Art Ensemble Of Chicago —
Spiritual ... CD Black Lion (UK), 1969. Used ...
Out Of Stock
A tremendous recording from the Art Ensemble Of Chicago – done during the same Paris stretch as their Great Black Music classics on the BYG/Actuel label – and a set that easily matches, if not tops, those classics! You can really hear the group finding their own space here – ... read moreCD
Art Ensemble Of Chicago —
Tutankhamun ... CD Black Lion (UK), 1969. Used ...
Out Of Stock
Fantastic material from the Art Ensemble Of Chicago – tracks recorded during their same crucial Paris trip of 1969 that also gave the world the better-known BYG/Actual albums – but delivered in a style that's slightly different overall! There's maybe more of the cerebral side of the ... read moreCD
Albert Ayler —
Going Home ... CD Black Lion (Germany), 1964. Used ...
Out Of Stock
Pre-ESP Records work from the legendary Albert Ayler – and a really special set that definitely shows his strong ties to a previous legacy of African-American music! Ayler always clamed blues and other roots in his sound, but didn't always show them as clearly – given his free-thinking ... read moreCD
Albert Ayler —
Vibrations ... CD Arista Freedom/Black Lion (Germany), 1964. Used ...
Out Of Stock
A seminal early moment from the legendary Albert Ayler – an important session recorded overseas in Copenhagen – where enthusiasm for Ayler's music caught fire more strongly than in the US! The group's got an edge that's maybe even sharper than some of Ayler's ESP material, but no less ... read moreCD
A rare early date as a leader from pianist Walter Bishop Jr – cut for a tiny east coast label that folded almost as soon as the record was issued – but a date that's gone onto great fame over the years, thanks to circulation in a few different formats! Bishop's got a really maturing ... read moreCD
Joanne Brackeen —
Invitation ... CD Black Lion, 1976. Used ...
Out Of Stock
Trio session with Clint Houston on bass and Billy Hart on drums. CD
One of the better Ruby Braff albums of the 50s – recorded for the Storyville label, with help from players who include Vic Dickenson, Jo Jones, Edmond Hall, Milt Hinton, and Sam Margolis! CD
Early recordings by Dollar Brand – recorded in London in 1965, playing solo on a batch of tunes dedicated to two big influences – Duke Ellington and Randy Weston – and also featuring a number of his own compositions. Titles include "Pye R Squared", "Knights ... read moreLP, Vinyl record album
A nicely priced reissue of the rare Duke Pearson album Hush – originally issued on the tiny Jazztime label, very briefly during the early 60s! The rare early session by Pearson is one of the few he cut away from Blue Note – and it's musical delight throughout – with twin trumpet ... read moreCD
Very hip work from the Boston modern scene of the mid 50s! The album's one of Serge Chaloff's few as a leader – and is much harder to find than his more widely-issued work for Capitol – an obscure date for the Storyville label, and one that originally only circulated as a 10" LP! ... read moreCD
A rich testament to the strength of the Parisian traditional jazz scene in the early 70s – as key players Coleman and Lafitte work here with a quintet live at the Montreux jazz fest in 1973. Lafitte's tenor is always a treasure, warm and rich, but moody and edgey at the same time – ... read moreCD
A rich testament to the strength of the Parisian traditional jazz scene in the early 70s – as key players Coleman and Lafitte work here with a quintet live at the Montreux jazz fest in 1973. Lafitte's tenor is always a treasure, warm and rich, but moody and edgey at the same time – ... read moreLP, Vinyl record album
Seminal work from trumpeter Ted Curson – a set that's issued under his own name, but which continues a string of key early 60s performances with tenorist Bill Barron – who's work together here with Ted is fantastic! The group has no piano – just Herb Bushler on bass and Dick Berk ... read moreLP, Vinyl record album
(70s issue.)
Kenny Dorham —
Osmosis ... CD Black Lion, 1961. Used ...
Temporarily Out Of Stock
Kenny Dorham on trumpet – with Curtis Fuller on trombone, Frank Haynes on tenor sax, Tommy Flanagan on piano, Ben Tucker on bass, and Dave Bailey on drums. CD
(Out of print original Black Lion pressing. Made in West Germany.)
A Kenny Dorham-billed version of the only full album ever issued by tenor player Rocky Boyd – but a set so great, it's definitely made a name for him over the years! Boyd's got a wonderful tone on the set – sharp and soulful, with an approach to the tenor that almost reminds us of ... read moreCD
Dexter Gordon at his European best – working at his very familiar haunt, the Cafe Montmartre in Copenhagen – a city that welcome Dexter Gordon with welcome arms in the 60s, as Dex left America to take care of himself and renew his energy overseas – expanding his sound and styles ... read moreLP, Vinyl record album
One of the first great European statements from tenorist Dexter Gordon – a 1967 live recording that really lets Dexter stretch out, and show an even deeper side of his talents than on his 60s albums for Blue Note! The rhythm section here is rock solid – Kenny Drew on piano, Neils ... read moreLP, Vinyl record album
Dexter Gordon & Wardell Gray —
Master Swingers ... LP Black Lion (Japan), Late 40s/Early 50s. Near Mint- ...
