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Jazz — All

XA wealth of jazz in many styles -- bop, hardbop, soul jazz, spiritual, rare groove, modal, improvised music, funk, free jazz, fusion, avant garde, and trad!

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Exact matches: 6
Exact matches1
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
Theo LoevendieMandela/Chess ... CD
MCN (Netherlands), 1969/1972. New Copy ... $19.99 22.99
Two rare albums from Dutch reedman Theo Loevendie – both amazing little records that sound beautiful here on a single CD! Mandela features complicated lines from a hip Netherlands combo of the late 60s – one headed up by Theo Loevendie on alto sax, but which acts a lot more like a collective of modernists working together – Hans Dulfer on tenor and bamboo flute, Willem Van Manen on trombone, Nedly Elstak on trumpet, Joop Mastenbroek on baritone and clarinet, Maarten Altena on bass, and Martin Van Dunhoven and John Engels on drums. The tunes all have a nice sense of structure – energy that's more like the early 60s modernism of the European scene – particularly some of the more rhythmic styles – than the looser freedoms that some of Loevendie's contemporaries were hitting at the same time. There's definitely plenty of offbeat sounds in the mix – but the group also knows how to swing, too – on titles that include "Trombomanie", "Mr Brook", "Timbuktu", "Trompedly", and "Pepy". Chess is a really playful outing from a very cool Dutch combo – one with lead alto from Theo Loevendie, but a rich array of sounds from the other members too! The reeds are especially nice – often coming together with a complexity that goes back to older European modern traditions, yet with a swinging sensibility that's still plenty jazz, too – kind of a mix of composition, arrangement, and inherent swinging – with standout work from Hans Dulfer on tenor, Leon Van Oostrom on baritone, Leo Cuypers on piano, and Willem Van Manen on trombone – a player we barely know at all, but whose bold tones really bring a lot to the record. Titles include "Lapsang Souchong", "Scratch", "Brasilia", and "Tremolo". CD

Exact matches2
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
VariousHistory Of Chess Jazz (2CD & book box set) ... CD
Argo/Chess, Late 50s/1960s. Used 2CD ... $14.99
A great little collection with material from Ahmad Jamal, Zoot Sims, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Etta James, Oliver Nelson, Yusef Lateef, Art Farmer, and Illinois Jacquet. CD
(Out of print.)

Exact matches3
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Alex NorrisChess Moves ... CD
Steeplechase (Denmark), 2023. Used ... Out Of Stock
Alex Norris has a wonderful sense of tone here on both trumpet and flugelhorn – instruments he trades back and forth nicely across the set, in ways that really help illuminate the different flavors of the original songs that make up most of the album! Tenorist Ari Ambrose is also great too – balancing the phrasing and tonal placement of Norris in a way that opens up the record beautifully – as the pair get some strong accompaniment from Rick Germanson on piano, a player whose energy really seems to resonate with both Ambrose and Norris! The group also features Paul Gill on bass and Brian Floody on drums – and original titles by Norris include "Short Waltz", "Too Many Trips", "No News", "Lights Out", "There It Went", and the especially nice "Bossa Tranquillo". CD
(Cutout notch through spine.)

Exact matches4
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Alex NorrisChess Moves ... CD
Steeplechase (Denmark), 2023. New Copy ... Out Of Stock
Alex Norris has a wonderful sense of tone here on both trumpet and flugelhorn – instruments he trades back and forth nicely across the set, in ways that really help illuminate the different flavors of the original songs that make up most of the album! Tenorist Ari Ambrose is also great too – balancing the phrasing and tonal placement of Norris in a way that opens up the record beautifully – as the pair get some strong accompaniment from Rick Germanson on piano, a player whose energy really seems to resonate with both Ambrose and Norris! The group also features Paul Gill on bass and Brian Floody on drums – and original titles by Norris include "Short Waltz", "Too Many Trips", "No News", "Lights Out", "There It Went", and the especially nice "Bossa Tranquillo". CD

Exact matches5
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Gene AmmonsEarly Visions (Chess Jazz Masters Series) ... LP
Chess, Late 40s/Early 50s. Near Mint- 2LP ... Out Of Stock
24 tracks that perfectly illustrate all that was great about Gene Ammons in his early days – a set of singles and 78s recorded for Chess in the late 40s and early 50s, featuring players that include Tom Archia, Matthew Gee, Junior Mance, Sonny Stitt, and Bill Massey. Titles include "Do You Really Mean It", "Swingin For Xmas", "The Battle", "Jam For Boppers", "Bless You", "Cha Bootie", "Goodbye", " Tenor Eleven", "Don't Do Me Wrong", "Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe", and "Can Anyone Explain". LP, Vinyl record album

Exact matches6
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ VariousBest Of Chess Jazz ... LP
MCA/Chess, 1950s/1960s. Near Mint- 2LP Gatefold ... Out Of Stock
Includes selections by James Moody, Gene Ammons, Clark Terry, Ahmad Jamal, Sonny Stitt, Zoot Sims, Benny Goodman, Art Farmer, Benny Golson, Illinois Jacquet, Kenny Burrell, Ramsey Lewis, Roland Kirk, Ira Sullivan, Oliver Nelson, Jack McDuff, Ray Bryant, Art Blakey, Budd Johnson, and John Klemmer. LP, Vinyl record album
 
Close matches: 17
Close matches7
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
Ahmad JamalBut Not For Me – Ahmad Jamal Trio At The Pershing ... CD
Argo/Chess, 1958. Used ... $4.99
Groundbreaking work from the legendary Ahmad Jamal – not just in his own career, but in live jazz in general! The album's a classic recording of Jamal's trio with Israel Crosby on bass and Vernell Fournier on drums – captured at the Pershing Lounge on the south side of Chicago, where Jamal was clearly wowing the crowd with his amazing talents on the piano. The groove here is sublimely fluid and soulful – clearly the next wave of expression on the piano in the 50s, and as important to the Chicago scene as Bill Evans was to that of New York at the time. The recording quality is wonderful – clear enough to capture the subtleties of Crosby's amazing bass, and the lightly tippling sound of Fournier's drums – and titles include a classic extended reading of "Poinciana", plus "What's New", "But Not For Me", and "No Greater Love". CD

Close matches8
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Ahmad JamalSun Set (Ahmad Jamal At The Pershing/Ahmad Jamal At The Blackhawk) ... LP
Chess, Early 60s. Very Good+ 2LP Gatefold ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
A 70s 2-fer that collects 2 live sides originally issued by Argo, then subsequently by Chess under the Cadet label. Classic Chicago piano jazz – featuring the very popular pianist Ahmad Jamal, recorded at the legendary Pershing Lounge, down at 63rd and Cottage Grove and at the equally legendary Blackhawk Lounge in San Francisco. For many years we didn't get these earlier sides by Jamal, prefering the later electric stuff, but you can see the blueprint of both those later sounds and the piano style that had such a huge impact on Miles here, in sets that cover lots jazz standards, including 'But Not For Me", "Moonlight In Vermont", "poinciana", "Woody'N You", "All The Things You Are", "Cherokee", "It Might As Well Be Spring" and quite a few more. LP, Vinyl record album
(Orange label pressing. Cover has ring and edge wear.)

Close matches9
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ James MoodyMoody's Mood For Love ... CD
Chess/Universal, 1956/1957. Used ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
Pivotal work from James Moody! The record was cut at a time when Moody was completely reinventing himself – shifting from the hard bopper of earlier years, into a sophisticated, slightly exotic player with an interest in mixing many different styles into a unique soul jazz vision. As part of this, Moody took up the flute heavily – adapting it wonderfully to his rich style, and playing the instrument with a lot more soul than had been previously been applied to the instrument. A few of the tracks on the album feature Moody on tenor, but most of them have flute in the forefront – recorded in a great echoey way that really sounds cool and a little rough around the edges. Other players include Johnny Coles, Tate Houson, and Jimmy Boyd – and tracks include "Phil Up", "Foolin The Blues", "Plus Eight", "Mean To Me", and a version of "Billie's Bounce" with vocals by Eddie Jefferson. CD
(Out of print Chessmates pressing.)

Close matches10
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Gene AmmonsOnce In Awhile/Tenor Eleven ... 78 RPM
Chess, 1950s. Very Good ... Out Of Stock
(78 RPM, Jazz) 78 RPM, Vinyl record

Close matches11
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Gene AmmonsSoulful Saxophone ... LP
Chess, Late 40s/Early 50s. Very Good ... Out Of Stock
Ten tracks that perfectly illustrate all that was great about Gene Ammons in his early days – a set of singles and 78s recorded for Chess in the late 40s and early 50s, done in a laidback and soulful style that had a tremendous influence on the work of other tenor players at the time! The recording quality is nice and moody, and the tracks hold up surprisingly well over the years – with titles that include "My Foolish Heart", "Goodbye", "Once In A While", "Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe", and "It's The Talk Of The Town". LP, Vinyl record album
(Mono Black label pressing, with deep groove – nice and clean! Cover has a small cutout hole, but is nice too!)

Close matches12
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Kenny BurrellNight At The Vanguard ... CD
Chess/MCA, 1959. Used ... Out Of Stock
A hip live date from Kenny Burrell – recorded with a trio that includes Richard Davis on bass and Roy Haynes on drums – both of whom help Kenny find a groove that's a bit lighter and more fluid than usual! The rhythms here are quite gentle, almost spare at times – and always touched with Haynes' great sense of lyricism. Kenny's guitar lines are right out front, freely flowing with plenty of warm chromatic hues, and styles that echo a bit more modernism than we've heard in other work of his from the late 50s. Titles include "Well You Needn't", "Trio", "All Night Long", and "Soft Winds". CD

Close matches13
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ James MoodyAt The Jazz Workshop (Cookin The Blues plus bonus tracks) ... CD
Chess/Universal, 1961. Used ... Out Of Stock
An excellent live set from James Moody – one that really captures all the creative soulfulness that was part of his genius during the 60s! The set was recorded at the Jazz Workshop in LA, and features a hip group that includes Bernard McKinney on trombone, Musa Kaleem on baritone, Howard McGhee on trumpet, and Moody on flute, alto, and tenor. The groove is a mix of soul jazz and bop – but always with that slightly exotic style that Moody was picking up at the time, kind of a mix of the harder edge of Yusef Lateef, and the more playful Latin grooving of Dizzy Gillespie. The CD features all the tracks from the album Cooking the Blues, plus 3 unissued numbers, and one that had only ever shown up on a compilation. Very nicely done overall, as part of an excellent and short-lived reissue series on Chess. Titles include "Moody's Mood For Love", "Bunny Boo", "One For Nat", "The Jazz Twist", "Little Buck", "Sister Sadie", and "Home Fries". CD

Close matches14
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ James MoodyReturn From Overbrook – Last Train From Overbrook/Flute N The Blues ... CD
Argo/Chess, 1956/1958. Used ... Out Of Stock
Last Train From Overbrook, a wonderful album from Moody – one of his "comeback" albums for Chess/Argo, recorded after his release from the Overbrook institution, hence the title. By this point, Moody was writing and playing with much more of an edge than during his bebop days – and the record certainly shows that – not only on the title track "Last Train From Overbrook", a jumpy little number that became one of the big new tunes in Moody's book, but on the whole album, which features some well-conceived large charts written by Johnny Pate. Pate and Moody wrote the bulk of the songs, too – and titles include "Yvonne", "Brother Yusef", "The Moody One", "There She Goes", "Tico Tico", and "Why Don't You". Flute N The Blues is one of James Moody's first albums for Argo – and an album that features him shifting from tenor sax over to flute – and playing in a slyly seductive way that would have great implications for generations of soul jazz musicians for years to come! The sound here is never sleepy – and instead shows the flute to be a perfect vehicle for creating more sensitive colors and tones in jazz – in a way that's also offset by a bit of work on alto and tenor on the album as well. The group features some excellent work from trumpeter Johnny Coles and baritonist Pee Wee Moore – plus some sparkling arrangements from pianist Jimmy Boyd – and Eddie Jefferson joins in on 3 great vocal numbers. Titles include "Birdland Story", "I Cover The Waterfront", "Breaking The Blues", "Easy Living", "Richard's Blues", and "Boo's Tune". 20 tracks in all. CD
(Out of print.)

