A fantastic session by Jimmy Heath – cut right at the time of his best 70s soul jazz work! This obscure set was recorded in New York in 1974, but not issued in this form until the mid 90s – and it features Heath with a stellar group that includes Curtis Fuller, Stanley Cowell, Mtume, Billy Higgins, and Pat Martino. The overall sound is modal soul jazz – in the style of the best work on Strata East, with a far-reaching spiritual approach that never goes too far outside, but which is ready to explore the farther aspects of jazz-based expression. Heath is incredible – leading the group on alto and soprano, blowing post-Coltrane lines that are supported by fantastic rhythm work by Cowell, Sam Jones, and Billy Higgins. Tracks include "The 13th House", "Time & The Place", "The Voice Of The Saxophone", and "No End". CD

No slush here, as Alex Heitlinger leads a large group with a really cool, crisp vibe – modern jazz arrangements with a style that's contemporary, but not in an avant way – maybe just with a boldness that embraces so many changes in bigger jazz ensemble modes on both the American and European scenes in the past fifty years – then gives things a spin that's very much in the spirit of the leader! Heitlinger composed most of the tracks on the set – and there's key solos on each, with work from Michael Thomas on soprano and alto saxes, Peter Sommer and Jon Armstrong on tenor, Greg Gispert and Shane Endley on trumpets, Corey Christiansen on guitar, Brian Woodbury and John Fedchock on trombones, and Carmen Staaf on piano. Titles include the originals "Unfurling", "Trail To Cullowhee", "For Patrick", "Lines & Circles", and "Here & Now". CD

The first-ever album from the legendary Hi-Lo's – a landmark indie debut that went onto transform the sound of vocal harmony in the 20th century! The record's got a subtle brilliance that's hard to catch at first – a way of putting together the tunes that's often only slightly different than some of the group's contemporaries, but which already shows the rich talents that leader Gene Puerling would bring to later vocal experiments with Singers Unlimited in the 70s. As with most of the group's famous records, backings here are by Frank Comstock – perfectly poised on the gentle tunes, and nicely jazzy on the more swinging ones! Titles include "June in January", "Little White Lies", "I Don't Want to Cry Anymore", "She's Funny that Way", "Whatever Lola Wants", "Island of Desire", "You Brought a New Kind Of Love", "Fools Rush In", "Have You Met Miss Jones", "Where Are You", and "You Can't Hardly Get Them No More". CD

Remarkable modern jazz, from one of the most unique voices in the genre! Hill's piano work and compositions fall into a category of their own, working outside the limits of predominant bop sound, but not quite falling into the world of free jazz that rules the avant scene. This outstanding Mosaic box collects his seminal 60s recordings, comprising of the LPs Black Fire, Smokestack, Judgment, Point Of Departure, Andrew!, One For One, and Compulsion, plus plenty of alternate takes and some material that was issued under Sam Rivers name on the LP Involution. Sidemen include Joe Henderson, Bobby Hutcherson, Kenny Dorham, Eric Dolphy, John Gilmore, Freddie Hubbard, Sam Rivers, Richard Davis, Cecil McBee, Roy Haynes, Elvin Jones, Tony Williams and Joe Chambers. There's 52 tracks in all, spread out over 7 CDs, with titles that include "Land Of Nod", "Black Fire", "McNeil Island", "Tired Trade",Pumpkin", "Subterfuge", "Smokestack", "Ode To Von", "The Day After", "Verne", "Not So", "Flea Flop", "Siete Ocho", "Yokada, Yokada", "Reconciliation", "New Monastary", "Flight 19", "Spectrum", "Symmetry", "The Griots", "Duplicity", "Le Serpenmt Qui Danse", "Euterpe", "Erato", "Roots 'n Herbs", "Compulsion", "Premonition", "Violence" and "Desire". CD

