With Arthur Blythe on alto, John Hicks on piano, Dwayen Dolphin on bass, and Cecil Brooks III on drums. CD

There's a really hypnotic blend of sounds going on here – the always-strong alto work of Arthur Blythe, whose solos are a key part of the strength of the set – matched with a super-strong lineup that includes Hamiet Bluiett on baritone sax, Kelvin Bell on guitar, Gust William Tsilis on vibes, Arto Tuncboyaci on percussion, and Famoudou Don Moye on drums! There's a slight crackle of electricity at times, but never in a way that dampens the soul, especially that of a leader – and while earlier efforts of this sort might have gotten mired in too much criss-crossing of modes, this set comes off perfectly – a fresh entry in Blythe's wonderfully storied career. Titles include "Miss Eugie", "Hipmotism", "My Son Ra", "Bush Baby", "Dear Dessa", "Cousin Sidney", "Shadows", and "Dance Benita Dance". CD

A great showcase for the alto talents of Arthur Blythe – a set that's maybe a bit more stripped-down than some of his bigger label albums of the 80s, but in a way that really lets you focus on his strength of tone and phrasing! The group's a quartet, working in an open live setting – John Hicks on piano, Cecil McBee on bass, and Bobby Battle on drums – and while all players certainly know how to go inside, they keep things swinging and relatively straight at the core – while Blythe waxes beautifully on the alto, with these sharp edges that mix nicely with more lyrical moments. Titles include "Jana's Delight", "JB Blues", "Lenox Avenue Breakdown", "Faceless Woman", and "Peacemaker". CD

Features Chico Freeman on tenor, Arthur Blythe on alto, Julian Joseph on piano, Curtis Lundy on bass, and Idris Muhammad on drums! CD

A great pairing of these two inventive reedmen – recorded in wonderfully warm company at Ronnie Scott's in London, with a fluid, open feel that marks the album as a standout in the 80s work of both players! Freeman's on tenor and soprano, and Blythe is on alto sax – and together, they blow these interwoven lines at the start of most tracks – then break out in free-thinking, soul drenched solos – urged on by the rhythmic work of John Hicks on piano, Donald Pate on bass, Norman Hedman on percussion, and Victor Jones on drums. Hicks brings in a lyrical touch that seems to shape the work of both players – and titles include "Naima's Love Song", "Avotja", "Footprints", "Luminous", and "You Are Too Beautiful". CD

Beautiful later work from Mose Allison – still completely charming and totally on top of his game! The set includes the fantastic title track – plus "Gettin There", "Tai Chi Life", "What's Your Movie", "I'm Alive", and "Top Forty". Mostly trio – but with some alto from Bob Malach and Arthur Blythe, tenor from Bennie Walace, and guitar from Kenny Burrell! CD

Bold tones from the Music Revelation Ensemble – a group that's heavy on guitar work from James Blood Ulmer, but which also features some great guest reeds from Arthur Blythe, Sam Rivers, and Hamiett Bluiett! The core trio features Amin Ali on electric bass and Cornell Rochester on drums – moving in somewhat harmelodic formation – echoing Ulmer's styles of the decade before, but perhaps pushing his sound with a more forceful feel, possibly to showcase his crossing over to bigger audiences at the time. But the real charm here is the reed work – contributions that include alto from Blythe, baritone from Bluiett, and either soprano, tenor, or flute from Rivers – players that are heard separately from track to track, but who really help bring a deeper sense of spirit to the record. Titles include "The Dawn", "Mankind", "Purity", "Abundance", "In Time", and "Non-Believer". CD

Flautist James Newton dips into the Ellington-Strayhorn songbook – with Arthur Blythe on alto sax, Roland Hanna on piano, Jay Hoggard on vibes, and Billy Hart and Pheeroan akLaff on drums. CD

Features Hamiet Bluiett, Arthur Blythe, Oliver Lake and David Murray – plus Amina Claudine Myers on organ and vocals from Fontella Bass! CD

Features Chico Freeman on tenor, Arthur Blythe on alto, George Cables on piano, Santi Debriano on bass, and Yoron Israel on drums! CD

Lawrence D "Butch" Morris conducts with Arthur Blythe on alto saxophone, J A Deane on trombone, electronics, and live sampling, Vincent Chancey on French horn, Jemeel Moondoc on flute, Marion Brandis on flute, alto flute, and piccolo flute, Janet Grice on bassoon, Bill Horvitz on electric guitar, Brandon Ross on acoustic and octave guitar, Zeena Parkins on harp, Jason Hwang on violin, Curtis Clark on pinao, Thurman Barker on vibraphone and percussion, and Taylor McLean on percussion and glockenspiel. CD

With Arthur Blythe on alto, Ron Carter on bass, and Bill Frisell on guitar! CD

2 different sessions by Julius Hemphill – one from 1975, with Arthur Blythe, Hamiet Bluiett, and Abdul Wadud; the other from 1972, with Bluiett, Wadud, and Baikida Carroll. The 1972 session's a bit more interesting, and was recorded in St. Louis by Oliver Sain (of all people!). It's one long track entitled "The Hard Blues", and has an excellent mix of styles, emotions, and voices – with all the players getting in some beautiful solo moments. The 1975 session's not too bad either, but it's just a little too self-consciously out, and lacks the warmth of the other piece. Other tracks include "Skin 2", "Lyric", "Reflections", and "Skin One". CD

Flautist James Newton dips into the Ellington-Strayhorn songbook – with Arthur Blythe on alto sax, Roland Hanna on piano, Jay Hoggard on vibes, and Billy Hart and Pheeroan akLaff on drums. CD

A pretty great session – if only for the work of the sax players! The "stablemates" on the session are a host of older spiritual and soul jazz players – including Nathan Davis, Sam Rivers, Chico Freeman, and Arthur Blythe – alternating solos and coming together in some angular ensemble parts that really sound wonderful. The "Stablemates" reference is well chosen, as there's a lot of Benny Golson influences on the album – especially in the rhythm section of Don Pullen, Santi Debriano, and Idris Muhammad, who groove together with the crackling tightness that Golson would have used on a classic early 60s album, keeping the pace with a soulful swing, so that the horn players can cut loose in some modernist inflections. Titles include "Walkin", "I Remember Eric Dolphy", "Stolen Moments", "Linden Boulevard", and "Stablemates". CD

The first album from the great Special Edition group of drummer Jack DeJohnette – a wickedly sharp record that's as equally tight on the reeds as it is on the drums! The album features brilliant work on tenor and bass clarinet from David Murray, and equally nice alto from Arthur Blythe – both criss-crossing and soaring out effortlessly in each others' company – amidst complex rhythmic impulses from DeJohnette on drums, and both bass and cello from Peter Warren. Jack also plays a bit of piano and melodica as well – and titles include "One For Eric", "Zoot Suite", "Central Park West", "India", and "Journey To The Twin Planet". CD

A slew of notable guests on this record, including Arthur Blythe, Steve Gadd, Richard Tee, Hiram Bullock, Ralph MacDonald, Hugh McCracken, Michael & Randy Brecker, George Adams, Jon Faddis, Howard Johnson, and Mike Mainieri. CD