Steve Lacy's legendary Argentinean recording – one of his boldest moments of the early years, and the start of a long history of superb work away from the American scene! The group here is quite unusual – as players include Enrico Rava on trumpet, Johnny Dyani on bass, and Louis Moholo on drums – one budding European improviser, and two key members of the Blue Notes – who'd left South Africa for the UK by the time of this release. The live performance features only two long tracks – "Forest" and "Zoo" – both played with a sense of freedom not heard before in Lacy's music, at a level that really points the way towards his explosive presence in the French and Italian scenes in years to come! CD

A pivotal recording from Japanese trumpeter Terumasa Hino – done in a crackling electric mode that's a real departure from his earlier work! Terumasa's probably gotten a bit of inspiration here from Bitches Brew (as you might guess from one of the titles, "Like Miles") – but the overall sound of the record is a lot farther reaching – with soaring spiritual tracks that take off with a lot more freedom than late 60s Miles. There's a definite fusion vibe going on here, and the group features electric piano, electric bass, and some hard tenor work by Takeru Muraoka that works with the electric side almost in a Joe Henderson mode. Titles include "Like Miles", "Electric Zoo", "Dupe", and "Hi-Nology". LP, Vinyl record album

Three beautiful ECM albums from pianist Steve Kuhn – each quite different and wonderful in their own way! First up is Motility, a spacious set done with Steve Slagle on alto, soprano sax, and flute – soaring out alongside Kuhn's warmly flowing acoustic piano lines with a great sense of soul – all the lyrical depth and power that we love so much in Steve Kuhn's music during these key years. Other group members include Harvie Swartz on bass and Michael Smith on drums – and at times, the group almost has the well-honed tightness of a fusion group, but plays with an acoustic soul that's even more beautiful. Titles include "The Rain Forest", "Oceans In The Sky", "Catherine", "The Child Is Gone", and "A Danse For One". Next up is Playground, one of Steve Kuhn's amazing collaborations with vocalist Sheila Jordan! Although Kuhn's a pianist at heart, he always seems to have an ear for singers – especially at this time in his career, when both his playing and his compositions gave such new inspiration to a 70s decade of vocal experimentalists. Jordan's definitely at the forefront of that generation, and works here beautifully with Kuhn's piano – in a group that also includes Harvie Swartz on bass and Bob Moses on drums. Most tunes are relatively spare, and build up with a great sort of sensitivity – and titles include "Deep Tango", "The Zoo", "Life's Backward Glance", and "Gentle Thoughts". Last up is Ecstasy, a solo set from Kuhn – recorded in the mid 70s, with an even more careful, thoughtful tone than some of his other albums of the decade! Steve's piano is captured in a warmly intimate setting – somewhat echoey at points, and spinning out with these captivating lines and tones that hold us more hypnotically than other albums of this nature. Titles include "Thoughts Of A Gentleman – The Saga Of Harrison Crabfeathers", "Ulla", "Silver", and "Life's Backward Glance". CD

An incredibly inventive album from pianist Steve Kuhn – one that takes his earlier modern style, and fuses it with a warmer sort mode for the 70s! The approach is quite unique – in that Kuhn's core trio style is augmented both by additional percussion from Airto, plus occasional string quartet backing – for a sound that's fresh and different on each new tune! Some tracks feature Fender Rhodes, but most are acoustic – and Steve even sings a bit at one point, showing his newly discovered talent for penning a creative lyric. Our favorites are the groovers "The Baby (aka Saharan)" and "Time To Go (aka Tomorrow's Son)" – and the album also features a great version of "Pearlie's Swine (aka The Zoo)". Other tracks include "The Drinking Song", "The Meaning Of Love", and "Silver". LP, Vinyl record album