Great experimental work from Holger Hiller – a set that was issued on the important German new wave label Ata Tak, but which was maybe even more revolutionary than most other records on the imprint at the time! Hiller bridges so many different worlds here – earlier German electronic experimentation at an academic level, some of the spacier sounds of the prog generation, and the really creative exploration of earlier ideas in a more personal level that marked the new wave of the post-punk years – using some elements here that would be right at home on a cold wave recording, but with modes that are sometimes more playful, and almost in territory that Holger Czukay would explore on some of his solo work of the decade. The mix of keyboards, vocals, and analog elements is great – and titles include "Jonny", "Hosen Die Nicht Aneinander Passen", "Mutter Der Frohlichkeit", "Das Feuer", "Ein Hoch Auf Das Bugeln", and "Budapest Bukarest". CD

Great experimental work from Holger Hiller – a set that was issued on the important German new wave label Ata Tak, but which was maybe even more revolutionary than most other records on the imprint at the time! Hiller bridges so many different worlds here – earlier German electronic experimentation at an academic level, some of the spacier sounds of the prog generation, and the really creative exploration of earlier ideas in a more personal level that marked the new wave of the post-punk years – using some elements here that would be right at home on a cold wave recording, but with modes that are sometimes more playful, and almost in territory that Holger Czukay would explore on some of his solo work of the decade. The mix of keyboards, vocals, and analog elements is great – and titles include "Jonny", "Hosen Die Nicht Aneinander Passen", "Mutter Der Frohlichkeit", "Das Feuer", "Ein Hoch Auf Das Bugeln", and "Budapest Bukarest". LP, Vinyl record album

Homeboy Sandman lyrically on point and fascinating as always – with production and/or appearances by Jonwayne, Georgia Anne Muldrow,Edan, Steve Arrington, yU, J-Zone and others. Includes "Heart Sings", "Eyes", "Real New York", "Seam By Seam", "It's Cold", "Gumshoe", "Keep It Real", "Earth, Wind, Fire, Waster", Funhouse", "Sly Flox, "God", Nonbelievers", "Speak Truth". CD

Pivotal work from trumpeter Freddie Hubbard – eleven full albums recorded by the young jazzman as a leader, together showing a really incredible scope of his talents in just a few short years in the studio! The Blue Note albums here already show an incredible evolution – from initial hardbop crackle at the best level of the label, to a slight shift into new thing territory that marks a more experimental side of Freddie's work that would take off later in the 60s. There's also two Impulse Records releases in the package – the completely sublime sextet outing of The Artistry Of Freddie Hubbard – a great date with Curtis Fuller on trombone, Tommy Flanagan on piano, and John Gilmore on tenor – making a rare appearance in the studio away from the Sun Ra Arkestra! The other Impulse album is titled Body & Soul – and has Hubbard amidst a larger group of modernists on most tracks, with these incredible Wayne Shorter arrangements – then in a small group with shorter on tenor and Eric Dolphy on alto and flute. Blue Note albums include Breaking Point, Blue Spirits, Open Sesame, Going Up, Hub Cap, Ready For Freddie, Hub Tones, and Here To Stay – with players who include Tina Brooks, Jimmy Heath, and Wayne Shorter on tenors; McCoy Tyner, Cedar Walton, and Herbie Hancock on pianos; Paul Chambers, Sam Jones, and Reggie Workman on basses; and James Spaulding making a key early appearance on alto and flute. 70 long tracks in all – and a very detailed booklet of notes with rare photos! CD

Illinois Jacquet was one of those players who never stopped going as the decades moved on – a tenorist who started in the bigger jumping bands of the swing generation, but one who was able to grow and shift over the years, and continue to hone his craft! This late date from Switzerland shows Jacquet in fine fine form – blowing strongly in a quartet with Hank Jones on piano, George Duvivier on bass, and JC Heard on drums – all players who have an effortless swing that works well with Illinois' solo skills. Tracks are short, and mighty tight – and titles include "I Wanna Blow Now", "Jack The Bear", "The King", "Cute", "The Very Thought Of You", "In A Sentimental Mood", "George's Blues", and "I Can't Get Started". CD