Temporarily Out Of Stock
Rare LA bop sides from Dexter Gordon and Wardell Gray – two of the heaviest tenors to ever grace the west coast, recorded here in the prime of their late 40s careers. Tracks were recorded during the years 1946, 1947, and 1952 – and 6 tracks (including "The Rubiayat", "My ... read moreLP, Vinyl record album
With Marc Hemmeler on piano, Jack Sewing on bass, and Daniel Humair on drums. LP, Vinyl record album
Stephane Grappelli —
Stardust ... CD Black Lion (Germany), 1973. Used ...
Out Of Stock
With Alan Clarke on piano and celeste. CD
Johnny Griffin —
Man I Love ... CD Black Lion/DA Music, 1967. Used ...
Out Of Stock
An astounding live set from Johnny Griffin – recorded at the famous Club Montmartre in Copenhagen, Dexter Gordon's famous home in the late 60s – but a place that was also a showcase for the new sort of energy that Griffin was bringing to his horn at the time! The record crackles with ... read moreCD
(Out of print.)
Hampton Hawes —
Blues For Bud ... CD Black Lion (Germany), 1968. Used ...
Out Of Stock
Overlooked genius from Hampton Hawes – one of a number of excellent albums made during a late 60s stint on the European scene – and a set that really has Hamp pushing forward from his previous albums in the US! The tracks are wonderfully fluid – set fire with that Hawes style ... read moreCD
An unusual overseas date – with Henry Franklin on bass and Michael Carvin on drums – and a nice reading of Carvin's tune "The Camel"! Also features guest tenor from Dexter Gordon on one track. CD
Hampton Hawes —
Spanish Steps ... LP Black Lion, 1968. Very Good+ ...
Out Of Stock
Overlooked genius from Hampton Hawes – one of a number of excellent albums made during a late 60s stint on the European scene – and a set that really has Hamp pushing forward from his previous albums in the US! The tracks are wonderfully fluid – set fire with that Hawes style ... read moreLP, Vinyl record album
With Doc Cheatham on trumpet, Rudy Rutherford on clarinet, alto, and tenor, Jack Wilkins on guitar, Jimmy Leary on bass, and Ray Mosca on drums. Arrangements by Buck Clayton and Ernie Wilkins. LP, Vinyl record album
(Mid 70s issue. Cover has light wear, yellowing from age, a sticker spot, some gloss separation at the corners, and gloss peel in back.)
Earl Hines —
Tea For Two ... LP Black Lion, 1965. Very Good+ ...
Out Of Stock
Solo piano performance from the 1974 Montreux Jazz Festival. Titles include "Close To You", "In My Solitude", "Why Do I Love You?", "Don't Get Around Much Anymore", and "West Side Story Medley". LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has some fading at the spine and is lightly bent at the edges and corners.)
One of the first albums ever from the team of Jackie Caine and Roy Kral – and one of the best, too! The album's got a relaxed, open-ended approach to jazz vocals that already carries all the hallmarks of the Jackie & Roy style – wordless scatting on some tunes, playful lyrical ... read moreCD
A small combo live recording at Ronnie Scotts – with Milt Buckner on Hammond and Tony Crombie on drums. LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has a cut corner.)
Barney Kessel & Stephane Grappelli —
Limehouse Blues ... LP Black Lion, 1969. Near Mint- ...
Out Of Stock
An album that has European jazz great Stephane Grapelli revising the format of his legendary Hot Club Of France with guitarist Django Reinhardt – but in a very different mode, given that this group features electric guitar from Barney Kessel! Kessel is great, and his warm, round tones do ... read moreLP, Vinyl record album
Tight early work from Lee Konitz – recorded on location at the very hospitable Storyville nightclub in Boston – a sweet setting for his angular tones on the alto! The style here is great – cutting lines that are incredibly precise, yet crafted with enough soul to keep them from ... read moreCD
Howard McGhee —
Shades Of Blue ... LP Black Lion, 1961. Near Mint- ...
Just Sold Out!
An obscure Howard McGhee session, but a great one! The 1961 session was recorded during Maggie's great comeback years – at a time when he was doing some great work for labels that included Bethlehem, Contemporary, and United Artists. The spirit of this set is similar to those – sort ... read moreLP, Vinyl record album
(70s issue. Cover has light wear and a trace of a sticker.)