Close matches15
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Gene AmmonsPennies From Heaven/Last Mile ... 78 RPM
Chess, 1950. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
(78 RPM, Jazz) 78 RPM, Vinyl record

Close matches16
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Gene AmmonsYoung Jug ... CD
Chess, Late 40s/Early 50s. Used ... Out Of Stock
A great collection of early 78rpm material that Gene Ammons cut for Chess Records – 20 tracks in all! CD

Close matches17
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Gene Ammons & Sonny StittJug & Sonny (jug & corn cover) ... LP
Chess, Early 60s. Very Good ... Out Of Stock
A nice little album – featuring some of the sides that Gene Ammons cut "off contract" for Chess/Argo during the early 60s, and ones that feature him paired with Sonny Stitt, his longtime partner in legendary tenor battles from the 50s. The two horns aren't really locked in combat here, but they do complement each other nicely on the album's mellow groovers and ballad tracks. Titles include "Cha Bootie", "Tenor Eleven", "The Last Mile", and "Full Moon". LP, Vinyl record album

Close matches18
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Ben Branch & The Operation Breadbasket OrchestraLast Request ... CD
Chess (Japan), 1968. Used ... Out Of Stock
A very hip album that mixes gospel and jazz – recorded in 1968 as a tribute to Martin Luther King, but a set that more than stands on its own – at a level that's way different than the usual King tribute records! The album was put together by Jesse Jackson's Operation Breadbasket operation – but it really features a bunch of Chicago jazz and studio players, including Phil Upchurch, Charles Stepney, Morris Jennings, Burgess Gardner, and Ben Branch himself, whose tenor takes the lead on most tracks. The core of most tracks is moody soul jazz – but some cuts have vocals, with solos by Clay Evans and Sammy Lewis, and group vocals by the Breadbasket Choir. Titles include "Hard Times", "My Heavenly Father", "We Shall Overcome", and "If I Could Help Somebody". (Soul, Jazz) CD

Close matches19
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Kenny BurrellRecapitulation ... LP
Chess, Late 50s/1960s. Very Good 2LP Gatefold ... Out Of Stock
A collection of tracks pulled from Burrell's 60s work on Cadet, with titles that include "Mother In Law", "Isabella", "Tender Gender", "Tricotism", "Suite For Guitar And Orchestra", "Blues Fuse", "My Favorite Things", "Wild Is The Wind", and more. LP, Vinyl record album

Close matches20
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Art Farmer & Benny GolsonBlues On Down ... CD
Chess/GRP, 1960/1961. Used ... Out Of Stock
Killer grooves from the Jazztet – lean, lanky, and plenty darn soulful! CD

Close matches21
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Art Farmer/Benny GolsonMeet The Jazztet ... CD
Argo/Chess, 1960. Used ... Out Of Stock
Landmark work by one of the greatest jazz outfits of the early 60s! Art Farmer and Benny Golson were both known as well-composed players during the 50s – strongly soulful, but often with a fine sense of arrangement that usually tended towards the lyrical side of things. With this group, though, they turned that approach towards a heavier sounding style of jazz – tightly stepping soul jazz, in the manner that was being explored at the time by Cannonball Adderley, Art Blakey, and others – presented by Farmer and Golson with a bit more groove and a wonderful kick at the bottom! This album's the first the group cut together – and apart from trumpet by Farmer and tenor by Golson, it also features Curtis Fuller on trombone, McCoy Tyner on piano, Addison Farmer (brother of Art) on bass, and Lex Humphries on drums. Includes the massive original recording of "Killer Joe", which went onto become one of the most recorded jazz standards ever, plus the tracks "Blues March", "Mox Nix", "Park Avenue Petite", and "I Remember Clifford". Perfect tone, perfect groove, and a perfect sound all the way through! CD

Close matches22
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Ahmad JamalCount 'Em 88 ... CD
Chess/Universal (Japan), 1956. Used ... Out Of Stock
That's right, count 'em – 88 keys on the piano in all, and Ahmad does a pretty good job of hitting them all in this early album of piano virtuosity! The album's amazing – set the pace for a whole new generation of piano expressiveness, with a cool and earthy approach that also still has quite a bit of poise. The group features Walter Perkins on drums and Israel Crosby on bass – fantastic rhythm players both of them, giving the album a pulsating live that goes way beyond the simple format of the tunes! Titles include "Beat Out One", "Jim Love Sue", "Maryam", "Volga Boatman", and "Green Dolphin Street". CD

Close matches23
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Ramsey LewisIn Crowd (with bonus tracks) ... CD
Chess, 1965. Used ... Out Of Stock
One of the biggest jazz albums of the 60s – and a crucial crossover set from the legendary Ramsey Lewis trio! The record's a live one, which gives the group a perfect chance to show off their special genius – not just soulful grooves from Ramsey on piano, but wickedly sharp and playful basslines from the great Eldee Young, and equally inventive work on drums from Redd Holt – both fantastic players who would soon break out on their own as Young Holt Unlimited! There's a surprising mix of modes on the record, too – as Ramsey begins with the group's classic reading of "The In Crowd" – formerly a soul tune, but maybe more of a hit here in their instrumental reading – then runs through material that really showcases the creative depth of the group, on titles that include "Love Theme From Spartacus", "Felicidade", "Come Sunday", and "You Been Talkin Bout Me Baby". CD features 2 non-LP bonus tracks! CD
Also available In Crowd ... LP 6.99
 
Possible matches: 81
Possible matches24
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Gene AmmonsRed Top (aka Golden Saxophone Of Gene Ammons) ... CD
Savoy/Denon, Late 40s/Early 50s. Used ... Just Sold Out!
A nice collection of Gene Ammons' work that doesn't always get as well remembered as his sides for Prestige or Chess – late 40s bop recordings for Savoy, done in a wonderfully full-voiced tone! The set features Gene's classic "Red Top", plus the great two part "Big Slam", and the titles "Chips", "Goodtime Blues", "Fuzzy", "Jim Dawgs", and "Street Of Dreams". The album doesn't list personnel at all for the tracks, or dates – but the music speaks volumes on its own! CD
(Out of print.)

Possible matches25
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
Art BlakeyBig Beat (180 gram pressing) ... LP
Blue Note, 1960. New Copy (reissue)... $25.99 27.99
One of the greatest Art Blakey Blue Note sessions of all time – and perhaps one of the greatest to realize the genius of the Jazz Messengers lineup that included Lee Morgan on trumpet, Wayne Shorter on tenor, and Bobby Timmons on piano! The trio of young talents are at the height of their early soulful powers here – working with Blakey and bassist Jymie Merritt in a set of tunes that are overflowing with expressive solos, unusual timings, and the Blakey genius for mixing bold statements with personally introspective moments. Nearly every track on the record's a classic – and titles include an early version of Bobby Timmons' "Dat Dere", plus Wayne Shorter's beautiful tunes "Lester Left Town", "Chess Players", and "Sakeena's Vision". LP, Vinyl record album
(Part of the Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series – on 180 gram vinyl!)

Possible matches26
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
Art BlakeyBig Beat (UHQCD pressing) ... CD
Blue Note, 1960. New Copy ... $18.99 22.99 About May 22, 2024
One of the greatest Art Blakey Blue Note sessions of all time – and perhaps one of the greatest to realize the genius of the Jazz Messengers lineup that included Lee Morgan on trumpet, Wayne Shorter on tenor, and Bobby Timmons on piano! The trio of young talents are at the height of their early soulful powers here – working with Blakey and bassist Jymie Merritt in a set of tunes that are overflowing with expressive solos, unusual timings, and the Blakey genius for mixing bold statements with personally introspective moments. Nearly every track on the record's a classic – and titles include an early version of Bobby Timmons' "Dat Dere", plus Wayne Shorter's beautiful tunes "Lester Left Town", "Chess Players", and "Sakeena's Vision". CD
Also available Big Beat (180 gram pressing) ... LP 25.99

Possible matches27
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
Art Blakey & The Jazz MessengersRitual ... CD
Pacific Jazz, 1957. Used ... $6.99
A hard-swinging cooker from Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers – recorded during the landmark year of 1957 – when Blakey's group was open to recording for a number of different labels, in a number of different settings! The set was originally done for the west coast stalwart Pacific Jazz, but it's got a sound that's much more in the hardbop mode of the New York scene – all the fire and intensity that Blakey first cooked up for Blue Note, cast out with a slight sense of openness here in the less iconic setting. Players include Jackie McLean on alto, Bill Hardman on trumpet, and Sam Dockery on piano – and the album's right up there with Vik/RCA, Savoy, and Chess material they cut at the time. Tracks include "Touche", "Sam's Tune", "Once Upon A Groove", and "Wake Up". CD
(First US pressing.)

Possible matches28
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
Kenny BurrellOde To 52nd Street ... LP
Cadet, 1967. Near Mint- ... $16.99
A really wonderful Chess/Cadet session from the 60s – not the bop-styled record you might expect from the 52nd Street reference in the title! Instead, the whole thing's more of a cool Chicago take on soul jazz – with these great large arrangements from Richard Evans, backing strong solos in the lead from guitarist Kenny Burrell – sounding wonderful here, almost in a Verve Records 60s mode – floating over the top of a variety of material, both mellow and upbeat, all very groovy! Side one features the extended "Suite For Guitar & Orchestra" – and side two features "I Want My Baby Back", "Soulero", "Con Alma", and "Blues Fuse". LP, Vinyl record album
(70s orange label stereo pressing. Cover has a cutout notch and light wear.)

Possible matches29
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
Buck Clayton & Buddy TateKansas City Nights (Buck & Buddy/Buck & Buddy Blow The Blues) ... LP
Prestige/Swingville, 1960/1961. Very Good+ 2LP Gatefold ... $6.99
A 2-fer set from the 70s – with 2 great older albums from Buck & Buddy! First up is the self-titled Buck & Buddy – beautiful blowing from Buck Clayton and Buddy Tate – captured here in the relaxed, easy-going setting of the Swingville label! The album's got a lot more charm than some of Clayton's sides for Columbia – a bit more mellow, with the kind of after hours feel that lets players like these show their strongest suits on their instruments. Clayton plays trumpet, Tate tenor – and rhythm is from the trio of Sir Charles Thompson on piano, Gene Ramey on bass, and Mousie Alexander on drums. Titles include "High Life", "Birdland Betty", "Can't We Be Friends", and "Kansas City Nights". Next Is Buck & Buddy Blow The Blues – a romping little session from Buck Clayton and Buddy Tate – served up in a looser, more relaxed setting than the former's albums for Columbia, and a slightly more swing-based mode than the latter's dates for Chess! Both horn players get plenty of room to solo in the open-ended Swingville mode – Buck on trumpet and Buddy on both tenor and clarinet – and the group's a nice one too, since Sir Charles Thompson's playing piano, Gene Ramey's on bass, and Gus Johnson's on drums. Titles include "Blue Creek", "Blue Breeze", "Blue Ebony", "Rompin At Red Bank", and "Dallas Delight". LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has some ring and edge wear, small peeled spot filled with green marker, and is bent a bit at the spine.)