Four important albums from Jade Warrior – all brought together here in a single set! Floating World is the first album in Jade Warrior's mid-70s run for Island Records – and a set that marks a key shift for the group – a moment when they leaned even more heavily into their interest in global sounds, dropped most of their vocals, and used their impeccable instrumentation to take off in really amazing ways! The core duo of Tony Duhig's guitar and Jon Field's flute serve up most of the instrumentation here – and both players handle plenty of percussion too – yet there's a richness to the record that's undeniable too, which is a great testament to the way the pair make really special music together! Martha Mdenge serves up some guest vocals on the final track "Quba", the group take on the legendary "Monkey Chant" of Balinese music, and other titles include "Red Lotus", "Clouds", "Mountain Of Fruit & Flowers", "Waterfall", and "Easty". Kites is one of the most ambitious records ever from Jade Warrior – a set that expands their core sound in a wonderful way, with all sorts of great guests who really add a lot to the music! As before, the duo of Tony Duhig and Jon Field are at the core – guitar, flute, and plenty of percussion – but augmented here with all sorts of cool contributions by guests who include Fred Frith on violin, Gowan Turnball on saxes, and Jeff Westley on electric piano – plus Clodagh Simonds on a bit of vocals – all really bringing a new sort of majesty to the sort of music that the group delivered on their previous record – but without losing the sense of intimacy either. Titles include "Towards The Mountains", "Wind Song", "The Emperor", "Songs Of The Forest", "Quietly By The River Bank", and "The Last Question". Waves is a key moment in the continuing evolution of Jade Warrior – and a set that nicely moves the group from the prog styles of their roots, into leaner territory that's almost jazz-based at times! Some of the group's contemporaries were making such shifts, but usually in a way that was more heavy handed – where the lightness that Jade Warrior had on previous records really guides the music here – as they work with their core combination of keyboards, flute, guitar, and plenty of percussion – with additional work from Dave Duhig on lead guitar, Maggie Thomas on alto recorder, and Steve Winwood on moog, piano, and keyboards! There's a bit of vocals on the record from a female singer – but most of the tracks just have this gentle instrumental flowering – moving through an album-length suite that includes the tracks "Caves", "Groover", "River To The Sea", "Song Of The Last Whale", "The Sea", and "Wave Birth". Way Of The Sun is a set that's got a few sharper edges than some of the previous records by Jade Warrior – yet one that still hangs nicely in that Eastern-inspired blend of jazz and prog that made their Island Records years so great! As before, the album works as a unified whole – each track crucial to the overall feel of the set – with plenty of excellent work on flute from Jon Field, amidst more conventional guitar, keyboard, and percussion. There's some occasional nice guest moments on flugelhorn, harp, and saxes – and titles include "Sun Ra", "Dance Of The Sun", "Heaven Stone", "Moontears", "Sun Child", "Carnival", and "Death Of Ra". CD

A really unique album from the great Etta Jones – a session recorded down in Muscle Shoals, and not in Chicago – a setting that gives James an extra sort of deep soul power! The backing is nicely different than some of the other Chess material – killer work from the legendary Fame Studios lineup that included Barry Beckett on organ, Charles Chalmers on tenor, and Roger Hawkins on drums – all coming together with the great Rick Hall at the production helm! Etta's back in hard-belting R&B-tinged territory here – a bit more sophisticated than the 50s, with a good mix of hard soul numbers and ballads, opening up in some southern territory that really suits her well. Titles include "The Same Rope", "Watch Dog", "Tell Mama", "I'd Rather Go Blind", "Just A Little Bit", and "Don't Lose Your Good Thing". LP, Vinyl record album

The landmark first album to feature the Jazz Crusaders playing live at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach – the start of a great run of albums that would go onto help redefine the sound of soul jazz in the 60s! Although the group was already plenty darn great on their studio sides, working at the Lighthouse seemed to allow them to open up even more – work in a slightly longer, more spacious setting than in the studio – with more room for creative solos and a sound that was often more deeply soulful overall! In fact, the Jazz Crusaders association with the club helped turn the sound of the Lighthouse away from the "cool" reputation it got from Lighthouse All-Stars albums of the 50s – and open the place up as the more righteous venue for jazz expression to come from players like Lee Morgan, Grant Green, and Elvin Jones on Blue Note! The lineup here is classic Crusaders – with plenty of searing tenor work from Wilton Felder, slidingly soulful trombone from Wayne Henderson, storming piano by Joe Sample, and tight tight rhythm from Victor Gaskin on bass and Stix Hooper on drums. Tracks include some great originals, like "Congolese Sermon", "Cathy's Dilemma", and "Scandalizing", plus a great version of Jackie McLean's "Appointment in Ghana". CD also features 2 long bonus tracks – "Boopie" and "Penny Blue". CD