Very late work from the legendary Thelonious Monk – but surprisingly great as well! The session was recorded in London – as you might guess from the title – and although Monk's not working with his regular quartet with Charlie Rouse, he does interact wonderfully with a trio that ... read moreCD
(Out of print. Box is solid with a little minor shelf wear and a small rip at the top of the spine, inner contents are in great shape!)
Solo piano from Thelonious Monk – ten tracks recorded in London in 1971! CD
Thelonious Monk —
Man I Love ... LP Black Lion, 1971. Near Mint- ...
Out Of Stock
Rare late work from Thelonious Monk – recorded in London, with Al McKibbon on bass and Art Blakey on drums – mostly trio material, but with some piano solos too! LP, Vinyl record album
Monk plays solo piano and is joined on some of the tracks by Art Blakey on drums and Al McKibbon on bass. The songs are all originals except for "Nice Work If You Can Get It" and they include "Blue Sphere", "Hackensack", "Criss Cross", "Something In ... read moreLP, Vinyl record album
(US pressing. Cover has a cut corner, a trace of a price sticker, and light wear.)
One of those rare European sessions by bassist Oscar Pettiford that far outshines most of his American work from the 50s! The set's a very hip one – cut with a quartet that includes German modernists Hans Koller on tenor and Atilla Zoller on guitar, plus American Jimmy Pratt on drums. ... read moreLP, Vinyl record album
Wonderful late work from pianist Bud Powell – recorded in France, where Bud seemed to do all of his best recordings in the early 60s! The setting is a trio – with Art Taylor on drums and Michel Gaudry on bass – but as always in such a mode, Powell has a way of opening the tunes ... read moreCD
(Out of print, original Black Lion CD pressing with a cutout through the case spine.)
A really unusual set of recordings from pianist Bud Powell – tracks recorded in his overseas home, solo – a setting that puts the keyboard magic of Powell in a similar sound to that of Art Tatum, who'd recorded in such a way the decade before! At some level, these might be the most ... read moreCD
A brilliant record – much more straightforward, and straight ahead, than much of Rudd's other work, which is why we like it so much! The album's an ingeniously subtle affair – with Rudd on trombone and French horn, working with a small group that features Sheila Jordan on vocals, Hod O' ... read moreCD
(Out of print 1995 Black Lion pressing.)
Zoot Sims & Bob Brookmeyer —
Morning Fun ... CD Black Lion (Germany), 1956. Used ...
Temporarily Out Of Stock
Zoot Sims on tenor sax, Bob Brookmeyer on valve trombone, Hank Jones on piano, Bill Crow on bass, and Jo Jones on drums. Tracks include "Lullaby Of The Leaves", "The King", "Snake Eyes", and "Box Cars". CD
(1989 West German pressing.)
Willie 'The Lion' Smith —
Pork & Beans ... CD Black Lion, 1966. Used ...
Out Of Stock
Great early tenor from Buddy Tate – with piano on some tracks by Bill Doggett! LP, Vinyl record album
Buddy Tate & Humphrey Lyttelton —
Kansas City Woman ... LP Black Lion, 1974. Very Good+ ...
$3.99
Original tunes and arrangements by Buck Clayton – played by a group that features Buddy Tate on tenor and clarinet, Bruce Turner on alto, and Humphrey Lyttelton on trumpet. LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has a cut corner.)
Art Tatum —
Genius ... LP Black Lion (UK), 1944/1945. Near Mint- ...
$7.99
Solo recordings with a side's worth of originals and standards on the flipside. LP, Vinyl record album
(UK pressing. Cover has light wear, small staples at the top left corner, small sticker and gloss wrinkle in back, and is lightly bent at the top right corner.)
Includes 20 tracks with Tiny Grimes on guitar, Ben Webster on tenor, Benny Morton on trombone, Edmond Hall on clarinet, Roy Eldridge on trumpet, and Slam Stewart on bass. CD
Art Tatum —
V-Discs ... CD Black Lion, 1945. Used ...
Out Of Stock
With Oscar Pettiford and Slam Stewart on bass, Tiny Grimes on guitar, and Sid Catlett on drums. CD
(Out of print.)
Cecil Taylor —
Trance ... CD Black Lion (UK), 1962. Used ...
Out Of Stock
Expanded CD reissue of a famous session that Cecil recorded at the Cafe Monmartre in Copenhagen in 1962 – and which was originally issued on Debut Records. Cecil's playing with Jimmy Lyons and Arthur "Sunny" Murray, and the recording's a great document of a key transitional period ... read moreCD
Ben Webster's tone is wonderful here – that mature, mellow sound that he brought to some of his standout live dates – and which is captured here in the kind of relaxed, soloist-focused setting that always makes 60s recordings from the Cafe Montmartre so great! The group is a familiar ... read moreLP, Vinyl record album
(70s US pressing. Cover has light wear and aging.)