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Exact matches: 3
1
Steve Coleman & Five Elements —
Drop Kick ... CD 
Novus, 1992. Used ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
Steve Coleman on alto sax, Andy Milne & James Weidman on piano & keyboards, David Hilmore on guitar, Reggie Washington on bass & Marvin Smitty Smith on drums & percussion. CD
(Out of print.)
2
Erroll Garner —
That's My Kick/London/
Two nicely offbeat sessions from Erroll Garner – both with some slightly unusual aspects, yet all the great choppy grooves we've always loved in his music! That's My Kick features a cool lineup that's somewhere in territory you might find on Verve or Prestige Records at the time – some nice added percussion at the bottom, thanks to congas from Jose Mangual and Johnny Pacheco – and a cool guitar-accented sound, played by the always-great Wally Richardson! Garner's piano is still very strongly in the lead of the tunes – strutting away with plenty of soul – and titles include "Gaslight", "Nervous Waltz", "More", "Like It Is", "That's My Kick", and "Shadow Of Your Smile". On Gemini, Erroll Garner gets a great added boost – thanks to Jose Mangual Jr, who plays congas on this great date from 1971! The presence of Mangual's congas make the album sound a bit like some of the George Shearing Amigos albums on MPS – a sound that still echoes the older modes of the players, but which has a slightly more contemporary groove – one that's almost slightly funky at points. Titles include "Eldorado", "Something", "Gemini", "How High The Moon", "It Could Happen To You", and "These Foolish Things". CD
3
Cal Tjader —
Latin Kick ... CD Fantasy/
Excellent 50s Latin work from Cal Tjader – and a set that boasts some especially nice tenor from the legendary Brew Moore! Moore's sound here anchors the date nicely – bringing in a bit more of a bottom sound than usual for a Cal Tjader Latin date – really rooting the record with a strong sense of soul has he blows with that wonderful tone he had in the 50s. Other players include Manuel Duran on piano, Carlos Duran on bass, Beny Velarde on timbales, and Luis Miranda on congas – and titles include "Invitation", "Tropicana", "Manuel's Mambo", and "All the Things You Are". CD
Possible matches: 126
4
BMM (France), 2023. New Copy ... $23.99 29.99
Funky jazz nuggets with a mighty nice lineup – one that features plenty of vibes next to the keyboards, all resonating strongly over tight rhythms on acoustic bass and drums! There's almost a sunshiney vibe to the music at times that fits the image on the cover – not polished or slick, but this sort of shimmering quality that really lets you bathe in the warmth of the music – especially as the grooves are often laidback, yet still plenty darn funky! The drums are great, and the way they kick in with the vibes is wonderful – on titles that include "Estinto Omicida", "Hydromiel 2022", "Orso Pacifico", "Bourguignon", and "Saint Emilion". (Deep Funk, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album
5
Gene Ammons —
Boss Is Back (Boss Is Back/Prestige, 1969. Used ... Out Of Stock
A sweet double-length set – one that features two classic Prestige albums from Gene Ammons! Boss Is Back is a great comeback for tenor legend Gene Ammons – not just in a musical sense, but also because Jug had spent most of the past few years in prison – as part of the usual trumped-up drug charges that were filed against musicians at the time! At the time of this album, Ammons had not recorded since a very successful flurry of sides recorded in 1961, done for a number of labels, and issued slowly during his time off the recording market – a precursor to this fantastic return to form, which has Gene hitting more of a jazz funk mode, in the best Prestige style at the end of the 60s! Case in point is the presence of Bernard Purdie on drums on a number of cuts – in a lineup that also features some organ from Sonny Phillips, piano from Junior Mance, and electric bass from Bob Bushnell – plus congas from Candido for a nice extra kick! Titles include the funky cuts "Tastin' the Jug" and "Jungle Boss" – plus "Madame Queen" and "Feeling Good". Brother Jug is a great bit of jazz funk from tenor genius Gene Ammons – really reinventing himself here after some time off the scene in the 60s! The set has Gene picking up a great groove with help from Billy Butler on guitar and Sonny Phillips on organ – and the great Bernard Pretty Purdie is also on drums, and kicks it nice and lean on the great groover "Jungle Strut"! The album also features a nice version of "Son of A Preacher Man", plus "Ger-ru", which features Junior Mance on piano. CD
(1994 pressing, spine has a cutout notch.)
6
Gene Ammons —
Boss Is Back! ... LP Prestige, 1969. Very Good ... $14.99
A great comeback for tenor legend Gene Ammons – not just in a musical sense, but also because Jug had spent most of the past few years in prison – as part of the usual trumped-up drug charges that were filed against musicians at the time! At the time of this album, Ammons had not recorded since a very successful flurry of sides recorded in 1961, done for a number of labels, and issued slowly during his time off the recording market – a precursor to this fantastic return to form, which has Gene hitting more of a jazz funk mode, in the best Prestige style at the end of the 60s! Case in point is the presence of Bernard Purdie on drums on a number of cuts – in a lineup that also features some organ from Sonny Phillips, piano from Junior Mance, and electric bass from Bob Bushnell – plus congas from Candido for a nice extra kick! Titles include the funky cuts "Tastin' the Jug" and "Jungle Boss" – plus "Madame Queen" and "Feeling Good". LP, Vinyl record album
(Blue circle logo label stereo pressing. Cover has two small cutout holes, some edge wear, and is stained at the spine with some bits of paper stuck to the front.)
7
Louis Armstrong & Oscar Peterson —
Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson ... CD Verve, 1957. Used ... Out Of Stock
Gentle-going genius from the later years of Satchmo's career – a session that has Louis on trumpet and vocals, backed by the Oscar Peterson Trio! Peterson's usual group with Herb Ellis and Ray Brown is expanded slightly for this outing – bringing in Louis Bellson on drums to syncopate the tunes a bit more strongly, and give them that gently swinging rhythm that always works well with Armstrong's style. The real surprise, though, is Louis' voice – which is simple, almost elegant at times – and free from some of the gimmicks of other 50s sessions, or the too-playful style of his better-known duets of the period. We really love his gentle, honest approach to the lyrics here – on tunes that include "I'll Never Be The Same", "Moon Song", "What's New", "There's No You", "You Go To My Head", "That Old Feeling", and "Let's Fall In Love". CD also features 4 bonus tracks – including "Let's Do It", "I Get A Kick Out Of You", "Willow Weep For Me", and "Makin Whoopee". CD
Also available Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson (Verve master edition) ... CD 3.99(US pressing.)
8
Verve, 1957. Used ... $3.99
Gentle-going genius from the later years of Satchmo's career – a session that has Louis on trumpet and vocals, backed by the Oscar Peterson Trio! Peterson's usual group with Herb Ellis and Ray Brown is expanded slightly for this outing – bringing in Louis Bellson on drums to syncopate the tunes a bit more strongly, and give them that gently swinging rhythm that always works well with Armstrong's style. The real surprise, though, is Louis' voice – which is simple, almost elegant at times – and free from some of the gimmicks of other 50s sessions, or the too-playful style of his better-known duets of the period. We really love his gentle, honest approach to the lyrics here – on tunes that include "I'll Never Be The Same", "Moon Song", "What's New", "There's No You", "You Go To My Head", "That Old Feeling", and "Let's Fall In Love". CD also features 4 bonus tracks – including "Let's Do It", "I Get A Kick Out Of You", "Willow Weep For Me", and "Makin Whoopee". CD
(Out of print Verve Masters Edition, in the tri-fold digipack.)
9
Potions, 2023. New Copy ... $22.99 25.99
A jazz records of sorts, but a funk one as well – recorded mostly by Gerald Bailey on a variety of instruments, and with an intimate vibe that really reflects the creative process! The tunes often have a nice kick, with some really great drums – and are short and melodic, with key passages on piano and keyboards, plus a bit of trumpet – not really solos so much as themes that come into the mix and really give each tune a particular color and flavor! This is definitely the case of hip hop influencing instrumental creativity, especially in production – and titles include "Dune Boogie", "Overnight Heat", "Crab Shell", "Raised By Frogs", "Aurica", Call To Act", "Dasani Falls", "Dusty Rhodes", and "Free Trial". LP, Vinyl record album
10
Buddy Banks & Bobby Jaspar —
Jazz In Paris – Jazz de Chambre ... CD Universal (France), 1954/
Pretty hip stuff – recorded in Paris, but featuring some leading lights of American bohemia! The first half of the CD features work by a quartet led by bassist Buddy Banks, and featuring work by American players Bob Dorough on piano and Roy Haynes on drums, as well as the French musician Jimmy Gourley on guitar. Gourley's tone is excellent on the session, and he really dominates the proceedings over piano work by Dorough – especially on the tracks "I Love You", "Line For Lyons", "Night In Tunisia", and "Buddy Bank's Blues". The second half of the CD features a quartet with Bobby Jaspar on flute and the enigmatic Blossom Dearie on piano. Blossom doesn't sing on the set, but she works in a lovely way with Jaspar – providing some light lyrical backing that gives the tracks a nice little kick. Titles include "Old Devil Moon", "Flamingo", and "There Will Never Be Another You". CD
11
TSGW (Japan), 2023. New Copy ... $24.99 28.99
A really wonderful record, and one that's very different than any sort of piano trio album we've ever heard – as there's this richly textural quality to the album that has all the elements resonating in a very special way, with an overall sonic palette that's beautiful! Sure, there's piano on the set, but the bass is often almost higher in the mix, and more melodic too – while the drums move between soft fills and gentle rhythms – with occasional moments that are more powerful, and kick up the bass too – but again with this production approach that has these really amazing sound patterns between all the instruments. Titles include "Bird Flew By", "Drizzling Rain", "Siciliano", "Stefano", "Doppio Movement", "Abacus", and "Wonderful One". CD
Also available Masks (2023 Japan Record Day release) ... LP 35.9912
TSGW (Japan), 2023. New Copy ... $35.99 44.99
A really wonderful record, and one that's very different than any sort of piano trio album we've ever heard – as there's this richly textural quality to the album that has all the elements resonating in a very special way, with an overall sonic palette that's beautiful! Sure, there's piano on the set, but the bass is often almost higher in the mix, and more melodic too – while the drums move between soft fills and gentle rhythms – with occasional moments that are more powerful, and kick up the bass too – but again with this production approach that has these really amazing sound patterns between all the instruments. Titles include "Bird Flew By", "Drizzling Rain", "Siciliano", "Stefano", "Doppio Movement", "Abacus", and "Wonderful One". LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Masks ... CD 24.99(Heavy Japanese pressing!)
