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A landmark session that features two of the greatest tenor talents to emerge from the rich Chicago scene of the 50s! Jordan was well-known to jazz fans, or would be within a few years – but Gilmore's rarely heard in this sort of setting, as most of his recording career was spent in the company of Sun Ra's Arkestra. The record features the duo in a twin-tenor frontline, with backing by Horace Silver, Curly Russell, and Art Blakey. Ostensibly a blowing session, but much tighter than you'd expect – and with a hard heavy Blue Note groove. Titles include "Evil Eye", "Status Quo", "Bo-Till", and "Blue Lights".

A legendary album from this tenor genius from Chicago – a hell of a player who emerged in the same generation as Clifford Jordan, John Gilmore, Eddie Harris, and Johnny Griffin – yet never fully got his due! The album's easily one of the most sharp-edged for the Bethlehem label – and has the power of a rare Blue Note or Prestige date from the same time – thanks partly to Harold's sharp bite in the tone of his tenor, and partly to an ultra-hip lineup that includes Charles Davis on baritone sax, Julian Priester on trombone, Phillip Wright on piano, Thomas Williams on bass, and Walter Perkins on drums. The set really showcases that mix of modern and soulful that was the best side of the Chicago scene at the start of the 60s – a vibe you'd find from a group like the MJT+3 or the Gene Shaw Quintet on Argo – even more of a surprise here on the mostly-cool Bethlehem label. Ousley penned some great originals for the record – and titles include "Porter's Groove", "Struttin To Truckin", "Paris Sunday", "Decvachan", and "Dell A Von".

Wonderful work from a player we've loved for years – recorded here in just the sort of laidback setting that recreates all his charms in a live setting! Von Freeman's tenor has been a key part of the Chicago scene for half a century or more – and although his music never played as widely on the coasts, his horn has been a lasting local legacy of the tenor tradition that also includes Gene Ammons, Johnny Griffin, John Gilmore, and Clifford Jordan! Von's every bit as creative and soulful as any of those cats –but a lot more subtle too, as you'll hear on this album's long-spun tracks. Players include Richard Wyands on piano, John Webber on bass, and Jimmy Cobb on drums – and titles include "I'll Never Be Free", "Didn't We", "Why Try To Change Me Now", "An Affair To Remember", and "A Night In Paris".