I'll never forget the first time I heard Rob McConnell.  A local stereo store was using the direct to disc "Big Band Jazz" LP to demonstrate stereo systems. I was stunned by Rob's range, sound and soloing. I left with a copy of the LP - no stereo yet - and bought a new stereo later that month. That copy eventually got a lot of wear on it, despite making cassette dubs to avoid wear, and I picked up a second copy.

The weird thing is my second copy uses some alternate sides - apparently some of the master pressings got used up or damaged, so they went with their second or third choices. I listened to the LP so many times I had every note memorized so hearing a different solo from the alternate takes is odd. I think the same thing is true of the CDs they released of that LP - I think they released Vol I and Volume II, though I only ever found Vol I (if anyone has a spare copy of that CD they're willing to sell, please, please PM me!).

I have a bunch of Rob's charts, and his band and arranging are stunning.