13
Art Blakey —
Night At Birdland Vol 1 ... LP Blue Note, Late 50s. Near Mint- ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
A wonderfully hard-storming set – and a record that not only firmly put the Jazz Messengers on the map, but also set a whole new standard for live jazz recording! The group here is the early version of the Messengers – almost co-led by drummer Art Blakey with pianist Horace Silver – and featuring Clifford Brown on trumpet, just a few months before his early death – plus Lou Donaldson on alto and Curley Russell on bass. The presence of alto instead of tenor makes the sound slightly different than later incarnations of the group – and the overall approach is one that virtually defines the shift from straight bop to hardbop in the 50s – a mode that both Blakey and Silver were key in creating. Tracks include "Split Kick", "Quicksilver", "Mayreh", and "A Night In Tunisia". LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Night At Birdland Vol 1 ... CD 0.99(70s black b label pressing. Cover has minimal wear and aging.)
14
Art Blakey —
Night At Birdland Vol 1 (original cover) ... LP Blue Note, Late 50s. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
A wonderfully hard-storming set – and a record that not only firmly put the Jazz Messengers on the map, but also set a whole new standard for live jazz recording! The group here is the early version of the Messengers – almost co-led by drummer Art Blakey with pianist Horace Silver – and featuring Clifford Brown on trumpet, just a few months before his early death – plus Lou Donaldson on alto and Curley Russell on bass. The presence of alto instead of tenor makes the sound slightly different than later incarnations of the group – and the overall approach is one that virtually defines the shift from straight bop to hardbop in the 50s – a mode that both Blakey and Silver were key in creating. Tracks include "Split Kick", "Quicksilver", "Mayreh", and "A Night In Tunisia". LP, Vinyl record album
(Very nice 63rd street pressing with deep groove, ear, and RVG etch! Cover has a small bit of splitting on the bottom seam, and back has a few stamps – but this is a great copy overall.)
15
Blue Note, 1954. Used ... $0.99
A wonderfully hard-storming set – and a record that not only firmly put the Jazz Messengers on the map, but also set a whole new standard for live jazz recording! The group here is the early version of the Messengers – almost co-led by drummer Art Blakey with pianist Horace Silver – and featuring Clifford Brown on trumpet, just a few months before his early death – plus Lou Donaldson on alto and Curley Russell on bass. The presence of alto instead of tenor makes the sound slightly different than later incarnations of the group – and the overall approach is one that virtually defines the shift from straight bop to hardbop in the 50s – a mode that both Blakey and Silver were key in creating. Tracks include "Split Kick", "Quicksilver", "Mayreh", and "A Night In Tunisia". CD features 2 bonus tracks, and great remastering! CD
(Late 80s pressing.)
16
Art Blakey Quintet —
Night At Birdland Vol 1 ... CD Blue Note (Japan), 1954. Used ... Out Of Stock
A wonderfully hard-storming set – and a record that not only firmly put the Jazz Messengers on the map, but also set a whole new standard for live jazz recording! The group here is the early version of the Messengers – almost co-led by drummer Art Blakey with pianist Horace Silver – and featuring Clifford Brown on trumpet, just a few months before his early death – plus Lou Donaldson on alto and Curley Russell on bass. The presence of alto instead of tenor makes the sound slightly different than later incarnations of the group – and the overall approach is one that virtually defines the shift from straight bop to hardbop in the 50s – a mode that both Blakey and Silver were key in creating. Tracks include "Split Kick", "Quicksilver", "Mayreh", and "A Night In Tunisia". CD
(Out of print SHMCD pressing, includes obi.)
17
Art Blakey Quintet —
Night At Birdland Vol 1 (Japanese paper sleeve edition) ... CD Blue Note (Japan), 1954. Used ... Out Of Stock
A wonderfully hard-storming set – and a record that not only firmly put the Jazz Messengers on the map, but also set a whole new standard for live jazz recording! The group here is the early version of the Messengers – almost co-led by drummer Art Blakey with pianist Horace Silver – and featuring Clifford Brown on trumpet, just a few months before his early death – plus Lou Donaldson on alto and Curley Russell on bass. The presence of alto instead of tenor makes the sound slightly different than later incarnations of the group – and the overall approach is one that virtually defines the shift from straight bop to hardbop in the 50s – a mode that both Blakey and Silver were key in creating. Tracks include "Split Kick", "Quicksilver", "Mayreh", and "A Night In Tunisia". CD
18
Art Blakey Quintet —
Night At Birdland Vol 1 (RVG remaster edition) ... CD Blue Note, 1954. Used ... Out Of Stock
A wonderfully hard-storming set – and a record that not only firmly put the Jazz Messengers on the map, but also set a whole new standard for live jazz recording! The group here is the early version of the Messengers – almost co-led by drummer Art Blakey with pianist Horace Silver – and featuring Clifford Brown on trumpet, just a few months before his early death – plus Lou Donaldson on alto and Curley Russell on bass. The presence of alto instead of tenor makes the sound slightly different than later incarnations of the group – and the overall approach is one that virtually defines the shift from straight bop to hardbop in the 50s – a mode that both Blakey and Silver were key in creating. Tracks include "Split Kick", "Quicksilver", "Mayreh", and "A Night In Tunisia". CD features 2 bonus tracks, and great remastering! CD
19
Paul Bley —
Introducing Paul Bley (with bonus tracks) ... CD Debut/
The earliest work on record from pianist Paul Bley – the Canadian modernist who'd become much better known for his more experimental work in later years, but who's heard here in a slightly straighter trio set! Even at this early point, though, Bley's talents are amazing – sharp-edged and fresh – still with a few touches of traditional pianistic approach, but often breaking into surprising twists and turns on the solos. The core of the set is a rare 10" album that Bley cut with Art Blakey on drums and Charles Mingus on bass – a set that was done upon Mingus' discovery of Bley's talents, and which was issued on his own Debut label briefly in the 50s. Titles include "Opus 1", "Walkin", "Split Kick", "Spontaneous Combustion", "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town", and "Like Someone In Love". CD addds in a number of bonus tracks – including "Zootcase", "The Theme", "This Time The Dream's On Me", and an alternate of "Opus 1". CD
20
Clifford Brown —
Brownie Lives! – Live At Basin Street & In Concert At Carnegie Hall ... CD Fresh Sound (Spain), 1955/
Great live work from the Clifford Brown/
21
Clifford Brown —
Brownie Lives! – Live At Basin Street & In Concert At Carnegie Hall ... CD Fresh Sound (Spain), 1955. Used ... Out Of Stock
Great live work from the Clifford Brown/
(Out of print.)
22
Clifford Brown —
Quintet Vol 1 ... LP EmArcy/
First volume pulled together in the early 80s of Brownie's remarkable work with a smoking quintet that would record some of the finest bop sides issued on the Emarcy label. He's working here with Max Roach, George Morrow and Richie Powell and Harold Land as Brown's foil in the front line. 14 tracks in all: "Delilah", "Parisian Thoroughfare", "Jordu", "Sweet Clifford", "Ghost Of A Chance", "Stompin' At The Savoy", "I Get A Kick Out Of You", "Joy Spring", "Mildama", "Daahoud", "Gerkin For Perkin", "Take The A Train", "Lands End" and "Swingin'". LP, Vinyl record album
23
Clifford Brown & Max Roach —
Brown & Roach Incorporated ... CD EmArcy, 1955. Used ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
Quite possibly THE key example of the magic of Clifford Brown and Max Roach on record – a brilliant studio session that really has the group "incorporating" their sound – forging a bold musical statement that would forever leave its imprint on jazz for years to come! The format here shows Brown and Roach as a key force in 50s hardbop – extending Max's bop idiom of years back, and using Clifford's more lyrical approach to solo work to expand the tone, color, and spirit of their music – linking styles and worlds wonderfully, and forging a sound that's tight, yet also beautifully spontaneous and personal. The rest of the group includes Harold Land on tenor, Richie Powell on piano, and George Morrow on bass – and titles include "Sweet Clifford", "Ghost Of A Chance", "Stompin At The Savoy", "I'll String Along With You", "Mildama", "Darn That Dream", and "I Get A Kick Out Of You". CD
(Out of print, early CD pressing – made in Japan. Artwork has some light age spots.)
24
Ray Bryant —
Ray Bryant Trio (Prestige) ... CD Prestige/
A great early trio session from Ray Bryant – the kind of record that instantly shows why he caught such fire on the scene! There's a simplicity here that's almost invisible – a command of the keys that's strong, but not nearly as show-offy as some of Bryant's contemporaries. And given that Ray always managed to kick up a groove on the left side of the keyboard with his firm approach to rhythm, he's definitely a group player in the trio on the set – an excellent combo that features the wonderful Ike Issacs on bass and Specs Wright on drums. Titles include "Splittin", "Golden Earrings", "Sonar", "Blues Changes", and "Daahoud". CD
(1993 OJC pressing.)