Possible matches30
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
Cleveland EatonHalf & Half ... LP
Gamble, 1973. Near Mint- ... $29.99
One of a few rare albums recorded as a leader from bassist Cleveland Eaton – a player who first rose to fame with Maurice White in the second Ramsey Lewis trio – and one who gave the world some amazingly hip records on the Black Jazz label in the 70s! This set is a unique effort for the label of Philly soul team of Gamble & Huff – yet the set was recorded in Chicago, and has a wickedly funky vibe that's very much like the coolest Chess/Cadet material of the period – nice fuzzy touches around the edges, and some righteous soul currents too! There's plenty of great Chicago players on the session – Odell Brown on Fender Rhodes, Artee Duke Payne on tenor and flute, and Morris Jennings on drums – on titles that include "Keep It Funky", "Slipping Into Darkness", "Here Comes Funky Lou", "Day Dreaming", "Ah Movin On", and a nice cover of "People Make The World Go Round". (Soul, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album
(UK reissue pressing.)
Also available Half & Half ... LP 32.99

Possible matches31
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
Cleveland EatonHalf & Half ... LP
Gamble/Be With (UK), 1973. New Copy (reissue)... $32.99 36.99
One of a few rare albums recorded as a leader from bassist Cleveland Eaton – a player who first rose to fame with Maurice White in the second Ramsey Lewis trio – and one who gave the world some amazingly hip records on the Black Jazz label in the 70s! This set is a unique effort for the label of Philly soul team of Gamble & Huff – yet the set was recorded in Chicago, and has a wickedly funky vibe that's very much like the coolest Chess/Cadet material of the period – nice fuzzy touches around the edges, and some righteous soul currents too! There's plenty of great Chicago players on the session – Odell Brown on Fender Rhodes, Artee Duke Payne on tenor and flute, and Morris Jennings on drums – on titles that include "Keep It Funky", "Slipping Into Darkness", "Here Comes Funky Lou", "Day Dreaming", "Ah Movin On", and a nice cover of "People Make The World Go Round". (Soul, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Half & Half ... LP 29.99

Possible matches32
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
Cleveland EatonPlenty Good Eaton ... CD
Black Jazz/Real Gone, 1974. New Copy ... $6.99 13.99
One of the most electric albums on the legendary Black Jazz label – a hip set of funky fusion tracks from bassist Cleveland Eaton, with a vibe that's similar to his album for the Gamble label, and his funky 45 work with The Kats! The record's a good extension of Eaton's roots in the Cadet studio scene working with Ramsey Lewis – and as proof of those roots, the record contains work by loads of key Chicago players – including Ari Brown on tenor, Odell Brown on keyboards and Hammond, Duke Payne on tenor and flute, and Morris Jennings on percussion! There's a wicked groove on most cuts, and the set was also recorded at the Chess studios – which furthers the Chicago vibe – as you'll hear on cuts that include "Chi-town Theme", "Keena", "Moe Let's Have A Party", "Kaiser 405", "All Your Lover, All Day, All Night", and "Hamburg 302". CD
Also available
Plenty Good Eaton (Japanese paper sleeve edition) ... CD 34.99
Plenty Good Eaton ... LP 12.99

Possible matches33
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
Cleveland EatonPlenty Good Eaton ... LP
Black Jazz/Real Gone, 1974. New Copy (reissue)... $12.99 24.99
One of the most electric albums on the legendary Black Jazz label – a hip set of funky fusion tracks from bassist Cleveland Eaton, with a vibe that's similar to his album for the Gamble label, and his funky 45 work with The Kats! The record's a good extension of Eaton's roots in the Cadet studio scene working with Ramsey Lewis – and as proof of those roots, the record contains work by loads of key Chicago players – including Ari Brown on tenor, Odell Brown on keyboards and Hammond, Duke Payne on tenor and flute, and Morris Jennings on percussion! There's a wicked groove on most cuts, and the set was also recorded at the Chess studios – which furthers the Chicago vibe – as you'll hear on cuts that include "Chi-town Theme", "Keena", "Moe Let's Have A Party", "Kaiser 405", "All Your Lover, All Day, All Night", and "Hamburg 302". LP, Vinyl record album
Also available
Plenty Good Eaton (Japanese paper sleeve edition) ... CD 34.99
Plenty Good Eaton ... CD 6.99

Possible matches34
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
Cleveland EatonPlenty Good Eaton (Japanese paper sleeve edition) ... CD
Black Jazz/P-Vine (Japan), 1974. Used ... $34.99
One of the most electric albums on the legendary Black Jazz label – a hip set of funky fusion tracks from bassist Cleveland Eaton, with a vibe that's similar to his album for the Gamble label, and his funky 45 work with The Kats! The record's a good extension of Eaton's roots in the Cadet studio scene working with Ramsey Lewis – and as proof of those roots, the record contains work by loads of key Chicago players – including Ari Brown on tenor, Odell Brown on keyboards and Hammond, Duke Payne on tenor and flute, and Morris Jennings on percussion! There's a wicked groove on most cuts, and the set was also recorded at the Chess studios – which furthers the Chicago vibe – as you'll hear on cuts that include "Chi-town Theme", "Keena", "Moe Let's Have A Party", "Kaiser 405", "All Your Lover, All Day, All Night", and "Hamburg 302". CD
Also available
Plenty Good Eaton ... CD 6.99
Plenty Good Eaton ... LP 12.99

Possible matches35
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
King Fleming TrioWeary Traveler ... LP
Cadet, 1965. Very Good- ... $14.99
One of three rare Chess Records sessions recorded by Chicago pianist King Fleming – a great player who was part of the same big generation and Ramsey Lewis and Ahmad Jamal – and was supposedly a big influence on the latter! Every one of Fleming's records are a bit different – and this set features a combo with William Cochran on drums and Melvin Jackson on bass – who'd later go on to great fame with Eddie Harris. Arrangements are by Fleming and Will Jackson – and original titles include "Darn It", "Riff A Plenty", "Walk Softly", and "Weary Traveler". LP, Vinyl record album
(Stereo blue fade label pressing. Cover has minimal wear & aging, but looks nice overall.)

Possible matches36
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
Eddie HigginsPiano Of Eddie Higgins ... LP
Atlantic, 1967. Very Good+ ... $6.99
A rare bit of Chicago jazz, cut back when Atlantic had a brief relationship with the Dunwich imprint, which was mostly a garage-rock operation. This one, though, is a prime bit of Cadet/Argo jazz – as Higgins plays piano with pop/jazz backings by Richard Evans, done very much in the style of some of his work for Chess. The tracks are mostly pop tunes, but they have a very groovy sound – and in a way, Higgins piano actually seems to work harder with the larger backing behind him. Titles include "Sunny", "Miko San", "Taste Of Honey", "I Live To Love", "Shadow Of Your Smile", and "What Is A Woman". LP, Vinyl record album
(Stereo Green and blue label pressing. Cover has a cutout hole.)

Possible matches37
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
Ahmad JamalEmerald City Nights – Live At The Penthouse 1963 to 1964 ... CD
Jazz Detective, Mid 60s. New Copy 2CD ... $22.99 24.99
Really fantastic music from pianist Ahmad Jamal – a set of tracks that's a really nice change from some of the recordings he was doing for Chess Records in the early 60s, and which definitely point the way towards the more stretched-out performances to come on Impulse Records! As the title implies, the setting is live – and Jamal really stretches out here on a number of tunes – working with a free-flowing sense of lyrical beauty that's even more stunning than in the shorter space of a studio cut – really skilled with that ear for tone and timing that made his work such a fresh voice on the piano scene at the time, and a subtle hint at righteous modes to come in the following generation. Chuck Lampkin is on drums throughout, and one set features Richard Evans on bass, the other Jamil Nasser – on long takes of "Bogota", "Minor Adjustments", "All Of You", "Squatty Roo", "Keep On Keeping On", "Minor Moods", "Lollipops & Roses", "Tangerine", and "But Not For Me". CD

Possible matches38
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Ahmad JamalPittsburgh ... CD
Atlantic, 1990. Used ... $5.99
Sweet piano and soaring strings – a wonderful little record that brings the keyboard work of Ahmad Jamal into play with larger arrangements from Richard Evans, both working together here in an update of the sound from earlier albums at Chess! Although a later Jamal recording, the sound here is surprisingly great – and Ahmad's on acoustic piano throughout, playing in bold tones and strong colors – while Evans shades things in with just the right amount of orchestrations to expand on the themes without smothering them. There's very few "modern" touches here, save for perhaps the careful recording of Jamal's grand piano – and titles include "Fly Away", "Apple Avenue", "Pittsburgh", "Bellows", "Mellowdrama", "Divertimento", and "Foolish Ways". CD

Possible matches39
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
Lafayette Leake & E Rodney JonesMight Is Right!/Soul Wrinkles ... LP
Yambo/Weis, Late 60s. Very Good+ ... $19.99 24.99
A very strange record from Chicago! The album features one side of soul jazz piano work by the Lafayette Leake trio – a bluesy group from Chicago that feature Leake on piano, Clifton James on drums, and Willie Dixon on bass. They play one very long track called "Soul Wrinkles", with lots of nice changes, and a good live feel. The flipside of the record features radio DJ E. Rodney Jones reciting an extended work called "Might Is Right", with backing "courtesy of Chess Records". The work is vaguely political, and has a similar sound to records by Gary Byrd and Jim Ingram – although less funky. A strange one, but a great relic of the kind of indie record scene that once helped spread knowledge and wisdom through the African American community. LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has staining and waviness on the top right corner and some light surface wear.)

Possible matches40
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
Ramsey LewisFunky Serenity/Golden Hits/Solar Wind/Sun Goddess ... CD
Columbia/BGO (UK), Early 70s. New Copy 2CD ... $14.99 19.99
A quadruple-header from Ramsey Lewis – four albums from his great 70s electric period on Columbia Records! First up is Funky Serenity – sweet electric funk from Ramsey Lewis! The album's one of his best from the 70s – and it's got Ramsey on Fender Rhodes, electric harpsichord, and other keyboards, grooving away in an open-ended 70s mode that still retains all the heavy soul of his classic work for Chess. Morris Jennings adds in some very nice percussion with his drum work, and Cleveland Eaton's on funky bass, giving the set a strong bottom groove. Features the sublime sample cut "My Love For You", a great version of "Knights In White Satin" that's done with a weird spacey groove, plus the tracks "Kufany Mapenzi (Making Love)", "Serene Funk", "What It Is!", and "Dreams". Golden Hits isn't a "best of", but instead has Ramsey and his funky mid 70s trio with Morris Jennings and Cleveland Eaton revisiting some of his best loved material from the Cadet years, but with the groovy Rhodes and wah wah sound that we dig so much about his CBS recordings. Unlike some of the other records from this period, the group's nice and stripped down, just the electric piano, bass and drums, so the groove's nice and wide open, Ramsey and company popping along with the sanctified soulful vibe of his 60s work, but updating their sound with some nice electric touches. 9 numbers in all: "Hang On Sloopy", "Blues For The Night Owl", "Hi-Heel Sneakers", "Carmen", "Delilah", "Wade In The Water", "Slippin' Into Darkness", "Somethin' You Got", and "The In Crowd". Solar Wind was cut smack dab in the middle of Ramsey's glory days at Columbia Records – with great production help and work on bass from the mighty Cleveland Eaton! The style is nice and lean, with just some occasional fuller touches – and Ramsey plays plenty of Fender Rhodes, in addition to bits of Arp and moog too – in a setting that's mostly trio, with a few guest players stepping into the mix from track to track! There's a nice degree of fuzz at points, thanks to added help from Steve Cropper – and titles include a great funky version of "Summer Breeze", plus "Solar Wind", "Come Down In Time", "Love for A Day", "Hummingbird", "Jamaican Marketplace", and "Sweet & Tender You". Sun Goddess is one of our favorite Ramsey Lewis albums ever – and a perfect summation of the genius that was brewing on the Chicago scene in the late 60s and early 70s! The album has Ramsey working strongly with Earth Wind & Fire – no surprise, given his close ties to Maurice White, who was the drummer in Ramsey's trio before starting his own group – and the shared relationship both artists had with producer Charles Stepney! The three were all key parts of the late 60s sound at Chess Records – but here, they've brought the same soulful energy to Columbia – working in a wider, more mature groove for the 70s – one that has Lewis' wicked Fender Rhodes lines stretching out strongly over tight, compressed, funky lines from EWF! The centerpiece of the set is the massive 7 minute "Sun Goddess", but there's lots of other nice ones like "Living For The City", "Gemini Rising", and "Jungle Strut". Funky, electric, and sublimely wonderful all the way through! CD

Possible matches41
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Dodo MarmarosaDodo's Back! ... LP
Argo, 1961. Near Mint- ... $19.99 24.99
A wonderful later album from pianist Dodo Marmarosa – quite possibly his greatest record ever! The set's an obscure "comeback" date recorded in Chicago for Chess in the early 60s – a trio session with Richard Evans on bass and Marshall Thompson on drums – both working very gently behind Marmarosa's lead. Dodo sounds wonderful here – slightly broken down and world-weary, but in a way that makes for quite a change both from his earlier recordings, and from the standard piano session of the time. There's nothing too polished here, and there's always a strong sense of "voice" on the tracks – a quality that speaks volumes with a short amount of effort – and which has really made this one a favorite of ours over the years! Titles include "Tracy's Blues", "Mellow Mood", "On Green Dolphin Street", and "Cottage For Sale". LP, Vinyl record album
(Japanese pressing, with insert – M 1002. Cover has some very light aging on back, but is great overall.)

