A classic early set featuring the Jazz Messengers back when the group was less of an Art Blakey project, and more of an all-around affair – as you might guess from a lineup that also includes Horace Silver on piano, Kenny Dorham on trumpet, Hank Mobley on tenor, and Doug Watkins on bass! The live set is one of the earliest and purest versions of Blakey's hardbop vision, touched with the slightly exotic lyricism of Silver, which gives the tracks a wonderful edge. The playing is excellent throughout – and the album's the kind of live stormer that shows why the group were such a huge draw right out of the box, and why they performed as well (if not better) in a live setting than they did in a studio one! LP, Vinyl record album

A nice little record by Gabor – one that reproduces the kind of groove he was hitting on his classic Impulse albums, a mix of tripped-out modal jazz with exotic influences, and more than a bit of soul. Gabor's reunited here with his old bandmate Charles Lloyd from Chico Hamilton years – and Charles plays flute on a remake of "Sombrero Sam", one of Szabo's nicest tunes. Anthony Ortega plays flute on a version of "Stormy", and another long track features nice keyboards by Tommy Eyre. Also includes a remake of "Spellbinder", a great little tune! LP, Vinyl record album

One of Gabor Szabo's amazing late 60s albums for the Skye label – trippy, jazzy, and with a mod exotica vibe that would never be matched again! Gabor's playing guitar in a two-guitar frontline, which makes for lots of dreamy interplay between the strings – a shifting pattern of sound that's even more exotic than some of Szabo's earlier work on Impulse, thanks to added help from guitarist Francois Vaz. The rest of the group is great too – and features mighty Mike Melvoin on organ, plus fender bass, cello, and percussion – all produced by Gary McFarland with a wonderfully evocative feel! Titles include "Dear Prudence", "Stormy", "Walk Away Renee", "Michael From Mountains", "I've Just Seen A Face", and "You Won't See Me". LP, Vinyl record album