25
Roy Burrowes —
Jamaican Jazz Crusaders ... LP JMA, 1969. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
An amazing little record – not just for the music itself, which is inherently great – but also for its straight jazz presentation of players you might know in more of a reggae-based setting! The album's a smoking set of hardbop numbers, played with plenty of soul – by a combo billed as the Jamaican Jazz Crusaders – featuring Roy Bubbles Burrows on trumpet, Ernst Ranglin on guitar, Roland Alphonso on tenor, Aubrey Adams on piano, Harold Williams on bass, and Carl McLeod on drums. The format's a bit unusual, in that the album's bracketed by interviews and introductions from Jamaican jazz DJ Nevil Willoughby – but in the core are some great performances, with very inventive arrangements, especially in the way Ranglin's guitar is used – on titles that include "The Highest Mountain", "On Green Dolphin Street", "Split Kick", and "Round Midnight". LP, Vinyl record album
26
Donald Byrd & Bobby Jaspar —
Donald Byrd & Bobby Jaspar – Cannes 1958 (180 gram pressing) ... LP Sam Records (France), 1958. New Copy ... Out Of Stock
The first-ever release of a lost live performance from trumpeter Donald Byrd – material from that brief time when he was working on the Paris scene, and really pushing his music in new directions! As you'll note from the title, the group here also features the great reedman Bobby Jaspar – who blows both flute and tenor, and works alongside Byrd in tremendous formation – in part because there's a crack rhythm trio on the date – a Prestige/
27
Benny Carter —
Benny Carter – Cosmopolite ... LP Clef, Early 50s. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
Sublime alto work from Benny Carter – a masterpiece of tone and timing that shows him at the height of his powers! Carter's sound alone is enough to sell the record, and it's wonderfully recorded by Norman Granz – but the rest of the group is a good fit too, and features Oscar Peterson on piano, Barney Kessel on guitar, Ray Brown on bass, and Buddy Rich on drums – all of whom lay back nicely to let Benny take the lead. Titles include "Pick Yourself Up", "Imagination", "Street Scene", and "I Get A Kick Out Of You". This 12" LP also features some added "with strings" material, too – titles that include "Blue Star", "I'll Be Around", "Can't We Be Friends", and "Symphony". LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Benny Carter – Cosmopolite – The Oscar Peterson Verve Sessions ... CD 1.9928
Werf (Netherlands), 2024. New Copy 2LP Gatefold ... $34.99 39.99
A really unique combo, and one that's definitely what's promised in the title – a lineup that's heavy on trombones, given a nice kick at the bottom from guitar, bass, and drums! The players come together here in a really wonderful sound – partly extending from the postwar multi-trombone experiments of JJ Johnson and Kai Winding, but with occasional nods to New Orleans music, Afro Funk, and other styles that can be heavier on the horns! Female trombonist Nabou Claerhout leads the group, which features four other trombonists on most tracks – and the leadoff track also features guest work from Robin Eubanks. Titles include "Wistful", "A Duet For Three", "Hutch", "Murphy All The Way", "Slide Unit", and "A Day At The Huge Field With A Little House". LP, Vinyl record album
29
EMI/
One of the hippest albums ever from the team of Kenny Clarke and Francy Boland – a unique small combo session that's even groovier than their famous big band work! The setting is wonderful – Clarke on drums, Boland on piano, and a sextet lineup that includes Sahib Shihab on flute, Fats Sadi on vibes, Jimmy Woode on bass, and Joe Harris on percussion – all players who know each other well, and groove together as one amazing unit on the set! The tunes here are lyrical and lively, modal and moving, and still some of the freshest jazz cut on the European scene of the 60s – music that's having a huge impact these days in the club jazz underground. Shihab's flute work is sublime, especially next to Sadi's vibes – and Harris' added percussion gives a number of the cuts a bit of a Latin kick that's totally great! There's a bit of vocals on the set, and titles include "Ebony Samba", "Tin Tin Deo", "Potter's Crossing", "Wives & Lovers", "Ensadinado", "Lorraine", "Day By Day", "Love Hungry", and "Please Don't Leave". CD
30
Columbia/
One of the hippest albums ever from the team of Kenny Clarke and Francy Boland – a unique small combo session that's even groovier than their famous big band work! The setting is wonderful – Clarke on drums, Boland on piano, and a sextet lineup that includes Sahib Shihab on flute, Fats Sadi on vibes, Jimmy Woode on bass, and Joe Harris on percussion – all players who know each other well, and groove together as one amazing unit on the set! The tunes here are lyrical and lively, modal and moving, and still some of the freshest jazz cut on the European scene of the 60s – music that's having a huge impact these days in the club jazz underground. Shihab's flute work is sublime, especially next to Sadi's vibes – and Harris' added percussion gives a number of the cuts a bit of a Latin kick that's totally great! There's a bit of vocals on the set, and titles include "Ebony Samba", "Tin Tin Deo", "Potter's Crossing", "Wives & Lovers", "Ensadinado", "Lorraine", "Day By Day", "Love Hungry", and "Please Don't Leave". LP, Vinyl record album
31
Arnett Cobb —
Party Time ... CD Prestige/
A mighty big party from tenor giant Arnett Cobb – a player who always blew strongly in other settings, but really hit his height on these albums for Prestige! The record is a perfect mix of Cobb's bluesy roots and a more sophisticated modern jazz setting – with support from a crack rhythm combo of Ray Bryant on piano, Wendell Marshall on bass, and Art Taylor on drums – plus the special addition of Ray Barretto on congas, who brings in this rolling kick that definitely opens things up to the party atmosphere in the title – even when things are mellow! Most numbers have a open, soulfully blowing feel – and titles include "Slow Poke", "Lonesome Road", "Party Time", and "Blues In the Closet". CD
(1995 OJC pressing. Back cover of booklet has a bit of pen.)
32
Arnett Cobb —
Party Time ... LP Prestige, 1959. Very Good- ... Out Of Stock
A mighty big party from tenor giant Arnett Cobb – a player who always blew strongly in other settings, but really hit his height on these albums for Prestige! The record is a perfect mix of Cobb's bluesy roots and a more sophisticated modern jazz setting – with support from a crack rhythm combo of Ray Bryant on piano, Wendell Marshall on bass, and Art Taylor on drums – plus the special addition of Ray Barretto on congas, who brings in this rolling kick that definitely opens things up to the party atmosphere in the title – even when things are mellow! Most numbers have a open, soulfully blowing feel – and titles include "Slow Poke", "Lonesome Road", "Party Time", and "Blues In the Closet". LP, Vinyl record album
33
Nat King Cole & Quincy Jones —
Swiss Radio Days Vol 33 – Nat King Cole & Quincy Jones ... CD TCB (Switzerland), 1960. Used ... Out Of Stock
A beautiful set by Nat King Cole joined by conductor/
(Sealed.)
34
Atlantic, 1956. Used ... $5.99
The first album in a legendary run of vocal jazz classics on Atlantic Records – and a set that really helped Chris Connor move to a new level of expression in her music! The sound here is much richer than Connor's previous recordings for Bethlehem – and the small combo jazz backings have been replaced by fuller orchestrations by Ralph Burns – done in a cool, edgey sort of way that really pushes Chris into newly sophisticated territory! The sound's on a par with the best June Christy/
Also available Chris Connor ... LP 18.99(Out of print. Digipak has a hype sticker.)
35
Atlantic, 1956. Very Good+ ... $18.99
The first album in a legendary run of vocal jazz classics on Atlantic Records – and a set that really helped Chris Connor move to a new level of expression in her music! The sound here is much richer than Connor's previous recordings for Bethlehem – and the small combo jazz backings have been replaced by fuller orchestrations by Ralph Burns – done in a cool, edgey sort of way that really pushes Chris into newly sophisticated territory! The sound's on a par with the best June Christy/
Also available Chris Connor ... CD 5.99(Stereo green label pressing with deep groove. Cover has minimal wear & aging, stereo stamp.)
36
Larry Coryell & The Eleventh House —
Live at the Jazz Workshop ... CD Hi Hat (UK), 1975. Used ... Out Of Stock
A rare live set from guitarist Larry Coryell – working here with his Eleventh House group, a combo that features Mike Lawrence on trumpet, Mike Mandel on keyboards, John Lee on bass, and Alphonse Mouzon on drums! The set begins with a beautiful acoustic solo from Larry, then builds into a more electric mode as things move on – with a burning frenzy that comes especially from Mouzon's drums once they kick into high gear. Titles include "The Eyes Of Love", "Level One", "The Other Side", "Nictophobia", "The Cover Girl", and "That's The Joint". CD
37
Paul Desmond —
Paul Desmond Quartet With Jim Hall ... CD Giants Of Jazz, Late 50s/
Features Paul Desmond on alto, Jim Hall on guitar, Percy Heath on bass, and Connie Kay on drums. Tracks include "For All We Know", "East Of The Sun", "Susie", and "I Get A Kick Out Of You". CD
38
Lou Donaldson —
Light-Foot (Japanese pressing) ... CD Blue Note (Japan), 1958. Used ... Out Of Stock
Lou's never been a light foot at any point in his career – and even on this earlier, pre-funk session he blows with a heck of a lot of soul! The album's a killer from Lou Donaldson's mid period stint at Blue Note – a set that's informed by bop ideals, but which also explores ideas in a more relaxed, early soul jazz mode – one that uses extra percussion from Ray Barretto to kick up the grooves with a nice little swing, and which also features some sublime piano lines from the great Herman Foster, making one of his few key Donaldson appearances here! Lou's alto work is sparkling throughout – crackling with life, but never too full of itself – and other players include Peck Morrison on bass and Jimmy Wormworth on drums. Titles include a few originals like "Hog Maw" and "Light Foot", plus standards like "Stella By Starlight" and "Green Eyes". CD
(1993 Japanese pressing.)
