who are willing to rip off musicians by copying their recordings. However, in cases such as this, those responsible for this recording not being made available for purchase deserve what they get if people make copies of it from friends who have it.
The sad fact is that, with the music business being controlled by greedy marketing people, the people who actually create the music often get little say. Those of us who are informed have always known this. Yet, I feel compelled to point it out because it is this state of affairs that has, no doubt, resulted in Palmieri, Lynch and company having already been paid their pitiful stipend, while the record company people make more than they deserve. There is a chance that these musicians are owners, in whole or part, of the label. If so, then perhaps they have a strategy in making the recording unavailable. Perhaps they are hoping to retain a degree of value-control the way high-end auto makers do by offering 'Certified Pre-Owned' versions. It appears this is the model ECM is employing by expecting the comsumer to have to go to ECM's site and pay $35 for a 25 year-old, 40 minute recording of 'Nice Guys' by the 'Art Ensemble of Chicago'. You can't blame ECM! In this day and age when surburban white boys stuff the coffers of no-talent, inner-city gang members, a recording by genuinely talented individuals is a bona fide steal at 35$ ... whatever the current economic situation. All intelligent people want more bang for their buck ... don't they?
But I digress:
If you guys (Palmieri, Lynch and company) are reading this, are not part of the ownership circle and feel you have not gotten your just due, then take my advice and get onboard "artistShare", like Maria Schneider. It has worked well for her. It can work for you guys , too. You have every right to take control of your own work. Cuidate!