Seven Holiday Picks for the Inner Jazz Geek

I know, I know... Lump me in with the rest of the gimmicky Holiday Pick List pages. There's just so much good stuff floating around in the Jazz world I just had to list some awesome products.

1. Bitches Brew 40th Anniversary

This is a stellar package for any Miles Davis head. "A four-disc set, comprising of two CDs that contain the original 94-plus minutes of music, remixed from the original 8-track master tapes in 1988 by Mark Wilder, plus several bonus cuts,a previously unissued performance by the new septet lineup at Tanglewood in the Berkshires, August 1970; and a DVD that contains a previously unissued concert performance by the Miles Davis Quintet filmed in Copenhagen, November 1969; alongside a 48-page color booklet and a 180-gram vinyl double-LP gatefold replication of the original album"

For the complete package, throw in a 750ml bottle (or two: one for now and one for aging) of Dogfish Head Bitches Brew which was co-released with the box set. This Imperial Stout and Tej blend is the perfect companion for the colder months.

2. Destination: OUT MP3 Store

An outstanding selection of mostly out of print material. My personal pick would be Noah Howard's, Schizophrenic Blues.

3. ESP-Disk' Online Store

Has to be one of my favorite, complete discographies under a single label. Box sets, CDs, Vinyl, and Digital Download galore.

4. Mosaic Box Sets and Select Collections

These are exclusive, limited run editions that are truly for the uber jazz nerd. My favorites would be Andrew Hill Mosaic Select, Anthony Braxton The Complete Arista Recordings, and the newly issued Henry Threadgill Novus & Columbia Recordings. Also, the writings enclosed are true revelations of Jazz history and knowledge.

5. North Coast Brother Thelonious Ale

I have an affinity for all things craft beer. Available in 12oz four packs or 750ml bottles, this tasty brew is dedicated to one of the best Jazz composers of all time and is perfect for sharing with house guests over Christmas. Glassware and wearables available too. Purchases help support the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz.

6. 2010 Jazz Releases

The Bad Plus, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Dave King, Mary Halvorson, Albert Beger -- just a few artists that spring to mind.

7. Gift Certificates to Local Record Shops

Face it -- independent shops have the deep collections most Jazz fans desire. More so than any Target, Best Buy, etc. etc.. Plus it feels good to support local business.