39
Lou Donaldson —
Pretty Things ... LP Blue Note, 1970. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
A massive classic from Lou Donaldson's funky years with Idris Muhammad on drums – an album that's filled with lots of bottom-heavy grooves, plus some great work on alto, guitar, and organ! Muhammad's drums are in fine fine form here – right up there with his other LD Blue Note work, if not even better – and the rest of the lineup features Leon Spencer and Lonnie Smith on organ, Ted Dunbar and Melvin Sparks on guitar, and Blue Mitchell on trumpet – all top-shelf players who really make the album kick nicely. Titles include the classic cut "Pot Belly", which was sampled by Tribe Called Quest and about a hundred others – plus "Curtis Song", "Sassie Lassie", "Love", and a version of "Tennessee Waltz" that's even a nice one too! LP, Vinyl record album
(Vintage Liberty/UA stereo pressing, with Van Gelder stamp – a nice copy!)
40
Lou Donaldson —
Time Is Right ... CD Blue Note (Japan), 1959. New Copy ... Out Of Stock
A beautiful album of mellow-grooving tracks from Lou Donaldson – recorded during his rich post-bop late 50s years, and done with a wonderfully warm sound! The group features Horace Parlan on piano, Blue Mitchell on trumpet, Laymon Jackson on bass, and Dave Bailey on drums – plus Ray Baretto added in on conga, giving the whole session a little bit of a kick with a light Latinish groove on the best numbers! The rhythm's nice and skittish – lightly leaping around on even the quieter numbers, and letting Lou blow his alto in the strongly rhythmic mode that was starting to appear in his recordings of the time. Titles include "Crosstown Shuffle", "Mack The Knife", "Be My Love", and "Lou's Blues". CD
41
Roy Eldridge, Gene Krupa & Anita O'Day —
Uptown – Roy Eldridge With The Gene Krupa Orchestra Featuring Anita O'Day ... CD Columbia, 1941/
Includes the songs "Green Eyes", "Let Me Off Uptown", "Kick It!", "After You've Gone", "Rockin' Chair", "Armour", "Stop! The Red Light's On", "Watch The Birdie", "The Walls Keep Talking", "Skylark", "Bolero At The Savoy", "Thanks For The Boogie Ride", "Keep 'Em Flying", "Pass The Bounce", "Ball Of Fire", "Harlem On Parade", "Knock Me A Kiss", "Barrelhouse Bessie From Basin Street", "That Drummer's Band", "Murder He Says", "Bop Boogie", "Watch Out", "Swiss Lullaby", and "Why Fall In Love With A Stranger". CD
42
Don Ellis —
Soaring ... CD MPS (Germany), 1973. Used ... Out Of Stock
A well-titled album from trumpeter Don Ellis – as the set soars to the skies from the very first note! The album's got a dynamic energy that almost beats Don's American work of the time – lots of funky rhythms, and a cool MPS groove that shows the label's strong 70s legacy of larger group jazz recordings! Like other MPS dates of the time, there's a nice mix of electric and acoustic instrumentation in the lineup – bass and guitar that kick the rhythms up strongly, plus keyboards and electrified strings that bring in their own unique sounds. Milcho Leviev handles the keys on the session – and titles are a fresh batch of numbers that include "Sidonie", "Image Of Maria", "Sladka Pitka", "Go Back Home", "Whiplash", "The Devil Made Me Write This Piece", and "Invincible". CD
43
Art Farmer/Argo/
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
Also available Meet The Jazztet ... CD 13.9944
Art Farmer/MCA (Japan), 1960. Used ... $13.99
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
(1990 Japanese pressing, 20 bit remaster. Includes obi!)
45
Art Farmer/Argo, 1960. Very Good+ ... Temporarily 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! LP, Vinyl record album
(Grey label Argo pressing, with deep groove – nice and clean. Cover has a "Killer Joe" hype sticker too!)
46
RCA/
A dream band indeed – as the set features Maynard working with some excellent players who manage to come together tightly as a unit, then break out in really strong and hard-blown solos! Even in these early recordings, the style of the Ferguson group is firmly in place – incredible tightness, but a real respect for the soloists – and a power to kick it louder and larger than even in a small group setting. Players include Herb Geller, Al Cohn, Hank Jones, Budd Johnson, and Ernie Wilkins – and titles on this first volume include "Maynard The Fox", "The Wailing Boat", "Somebody Wants Me Down There", "Little Girl Kimbi", and "Button Nose". CD
(Sealed.)
47
Mainstream/
Maynard Ferguson cut an undue number of excellent records in his early years – and this smoking set is definitely part of that group! At the time, Maynard was one of the few cats trying to find a way to move the larger band forward in jazz – finding ways to groove like Basie, but also add in some higher ideals, too – all with a surprisingly soulful current that definitely earns the title, and hints at his funky work to come in the 70s! Here, things are more shaded in blue tones and given a nice rhythmic kick – and as always with Maynard, the choice of band members is great – as the lineup features Charlie Mariano on alto, Don Rader on trumpet, Phil Bodner on reeds, Richard Davis on bass, and Mel Lewis on drums – working with strong creative energy on titles that include "What'd I Say", "Baltimore Oriole", "I Believe To My Soul", "I've Got A Woman", and "Alright OK You Win". CD
(Out of print.)
48
Verve, 1956. Used 2 CDs ... $5.99
This is a 60s set that brings together the 2 volumes released separately. Among the 30 plus songs are "All Through The Night", "Anything Goes", "I Get A Kick Out Of You", "I Love Paris", "Easy To Love", "You're The Top", "Let's Do It", "Begin The Beguine", "Love For Sale", "It's Delovely", "Night And Day", and "I've Got You Under My Skin". (Vocalists, Jazz) CD
(1997 Verve Master edition.)
49
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong —
Ella & Louis Again ... CD Verve, Late 50s. Used ... Out Of Stock
A really great take on the duo format that Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong forged together during the 50s – a short little side chapter to the careers of both artists, but one that's gone on to become one of the most classic representations of their music! The record follows up their previous collection of duets, but with a slight difference – in that there's some solo tracks by each singer on the record, which changes things up nicely, while still allowing for some of the duo moments that share the charms of both together! Backing is great, too – nicely unified, in that there's a small combo throughout – Oscar Peterson on piano, Herb Ellis on guitar, Ray Brown on bass, and Louis Bellson on drums – providing great accompaniment on titles that include "They All Laughed", "Comes Love", "I Get A Kick Out Of You", "Learnin The Blues", "A Fine Romance", "Love Is Here To Stay", "Let's Do It", "I Won't Dance", "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm", and "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off". (Vocalists, Jazz) CD
50
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong —
Ella & Louis Again ... LP Verve, Late 50s. Very Good 2LP Gatefold ... Out Of Stock
A really great take on the duo format that Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong forged together during the 50s – a short little side chapter to the careers of both artists, but one that's gone on to become one of the most classic representations of their music! The record follows up their previous collection of duets, but with a slight difference – in that there's some solo tracks by each singer on the record, which changes things up nicely, while still allowing for some of the duo moments that share the charms of both together! Backing is great, too – nicely unified, in that there's a small combo throughout – Oscar Peterson on piano, Herb Ellis on guitar, Ray Brown on bass, and Louis Bellson on drums – providing great accompaniment on titles that include "They All Laughed", "Comes Love", "I Get A Kick Out Of You", "Learnin The Blues", "A Fine Romance", "Love Is Here To Stay", "Let's Do It", "I Won't Dance", "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm", and "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off". (Vocalists, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album
51
Errol Garner —
Lost Recordings – Unreleased Berlin Studio Recording 1967 (180 gram pressing) ... LP Lost Recordings (France), 1967. New Copy Gatefold ... Out Of Stock
A never-heard studio session from the great Erroll Garner – recorded in Berlin in 1967, and with a vibe that's right up there with some of his best 60s material issued in the US! The group has that special kick that Garner would sometimes use in the decade – thanks to bongo work from Jose Mangual, who comes in with a slight Latin flourish on the groovers, next to the bass of Ike Isaacs and drums of Jimmie Smith. But as always, the real sense of rhythm comes from the man himself – as Garner updates older piano modes with a hip, grooving style – really opening up with incredible flourishes on titles that include "Like It Is", "Autumn Leaves", "These Foolish Things", "Misty", "Shadow Of Your Smile", and "Blue Moon". LP, Vinyl record album
52
Stan Getz —
Complete Roost Sessions (3CD set) ... CD Roost/
Essential early work by Stan – a 3 CD collection of his early 50s recordings for the Roost label, either under his own name and group, or with guitarist Johnny Smith. The Smith sides only make up a very small portion of the package – as most of the work are by Getz's quartet or quintet, the groundbreaking assemblage that featured Jimmy Raney on guitar, whose icy clear tone was a perfect counterpart for Getz's sweet breathy work on the tenor. The quality of the material is really great – and the package does a great job of presenting the work freshly, without an overload of alternate takes or tunes you don't want to hear. There's a total of 59 tracks in all – and titles include "Potter's Luck", "Tenderly", "Budo", "Signal", "Fools Rush In", "Lullaby Of Birdland", "It Might As Well Be Spring", "Yvette", "Melody Express", "Split Kick", "Hershey Bar", and "Penny". CD
(Out of print.)
