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A classic album from one of our favorite jazz singers ever – a set that really set a whole new standard for a generation! Even at this early stage, Lorez Alexandria was an amazingly accomplished vocalist – as you'll hear on this excellent selection of tunes from the Lester Young songbook – laidback and soulful tunes that really let her open up and do her thing! The backing on the album's nice and earthy – provided by a Chicago group that includes King Fleming piano, Charles Stepney vibes, Paul Serrano trumpet, and Vernel Fournier drums – and the overall style is perfect for Lorez' deep soulful vocals. Titles include "DB Blues", "Easy Living", "No Eyes Blues", "This Year's Kisses", and "Jumpin With Symphony Sid". CD

Murray's fronting a big band led by Butch Morris – a group that sounds a lot better to our ears than most of Morris' own larger groups of the time, possibly because of the style of the recording. The tracks shift mood, tone, and approach with each number – working out references to some spiritual leaders, and forging new ground on a few of the more adventurous numbers. Murray's horn is in the lead mostly – but the interplay with the rest of the group is pretty incredible at times. Players include Fred Hopkins, Sonelius Smith, James Spaulding, John Purcell, Craig Harris, Vincent Chaney, and Don Byron – and titles include "Istanbul", "Lovejoy", "Calling Steve McCall", "Paul Gonsalves", and "Lester". CD

Murray's fronting a big band led by Butch Morris – a group that sounds a lot better to our ears than most of Morris' own larger groups of the time, possibly because of the style of the recording. The tracks shift mood, tone, and approach with each number – working out references to some spiritual leaders, and forging new ground on a few of the more adventurous numbers. Murray's horn is in the lead mostly – but the interplay with the rest of the group is pretty incredible at times. Players include Fred Hopkins, Sonelius Smith, James Spaulding, John Purcell, Craig Harris, Vincent Chaney, and Don Byron – and titles include "Istanbul", "Lovejoy", "Calling Steve McCall", "Paul Gonsalves", and "Lester". CD

Thomas Jefferson on trumpet – with Jim Robinson and Waldron "Frog" Joseph on trombone,Louis Cottrell on clarinet, Lester Sandiago on piano, Paul Barbarin on drums, and others. CD

Collects work by the New Orleans Jazz Band, which features Lewis, Alvin Alcorn, Lawrence Marrero, Lester Santiago, Alcide Pavageau, and Paul Barbarin – plus quartet material featuring some of the same players. CD