pjw, and nsp, I have partially answered our question in regard to Alex's record collection; he acquired those records when they came out, but how he chose so many killers is a mystery to me. He owns another relatively unknown Chicago musicians record that I searched for, that's not on CD, but one very expensive record was available, which I declined to purchase.
If we have time, maybe we could search Alex's posts, and discuss what we found. I know he has posted other records I intended to buy but forgot about them.
Every version of "Poinciana" by Ahmad sounds fantastic, but for sentimental reasons, the first one stands the most replays. (a friend of mine's donkey laugh can be heard on that album)