53
Stan Getz —
Stan Getz – The Sound (4CD box set) ... CD Proper (UK), Late 40s/
Tracks include "Lady In Red", "Spllit Kick", "Sweetie Pie", "Stan's Mood", "Indian Summer", "Rubberneck", "Song Is You", and "Moonlight In Vermont" – 88 tracks total. CD
(Box has light wear.)
54
Roger Glenn —
Reachin ... LP Fantasy, 1976. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
A great lost chapter in the Larry Mizell story – a record that's not nearly as well known as Mizell-produced jams for Bobbi Humphrey or Johnny Hammond, but which is every bit as great! Roger Glenn's a funky flute player with a really great groove – California groovy, with just a touch of Latin – served up here with some great Mizell-infused touches – that rolling rhythm on the bottom, soaring instrumentation on the top, and some great Latin elements that are wrapped up warmly in the fusion! There's plenty of great keyboards, too – played both by Larry Mizell, and also by Mark Soskin – a range of Fender Rhodes, Arp, mini-moog, and more – all adding in the right sort of warmth to Roger's flute, and the album's rich array of percussion. Titles include "Kick", "Reachin", "Rio", "Gloria", "Overtime", and "Don't Leave". LP, Vinyl record album
(Original pressing! Back cover has a promo stamp.)
55
Roger Glenn —
Reachin' ... CD Fantasy/
A great lost chapter in the Larry Mizell story – a record that's not nearly as well known as Mizell-produced jams for Bobbi Humphrey or Johnny Hammond, but which is every bit as great! Roger Glenn's a funky flute player with a really great groove – California groovy, with just a touch of Latin – served up here with some great Mizell-infused touches – that rolling rhythm on the bottom, soaring instrumentation on the top, and some great Latin elements that are wrapped up warmly in the fusion! There's plenty of great keyboards, too – played both by Larry Mizell, and also by Mark Soskin – a range of Fender Rhodes, Arp, mini-moog, and more – all adding in the right sort of warmth to Roger's flute, and the album's rich array of percussion. Titles include "Kick", "Reachin", "Rio", "Gloria", "Overtime", and "Don't Leave". CD
56
Benny Golson —
Groovin' With Golson ... CD New Jazz/
A wonderful small combo session from tenorist Benny Golson – one of a few key albums like this from the early years! Although Golson is perhaps best known as a lively arranger in the modern idiom, he's also a kick-ass tenor player when he wants to be – and on this classic, he definitely wants to be! Unlike some of Golson's more tightly arranged records of the early years, this date is a deeply gutsy soul jazz session – support from a group that includes Ray Bryant on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, Art Blakey on drums, and Curtis Fuller on trombone – all sliding into long tracks that have plenty of room for solos! The whole thing's a bit like the more spontaneous side of the Jazz Messengers groove – and titles include "The Stroller", "Drumboogie", "My Blues House", and a beautiful version of "Yesterdays". CD
Also available Groovin' With Golson ... CD 12.9957
New Jazz/
A wonderful small combo session from tenorist Benny Golson – one of a few key albums like this from the early years! Although Golson is perhaps best known as a lively arranger in the modern idiom, he's also a kick-ass tenor player when he wants to be – and on this classic, he definitely wants to be! Unlike some of Golson's more tightly arranged records of the early years, this date is a deeply gutsy soul jazz session – support from a group that includes Ray Bryant on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, Art Blakey on drums, and Curtis Fuller on trombone – all sliding into long tracks that have plenty of room for solos! The whole thing's a bit like the more spontaneous side of the Jazz Messengers groove – and titles include "The Stroller", "Drumboogie", "My Blues House", and a beautiful version of "Yesterdays". CD
(Out of print 1992 OJC pressing.)
58
Bobby Hackett —
Complete Capitol Bobby Hackett Solo Sessions (5CD set) ... CD Capitol/
Lots of great material on here – albums that include Soft Lights & Bobby Hackett, In A Mellow Mood, Rendezvous, Don't Take Your Love From Me, Gotham Jazz Scene, At The Embers, Bobby Hackett Quartet, Easy Beat, Blues With A Kick, and the unusual Hawaii Swings! CD
59
Roland Hanna —
This Must Be Love ... LP Audiophile, 1978. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
A 70s gem from pianist Roland Hanna – a set that's still got all the best lyrical touches of his other music from the decade, but which also has a bit more bite at times too – thanks to strong rhythm work from the team of George Mraz on bass and Ben Riley on drums! Hanna's piano really seems to get an extra added kick from both players – from the funky start of the album, right through the ballads – which even seem to have this slight snap in the rhythms that's a bit unusual for Roland – and nicely welcome here! Titles include "Orange Funk", "The Interloper", "My Romance", and "Thou Swell". LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has light wear, some aging, and a name in pen.)
60
Columbia/
One of the grooviest records we've ever seen from this hip Japanese ensemble – a set that brings some great keyboards to the group's usual horn-heavy sound! There's a wonderful blend of Fender Rhodes and organ on the set – often used as the lead solo instrument over the fuller backings, in a way that's especially nice on the tunes with Rhodes! Tunes are mighty nice, too – a bit funkier than usual for Hara and the gang – and often arranged with a nice kick on the bottom, which seems to further emphasize the keys. Titles include "Nervous Breakdown", "Come Together", "Spinning Wheel", "Bouree", "Breit Kopt", and "Liberation". LP, Vinyl record album
(Special Japan Record Day Release – with obi!)
61
Swaggie (Australia), 1974. Near Mint- ... $11.99
Earl Hines on solo piano performing "You Do Something To Me", "Night & Day", "Rosalie", "I've Got You Under My Skin", "I Get A Kick Out Of You", "What Is This Thing Called Love", and "You'd Be So Easy To Love". LP, Vinyl record album
(In a flip-back cover, with light wear and yellowing from age.)
62
Johnny Hodges —
Sandy's Gone ... LP Verve, 1963. Very Good ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
A set that has the sweet alto sax of Johnny Hodges working with great arrangements from Claus Ogerman – a mode that's a bit more groovy and 60s than some of Johnny's previous work – in a setting that offers up a nice change for his sound! Claus is in fine form here – swinging with the same style as his own instrumental records for RCA in the 60s – echoes of his German roots, especially in the use of bass at the bottom – which gives even some of the gentler tunes a nice kick we're not used to hearing in Johnny Hodges material. Johnny's got a sound that's soulful, yet sweet too – almost pop, but still very strongly rooted in jazz – on titles that include "Again", "Sandy's Gone", "Monkey Shack", "Scarlett O'Hara", "Candy's Theme", and "Follow Me". LP, Vinyl record album
(Mono MGM pressing. Cover has a stained lower corner with wear.)
63
Willis Jackson —
Gator's Groove ... LP Prestige, 1969. Near Mint- ... $26.99
A great lost session from tenorist Willis Jackson – who also plays his gator horn here – right up there with some of his best groovers of the 60s, and recorded with a nice little group of fresh players! The lesser-known organist Jackie Ivory is on the session, and Wild Bill Jennings makes a good reappearance on guitar – sounding leaner than on some of his earlier work, in a great way. Richard Landrum plays conga behind the drums of Jerry Potter, which gives the set a nice kick, and a Gator Groove! Titles include "Brother Ray", "This Is The Way I Feel", "Blue Jays", "Stolen Sweets", and "Long Tall Dexter". LP, Vinyl record album
(Green label pressing.)