A really landmark album from the Japanese scene at the start of the 70s – one of the key records in which musicians like Takeru Muraoka were helping to discover something new and unique – a fantastic hybrid of modal jazz, freer solo moments, and some nice electric touches on keyboards – thanks to bold work from the great Masabumi Kikuchi! Kikuchi plays a Rhodes with a hard tone that's very edgey – nicely blocked out amidst equally bold rhythms from Yoshi Ikeda on bass and George Otsuka on drums – essential part of the fantastic quartet that really lets Muraoka stretch out and soar with very inventive lines on tenor! All tracks are nice and long, and as brilliant today as when they were recorded – with titles that include "Snoopy", "Electric Zoo", "Fish", and "Desperation". CD

Late 60s greatness from Pepper Adams – an overlooked session that's easily one of his most standout sides of the decade! There's an easygoing swing to the record that's simply wonderful – a well-blown sound that's never too overthought or academic – just pure proof of the sort of inroads that Pepper Adams made with the baritone sax back in the 50s, as he liberated the instrument from its work in the chorus to a fully-voiced solo instrument of its own! The other players certainly help contribute to the magic of the date – and in addition to a rhythm section that includes Tommy Flanagan on piano, Ron Carter on bass, and Elvin Jones on drums, the set also features Zoot Sims on tenor, blowing with a tone that's almost as deep as Adams! Titles include "Cindy's Tune", "I've Just Seen Her", "Serenity", "Inanout", "Punjab", "Elusive", and "Verdandi". CD

A great large group project from arranger Manny Albam – one that teams him up with "jazz greats" of the east coast scene. Manny's working here with a set of players who are well-chosen for their ability to work strongly in an ensemble, yet also break out with strong solo work when the moment comes – and the lineup includes Gerry Mulligan, Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, Phil Woods, Bob Brookmeyer, and Art Farmer – with rhythm by the trio of Hank Jones, Milt Hinton, and Osie Johnson. CD

A big overview of early work cut by Chet Baker's legendary quartet with pianist Russ Freeman – most of it from the group's initial time in the studio in 1953, but also featuring a handful of later sides from 1955, as well as some trio material by Russ on his own! The main Baker Quartet material here is presented in chronological order, and features some alternate LP and single versions of a few tunes, as well as alternate vocal and instrumental versions as well. Baker/Freeman titles include "Isn't It Romantic", "The Lamp Is Low", "Maid In Mexico", "Russ Job", "Happy Little Sunbeam", "Moon Love", "Band Aid", "Bea's Flat", "I Fall In Love Too Easily", "Winter Wonderland", "No Ties", "Batter Up", and "The Thrill Is Gone". Freeman Trio material includes "Don't Worry About Me", "Bock's Top", "At Last", and "Backfield In Motion". Then later tracks include "The Wind", "Trickleydidlier", and "I'm Through With Love" by a group with Zoot Sims & Bud Shank – plus live versions of "Stella By Starlight", "Walkin", and "Night In Tunisia". 42 tracks in all! CD

An all-star jam session from Montreux in 1973 – recorded in true Verve style by the great Norman Granz, Count Basie at the head of a group that includes Louie Bellson, Ray Brown, JJ Johnson, Harry Edison, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, and Zoot Sims! Tracks are nice lengthy rakes of Basie classics, with plenty of solo space – a bit tighter than a more traditional jam session, probably because the players get along so well together! 5 numbers in all, including "Doubling The Blues", "Hanging Out", "Red Bank Blues", "One-Nighter" and "Freeport Blues". LP, Vinyl record album

With Roy Eldridge on trumpet, Benny Carter on alto, Zoot Sims on tenor, Vic Dickenson and Al Grey on trombone, Ray Brown on bass, and Jimmie Smith on drums. LP, Vinyl record album

An unusual pairing, and recorded with a small group too, with John Heard and Louis Bellson – and Basie plays a bit of organ! CD

An unusual pairing, and recorded with a small group too – and Basie plays a bit of organ! CD

An unusual pairing, and recorded with a small group too, with John Heard and Louis Bellson – and Basie plays a bit of organ! LP, Vinyl record album