Possible matches42
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Makaya McCravenIn These Times (white vinyl pressing) ... LP
International Anthem/Nonesuch, 2022. New Copy ... $27.99 30.99
Maybe the most majestic album that Makaya McCraven has recorded to date – and that's really saying a lot, given the power of his music on previous records! This time around, the group is large, and the performance is more organic than some of the more mixed/produced sessions that Makaya has given us – and great as those records have been, there's a sense of power here that really places McCraven strongly in the Chicago legacy of the 20th Century – a jazz spectrum that includes Eddie Harris, Ramsey Lewis, Charles Stepney, the Art Ensemble Of Chicago, and so many other musical giants! The mix of instrumentation is almost like some Chess/Cadet session from the end of the 60s – but Makaya still adds in some samples and electronics next to his acoustic work on percussion, drums, and a variety of other instruments – next to Jeff Parker on guitar, Brandee Younger on harp, Joel Ross on vibes, Marquis Hill on trumpet, and Junius Paul on bass – all tremendous players and strong leaders in their own right – working here to make a special sort of magic with McCraven. There's other voices on the set too – more violins, cello, alto, tenor, piano, and other sounds – on titles that include "So Ubuji", "Seventh String", "This Place That Place", "The Fours", "Dream Another", "High Fives", "The Knew Untitled", and "In These Times". LP, Vinyl record album

Possible matches43
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✨✧ Jack McDuffKisses (Japanese paper sleeve edition) ... CD
Sugar Hill/Big Pink (South Korea), 1980. Used ... Just Sold Out!
A really cool later album from the great Jack McDuff – nicely stepping out from some of the multi-keyboard modes he forged for Chess Records in the 70s, and still working with a combo here that he calls the Heating System! The group has some key all-star talent – including work from Joe Farrell on saxes and Phil Upchurch on guitar – but it's also noteworthy in that it features early work from Garrick King on drums, a player who was perfect for the sort of rhythms that McDuff forged in the 60s with drummer Joe Dukes! Jack himself handles a variety of key, plus organ – and there's some soulful fusion elements in the mix too, including a bit of vocals – giving the record a feel that's a lot like some of the Charles Earland work for Columbia at the same time. Titles include "Say Sumpin Nice", "Night Fantasies", "Pocket Change", and "Tunisian Affair". CD
(Includes the Big Pink obi!)
Also available Kisses (Japanese paper sleeve edition) ... CD 18.99

Possible matches44
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Jack McDuffKisses (Japanese paper sleeve edition) ... CD
Sugar Hill/Big Pink (South Korea), 1980. New Copy ... $18.99 22.99
A really cool later album from the great Jack McDuff – nicely stepping out from some of the multi-keyboard modes he forged for Chess Records in the 70s, and still working with a combo here that he calls the Heating System! The group has some key all-star talent – including work from Joe Farrell on saxes and Phil Upchurch on guitar – but it's also noteworthy in that it features early work from Garrick King on drums, a player who was perfect for the sort of rhythms that McDuff forged in the 60s with drummer Joe Dukes! Jack himself handles a variety of key, plus organ – and there's some soulful fusion elements in the mix too, including a bit of vocals – giving the record a feel that's a lot like some of the Charles Earland work for Columbia at the same time. Titles include "Say Sumpin Nice", "Night Fantasies", "Pocket Change", and "Tunisian Affair". CD

Possible matches45
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Lee MorganUnforgettable Lee Live At Birdland ... CD
Fresh Sound (Spain), 1960. Used 2 CDs ... $19.99
A fitting title for this scorching set tracks led by the incomparable Lee Morgan – captured over several dates throughout 1960 at the legendary Birdland club – and backed up by Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers! Nothing but legends on the stage here – with Morgan's trumpet out front of Blakey on the kit, Bobby Timmons on piano, Wayne Shorter on tenor, and Jymie Merrit on bass. The tracks on the first disc were recorded on three dates in the spring and summer of '60, and they include "The Chess Players", "This Here", "The Midget", "Nelly Bly", "Dat Dere", "Justice", Night In Tunisia" and more. Disc two features numbers recorded in the summer and fall of the same year, and it includes "Lester Left Town" with Lester Young sitting in on piano, "It's Only A Paper Moon", "This Here", Sakeena's Vision", "Koko's Waltz" and more. CD

Possible matches46
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Norman Simmons & Richard EvansNorman Simmons Trio/Richard's Almanac ... CD
Fresh Sound (Spain), 1956/1959. Used ... $18.99
Two great albums from Chicago's Argo label brough together on one great CD! Norman Simmons is a wonderfully soulful piano player, of the rare kind who always seems to bring something "extra to the table"! The set's more than the usual piano trio side of the time, as Simmons contributes a number of original tunes, and works with bassist Victor Sproles and drummer Vernel Fournier to craft some lean tunes that have a nice dose of modernism from time to time. Titles include "Peppe", "Capacity In Blues", "Jan", "Chili Bowl", and "Tranquility". Richard's Almanac is a rare early trio session from bassist Richard Evans – known much more famously for his late 60s soul and jazz arrangements at Chess! The set's not only unique for it's exposure of Evans as a jazz artist, but it also marks one of the first appearances of pianist Jack Wilson – still a part of the Chicago scene at the time of this album, but already playing with the fluid lyricism we love so much from his 60s LA recordings! Wilson's piano is a really key part of the record, and he works a groove that's simply sublime – filled with lots of flowing, gliding touches on the top of the keys, but also coming across with enough of a bottom to give the record plenty of soul! The drummer in the group is Robert Barry, another noteworthy south sider at the time – and titles include "Consu", "The Preacher", "Trees", "Vera", "Should I", and "Daybreak". Nice cover, too, with a young Evans sitting in front of a globe! CD

Possible matches47
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Sonny StittI Cover The Waterfront ... LP
Cadet, 1960s. Near Mint- 2LP Gatefold ... $11.99
A very nicely selected 2LP set of tracks from Stitt's oft-overlooked years at Argo/Chess! The tracks have him in great company that includes the pianists Barry Harris, John Young, and Ronnie Matthews – and if you know Stitt's style from the time, you know that his choice of piano player made a very important difference in the sound of his playing. Most of the cuts are easily blown quartet material – with a lot of creative imagination applied to tunes that would otherwise be top-snooze material in the hands of a lesser player. Titles include "Ko Ko", "It's Hipper Than That", "A Natural Fox", "Wee", "Reed & A Half", "Flame & Frost", and "A Minor Sax". LP, Vinyl record album
(Mid 70s orange label pressing in the textured cover. Cover has a cutout notch, light surface wear, and some edge wear, with a cutout notch, some edge wear, half split bottom seam, and a 3 inch tear in the back panel.)

Possible matches48
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Ara Tokatlian & Enrique VillegasInspiracion ... CD
Cabal/Altercat (Germany), 1975. New Copy ... $16.99 19.99
One of the hippest records ever cut by pianist Enrique Villegas – very different than his early material, and a set that's got this strong, stretched-out, and highly spiritual vibe – thanks in very large part to his musical partner on the date, saxophonist Ara Tokatlian! In many ways, the record is clearly Ara's own – as he blows tenor, soprano sax, flute, and bandura – sometimes with processing and effects that are almost in the early mode of John Klemmer on Chess/Cadet, but with a more searing tone that's like his countryman Gato Barbieri on early Impulse records sides – sounding incredible in a lean setting that has the pair getting just a bit of additional percussion and bass from Guillermo Bordarampe. Tunes are long, soaring, and very spiritual – and titles include "Maritimaria", "A La Sombra De Los Dorados", "Camino A Samarkanda", and "En La Ola De Tus Ojos". CD

Possible matches49
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Phil UpchurchYou Can't Sit Down – Part Two ... LP
Boyd, 1961. Very Good ... $9.99 23.99
An instrumental classic from early 60s Chicago – and one of the best-selling records by young guitarist Phil Upchurch! Although Phil went onto tremendous fame doing studio and session work over the next few decades – including many key dates for Chess and Atlantic Records – this set has him firmly in the lead, playing with a raw-edged style that's halfway between instrumental soul and earlier R&B! The group here is a small combo with organ, tenor, and trumpet grooving alongside Phil's twangy guitar – and all tracks are instrumentals, cooked up with a tight little pre-funk sound! Titles include "Pogo", "Honest Injun", "You Can't Sit Down (parts 1 & 2)", "Running Bear", "Straw Hat", "Evad", "Nothing But The Soul", and "Organ Boogie". (Soul, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album
(Mono red label pressing, nice and clean overall. Cover has one spot of wear right in the middle, but is nice too.)

Possible matches50
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✨✧ Gene AmmonsGene Ammons Story – The 78 Era ... CD
Prestige, Early 50s. Used ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
An excellent overview of Ammons' early years at Prestige – back when he was recording mostly 78s for the label, and king of the jukebox scene! The sides vary between bop, swing, and a bit of rougher R&B styled tunes – and players include Sonny Stitt, Duke Jordan, Benny Green, Bill Massey, Matthew Gee, and Junior Mance. The feel of the material is similar to Ammons' sides for Chess at the time, but a bit tighter overall – and the set includes 30 tracks in all. Titles include "Back In Your Own Backyard", "Easy Glide", "Walkin", "Chabootie", "Bye Bye", "Archie", "Ammons Boogie", "Jug", "Wow", "Blue & Sentimental", "When I Dream Of You", "A Lover Is Blue", and "Sock". CD
(Out of print.)

Possible matches51
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✨✧ Gene AmmonsRed Top (aka Golden Saxophone Of Gene Ammons) ... LP
Savoy, Late 40s/Early 50s. Very Good+ ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
A nice collection of Gene Ammons' work that doesn't always get as well remembered as his sides for Prestige or Chess – a 1947 bop session for Savoy with Howard McGhee on trumpet, Leo Parker on baritone, Junior Mance on piano, Gene Wright on bass, and Chuck Williams on drums; and early 50s sesssions with Johnny Coles on trumpet, Lino Murray on trombone, Mack Easton on tenor and baritone, John Houston on piano, Ben Stuberville on bass, and George Brown on drums; done in a wonderfully full-voiced tone! The set features Gene's classic "Red Top", plus the great two part "Big Slam", and the titles "Chips", "Goodtime Blues", "Fuzzy", "Jim Dawgs", and "Street Of Dreams". LP, Vinyl record album
(Mid 70s Arista reissue. Cover has light wear.)