64
Gearbox (UK), 1959. New Copy ... $9.99 16.99 About April 15, 2024 (delayed)
Primo work by one of the greatest Brit jazz groups of the 50s – the legendary Jazz Couriers, and their smoking frontline of Tubby Hayes and Ronnie Scott on tenor sax! The pair have a way of coming together that's simply beautiful – not the kind of "battle" you might have gotten from American tenorists a few years before – and instead, a way of collaborating on long-spun, beautifully-blown tracks that really expand under the two voices of the tenors – in ways that other hardbop groups might with just a sax and trumpet. Part of the group's success is their great rhythm section too – Terry Shannon on piano, Jeff Clyne on bass, and Billy Eyden on drums – a trio who really kick things into gear wonderfully on this previously-unissued live date! The material was recorded at a restaurant gig – nice and intimate, but with very good sound – so much so that the record is very much on a par with the group's famous studio sides of the time. Tubby Hayes also plays a bit of vibes on the record – and titles include "For All We Know", "Embers", "Tippin", and "Cherokee/
65
Jazz Soul Seven —
Impressions Of Curtis Mayfield ... CD Varese, 2012. Used ... Out Of Stock
A smoking little set – an album of jazz takes on Curtis Mayfield classics, played by a hip combo that includes a few musicians from Mayfield's old band! The album's a straight jazz effort all the way through – and the interpretations are so soulful and swinging on their own, you might even forget that Curtis provided the inspiration for the tunes – thanks to work from Wallace Roney on trumpet, Ernie Watts on saxes, Phil Upchurch on guitar, Russ Ferrante on piano, Terri Lyne Carrington on drums, and Henry Gibson on congas! The album's one of the last that Gibson ever cut, and his percussion really helps the whole thing find its groove – providing a nice kick to the work of Roney, Watts, and Upchurch over the top. Titles include "Freddie's Dead", "Superfly", "Beautiful Brother Of Mine", "People Get Ready", "Amen", "Gypsy Woman", and "It's All Right". CD
66
Quincy Jones/Qwest/
Great old school sounds from Quincy Jones – the kind of smoking big band album we'd know from his early years on ABC or Mercury Records! The Q's done many great things in the years since those albums – including great work in the soul music and soundtrack fields – but it's great to know he can still turn out a jazz cooker like this when he wants – thanks in part to great help as a co-leader from reedman Sammy Nestico! The horns are totally tight – that great old Quincy way of coming on strong, then letting individual voices break out of the pack – and players include Ernie Watts, Gerald Albright, and Gary Foster on saxes; Oscar Brashear and Wane Bergeron on trumpets; George Bohannon and Bill Watrous on trombones – all great players who really make the record kick. The set also features guest solo work by Hubert Laws on flute, and Kirk Whalum on tenor and soprano sax – and Emil Richards even turns in a bit of vibes, too. Titles include "Grace", "Jelly Roll", "The Joy Of Cookin", "Ya Gotta Try Harder", "Lisett", and "No Time Like The Present". CD
67
Wynton Kelly —
Wynton Kelly (SHMCD pressing) ... CD Vee Jay/
Rock-solid work from Wynton Kelly – a standout trio side from the early 60s, and one of his few dates recorded for Vee Jay Records! Kelly seems to have a bit more kick here than in the 50s – and a bit more of a down to earth quality than on his later sides for Verve – really laying back on the keys of the piano, and getting some great help from a rhythm group that features Jimmy Cobbs on drums, and either Sam Jones or Paul Chambers on bass. The tunes are mostly familiar numbers, but they're offset by a few strong Kelly originals – including "Joe's Avenue" and "Sassy" – amidst other titles that include "Love I've Found You", "Autumn Leaves", "Gone With The Wind", and "Autumn Leaves". CD
68
Leonard King & The Soul Messengers —
Leonard King & The Soul Messengers – Historic Recordings 1964 to 1971 ... CD Uuquipleu, Late 60s/
Very cool work from Leonard King & The Soul Messengers – a Detroit combo who really kick things up here with some great work from the clubs and a few rare studio recordings as well! King's a drummer, and gives the group a mighty solid sound from the start – and the whole group are equally comfortable in a soul instrumental mode as they are when letting loose with jazzier solos – a bit like the Jazz Crusaders on the LA scene of the mid 60s, but even groovier overall! Instrumentation shifts a bit throughout – depending on the lineups – and includes alto from Gregory King, cornet from Atiba King, trumpet from Jimmy Nash, and organ, electric harpsichord, and piano from George Roundtree. The range of material varies in a really great way – showing not just an evolution of King and his combo, but also the changing tastes of the Detroit scene at the end of the 60s – and there's also a few soul vocal numbers mixed in with the jazz instrumentals. Titles include "Delen 1967", "Voice Your Choice", "The Barracuda", "I've Been Saved", "Lily The Fox", "Cold Sweat", "Psychedelic Pi", "Bumpy's Lament", "Hang Up", "Spinning Around/
69
King Cole Trio (Nat King Cole) —
Instrumental Classics ... LP Capitol, Late 40s. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
Nice Capitol album from the 50s, one that compiles instrumental sides by Nat King Cole and his tight little LA combo that forever changed the face of jazz and R&B. It's nice to hear Nat only on piano here – and backing by the great Oscar Moore on guitar is really a treat! Titles include "Rhumba Azul", "Prelude In C Sharp Minor", "Laugh! Cool Clown", "This Way Out", "Bop Kick", and "Easy Listenin' Blues". LP, Vinyl record album
70
Gene Krupa —
Gene Krupa Plays Gerry Mulligan Arrangements ... CD Verve, 1958. Used ... Out Of Stock
Gene Krupa and Gerry Mulligan – hardly a pairing that we would have thought of – but one that works surprisingly well here, and which showcases Mulligan's increasing fascination for larger group settings! The album features Gene on drums with a set of players that include Kai Winding, Urbie Green, Phil Woods, Hank Jones, and Barry Galbraith – but the real star of the set is Gerry, who's not playing here, but conducting the larger group of jazz players through charts that are all his own, and which display the same love of fluid ensemble horn parts that he used in his own smaller combo work. There's a lot more brass in the mix than you'd usually get from Gerry – which gives the album a bit more of a Krupa kick – and Gene also gets some nice space to show himself on drums. Titles include "Yardbird Suite", "Margie", "Bird House", "The Way Of All Flesh", "Disk Jockey Jump", "Birds Of A Feather", and "Mulligan Stew". CD
Also available Gene Krupa Plays Gerry Mulligan Arrangements ... LP 9.9971
Verve, 1958. Near Mint- ... $9.99 14.99
Gene Krupa and Gerry Mulligan – hardly a pairing that we would have thought of – but one that works surprisingly well here, and which showcases Mulligan's increasing fascination for larger group settings! The album features Gene on drums with a set of players that include Kai Winding, Urbie Green, Phil Woods, Hank Jones, and Barry Galbraith – but the real star of the set is Gerry, who's not playing here, but conducting the larger group of jazz players through charts that are all his own, and which display the same love of fluid ensemble horn parts that he used in his own smaller combo work. There's a lot more brass in the mix than you'd usually get from Gerry – which gives the album a bit more of a Krupa kick – and Gene also gets some nice space to show himself on drums. Titles include "Yardbird Suite", "Margie", "Bird House", "The Way Of All Flesh", "Disk Jockey Jump", "Birds Of A Feather", and "Mulligan Stew". LP, Vinyl record album
(MGM stereo pressing. Cover has light wear.)
72
Ramsey Lewis —
Back To The Roots ... LP Cadet, 1971. Near Mint- Gatefold ... Out Of Stock
One of Ramsey's excellent funky piano records for Cadet – featuring his second trio with Cleveland Eaton on bass and Morris Jennings on drums, and a sound that's nicely expanded from the mid 60s hit years. Charles Stepney plays a bit of organ on the album, and Henry Gibson gives the group a nice kick on on congas and percussion – and there's a couple of excellent cuts with a good hard funk sound. Titles include "Back To The Roots", "Crescent Noon", "Up In Yonder", and "Love Now On". LP, Vinyl record album
73
Victor Lewis —
EEEYYESS! ... CD Enja (Germany), 1996. Used ... Out Of Stock
A fantastic set as a leader from drummer Victor Lewis – and one that really takes off with some of that energy he'd explored while working with Bobby Watson a few years before! There's a vibe here that's great – positive, upbeat energy – that new sense of optimism that seemed to come from the American jazz scene in the 80s, as new doors were opened and new horizons broadened – and Lewis harnesses all that great spirit as he works here in an excellent group that includes Seamus Blake on tenor and soprano sax, Stephen Scott on piano, and Terell Stafford on trumpet! Don Alias adds percussion to a number of tracks – giving things a sweet extra kick – and titles include "Vulnerability", "Un-Til", "Alter Ego", "Buttercups", "Shakehandre", and "Here's To You Babe". CD
74
Terasima/
A really sprightly piano set from Kirk Lightsey – one that's maybe got even more kick than some of his classic work from years back! The pianist works here with Steve Watts on bass and Dave Wickins on drums and percussion – and the tunes are all nice and long, and really stretch out with plenty of space that lets Kirk show off that special side of his style – his way of being both warmly lyrical and more soulfully introspective at the same time, with a sense of color and phrasing that really leaves us breathless throughout! The set features some guest work from Lee Goodall on soprano and flute – and titles include "Golden Legacy", "Punjab", "Estate", "Escapade", "Fresh Air", and "Vappallia". LP, Vinyl record album
(Great Japanese pressing – heavy cover and vinyl!)
