University Of North Texas Jazz Band. CD

The only album to ever feature drummer Lawrence Marable as the leader of a group – and a cooking little hardbop set that showed the world that LA wasn't just a source for cool jazz in the 50s! The record is quite different than anything you'd hear from Chet Baker or Shorty Rogers – much more a Blue Note or Prestige-styled session, thanks in large part to the bold work of James Clay on tenor – who's noted here in the title, but is also an undeniable force in the music, and part of a wave of Texas talent that was really helping to transform the Cali sound in the 50s. Other players include the great Sonny Clark on piano – making a strong pre-Blue Note appearance – and the equally great Jimmy Bond on bass. Titles include "Airtight", "Easy Living", "Minor Meeting", "Marbles", and "Three Fingers North". CD

Tremendous early work from trumpeter Hannibal Marvin Peterson – an artist you might know from his long-spun spiritual jazz work of the 70s – but who sounds nicely different here on a rare early set from the 60s! The record was done when Marvin was part of the ultra-hip jazz program at North Texas State University – which you may know from their own label and albums – and the vibe here is more soul and funk than Peterson of a few years later – served up with a very cool combo that features organ, bass, and drums chugging out a mighty sweet groove – while Marvin solos over the top on trumpet, alongside Mike Campbell on alto, Cleveland Gay on trombone, and Tim Peterson on saxes and flute. There's definitely a few deeper currents here, but mixed with soul-inspired material as well – which even sees a bit of vocals from Marvin too. Titles include "Our Groove", "I Can't Stand It", "Groove For Otis", "Five Foot Even", and "Conversation". LP, Vinyl record album

The only album to ever feature drummer Lawrence Marable as the leader of a group – and a cooking little hardbop set that showed the world that LA wasn't just a source for cool jazz in the 50s! The record is quite different than anything you'd hear from Chet Baker or Shorty Rogers – much more a Blue Note or Prestige-styled session, thanks in large part to the bold work of James Clay on tenor – who's noted here in the title, but is also an undeniable force in the music, and part of a wave of Texas talent that was really helping to transform the Cali sound in the 50s. Other players include the great Sonny Clark on piano – making a strong pre-Blue Note appearance – and the equally great Jimmy Bond on bass. Titles include "Airtight", "Easy Living", "Minor Meeting", "Marbles", and "Three Fingers North". CD