One of those excellent small group sessions that drummer Louis Bellson cut for Verve in the 50s – with a group that includes Zoot Sims on tenor and Charlie Shavers on trumpet! Titles include "Charlie's Blues", "I'll Remember April", "Concerto For Drums", "Buffalo Joe", and "Basically Speaking Duvivier That Is". LP, Vinyl record album

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

Even at an early age, Anthony Braxton was already experimenting with new forms of jazz composition – and this 1968 debut as a leader is filled with the imaginative approaches to music that would make him a key shaper of jazz in the next decade! The tracks here are all quite long, and although free-sounding, still have an intrisic logic dictated by Braxton's compositional ideals – played by himself on alto, soprano sax, clarinet, flute, and a variety of other instruments – in a quartet that features Leo Smith on trumpet and mellophone, Muhal Richard Abrams on piano and cello, and Leroy Jenkins on violin and viola. In true AACM fashion, all players pick up other instruments as the tunes roll on – percussion bits, kazoo, slide whistle, bells, and more – almost more Art Ensemble-like than some of Braxton's more tightly-controlled environments on later records. Titles include two pieces titled in Braxton's equation-like style – plus "The Bell". CD

Even at an early age, Anthony Braxton was already experimenting with new forms of jazz composition – and this 1968 debut as a leader is filled with the imaginative approaches to music that would make him a key shaper of jazz in the next decade! The tracks here are all quite long, and although free-sounding, still have an intrisic logic dictated by Braxton's compositional ideals – played by himself on alto, soprano sax, clarinet, flute, and a variety of other instruments – in a quartet that features Leo Smith on trumpet and mellophone, Muhal Richard Abrams on piano and cello, and Leroy Jenkins on violin and viola. In true AACM fashion, all players pick up other instruments as the tunes roll on – percussion bits, kazoo, slide whistle, bells, and more – almost more Art Ensemble-like than some of Braxton's more tightly-controlled environments on later records. Titles include two pieces titled in Braxton's equation-like style – plus "The Bell". CD

An incredible collection of work from Bob Brookmeyer – tracing the development of his sound in the 50s through a variety of different settings! The package begins with material from an original 10" LP session in 1954 – featuring Brookmeyer on trombone with backing by the John Williams trio. The set then expands to feature tracks recorded by Brookmeyer, Jim Hall, and Jimmy Giuffre as material that was originally issued on the album Traditionalism Revisited, but which also features tracks from that session that came out on other more obscure sources, including a Playboy jazz album and a Brookmeyer LP on Crown. The set then follows with a beautiful guitar/trombone session that features Jim Hall, Jimy Raney, and Brookmeyer – originally issued as The Street Swingers. Next up is material from a bluesy 1958 set, recorded with vocalist Big Miller, as well as Paul Quinichette, Al Cohn, and Jim Hall – for the album Kansas City Revisited. The set's completed by material from the beautiful UA album Stretching Out – which featured Zoot Sims, Harry Edison, and Al Cohn – and the whole thing's packaged with a great booklet that gives notes on the material. 37 tracks in all – in a limited, numbered set! CD

A wonderful small combo set from this unusual team – put together in ways that are somewhere between the Bob Brookmeyer/Stan Getz pairings of the early 50s, and some of Zoot Sims' work for the Dawn label! Zoot's horn is maybe a bit sharper, and bolder than on his Dawn sides, though – that quality that really made him a favorite with hip listeners of the 50s, and which maybe even beats some of the Stan Getz work of the period – matched by Brookmeyer's impeccable work on valve trombone, which is more straightforward and swinging here than usual! The group also features Hank Jones on piano, Bill Crow on bass, and Jo Jones on drums – and titles include "The King", "Whoo-eeee", "Morning Fun", "Box Cars", and "Snake Eyes". LP, Vinyl record album

