A really raw recording of the guitar genius of Derek Bailey – still as revolutionary here in late life as it was back in the 70s – and paired with some stunning improvisational work on bass from Simon H Fell! Fell's got the same way of turning his instrument inside out as Bailey, but also sometimes goes for these more human, textural approaches – almost as if he's hugging the bass, and urging it to life with his arms and fingers – while Bailey's approach is more pointed. The set was performed live, and has a great sense of room in the recording, with the elements echoing out nicely – on the titles "Pre-Tea 1", "Pre-Tea 2", "Post-Tea 1", and "Post-Tea 2". LP, Vinyl record album

Dannie Richmond is Charles Mingus' longtime drummer – working here in a rare set as a leader, leading a group with a number of other from Mingus alumni, including Don Pullen on piano, George Adams on tenor, and Jack Walrath on trumpet – along with Billy Harper's bassist, David Friesen. Side two has a long beautiful Richmond original called "I Told You So", and side one features three more originals – "Waltz for Tamia", "April Denise", and "Neata Babe Boogie". One of the better sides issued on Horo, and not easy to find! LP, Vinyl record album

A gem from Frank Rosolino – one of his best albums of the 70s, recorded in Italy with a very hip lineup that includes Franco D'Andrea on piano, Bruno Tommaso on bass, and a guest appearance by Gianni Basso on sax on one track. The presence of these younger modernists pushes Rosolino way past his west coast roots – and the overall sound of the set is great, with an approach that's swinging and measured, but also free-thinking in the best moments. Tracks are long, and titles include "Waltz For Roma", "Free For All", "Alex", and "Skylab". LP, Vinyl record album

One of the most obscure 70s sides by Johnny Griffin – a really warm and wonderful set, recorded in Italy with an Italian rhythm section of Franco D'Andrea on piano, Giovanni Tommaso on bass, and Bruno Biriaco on drums. Tracks are all quite long, but never sloppy – and in a way, Griff solos with a more unified, to the point feel than on some of his other European albums of the period – rising to the feeling of the session, in which he's clearly admired by the Italian players he's working with. Titles include "Always Forever", "Keep Going", "For The Love Of", and "Music Inn Blues" – all original numbers. LP, Vinyl record album

A rare gem from Archie Shepp – really wonderful, and still pretty darn spiritual! The record features 2 long tracks – "Lybia" and "My Heart Cries Out To Africa" – each a side long, and each with a soulful fire missing from many of Shepp's other recordings from the time (save for a few gems, like Sea Of Faces). The group is a quintet, and features Charles Greenlee on trombone, Dave Burrell on piano, David Williams on bass, and Beaver Harris on drums. Very nice stuff! LP, Vinyl record album

Kind of a confrontational title, but still an excellent batch of grooves from The Maestro, with heavenly production, and lots of long drawn-out sexy grooves. Cuts include "Don't Make Me Wait Too Long", "I'm Qualified To Satisfy You", "Your Love – So Good I Can't Take It", and "I Wanna Lay Down With You Baby". LP, Vinyl record album

Haunting horror work from the great Bruno Nicolai – an album that's got some wonderfully-crafted themes mixed with some lighter, breezier numbers – almost in a Rosemary's baby sort of mode! Bruno really gets to show off both sides of his talents here – and comes up with some spare and melodic orchestrations that recall his work with Morricone, mixed with other numbers that diverge into sweeter territory and dance along nicely. The set features a total of 24 numbers – nearly all of which are more redemptive than the darker horror plot of the film – and titles include "In Cantina", "Servizio Fotografico", "Minaccia", "Scoperta & Sesto Delitto", "Confronto Finale", "In Automobile", "Ufficio Vuoto", and "Terzo Delitto". LP, Vinyl record album