75
Johnny Lytle —
Done It Again ... LP Pacific Jazz, Late 60s. Near Mint- Gatefold ... Out Of Stock
Very very very groovy stuff by this masterful jazz vibist, recorded with a sort of late 60s swingin' feel – but still very much in the pocket and warm as a summer breeze! Lytle has a pretty remarkable way of playing the vibes with speed and energy, yet the overall feel still has kind of a relaxed West Coast vibe – a beautiful blend that rivals, if not beats, the sound of Cal Tjader on late 60s Verve! Jimmy Foster grooves along on organ, and the interplay with Lytle is key to the classic sound – but the whole group is great here – Major Holley on bass, Peppy Hinant on drums and Don Alias on conga, which brings in plenty of Latin kick. 6 of the 10 numbers are Lytle originals, including "Done It Again", "Sleepy Dozier", "Zote", "Jungle Child" and "Happy Preacher" – plus "If Ever I Should Leave You", "People" and "The Nearness Of You". LP, Vinyl record album
76
Johnny Lytle —
Done It Again (LP sleeve edition) ... CD Pacific Jazz/
Very very very groovy stuff by this masterful jazz vibist, recorded with a sort of late 60s swingin' feel – but still very much in the pocket and warm as a summer breeze! Lytle has a pretty remarkable way of playing the vibes with speed and energy, yet the overall feel still has kind of a relaxed West Coast vibe – a beautiful blend that rivals, if not beats, the sound of Cal Tjader on late 60s Verve! Jimmy Foster grooves along on organ, and the interplay with Lytle is key to the classic sound – but the whole group is great here – Major Holley on bass, Peppy Hinant on drums and Don Alias on conga, which brings in plenty of Latin kick. 6 of the 10 numbers are Lytle originals, including "Done It Again", "Sleepy Dozier", "Zote", "Jungle Child" and "Happy Preacher" – plus "If Ever I Should Leave You", "People" and "The Nearness Of You". CD
77
Carmen McRae —
Woman Talk – Live At The Village Gate ... LP Mainstream, Mid 60s. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
A rock-solid swinger from the great Carmen McRae – working here in a live setting with a very cool combo! The group's more than just a trio – although it is grounded by excellent piano work from Norman Simmons – and the record features nice use of flute from Ray Bernstein, guitar from Joe Puma, and bongos from Jose Mangual – all of whom bring some additional instrumental flourishes that work perfectly with that amazing range that McRae was exploring in the 60s – a way of moving past some of the more traditional (but still great) recordings of the late 50s, to find a voice in her style that's almost conversational at times, and extremely powerful without ever overstating itself. The subtlety of Carmen's genius is something that still blows us away after all these years – and it definitely comes through here, on titles that include "Woman Talk", "Kick Off Your Shoes", "Run Run Run", "Look At That Face", "Feelin Good", and "The Sweetest Sounds". (Vocalists, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album
78
All Art/
Japanese jazz vocalist Junko Mine made a great trip to LA for this album – working here under the leadership of pianist Lou Levy, with a group that includes some of the best west coast jazz players of the 50s! At the time, American labels were often ignoring the talent that was still flourishing strongly in the city of angels – and it was up to Japanese labels like this to give them a chance to shine on record – which they do wonderfully, in a group that features Levy on piano, Bill Perkins on tenor and flute, Conte Candoli on trumpet, Red Mitchell on bass, and Mundell Lowe on drums. Junko handles vocals, but also knows when to step aside for an instrumentalist to solo – and titles include "Easy To Love", "You're The Top", "I Concentrate On You", "In The Still Of The Night", "You Do Something To Me", and "I Get A Kick Out Of You". (Vocalists, Jazz) CD
79
Columbia, 1973. Used 2 CDs ... $4.99
Mingus live is always a treat – especially in these later years, when the fire seemed to go out of most of his studio recordings. Live, though, he always managed to kick it hard - with the sort of emotion that graced his strong early albums. And despite the fact that this one's conducted by Teo Macero, and features some remarks from Bill Cosby – the affair's still pretty hip, and the soloists go to town nicely – with those stretched-out performances that always made for the best individual moments in a Mingus record! The record features great work from Gene Ammons and Bobby Jones on tenor, Lee Konitz and Charles McPherson on alto, James Moody on flute, Randy Weston on piano, Lonnie Hillyer on trumpet, and Eddie Bert on trombone – and Honey Gordon sings a lovely vocal on the track "Eclipse". Other titles include "Jump Monk", "Us Is Two", "ESP", and "Ecclusiastics". CD
(Out of print.)
80
Charles Mingus —
Charles Mingus & Friends In Concert ... LP Columbia, 1973. Very Good+ 2LP Gatefold ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
Mingus live is always a treat – especially in these later years, when the fire seemed to go out of most of his studio recordings. Live, though, he always managed to kick it hard - with the sort of emotion that graced his strong early albums. And despite the fact that this one's conducted by Teo Macero, and features some remarks from Bill Cosby – the affair's still pretty hip, and the soloists go to town nicely – with those stretched-out performances that always made for the best individual moments in a Mingus record! The record features great work from Gene Ammons and Bobby Jones on tenor, Lee Konitz and Charles McPherson on alto, James Moody on flute, Randy Weston on piano, Lonnie Hillyer on trumpet, and Eddie Bert on trombone – and Honey Gordon sings a lovely vocal on the track "Eclipse". Other titles include "Jump Monk", "Us Is Two", "ESP", and "Ecclusiastics". LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Charles Mingus & Friends In Concert ... CD 4.99(Cover has light wear and a bit of pen.)
81
Blue Mitchell —
Heads Up ... LP Blue Note, 1968. Very Good ... Out Of Stock
One of the first albums to feature the trumpet of Blue Mitchell in a larger group – a really great move that let his soulful horn really come to the lead! Blue sounds wonderful here – soaring out in front of larger charts from Duke Pearson, Jimmy Heath, Don Pickett, and Melba Liston – all talents who start to bring in a bit of funk to Mitchell's music – which Blue responds to with a mighty nice kick! The group also features Pepper Adams on baritone, Jerry Dodgion on alto, Julian Preister on trombone, and Junior Cook on tenor – and titles include "Heads Up Feet Down", "Togetherness", "Good Humor Man", "Len Sirrah", and "People in Nassau". LP, Vinyl record album
82
Blue Mitchell —
Heads Up! (with bonus tracks) ... CD Blue Note (Japan), 1967. Used ... Out Of Stock
One of the first albums to feature the trumpet of Blue Mitchell in a larger group – a really great move that let his soulful horn really come to the lead! Blue sounds wonderful here – soaring out in front of larger charts from Duke Pearson, Jimmy Heath, Don Pickett, and Melba Liston – all talents who start to bring in a bit of funk to Mitchell's music – which Blue responds to with a mighty nice kick! The group also features Pepper Adams on baritone, Jerry Dodgion on alto, Julian Preister on trombone, and Junior Cook on tenor – and titles include "Heads Up Feet Down", "Togetherness", "Good Humor Man", "Len Sirrah", and "People in Nassau". CD features bonus alternate takes of "Togetherness" and "Good Humor Man". CD
(2014 Japanese SHM-CD pressing, includes obi.)
83
Modern Jazz Quartet —
Under The Jasmine Tree ... LP Apple, 1968. Very Good+ Gatefold ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
A nice one! The MJQ record for the Beatles' label, and the record's one of their most interesting in years! The production's pretty straight, but the group's playing in a cool open-ended style that still has elements of their earlier work, but which really makes things a lot more interesting than some of the Atlantic recordings. Milt Jackson's vibes have a bit more of a bell-like quality on some parts, and the rhythm team of Percy Heath and Connie Kay kick it with a soul jazz vibe on a few numbers – a nice change from the sleepier rhythms of earlier albums. Titles include "The Blue Necklace", "Exposure", "Jasmine Tree", and "Three Little Feelings". LP, Vinyl record album
(Apple stereo pressing. Cover has surface wear and a stain.)
84
Wes Montgomery —
So Much Guitar! ... LP Riverside, 1961. Near Mint- ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
So much guitar – but never too much, given that Wes was the real master of sound and space, even at this early point in his career! The album's one that tries to break Montgomery from some of his smaller combo albums for Riverside, and pair him with a few bigger names – Hank Jones on piano, Ron Carter on bass, Lex Humphries on drums, and Ray Barretto on congas – who gives the album that bottom "kick" sort of groove that was used often on soul jazz sessions from the time. The tune's lope around leanly and cleanly, giving plenty of focus on Wes' work on guitar – and titles include "Twisted Blues", "Repetition", "Somethin' Like Bags", and "While We're Young", which is a solo track by Wes. LP, Vinyl record album
(70s Japanese stereo pressing – SMJ-6100. Includes insert.)
85
Columbia, 1962. Very Good+ ... $7.99
A pretty great little album – and very different than Gerry Mulligan's regular sides from the time! The session was originally produced as part of the sessions for the short-lived Jazztime label in the early 60s – and was produced by Dave Bailey with a soulful undercurrent that's quite similar to his own sessions from the period. Gerry's really shaking free of the "cool" cliches for the record – working with a deeply grooving rhythm section that includes Bailey on drums, Ben Tucker on bass, and Tommy Flanagan on piano – making a key return of piano to a Gerry Mulligan session! Alec Dorsey's also in the group on conga – adding a nice little extra kick to a few of the best tunes on the set – and Gerry himself is playing baritone with a style that's as fluid as on his freer-floating 50s recordings, but which also hits more of a rolling sort of tenor groove! Titles include "Get Out Of Town", "Blue Boy", "Capricious", "Here I'll Stay", and "Inside Impromptu". LP, Vinyl record album
(70s red label CSP pressing. Cover has some ringwear, edge wear, and some flaking in back at the opening.)
86
Toshiba/
A great piano trio set from the start of the 60s – performed by a Japanese player we know little about! Hachidai Nakamura isn't a name that we remember from many other records, but on this beautifully-titled record he steps forth with a command of the keys that's really wonderful – a sound that's got a mix of soulfulness and sensitivity that reminds us a fair bit of Red Garland on Prestige, but which also seems to get a bit more kick here from the bolder lines of Hachiro Kurita on bass and Jimmy Takeuchi on drums. Titles are all in Japanese, but most seem to be originals – and Hachidai's got a sharp-edged way of stating his intentions on the tunes, then leaping into the groove with a freer sort of solo. CD presents the original album, beautifully remastered – with stereo and mono takes of all titles! LP, Vinyl record album
87
Fats Navarro —
Fats Navarro Memorial Album ... CD Savoy, 1946/
One of the few full albums ever issued under the name of trumpeter Fats Navarro – and like most of them, a posthumous collection of material cut before his untimely early death! The set's a memorial of sorts, and it compiles some important sides from the mid 40s, recorded for Savoy – material that really helped set the stage for bop at the time, even though most folks were still just finding a name for the form. There's some really standout elements here – like a handful of tracks that feature sparkling arrangements from Gil Fuller, with Sonny Stitt on alto and Morris Lane on tenor – on titles that include "Boppin A Riff (parts 1 & 2)", "Fat Boy (parts 1 & 2)", and "Webb City (parts 1 & 2)". The moody singer Kay Penton makes an appearance on a few other great cuts – "Bebop Carroll", "Gone With The Wind", "The Tadd Walk", and "That Someone Must Be You". And other numbers feature Kenny Dorham on trumpet and Sonny Stitt on alto – on titles that include "Good Kick" and "Serenade To A Square". CD
88
Fats Navarro —
Fats Navarro Memorial Album ... CD Savoy/
One of the few full albums ever issued under the name of trumpeter Fats Navarro – and like most of them, a posthumous collection of material cut before his untimely early death! The set's a memorial of sorts, and it compiles some important sides from the mid 40s, recorded for Savoy – material that really helped set the stage for bop at the time, even though most folks were still just finding a name for the form. There's some really standout elements here – like a handful of tracks that feature sparkling arrangements from Gil Fuller, with Sonny Stitt on alto and Morris Lane on tenor – on titles that include "Boppin A Riff (parts 1 & 2)", "Fat Boy (parts 1 & 2)", and "Webb City (parts 1 & 2)". The moody singer Kay Penton makes an appearance on a few other great cuts – "Bebop Carroll", "Gone With The Wind", "The Tadd Walk", and "That Someone Must Be You". And other numbers feature Kenny Dorham on trumpet and Sonny Stitt on alto – on titles that include "Good Kick" and "Serenade To A Square". CD
89
Red Norvo —
Move! ... LP Savoy, Mid 50s. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
Great 50s material from Red Norvo – recorded with Tal Farlow on guitar and Charles Mingus on bass! The drum-less combination of vibes, guitar, and bass makes for an almost-exotic approach – one that rings out with some new moods and tones on tracks that are old standards – in a manner that really helps us understand why folks from the old days think Norvo's so great! Titles include "Godchild", "September Song", "Swedish Pastry", "I'll Remember April", "I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me", "Cheek To Cheek", "This Can't Be Love", "I Get A Kick Out Of You" and "Move". LP, Vinyl record album
(Later maroon label pressing in a black & white cover.)