Possible matches52
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✨✧ Harold LandChoma (Burn) ... CD
Mainstream/Boplicity (UK), 1970. New Copy ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
One of the hippest albums ever from the team of Harold Land and Bobby Hutcherson – and a set that's even more open than some of their other records on Blue Note or Chess! This set's a bit more electric than some of the other records from the pair – with these drawn-out Fender Rhodes lines from Bill Henderson – who comps and vamps with modal energy that really draws out some searing, searching solos from Land's tenor! Bobby's vibes are maybe a bit more restrained, but offer a key element in the overall soundshape of the record – and the rest of the lineup includes Reggie Johnson on bass, Ndugu and Woody Theus on drums, and Harold Land Jr on additional piano. All tracks are long – and titles include "Black Caucus", "Our Home", "Up & Down", and "Choma". CD

Possible matches53
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✨✧ Ramsey LewisMore Music From The Soil ... LP
Argo, 1961. Very Good ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
In case you think the folks at Chess were putting too fine a point on the earthy origins of Ramsey's jazz, the title's actually one that follows from an earlier album Ramsey cut for Mercury – and features a similar cover of a shovel digging in the dirt! The tracks are a great blend of the rich approaches to piano jazz performed by the Lewis trio with Eldee Young and Red Holt – with some tracks bluesy, some tracks upbeat, some whimsey, and a few that groove in very surprising places. Titles include "Volga Boatman", "Around The World In 80 Days", "Hello Cello", "Blues For The Nighty Owl", and "Gonna Set Your Soul On Fire". LP, Vinyl record album
(Stereo blue label pressing with deep groove. Cover has some gloss separation on the spine, but looks great overall.)

Possible matches54
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✨✧ Ramsey LewisSun Goddess ... LP
Columbia, 1974. Near Mint- ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
One of our favorite Ramsey Lewis albums ever – and a perfect summation of the genius that was brewing on the Chicago scene in the late 60s and early 70s! The album has Ramsey working strongly with Earth Wind & Fire – no surprise, given his close ties to Maurice White, who was the drummer in Ramsey's trio before starting his own group – and the shared relationship both artists had with producer Charles Stepney! The three were all key parts of the late 60s sound at Chess Records – but here, they've brought the same soulful energy to Columbia – working in a wider, more mature groove for the 70s – one that has Lewis' wicked Fender Rhodes lines stretching out strongly over tight, compressed, funky lines from EWF! The centerpiece of the set is the massive 7 minute "Sun Goddess", but there's lots of other nice ones like "Living For The City", "Gemini Rising", and "Jungle Strut". Funky, electric, and sublimely wonderful all the way through! LP, Vinyl record album
(Original pressing – KC 33194 – still in the shrink with hype sticker and faint sticker spot.)

Possible matches55
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✨✧ James MoodyMoods (aka Running The Gamut) ... LP
Up Front, 1964. Very Good+ ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
A mindblowing album from James Moody – of the sort that opens up a whole new facet of his career! The record takes off from Moody's early 60s work for Chess – his post-bop recordings that started displaying a deeper side of his musical consciousness – and which occasionally featured work by composer/arranger Tom McIntosh. McIntosh's presence is felt very strongly here – as he produced the whole session, and contributed a few tracks – working in the Nola Penthouse studios at a level of hipness we never would have expected! Moody plays tenor, alto, and flute – working with a really great group that includes Patti brown on piano, Albert Heath on drums, Reggie Workman on bass, and Thad Jones on trumpet – and the scope of the work is far beyond anything you'd expect! The record's got a stunning early funk track by Edward Bland – "If You Grin You're In", which features a tripped-out organ line mostly just holding one note – while drums pound hard, and Moody blows it over the top – all set to this flattened production that makes the whole thing sound really eerie! Other great tracks include the loping groover "Capers", the wonderfully moody flute number "Wayward Plaint" (written by Dennis Sandole, of the oft-overlooked Sandole Brothers), and the tracks "Em Prean Shore" and "Buster's Last Stand". Tremendous throughout – and completely essential, whether you already like Moody or not! LP, Vinyl record album
(70s pressing. Cover has faint ring wear and a few light bends on the edges.)

Possible matches56
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✨✧ Dorothy AshbyFantastic Jazz Harp Of Dorothy Ashby ... LP
Atlantic, 1965. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
"Fantastic" is right – because Dorothy Ashby is one of the coolest, grooviest people to ever lay her fingers on a harp – and just about one of the few who've ever found a way to use the instrument in a jazz-based setting! This mid 60s date is a pivotal one for Ashby – as it has her opening up with some groovier touches than on her previous jazz records for Savoy and Prestige – a bit more of the sound that would showcase more strongly on her Chess/Cadet albums, given a nice sort of Atlantic sense of soul here! Players here are very hip – and include Richard Davis on bass, Grady Tate on drums, and Willie Bobo on percussion – plus an expanded trombone section on a few titles too. Tracks include "Flighty", "Nabu Corfa", "Dodi Li", "Invitation", "I Will Follow You", "House Of The Rising Sun", and "Essence of Sapphire". LP, Vinyl record album
(Red and green label Broadway pressing – a nice copy! Cover has a small, light cutout mark, but is otherwise great.)

Possible matches57
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✨✧ Art BlakeyBig Beat ... CD
Blue Note, 1960. Used ... Out Of Stock
One of the greatest Art Blakey Blue Note sessions of all time – and perhaps one of the greatest to realize the genius of the Jazz Messengers lineup that included Lee Morgan on trumpet, Wayne Shorter on tenor, and Bobby Timmons on piano! The trio of young talents are at the height of their early soulful powers here – working with Blakey and bassist Jymie Merritt in a set of tunes that are overflowing with expressive solos, unusual timings, and the Blakey genius for mixing bold statements with personally introspective moments. Nearly every track on the record's a classic – and titles include an early version of Bobby Timmons' "Dat Dere", plus Wayne Shorter's beautiful tunes "Lester Left Town", "Chess Players", and "Sakeena's Vision". CD
(Out of print first CD pressing.)
Also available Big Beat (180 gram pressing) ... LP 25.99

Possible matches58
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✨✧ Odell Brown & The Organ-IzersDucky ... LP
Cadet, 1967. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
Killer organ jazz from the Chicago scene of the late 60s – one of the few Chess albums recorded by organist Odell Brown, an artist who'd go on to behind-the-scenes fame in the world of soul later on in the 70s! Here, Odell hosts a cool combo that features his own Hammond work in the lead – with other local players who include Artee "Duke" Payne on alto, Tommy Purvis on tenor, Phil Upchurch on bass, and Master Henry Gibson on conga – all grooving nicely through short "combo" oriented organ cuts like "Get Off My Back", "Mirar, Mirar", "She's Coming My Way", "Tough Tip", and "No More Water In The Well". They play with a mix of funkiness and virtuosity, and with the same sense of wit as contemporaries like the Jack McDuff group or Young-Holt Unlimited! LP, Vinyl record album
(Blue label 60s pressing – a nice copy! Cover has a light scratch near the top, but is otherwise great.)

Possible matches59
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✨✧ Richard EvansDealing With Hard Times ... CD
Atlantic/Collectables, 1972. Used ... Out Of Stock
A sublime set of soul instrumentals – very funky work, and sort of a 70s follow-up to the Soulful Strings albums on Cadet Records from the 60s! Maestro Richard Evans is at the top of his game here – stepping out with that hip Chisoul mode he first forged at Chess, tuned here towards some even more sophisticated modes for Atlantic Records! Many of Evan's previous players are on board to make the record great – including Lennie Druss on flute, Paul Serrano on trumpet, Odell Brown on organ, and Phil Upchurch on guitar. Evans himself plays bass for the record – using a very funky bottom sound – and the set also features some wicked vibes from the legendary Billy Wooten, working away from his Nineteenth Hole group on a rare major label date! The sound is blacksploitation soundtrack, part Curtom funk – and titles include the great originals "Pie Daddy's Dream", "Wado City", "Angela My Sister", and the great "Patutu" – which was done by the Soulful Strings – plus a few nice covers like "Mercy Mercy Me" and "Ellie's Love Theme", by Isaac Hayes. (Soul, Jazz) CD
(Out of print.)

Possible matches60
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✨✧ Richard EvansRichard's Almanac ... LP
Argo, 1959. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
A rare early trio session from bassist Richard Evans – known much more famously for his late 60s soul and jazz arrangements at Chess! The set's not only unique for it's exposure of Evans as a jazz artist, but it also marks one of the first appearances of pianist Jack Wilson – still a part of the Chicago scene at the time of this album, but already playing with the fluid lyricism we love so much from his 60s LA recordings! Wilson's piano is a really key part of the record, and he works a groove that's simply sublime – filled with lots of flowing, gliding touches on the top of the keys, but also coming across with enough of a bottom to give the record plenty of soul! The drummer in the group is Robert Barry, another noteworthy south sider at the time – and titles include "Consu", "The Preacher", "Trees", "Vera", "Should I", and "Daybreak". Nice cover, too, with a young Evans sitting in front of a globe! LP, Vinyl record album
(Blue label stereo pressing with deep groove. Cover has a small cutout hole, some edge wear, center splits in the seams, and some yellowed tape remnants in back.)

Possible matches61
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✨✧ Fisher (Eddie Fisher)Fisher ... LP
Nentu/Mad About Records (Portugal), 1976. New Copy (reissue)... Out Of Stock
A rare 70s session from guitar genius Eddie Fisher – best known for his early classics on Chess/Cadet Records, and sounding even funkier here overall! Eddie's still a monster on the guitar – and plays with all of the fuzzy energy of his second album, while throwing in a few of the mellower moments of his first – but all with a trippy vibe that really shows just how much Fisher could explore when allowed to step off onto his own self-run label! There's some cool use of pedals, effects, and keyboards on the record too – and Eddie sings as well, bringing in a great current of soul to the funky rhythms – on titles that include "Cosmic Blues", "The Sunrise", "Music Makes Me Feel Good", "Do You Like It", "Give Me Lend Me Loan Me Let Me Have", "Good Old Days", and "Energy". LP, Vinyl record album

Possible matches62
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✨✧ Paul Gonsalves & Clark TerryDiminuendo Crescendo & Blues ... CD
RCA/BMG, 1958. Used ... Out Of Stock
A great spinoff session from the Duke Ellington group – cool small combo material with Clark Terry on trumpet, Paul Gonsalves on tenor, and Jimmy Woode on bass – almost similar to the players' work for Chess/Argo at the same time! CD
(1999 remastered edition.)

Possible matches63
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✨✧ Sam LazarPlayback ... LP
Argo, Early 60s. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
One of a few rare albums from Hammond player Sam Lazar – a lesser-known artist from the same searing generation as Baby Face Willette and Jack McDuff, but a musician who never full got his due! This record was done for the Argo side of Chess Records, and it's got a raw sound that's equal parts soul jazz and R&B – with Sam doing some great work on the keys, and the obscure tenorist Miller Brisker in the group too – a really great musician who works with lots of unique twists – and spurs Lazar onto new heights of playing, with maybe an even farther reach on the keys than his other albums. Lazar wrote most of the set, and the tracks include "Deep", "Fuzz Buzz", "S&S", "Scootin", and "Long Gone". A nice bit of soul jazz, with a deep rootsy sound all the way through! LP, Vinyl record album
(Original promo pressing – nice and clean! Back cover has some light staining and a small sticker, but cover is nice overall.)

