Mapleshade recordings

I don't get the Mapleshade attraction. Good recordings of artists that no one has ever heard of. Is that what this hobby is about? I thought it was about the music. Silly me!

I disagree with the notion that Mapleshade is a purveyor of unknowns. There are some indisputably stellar artists on Mapleshade. For instance, Hamiett Bluiett may be the finest baritone saxophonist to ever play the instrument. Even if you dispute that, you cannot dispute his pivotal role in the World Saxophone Quartet, which was one of the most popular Jazz outfits for decades. Far from an unknown, and well represented in the Mapleshade catalog. David Murray, Patato Valdez, Larry Willis, etc. are phenomenal, world class, internationally known artists that are also on Mapleshade recordings.

Its a source of continuous amazement to me how frequently I read indictments of adventurous labels like Mapleshade. Its true that not all of their recordings are outstanding. However, they have put together a catalog of some of the most diverse musical offerings of any that I am aware of. They even have a return policy that essentially lets you try before you buy. How great is that?! It seems to me that anyone even the least bit curious about music has much to explore here.

I would clarify my original post by saying that only one of their recordings I own (of eight or twelve or so) gets on my nerves. And it's only because Larry Willis' piano seems to vibrate the snare drum which gets caught up in the recording...or at least is sounds like something along those lines. It personally bugs me, but might make it more realistic for others. On the other hand, that is probably as real a recording as it gets. It's just not my cup of tea.

And FWIW - if you like Mapleshade's stuff, it is likely because of the music since many of the artists are hardly known. In saying that, I'd travel to hear them now that I own their recordings. All the other recordings of theirs that I own I really like.

Mapleshade is yet another stellar label like JVC'c XRCD and many others including labels that make SACDs and DVD-As that I own. I don't think anyone is implying a "one-label" scenario.

I am with Siliab - the tone of some posts above leaves a lot to be desired IMO…

I am always impressed by some of the criticisms on this site. For the cost of a returnable and well-recorded CD, you can have a taste of a non-main stream artist. It is a bargain, in my opinion. And one of the pleasures of this hobby. The main downside is that the discography of many of the Mapleshade artists is limited to one or two CDs. Mapleshade records some very interesting and unusual music.