90
Charlie Parker —
Bird – The Complete Charlie Parker On Verve (10 CD set) ... CD Verve, Late 40s/
A jazz treasure chest – an extraordinary bounty of Bird on Verve! You get absolutely everything here, master takes, alternate takes, loads of previously unissued material, rehearsals, incomplete takes, you get it all! Sidemen include Benny Carter, Kenny Clarke, Miles Davis, Roy Eldridge, Gil Evans, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Coleman Hawkins, Johnny Hodges, John Lewis, Machito, Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk, Buddy Rich, Max Roach, Ben Webster and Lester Young. There's 177 (!!) tracks in all, so we can't list all the titles here, but some of them include "Blues For Norman", "The Bird", "Repetition", "No Noise", "Okiedoke", "The Opener", "Lester Leaps In", "Flyin' Home", "Perdido", "Everything Happens To Me", "April In Paris", "Summertime", "I Didn't Know What Time It Was", "Bloomdido", "Mohawk", "My Melancholy Baby", "Leapfrog", "East Of The Sun", "I'll Remember April", "Au Privave", "KC Blues", "Swedish Schnapps", "Estrellita", "Funky Blues", "Jam Blues", "I Get A Kick Out Of You", and "Love For Sale". CD
(Out of print.)
91
Charlie Parker —
Verve Years 1952 to 1954 ... LP Verve, Early 50s. Very Good+ 2LP Gatefold ... Out Of Stock
Part 3 of a series of double LPs issued by Verve in the late 70s compiling his classic recordings for Verve under the direction of Norman Granz. Loads of landmark bop performances are documented here, and the groups include smaller quintets and quartets, as well as some medium sized groups and big band recordings, with sidemen that include Max Roach, Percy Heath, Teddy Kotick, Walter Bishop and others. 30 tracks in all, including "Autumn In New York", "Stella By Starlight", "Begin The Beguine", "Night & Day", "I Can't Get Started", "Old Folks", "I Remember You", "Now's The Time", "I Get A Kick Out Of You", "Love For Sale" and "I Love Paris". LP, Vinyl record album
(A nice copy.)
92
Don Patterson with Booker Ervin & Sonny Stitt —
Patterson's People ... LP Prestige, 1965. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
A great groover from organist Don Patterson – cut in a trio format, with an open-ended style that lets the players kick back and play, in the sort of free and easy setting you'd hear in a hip small club. Patterson's organ is backed by his usual drummer Billy James, and 4 of the album's 5 tracks feature tenor work, either by Booker Ervin or Sonny Stitt. The last track, "Theme For Dee", is a spare mellow ballad that features mostly just organ by Patterson, with some subtle drum fills by James. The other tracks groove a bit harder, and include "Love Me With All Your Heart", "42639", and "Sentimental Journey". LP, Vinyl record album
(Blue label pressing with Van Gelder stamp. Back cover has an ink promo stamp.)
93
Lonnie Plaxico Group —
Live At Jazz Standard ... CD 441, 2004. Used ... Out Of Stock
A surprisingly heavy-duty set from bassist Lonnie Plaxico – featuring a few tunes that get nice and funky, next to others that open up in a sweetly soulful mode! The drummer on the set – Lionel Cardew – has a nice kick on the kit on the more upbeat numbers, giving the group a full-on feel that really sets the stage for plenty of action. And on the mellower numbers, Plaxico's taking on more of the rhythms – curving the tunes with his warm tones on the bass, and bringing out some nice work from trumpeter Alexander Norris and tenor saxophonist Marcus Strickland. Titles include "A Shorter Take", "Jumping Jacks", "Cachao's Dance", "Senor Silver", and "Along Came Benny". CD
94
Philips (Japan), 1961. Used ... $18.99
An excellent live set from Dutch vocalist Rita Reys – one of the coolest voices on the continent during the postwar years, and equally well-skilled at singing in English as her American contemporaries! The backing on the set is by the Pim Jacobs trio, with a guest appearance by Kenny Clarke on drums – and the titles are a strong mix of jazz numbers and standards – all done with a lightly dancing quality that's really great. Reys was easily one of the best European singers to pick up on American jazz modes at the time – and this album's a perfect example of the strength of her talents! Titles include "Speak Low", "What's New", "I Remember Clifford", "Poor Butterfly", "Autumn Leaves", and "I Get A Kick Out Of You". (Vocalists, Jazz) CD
(Includes obi!)
95
Max Roach & Clifford Brown —
Best Of Max Roach & Clifford Brown In Concert ... CD GNP (Japan), 1954. Used ... Out Of Stock
It's hard to overstate the influence of Max Roach and Clifford Brown on the west coast scene of the 50s – as the two players helped draw out the bop sound of LA that was quickly getting lost in the cool jazz shuffle of the time, and gave it a strength and focus that not only made the group one of the strongest of the time, but which also sparked new life and a hardbop generation on the LA scene! This classic set of live recordings was one of the first great Brown/
(Includes obi. Booklet has light aging.)
96
Max Roach & Clifford Brown —
Daahoud ... LP Mainstream, 1956. Very Good+ Gatefold ... Out Of Stock
Previously unreleased work from the legendary group of Clifford Brown and Max Roach – recorded back in the 50s, when Mainstream producer Bob Shad was working on the Brown/
(Original 70s mono issue. Cover has discoloration from age and some wear.)
97
Max Roach & Clifford Brown —
Daahoud (Original Master Recording) ... CD Mainstream/
Previously unreleased work from the legendary group of Clifford Brown and Max Roach – recorded back in the 50s, when Mainstream producer Bob Shad was working on the Brown/
(Out of print, please note that the booklet has ages spots and is priced accordingly.)
98
Lalo Schifrin —
Dissection & Reconstruction Of Music – Marquis De Sade ... LP Verve, 1966. Very Good+ Gatefold ... Out Of Stock
The Marquis De Sade never sounded so sweet! For some strange reason, Schifrin decided to pay a musical hommage to De Sade with this one – but fortunately, he's not punishing himself with the subject matter at all, and is sticking to his jazzy bossa guns. The arrangements have a tight Verve mid 60s groove to them – with breakout solos on piano and flute, slightly baroque scoring that mixes strings, harpsichord, and some straighter jazz playing, and a good focus on strong rhythm playing throught. A breezy treat that would make any of us drop a paddle and kick back for a cocktail – if we had the chance! Titles include "Bossa Antique", "The Wig", "Old Laces", "Beneath A Weeping Willow Shade", "Renaissance", and "Troubadour". LP, Vinyl record album
99
Al Serafini —
Sir Albert ... LP Audio Fidelity, 1969. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
A groovy batch of Varitone sax tracks – featuring Al Serafini on the electric sax, with backings arranged by Tom Baker and Chuck Curtis in a mod late 60s kind of groove! Some of the best numbers have a strong electric bass at the bottom – rolling around with a nice kick to the drums. Titles include "Sir Albert", "Lil Rosey", "Hey Soul Man", and "Charade". Plus, the original tunes on the album are written by Lou Ragland – who we assume is the same Ragland of Hot Chocolate fame, given that Al's from Cleveland! LP, Vinyl record album
100
Frank Sinatra & Count Basie —
It Might As Well Be Swing ... CD Reprise, Early 60s. Used ... Out Of Stock
One of Sinatra's greatest records ever – pure genius all the way through! Frank's backed here by the orchestra of Count Basie, with some incredible arrangements by Quincy Jones that really have a jazzy, syncopated kick to them. The move seems to be an unintentional way of covering for Frank's slightly failing pipes – but it also picks up on a seminal beat change in 60s pop, the same sort of gentle snapping groove that you'd find in the best work by Bacharach, a shift that really infuses Frank's vocals with a whole new sound, one that shows that he's ready to keep on growing and growing after being stuck in a Nelson Riddle rut. All tracks are superb – hip 60s pop and showtunes, like "I Believe In You", "Fly Me To the Moon", "More", "The Good Life", "Wives & Lovers", and "I Wanna Be Around". (Vocalists, Jazz) CD
Also available It Might As Well Be Swing (7 inch jukebox ep) ... 7-inch 1.99
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