Possible matches64
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✨✧ Roscoe Mitchell Art EnsembleCongliptious (with bonus tracks) ... CD
Nessa, 1968. Used ... Out Of Stock
We're not sure what "congliptious" means – but to us, it's always been the title of this excellent early session from reedman Roscoe Mitchell! The sessions here were recorded in 1968, at the Ter-Mar (Chess) Studios in Chicago – and they document a key coming-together of Chicago avant jazz talents – one that captures Mitchell with Lester Bowie and Malachi Favors in the years before better-known dates by the Art Ensemble of Chicago! The style here is somewhat similar to some of the best Delmark AACM sessions of the time – in that there's a hell of a lot of room for each player to open up individually – almost a recording style that takes off even more strongly from the individualist mode of the New York "new thing" generation – showing that Chicago could go one better by allowing each player completely unbridled space to express themselves. Malachi Favors solos on "Tutankhamen", Mitchell does an alto solo on "Thke", and Bowie plays alone on "Jazz Death" – while the trio of players comes together with percussionist Robert Crowder on the long number "Congliptious/Old" – a cool cut that almost links a Sun Ra aesthetic to the AACM. CD also features 4 bonus tracks – 3 takes of "Carefree", plus "Tatas-Matoes" – all cuts that originally appeared on the Art Ensemble 1967/1968 box set. CD
(Out of print, punch through barcode.)

Possible matches65
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✨✧ James MoodyLast Train From Overbrook ... LP
Argo, 1958. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
A wonderful album from Moody – one of his "comeback" albums for Chess/Argo, recorded after his release from the Overbrook institution, hence the title. By this point, Moody was writing and playing with much more of an edge than during his bebop days – and the record certainly shows that – not only on the title track "Last Train From Overbrook", a jumpy little number that became one of the big new tunes in Moody's book, but on the whole album, which features some well-conceived large charts written by Johnny Pate. Pate and Moody wrote the bulk of the songs, too – and titles include "Yvonne", "Brother Yusef", "The Moody One", "There She Goes", "Tico Tico", and "Why Don't You". The album also features a great double-exposed cover photo, and some of the most chilling liner notes you'll ever read about a jazzman's struggles with addiction. LP, Vinyl record album
(Orange label Cadet pressing. Cover has a cut corner and light wear.)

Possible matches66
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✨✧ Wayne ShorterClassic Blue Note Recordings ... CD
Blue Note, 1960s. Used 2 CDs ... Out Of Stock
2CDs worth of Wayne Shorter's Blue Note recordings – what more could a jazz fan ask for? Without a doubt, Shorter ranks among the most significant jazz composers for small ensembles of the modern era, and it's easy to see why on these recordings, where his vision was fully formed, but that doesn't take away from appreciation of his skill as a soloist, weaving beautiful, intricate lines. As you might imagine, the sidemen here reads like a roster of the most important jazzmen of the age, and their playing here is stellar, including Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Elvin Jones and Tony Williams, with the tracks pulled from LPs like Speak No Evil, Night Dreamer and Adam's Apple among others. The second disc of the set focuses on his playing as a in others' groups, with a nice chunk devoted to the Jazz Messengers. 22 trcks in all, including 'Black Nile", "Yes Or No", "Speak No Evil", "Infant Eyes", "Angola", "Etcetera", "Adam's Apple", "Footprints", "The Chess Players", "Ping Pong", "Children Of The Night" and "Nefertiti". CD

Possible matches67
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✨✧ Jimmy SmithGot My Mojo Workin' ... LP
Verve, 1965. Very Good- Gatefold ... Out Of Stock
The title's a bit bluesy, and the record is too – one of the grittier collaborations between Hammond legend Jimmy Smith and ultra-hip arranger Oliver Nelson – who manages to make the whole thing come across with all the right soul styles in the end! There's definitely a nod to the electric blues of Chess Records and Chicago, but the approach is more sculpted in Nelson's tight, swinging big band modes – which snap along in the background, as Jimmy takes some freewheeling solos on Hammond that are outta sight – and even vocalizes occasionally along with his grooves – in a grunting, bluesy sort of way! Rhythm is augmented strongly by Grady Tate on drums and Kenny Burrell on guitar – and titles include "Mustard Greens", "Hobson's Hop", "Got My Mojo Workin", and "High Heel Sneakers". LP, Vinyl record album
(Stereo MGM pressing with deep groove. Cover has a spot of marker on the back.)

Possible matches68
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✨✧ Clark TerryClark Terry & His Orchestra Featuring Paul Gonsalves (180 gram pressing) ... LP
Decca/Sam Records (France), 1960. New Copy (reissue)... Out Of Stock
A fantastic album from trumpeter Clark Terry – a small group date that features superb tenor from Paul Gonsalves, in a mode that's very similar to the work that both he and Terry recorded for Chess/Argo Records in the late 50s! This set's a French date, and features both horn players in a hip quintet with Raymond Fol on piano, Jimmy Woode on bass, and GT Hogan on drums – playing in a mode that's laidback, open, and which really has Terry showing off the most soulful side of his phrasing! Gonsalves is fantastic too – very different in a setting like this than in his larger group performances with Ellington – and the pair together are really at their best, with very expressive tones. Titles include "Blues For The Champ Of The Champs", "Clark Bars", "Lonely One", "Pannonica Ou Les Liaisons Dangereuses 1960 No 2", and "Serenade To A Bus Seat". LP, Vinyl record album
(Limited edition! Beautiful heavy vinyl pressing – with flipback cover, just like the original.)

Possible matches69
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✨✧ Gene AmmonsGene Ammons Story – The 78 Era ... LP
Prestige, Early 50s. Near Mint- 2LP Gatefold ... Out Of Stock
An excellent overview of Ammons' early years at Prestige – back when he was recording mostly 78s for the label, and king of the jukebox scene! The sides vary between bop, swing, and a bit of rougher R&B styled tunes – and players include Sonny Stitt, Duke Jordan, Benny Green, Bill Massey, Matthew Gee, and Junior Mance. The feel of the material is similar to Ammons' sides for Chess at the time, but a bit tighter overall – and the set includes 30 tracks in all. Titles include "Back In Your Own Backyard", "Easy Glide", "Walkin", "Chabootie", "Bye Bye", "Archie", "Ammons Boogie", "Jug", "Wow", "Blue & Sentimental", "When I Dream Of You", "A Lover Is Blue", and "Sock". LP, Vinyl record album

Possible matches70
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✨✧ Dorothy AshbyDorothy Ashby ... LP
Argo, 1961. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
One of the most stripped-down albums from legendary jazz harpist Dorothy Ashby – and one of her earliest records too! The set's got Dorothy right out front in a trio setting – working with bassist Herman Wright and drummer John Tooley – in a wonderfully jazzy take on the sound of the harp – an instrument used here in a way that's never flowery, or linked to classical modes at all – but instead in a very unique space that's somewhere between jazz bass and guitar – as Ashby plucks these hip notes with a very soulful vibe! The album's got a special Chess/Argo sort of vibe – one that really opens up Ashby's Detroit roots. Dorothy wrote two originals for the set – "John R" and "Booze" – and other titles include "Lonely Melody", "Django", "Gloomy Sunday", and "Lil Darlin". LP, Vinyl record album

Possible matches71
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✨✧ Art BlakeyBig Beat (Japanese paper sleeve edition) ... CD
Blue Note (Japan), 1960. Used ... Out Of Stock
One of the greatest Art Blakey Blue Note sessions of all time – and perhaps one of the greatest to realize the genius of the Jazz Messengers lineup that included Lee Morgan on trumpet, Wayne Shorter on tenor, and Bobby Timmons on piano! The trio of young talents are at the height of their early soulful powers here – working with Blakey and bassist Jymie Merritt in a set of tunes that are overflowing with expressive solos, unusual timings, and the Blakey genius for mixing bold statements with personally introspective moments. Nearly every track on the record's a classic – and titles include an early version of Bobby Timmons' "Dat Dere", plus Wayne Shorter's beautiful tunes "Lester Left Town", "Chess Players", and "Sakeena's Vision". CD
Also available Big Beat (180 gram pressing) ... LP 25.99

Possible matches72
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✨✧ Kenny BurrellHave Yourself A Soulful Little Christmas ... CD
Cadet, 1966. Used ... Out Of Stock
Why thank you – we will! Kenny does too, as he grooves nicely and gently over arrangements by Richard Evans, perfectly crafted in that soul jazz mode of his 60s work for Chess – not Kenny's most challenging format, to be sure, but proof that he often works better in a more structured environment than a freer one. Titles include "Away In A Manger", "My Favorite Things", "Little Drummer Boy", "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", "Merry Christmas Baby", and "Go Where I Send Thee". (Holiday Music, Jazz) CD

Possible matches73
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✨✧ Kenny BurrellHave Yourself A Soulful Little Christmas ... CD
Cadet, 1966. New Copy ... Out Of Stock
Why thank you – we will! Kenny does too, as he grooves nicely and gently over arrangements by Richard Evans, perfectly crafted in that soul jazz mode of his 60s work for Chess – not Kenny's most challenging format, to be sure, but proof that he often works better in a more structured environment than a freer one. Titles include "Away In A Manger", "My Favorite Things", "Little Drummer Boy", "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", "Merry Christmas Baby", and "Go Where I Send Thee". (Holiday Music, Jazz) CD

Possible matches74
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✨✧ Buck Clayton & Buddy TateBuck & Buddy Blow The Blues ... CD
Prestige/Swingville/OJC, 1961. Used ... Out Of Stock
A romping little session from Buck Clayton and Buddy Tate – served up in a looser, more relaxed setting than the former's albums for Columbia, and a slightly more swing-based mode than the latter's dates for Chess! Both horn players get plenty of room to solo in the open-ended Swingville mode – Buck on trumpet and Buddy on both tenor and clarinet – and the group's a nice one too, since Sir Charles Thompson's playing piano, Gene Ramey's on bass, and Gus Johnson's on drums. Titles include "Blue Creek", "Blue Breeze", "Blue Ebony", "Rompin At Red Bank", and "Dallas Delight". CD

Possible matches75
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✨✧ Ella Fitzgerald/Ramsey Lewis/Jimmy Smith/Kenny BurrellVerve Wishes You A Swinging Christmas (Swinging Christmas/Sound Of Christmas/Christmas 64/Have Yourself A Soulful Little Christmas) (180 gram 4LP set) ... LP
Verve, Mid 60s. New Copy 4LP ... Out Of Stock
Four Christmas classics in one package – two from Verve, two from Chess Records! First up is the album Ella Fitzgerald Wishes You A Swinging Christmas – a wonderful Holiday album that's stayed fresh for years! Ella's got a perfect style to interpret these numbers – working with Frank DeVol and Russ Garcia in a set of lightly jazzy versions of Christmas favorites like "Sleigh Ride", "Jingle Bells", "Winter Wonderland", "White Christmas", "Frosty The Snowman", and one of the best versions of "What Are You Doing New Years Eve" ever recorded! The Sound Of Christmas album by Ramsey Lewis is a classic – and probably one of the best-selling Christmas jazz albums of all time! Ramsey and his classic trio with Redd Holt and Eldee Young serve up a tight set of grooves based around Holiday favorites like "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town", "Winter Wonderland", "Here Comes Santa Claus", "The Christmas Song", and "Sleigh Ride" – and also carve out a few nice originals like "Christmas Blues" and "The Sound Of Christmas". Side one features the trio on its own, and side two features added arrangements by Riley Hampton – swirling around to expand the groove even more! Christmas 64 – also issued as Christmas Cookin – is as cookin a Christmas album as you'll ever find! Jazz organ giant Jimmy Smith works with Billy Byers to craft some sublime instrumentals that have his Hammond interpreting Christmas classics like "We Three Kings", "White Christmas", "Silent Night", "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", and "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town". If you know Jimmy from the time, you know that he can really make tracks like these groove nicely – and take them to places you never expected! Last up is the album Have Yourself A Soulful Little Christmas, from guitarist Kenny Burrell – on which he grooves nicely and gently over arrangements by Richard Evans, perfectly crafted in that soul jazz mode of his 60s work for Chess – not Kenny's most challenging format, to be sure, but proof that he often works better in a more structured environment than a freer one. Titles include "Away In A Manger", "My Favorite Things", "Little Drummer Boy", "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", "Merry Christmas Baby", and "Go Where I Send Thee". (Holiday Music, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album

