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From: Alanbama
Date: July 12, 2005
The complete Tiffany Transcriptions would FILL somewhere around 18-20 CDs. Those of us lucky enough to obtain all 10 cds issued by Rhino were perhaps disappointed that they averaged only around 35 or so minutes in length. However, those cds also contained selections not found on the transcriptions which were issued to radio stations. So while many of the tracks from those transcription disks have yet to make it onto cd, we're privileged to hear quite a few tunes which were destined to be part of the Tiffany transcriptions but were never pressed due to the company disbanding. There is a LOT of material from the Tiffany days which has not made it into the hands of the fans.
As you may recall, only 50 sets of transcriptions (the 16" records issued to radio stations) were pressed to begin with. There were 26 disks (52 sides called "records") in a set in addition to a sponsor demo disk. Two of those 26 disks were NEVER released to radio stations. Each side contained 3 to 5 songs (more often the latter than the former). Quick math suggests a goodly sum not yet available. THEN when you take into account that not even half the tunes recorded by the Tiffany company were put on transcription disk for radio play.... it boggles the mind how much treasure is still hidden.
Back to purchasing the Tiffany Transcriptions... I've only seen one of those 50 sets of 16" transcription disks for sale ever. And I gave an arm and two legs for it. Outsourced cleaning and partial restoration tacked on another $840 at friend prices. Worth every penny. What I would love to see released would be something similar to the Frank Sinatra 20-cd box set, housed in a leather-bound carry box including a hardbound book with photos and other documentation. Germany's Bear Family would have to do it, because none of the American studios would be willing to lay out the expense necessary to produce it. And, it would be a hefty price for the consumer as well... but to have 300+ tunes from a peak performance era would be money well spent.