One of JJ's best from the late 50s – a tightly crackling hardbop set, recorded very much in the manner of his classic JJ Inc album! The sound here is a bit more compact overall – with some shorter tracks that really allow Johnson to display his keen sense of economy on his horn, while working in a burning mode that recalls some of his best bop sides from the early years – particularly his work on Blue Note. Bobby Jaspar's in the frontline with JJ – playing both tenor and flute – and rhythm is from a trio that features Tommy Flanagan on piano, Wilbur Little on bass, and Elvin Jones on drums. Jones' touch on the kit gives the album a nicely dancing feel throughout – and is a real reminder of his simple genius in an early setting like this. Titles include "Bird Song", "Blue Haze", "Old Devil Moon", "Tea Pot", "Barbados", "Cette Chose", and "So Sorry Please". CD

Remarkable Carmell Jones, indeed – and one of the few albums ever cut as a leader by this up-and-coming force on the LA scene at the start of the 60s! Jones was a player who really showcased something new on the west at the time – a move away from cool jazz, and the start of a deeper, headier generation of musicians – the bold power that would come from cats like Lou Blackburn, Horace Tapscott, and Jimmy Woods. This date's an early entry into that legacy – and has a tight approach to hardbop with plenty of modern elements – a bit like the shift that Curtis Amy was making at the time. In addition to Jones on trumpet, the album also features Harold Land on tenor, Frank Strazzeri on piano, Gary Peacock on bass, and Leon Pettis on drums – all working with a careful blend of soul jazz and modern influences, on a wonderful batch of well-written tunes. Titles include "I'm Gonna Go Fishing", "Night Tide", "Sad March", and "Stellisa". CD

Remarkable Carmell Jones, indeed – and one of the few albums ever cut as a leader by this up-and-coming force on the LA scene at the start of the 60s! Jones was a player who really showcased something new on the west at the time – a move away from cool jazz, and the start of a deeper, headier generation of musicians – the bold power that would come from cats like Lou Blackburn, Horace Tapscott, and Jimmy Woods. This date's an early entry into that legacy – and has a tight approach to hardbop with plenty of modern elements – a bit like the shift that Curtis Amy was making at the time. In addition to Jones on trumpet, the album also features Harold Land on tenor, Frank Strazzeri on piano, Gary Peacock on bass, and Leon Pettis on drums – all working with a careful blend of soul jazz and modern influences, on a wonderful batch of well-written tunes. Titles include "I'm Gonna Go Fishing", "Night Tide", "Sad March", and "Stellisa". CD

Remarkable Carmell Jones, indeed – and one of the few albums ever cut as a leader by this up-and-coming force on the LA scene at the start of the 60s! Jones was a player who really showcased something new on the west at the time – a move away from cool jazz, and the start of a deeper, headier generation of musicians – the bold power that would come from cats like Lou Blackburn, Horace Tapscott, and Jimmy Woods. This date's an early entry into that legacy – and has a tight approach to hardbop with plenty of modern elements – a bit like the shift that Curtis Amy was making at the time. In addition to Jones on trumpet, the album also features Harold Land on tenor, Frank Strazzeri on piano, Gary Peacock on bass, and Leon Pettis on drums – all working with a careful blend of soul jazz and modern influences, on a wonderful batch of well-written tunes. Titles include "I'm Gonna Go Fishing", "Night Tide", "Sad March", and "Stellisa". LP, Vinyl record album