Possible matches76
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✨✧ Stan Getz/Jimmy RowlesPeacocks ... CD
Sony, 1975. Used ... Out Of Stock
A real standout in the Stan Getz catalog of the 70s – a session of mostly spare duets with pianist Jimmy Rowles, done in a way that really breaks from the format of Stan's other work of the time! Rowles here has a raspy warmth that brings out new voicings in Getz's tenor – an earthiness that comes through especially well on the half of the album that features only Stan and Jimmy playing together alone, but which still shines on the few other tracks that feature the bass of Buster Williams and drums of Elvin Jones expanding the group. 2 short tracks feature only solo piano, and Rowles also sings on a number of the album's tracks, in that breathy mode of his that rarely got captured this well on record – and one other track features Jon Hendricks leading a vocal quartet through a rendition of "The Chess Players". Other titles include "It'll Never Be The Same", "Body & Soul", "What Am I Here For", "The Hour Of Parting", "The Peacocks", "Rose Marie", and "Serenade To Sweden". CD

Possible matches77
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✨✧ Al GreyBasic Grey ... LP
Argo/Cadet, Early 60s. Near Mint- 2LP Gatefold ... Out Of Stock
Great work from Al Grey – one of the most soulful trombonists of his time – all pulled from the Chess/Argo albums Last Of The Big Plungers, Snap Your Fingers and Al Grey Billy Mitchell Sextet LPs! Easily some of Grey's hippest work – with players who include Billy Mitchell on tenor, Donald Byrd on trumpet, Floyd Morriss and Herbie Hancock on piano, and Bobby Hutcherson on vibes! Titles include "Things Ain't WhatThey Used To Be", "Open Wider Please", "I Got It bad And That Ain't Good", "Don't Get Around Much Anymore", "The Elder", "Bewitched", "Bluish Grey", "Wild Deuce", "Bantu", "Melba's Blues", "Nothng But The Truth", "RBQ", "Minor On Top", "African Lady", "Hi Fly" and "Home Fries". LP, Vinyl record album

Possible matches78
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✨✧ Woody HermanHeavy Exposure ... LP
Cadet, 1969. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
Excellent stuff – a record that we love it to death, and listen to all the time! Woody Herman's band meets the soulful arrangements of Richard Evans, and the whole thing cooks nicely in the Chess studios in Chicago. The result is a tasty blend of soulful big band tracks, with a strident groove that Woody never duplicated, and with the kind of baroque arrangements that Evans was bringing to some of the best soul work on Cadet at the time. Donny Hathaway plays organ, and the group does a killer version of his own "Flying Easy". Other titles include "The Hut", "Sex Machine", and "It's Your Thing" – but it's all great! LP, Vinyl record album

Possible matches79
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✨✧ Illinois JacquetSoul Explosion (plus bonus track) ... CD
Prestige/OJC, 1969. Used ... Out Of Stock
A sweet soul explosion from Illinois Jacquet – a record that's quite different than his previous work for Verve, Chess, and Roulette – and one that has him fronting a very hip larger group! The "soul" in the title is well-placed – as there's a strong influence here from 60s music from Memphis and Muscle Shoals, spun out in a more jazz-based way – but not in styles that are as much like other soul jazz of the time. The tunes are much longer than standard soul instrumentals, and feature plenty of well-blown solos – but they also have a nicely gritty feel at the core, which makes for a nice change for Jacquet. Players include Joe Newman on trumpet, Matthew Gee on trombone, Frank Foster on tenor, Cecil Payne on baritone, Milt Buckner on piano and organ, and Wally Richardson on guitar – and titles include "The Soul Explosion", "After Hours", "I'm A Fool To Want You", and "The Eighteenth Hole". CD also features the previously unissued bonus track "Still King". CD

Possible matches80
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✨✧ Ahmad JamalEmerald City Nights – Live At The Penthouse 1963 to 1964 ... LP
Jazz Detective/Elemental, Mid 60s. New Copy 2LP Gatefold ... Out Of Stock
Really fantastic music from pianist Ahmad Jamal – a set of tracks that's a really nice change from some of the recordings he was doing for Chess Records in the early 60s, and which definitely point the way towards the more stretched-out performances to come on Impulse Records! As the title implies, the setting is live – and Jamal really stretches out here on a number of tunes – working with a free-flowing sense of lyrical beauty that's even more stunning than in the shorter space of a studio cut – really skilled with that ear for tone and timing that made his work such a fresh voice on the piano scene at the time, and a subtle hint at righteous modes to come in the following generation. Chuck Lampkin is on drums throughout, and one set features Richard Evans on bass, the other Jamil Nasser – on long takes of "Bogota", "Minor Adjustments", "All Of You", "Squatty Roo", "Keep On Keeping On", "Minor Moods", "Lollipops & Roses", "Tangerine", and "But Not For Me". LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Emerald City Nights – Live At The Penthouse 1963 to 1964 ... CD 22.99

Possible matches81
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✨✧ Duke JordanSolo Masterpieces – Volume 1 ... CD
Steeplechase (Denmark), Late 70s. Used ... Out Of Stock
Features "Table Chess", "Cold Bordeaux Blues", "Mellow Mood", "Orange Mist", "Tall Grass", "Kiss Of Spain" and more – 19 tracks in all! CD

Possible matches82
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✨✧ Sam LazarOrgan Grooves (Space Flight/Playback/bonus tracks) ... CD
Argo/Jasmine (UK), Early 60s. Used ... Out Of Stock
A pair of Hammond jazz classics from organist Sam Lazar – back to back on a single CD, with rare bonus tracks too! First up is Space Flight – a tight batch of organ groovers with a raw R&B feel, recorded by the obscure St Louis organist Sam Lazar – with a very young Grant Green on guitar! The album's a bit different than Sam's other records for Argo – in that the tunes are all quite short, with a tight fast sound that's almost more R&B at times than jazz – a very unusual setting especially for Grant Green! The guitar is nice and loud – really racing to keep up with Lazar's fast work on the Hammond – and other members of the group include Willie Dixon on bass and Chauncey Williams on drums. Titles include "Mad Lad", "Space Flight", "Caramu", "Funky Blues", and "Big Willie". Playback is one of a few rare albums from Hammond player Sam Lazar – a lesser-known artist from the same searing generation as Baby Face Willette and Jack McDuff, but a musician who never full got his due! This record was done for the Argo side of Chess Records, and it's got a raw sound that's equal parts soul jazz and R&B – with Sam doing some great work on the keys, and the obscure tenorist Miller Brisker in the group too – a really great musician who works with lots of unique twists – and spurs Lazar onto new heights of playing, with maybe an even farther reach on the keys than his other albums. Lazar wrote most of the set, and the tracks include "Deep", "Fuzz Buzz", "S&S", "Scootin", and "Long Gone". A nice bit of soul jazz, with a deep rootsy sound all the way through! CD also features the bonus two-part 45rpm single of "Space Flight". CD

Possible matches83
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✨✧ Ramsey LewisFunky Serenity ... LP
Columbia, 1973. Very Good ... Out Of Stock
Sweet electric funk from Ramsey Lewis! The album's one of his best from the 70s – and it's got Ramsey on Fender Rhodes, electric harpsichord, and other keyboards, grooving away in an open-ended 70s mode that still retains all the heavy soul of his classic work for Chess. Morris Jennings adds in some very nice percussion with his drum work, and Cleveland Eaton's on funky bass, giving the set a strong bottom groove. Features the sublime sample cut "My Love For You", a great version of "Knights In White Satin" that's done with a weird spacey groove, plus the tracks "Kufany Mapenzi (Making Love)", "Serene Funk", "What It Is!", and "Dreams". LP, Vinyl record album

Possible matches84
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✨✧ Ramsey LewisGroover ... LP
Cadet, Mid 60s/1972. Very Good ... Out Of Stock
A set of classic Ramsey Lewis recordings with his trio of Eldee Young and Redd Holt, all of which were recorded during the 60s for Argo/Chess, but not released until this set in 1972. The tracks all came from the same live set that spawned the group's hit single version of "Hang On Sloopy", and the titles include "Look-A-Here", "Bags Groove", and "Summertime". LP, Vinyl record album

Possible matches85
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✨✧ Ramsey LewisSun Goddess ... CD
Columbia, 1974. Used ... Out Of Stock
One of our favorite Ramsey Lewis albums ever – and a perfect summation of the genius that was brewing on the Chicago scene in the late 60s and early 70s! The album has Ramsey working strongly with Earth Wind & Fire – no surprise, given his close ties to Maurice White, who was the drummer in Ramsey's trio before starting his own group – and the shared relationship both artists had with producer Charles Stepney! The three were all key parts of the late 60s sound at Chess Records – but here, they've brought the same soulful energy to Columbia – working in a wider, more mature groove for the 70s – one that has Lewis' wicked Fender Rhodes lines stretching out strongly over tight, compressed, funky lines from EWF! The centerpiece of the set is the massive 7 minute "Sun Goddess", but there's lots of other nice ones like "Living For The City", "Gemini Rising", and "Jungle Strut". Funky, electric, and sublimely wonderful all the way through! CD

Possible matches86
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✨✧ Ramsey Lewis TrioMore Sounds Of Christmas ... LP
Argo/Verve, 1964. New Copy (reissue)... Out Of Stock
Ramsey Lewis had such great success with his first album of Christmas instrumentals for Chess Records, he soon hopped back in the studio for a second record – but one with a very distinct difference! This time around, the trio's a bit unusual – in that it features regular bassist Eldee Young, but also the great Steve McCall on drums – a percussionist who'd later really flourish in the 70s, and gain great fame for his work in the group Air! The presence of McCall is no surprise, though – Malachi Favors and Muhal Richard Abrams also make appearances on early 60s Chess jazz albums – but it does give the record a nicely special sort of sound, as does the added instrumentation on some tracks too. About half the set features the trio, and the rest features a bigger group that's arranged by King Fleming and Will Jackson – jazz trio with a bit of strings, including some nice harp, and a touch of trombone from John Avant. Titles include "We Three Kings", "Snowfall", "Plum Puddin", "Little Drummer Boy", "Snowbound", "Egg Nog", and "Jingle Bells". (Holiday Music, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album

Possible matches87
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✨✧ Jack McDuffCheck This Out ... LP
Cadet, 1972. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
A great Chess Records session from organist Jack McDuff – a set that also features great work on saxes from Red Holloway, Leo Johnson, and David Young – working with jack on a club date in the Bay Area! The vibe is great – very much as groovy and unusual as some of McDuff's Blue Note work – with some especially great rhythmic modes on the cuts "Soul Yodel" and "The Jolly Black Giant" – next to other tunes that include "Middle Class Folk Song", "Georgia", and "Red White & Blooze". LP, Vinyl record album

Possible matches88
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✨✧ Jack McDuffGetting Our Thing Together ... LP
Cadet, Late 60s. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
A fantastic funky classic from Brother Jack McDuff – a set that's a key part of his evolving style of the late 60s – as Jack leaps from straight organ jazz to a world of wonderful grooves! The set features some larger arrangements from McDuff and the great Richard Evans – definitely in the best Chess/Cadet studio style of the time – moving towards a level of sophistication that really pushes past standard organ jazz from a few years before! Titles include "Black Is", "Hold It For a Minute", "Two Lines", "Summertime", "Jelly Jam", "The Pulpit", "Win Lose Or Draw", and "You Sho Walk Funky". LP, Vinyl record album