2 obscure albums John Benson Brooks – an overlooked 50s jazz composer who often had a penchant for higher concept recordings! The first half of the CD features Folk Jazz USA – one of Brooks' most stripped down records – done with a core group of Zoot Sims on alto, Al Cohn on baritone, Nick Travis on trumpet, Barry Gailbraith on guitar, Osie Johnson on drums, and Buddy Jones on bass. The style is kind of a chamber jazz reworking of tunes from folk sources – done in a way that hangs modernist clothes on older melodies – really dressing them up with the jazz charms of mid 50s RCA! Travis is especially strong on the set – with boldly-stated lines that preserve the melodies, while other players really take off with their solos on the saxes. Titles include "Darling Corey", "Turtle Dove", "Black Is The Color", "Randall My Son", and "Venezuela". Next up is Alabama Concerto – a record based around the solo talents of Art Farmer on trumpet and Cannonbal Adderley on alto sax! The album's based on a number of historical and mythical southern themes – and although it gets a bit hokey at times, the work of Adderley and Art Farmer on the solo sections really opens up the piece and gives it a deep sense of soul. The setting is a drummer-less small group, with Barry Galbraith on guitar, Milt Hinton on bass, and Brooks on occasional piano – and themes include "The Loop", "Trampin", "Little John Shoes", "Milord's Calling", and "Rufus Playboy". CD

Seminal west coast recordings by Clifford Brown – recorded in LA in 1954, with a mixture of hard bop and lyricism, in that sparkling mode that Brownie left as his indelible imprint on the west coast scene of the 50s! Players include Bob Gordon on baritone, Stu Williamson on trombone, Zoot Sims on tenor, and Russ Freeman on piano – and Jack Montrose arranged the set. Titles include "Tiny Capers", "Bones For Jones", "Joy Spring", "Finders Keepers", and "Daahoud". CD

Seminal west coast recordings by Clifford Brown – recorded in LA in 1954, with a mixture of hard bop and lyricism, in that sparkling mode that Brownie left as his indelible imprint on the west coast scene of the 50s! Players include Bob Gordon on baritone, Stu Williamson on trombone, Zoot Sims on tenor, and Russ Freeman on piano – and Jack Montrose arranged the set. Titles include "Tiny Capers", "Bones For Jones", "Joy Spring", "Finders Keepers", and "Daahoud". CD

New York and LA sessions with Benny Golson, Gigi Gryce, John Lewis, Zoot Sims, Shlley Manne, and others. CD

A landmark session that gathered together just about every hip British jazz and jazz/rock musician of the time – and brought them together into one super-cool orchestra of sound! Robert Fripp produced the record, and Keith Tippett is the overall music director – but the album's got a feel that's much more in the avant side of the UK jazz spectrum – particularly the trippier side of the Deram/Decca label of the late 60s – like work by Mike Westbrook or Mike Gibbs! The lineup is huge – with Elton Dean and Dudu Pukwana on alto sax, Alan Skidmore and Gary Windo on tenor, Ian Carr and Mongesi Fesa on trumpets, Mark Charig on cornet, Nick Evans and Paul Rutherford on trombone, Keith Tippett on piano, Brian Godding on guitar, Robert Wyatt and John Marshall on drums, and Maggie Nicholls, Julie Tippett, Mike Patto, and Zoot Money on vocals – plus lots of strings as well! CD

A landmark session that gathered together just about every hip British jazz and jazz/rock musician of the time – and brought them together into one super-cool orchestra of sound! Robert Fripp produced the record, and Keith Tippett is the overall music director – but the album's got a feel that's much more in the avant side of the UK jazz spectrum – particularly the trippier side of the Deram/Decca label of the late 60s – like work by Mike Westbrook or Mike Gibbs! The lineup is huge – with Elton Dean and Dudu Pukwana on alto sax, Alan Skidmore and Gary Windo on tenor, Ian Carr and Mongesi Fesa on trumpets, Mark Charig on cornet, Nick Evans and Paul Rutherford on trombone, Keith Tippett on piano, Brian Godding on guitar, Robert Wyatt and John Marshall on drums, and Maggie Nicholls, Julie Tippett, Mike Patto, and Zoot Money on vocals – plus lots of strings as well! Great 2CD version – remastered from the original tapes, with much better sound than previous versions. CD