Possible matches89
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✨✧ Sonny StittDumpy Mama ... LP
Flying Dutchman, 1975. Very Good+ Gatefold ... Out Of Stock
A pretty wild album from legendary saxophonist Sonny Stitt – one that's quite different from the bop of his roots, but equally groovy in its own sort of way! The album is a handful that Sonny cut in the 70s with an electric vibe – similar to his work for Chess and Prestige records ad the time, and a great new outlet for his maturing reed style – thanks to the handling of the Flying Dutchman label! The cover and title might make you assume the set's an all-out funk affair – but instead, it's a reworking of older Stitt modes, into a hip 70s style – with keyboards and piano from Mike Wofford, and some additional work on saxes from Pee Wee Ellis and Frank Strozier – both players who provide nice backing to Sonny's solos. Highlights include the mighty ten minute title track, "Dumpy Mama" – and the cut "Jason", which has a slight Latin vibe, thanks to percussion from Ray Barretto. Other titles are nice, too – reworked standards with a 70s vibe – including "It Might As Well Be Spring", "Just Friends", and "Danny Boy For Ben". LP, Vinyl record album

Possible matches90
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✨✧ Sonny StittSoul Girl ... CD
Paula/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1973. New Copy ... Out Of Stock
An overlooked 70s gem from the legendary saxophonist Sonny Stitt – recorded in Chicago, and with a hip vibe that ties things very much to the best spirit of the Chess/Cadet world of the time! There's two different approaches used on the record – and on the first four, the group is a bit on the larger side – with Chess/Cadet touches from Richard Evans on bass, Morris Jennings on drums, Tennyson Stephens on piano, a bit of strings, and vocalizing by "Kitty Hayward" – who is likely Kitty Heywood, of Kitty & The Heywoods! The remaining tracks are done in a smaller setting – and they feature a rare appearance by AACM avant legend Muhal Richard Abrams on piano, who plays straight ahead here – in a quartet with Wilbur Campell on drums and Cleveland Eaton on bass. Titles include "Got To Get Over", "Soul Girl", "Jeep Blues", and "I Know That You Know" with the larger group – plus the quartet pieces "I Should Care", "Eight Track Blues",and "Gone With The Wind". CD

Possible matches91
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✨✧ Ara Tokatlian & Enrique VillegasInspiracion ... LP
Cabal/Altercat (Germany), 1975. New Copy (reissue)... Out Of Stock
One of the hippest records ever cut by pianist Enrique Villegas – very different than his early material, and a set that's got this strong, stretched-out, and highly spiritual vibe – thanks in very large part to his musical partner on the date, saxophonist Ara Tokatlian! In many ways, the record is clearly Ara's own – as he blows tenor, soprano sax, flute, and bandura – sometimes with processing and effects that are almost in the early mode of John Klemmer on Chess/Cadet, but with a more searing tone that's like his countryman Gato Barbieri on early Impulse records sides – sounding incredible in a lean setting that has the pair getting just a bit of additional percussion and bass from Guillermo Bordarampe. Tunes are long, soaring, and very spiritual – and titles include "Maritimaria", "A La Sombra De Los Dorados", "Camino A Samarkanda", and "En La Ola De Tus Ojos". LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Inspiracion ... CD 16.99

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✨✧ Phil UpchurchWay I Feel ... LP
Cadet, 1969. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
One of the greatest moments ever from guitarist Phil Upchurch – and one of the best from legendary arranger Charles Stepney too – a set that uses Upchurch's guitar in the same way that Stepney was using the piano of Ramsey Lewis in the late 60s! The record has full arrangements that are in the best late 60s Chess/Cadet style – rich, but never sleepy – with undercurrents of funk down at the bottom, and sweet backing vocals from a small group that includes Cash McCall and Kitty Haywood. But the real difference is Phil's guitar – which has some fuzzier, trippier elements – which make for a nice contrast with the smoothness of the Stepney backings, at a level that creates one of the most compelling Chess albums of the time! Titles include "Elektrik Head", "Peter Peter", "Way I Feel", "Bacn' Chips", and "You Don't Have To Know". (Soul, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album

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✨✧ Lorez AlexandriaFor Swingers Only ... CD
Argo/Dusty Groove, 1963. Used ... Out Of Stock
One of the greatest albums ever from Lorez Alexandria – an ultra-hip singer who recorded for Impulse and King, but who sounds especially wonderful on this rare date for Chess Records! The album's got a groove that definitely lives up to its title – a jazzy, bouncy sort of rhythm that's definitely "for swingers only", and which is a nice contrast to overdone torch or standard jazz vocal modes. Alexandria's singing is completely sublime – quite fluid, yet with a soulful depth that's really amazing – and her backing combo is equally hip – a group led by John Young on piano, and also featuring George Eskridge on guitar, Jimmy Garrison on bass, Phil Thomas on drums, and Ronald Wilson on flute and tenor – an obscure player whose reed work really makes the album sparkle! The song choices are great too – a mix of some under-recorded gems and a few blue-toned classics – all redone amazingly by Lorez with a sound that's quite unique. Titles include her classic Argo reading of "Baltimore Oriole", which begins with an amazing drum/bass passage that's worth the price of the album alone – and other tracks include "The End Of A Love Affair", "Baltimore Oriole", "All Or Nothing At All", "Mother Earth", "Love Look Away", and "Traveling Down A Lonely Road". (Vocalists, Jazz) CD

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✨✧ Gene AmmonsMakes It Happen ... LP
Cadet, 1950. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
An interesting album for Gene Ammons – one that was issued in the late 60s with a very sexy-looking cover, but which actually features recordings of much earlier vintage! The sides on the set were recorded in 1950, and they've got a sound that's moody, echoey, and which shows the soulfulness that Ammons had at this early period – a rich contribution to the tenor sound at the time – caught by a young Chess Records with plenty of dark overtones that makes the material differ somewhat from Gene's dates of the time for Prestige. Titles include "Once In A While", "It's The Talk Of The Town", "My Foolish Heart", "Prelude To A Kiss", "Can Anyone Explain", and "It's You Or No One". LP, Vinyl record album

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✨✧ Art BlakeyBig Beat (RVG remaster edition) ... CD
Blue Note, 1960. Used ... Out Of Stock
One of the greatest Art Blakey Blue Note sessions of all time – and perhaps one of the greatest to realize the genius of the Jazz Messengers lineup that included Lee Morgan on trumpet, Wayne Shorter on tenor, and Bobby Timmons on piano! The trio of young talents are at the height of their early soulful powers here – working with Blakey and bassist Jymie Merritt in a set of tunes that are overflowing with expressive solos, unusual timings, and the Blakey genius for mixing bold statements with personally introspective moments. Nearly every track on the record's a classic – and titles include an early version of Bobby Timmons' "Dat Dere", plus Wayne Shorter's beautiful tunes "Lester Left Town", "Chess Players", and "Sakeena's Vision". CD features a bonus take on "It's Only A Paper Moon". CD
Also available Big Beat (180 gram pressing) ... LP 25.99

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✨✧ Stan Getz/Jimmy RowlesPeacocks ... CD
Sony (Japan), 1975. Used ... Out Of Stock
A real standout in the Stan Getz catalog of the 70s – a session of mostly spare duets with pianist Jimmy Rowles, done in a way that really breaks from the format of Stan's other work of the time! Rowles here has a raspy warmth that brings out new voicings in Getz's tenor – an earthiness that comes through especially well on the half of the album that features only Stan and Jimmy playing together alone, but which still shines on the few other tracks that feature the bass of Buster Williams and drums of Elvin Jones expanding the group. 2 short tracks feature only solo piano, and Rowles also sings on a number of the album's tracks, in that breathy mode of his that rarely got captured this well on record – and one other track features Jon Hendricks leading a vocal quartet through a rendition of "The Chess Players". Other titles include "It'll Never Be The Same", "Body & Soul", "What Am I Here For", "The Hour Of Parting", "The Peacocks", "Rose Marie", and "Serenade To Sweden". CD

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✨✧ John KlemmerMagnificent Madness ... LP
Elektra, 1980. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
Nothing too mad from reedman John Klemmer – but a set that nicely continues that spacey sound that Klemmer first created at Impulse Records, then moved into some warmer, more soulful territory on records like this! Klemmer's still got an incredibly strong sound on tenor – rich and full, and never held back at all – nor prone to some of the more gimmicky flourishes of some of his mainstream contemporaries – and the setting is never too slick or overdone, which seems to suit John just right! Keyboards work nicely in a mellow, spaced-out groove – and Klemmer crackles these effortless lines out in space – of the soulful style we first fell in love with on his earliest work for Chess. The set features guitar from John Tropea, keyboards from Don Grusin, and drums from Harvey Mason – and Klemmer even vocalizes a bit – in a surprisingly strong style for the music. Titles include "Magnificent Madness", "Deja Vu", "Lifesong", "Adventures In Paradise", "I Can't Help It", and "Don't Take Your Love Away". LP, Vinyl record album

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✨✧ Ramsey LewisFunky Serenity ... CD
Columbia/Collectables, 1973. Used ... Out Of Stock
Sweet electric funk from Ramsey Lewis! The album's one of his best from the 70s – and it's got Ramsey on Fender Rhodes, electric harpsichord, and other keyboards, grooving away in an open-ended 70s mode that still retains all the heavy soul of his classic work for Chess. Morris Jennings adds in some very nice percussion with his drum work, and Cleveland Eaton's on funky bass, giving the set a strong bottom groove. Features the sublime sample cut "My Love For You", a great version of "Knights In White Satin" that's done with a weird spacey groove, plus the tracks "Kufany Mapenzi (Making Love)", "Serene Funk", "What It Is!", and "Dreams". CD

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✨✧ Ramsey LewisSun Goddess ... CD
Columbia (Japan), 1974. Used ... Out Of Stock
One of our favorite Ramsey Lewis albums ever – and a perfect summation of the genius that was brewing on the Chicago scene in the late 60s and early 70s! The album has Ramsey working strongly with Earth Wind & Fire – no surprise, given his close ties to Maurice White, who was the drummer in Ramsey's trio before starting his own group – and the shared relationship both artists had with producer Charles Stepney! The three were all key parts of the late 60s sound at Chess Records – but here, they've brought the same soulful energy to Columbia – working in a wider, more mature groove for the 70s – one that has Lewis' wicked Fender Rhodes lines stretching out strongly over tight, compressed, funky lines from EWF! The centerpiece of the set is the massive 7 minute "Sun Goddess", but there's lots of other nice ones like "Living For The City", "Gemini Rising", and "Jungle Strut". Funky, electric, and sublimely wonderful all the way through! CD

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✨✧ Ramsey LewisSun Goddess – The Best Of Ramsey Lewis ... CD
Columbia/Jazz FM (UK), 1970s/Early 80s. New Copy 2CD ... Out Of Stock
A mighty nice collection of work from the second chapter in the career of piano legend Ramsey Lewis – work that he recorded for Columbia Records in the 70s and 80s, after his initial run at Chess – and with a sound that's even groovier and more soulful than before! Ramsey in the 70s was a many of many talents and expressions – still great on acoustic piano, but also a hell of a player on Fender Rhodes, which he uses often on a lot of these cuts – and also tied even more strongly than before to Maurice White (his old drummer) and the world of Earth Wind & Fire – who are on board to help Lewis hit some really righteous moments at times. There's also some live material, a bit of soul-styled tracks, and guest work from Nancy Wilson alng the way – and the set features a whopping 32 tracks on 2CDs – with titles that include "Spring High", "Caring For You", "Tambura, "So Much More", "Lynn (live)", "Hot Dawgit", "Paradise", "Expansions", "Sun Goddess", "Sassy Stew (live)", "Whisper Zone", "Camino El Bueno", "All The Way Live", "Intimacy", and "I'll Always Dream About You". CD
 
 
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