Remarkable Carmell Jones, indeed – and one of the few albums ever cut as a leader by this up-and-coming force on the LA scene at the start of the 60s! Jones was a player who really showcased something new on the west at the time – a move away from cool jazz, and the start of a deeper, headier generation of musicians – the bold power that would come from cats like Lou Blackburn, Horace Tapscott, and Jimmy Woods. This date's an early entry into that legacy – and has a tight approach to hardbop with plenty of modern elements – a bit like the shift that Curtis Amy was making at the time. In addition to Jones on trumpet, the album also features Harold Land on tenor, Frank Strazzeri on piano, Gary Peacock on bass, and Leon Pettis on drums – all working with a careful blend of soul jazz and modern influences, on a wonderful batch of well-written tunes. Titles include "I'm Gonna Go Fishing", "Night Tide", "Sad March", and "Stellisa". LP, Vinyl record album

Piano blues from the legendary Curtis Jones – a Texas player who first rose to fame in the late 30s, and who here still has a way with the keys and a vocal style that nobody else can touch! It's a bit hard to put the distinctness of Jones in words, but it definitely comes through on the record – piano lines that often feel as if two different musicians are playing the instrument at the same time, mixed with these casual and confident vocals that almost feel like Curtis is also standing off to the side, making commentary on the proceedings! There's no other instrumentation on the record at all – none is needed, either – and titles include "Evil Curse Blues", "Highway 51", "Curtis Jones Boogie Woogie", "Tin Pan Alley", "Black Magic Blues", and "Lonesome Bedroom Blues". LP, Vinyl record album

Piano blues from the legendary Curtis Jones – a Texas player who first rose to fame in the late 30s, and who here still has a way with the keys and a vocal style that nobody else can touch! It's a bit hard to put the distinctness of Jones in words, but it definitely comes through on the record – piano lines that often feel as if two different musicians are playing the instrument at the same time, mixed with these casual and confident vocals that almost feel like Curtis is also standing off to the side, making commentary on the proceedings! There's no other instrumentation on the record at all – none is needed, either – and titles include "Evil Curse Blues", "Highway 51", "Curtis Jones Boogie Woogie", "Tin Pan Alley", "Black Magic Blues", and "Lonesome Bedroom Blues". CD features two different alternate takes, too! CD

Obscure disco work from Doris Jones – a good fit here for the upbeat arrangements of the tunes! Pip Williams handled most of the arrangements here – and all tracks were written and produced by Ian Levine – done in that sparkling style of some of his other US disco work of the late 70s. Titles include "No Way Out", "Possessed", "Time On My Hands", "Suddenly I'm Alive", and "Can't You See The Smile On My Face". LP, Vinyl record album

Amazing pressing of this one – plays at 45 rpm, and comes in a very special package – plastic heavy sleeve, with a special insert for the record! A bit mellower than some of Jones' 70s recordings, but in a great way – one that lets sax players Frank Foster and Pat LaBarbera weave these laidback introspective solos that are the album's greatest asset. Roland Prince is in the group on guitar, and he comps nicely and gently behind the horns. Titles include "Shitsu-Mon" and "Like Someone In Love". LP, Vinyl record album

Amazing pressing of this one – plays at 45 rpm, and comes in a very special package – plastic heavy sleeve, with a special insert for the record! A bit mellower than some of Jones' 70s recordings, but in a great way – one that lets sax players Frank Foster and Pat LaBarbera weave these laidback introspective solos that are the album's greatest asset. Roland Prince is in the group on guitar, and he comps nicely and gently behind the horns. Titles include "Dealin", and "My One & Only Love". LP, Vinyl record album

Elvin Jones on drums, Chip Jackson on bass, Fumio Karashima on piano, Frank Foster and Pat LaBarbera on saxophone. CD

Heavy Sounds, indeed – a beautiful little set of dark-edged soul jazz from the mid 60s – co-led by bassist Richard Davis and drummer Elvin Jones! The sound here is a bit different than any work ever released by either player as a leader – and is almost more in the vein of Blue Note or Prestige work of the same period – hardbop turned towards more soulful notes, but also still touched with a degree of modernism. A key element in the group is Frank Foster on tenor – whose blowing here is superb, and really on a par with his own albums as a leader from the time – marking a strong sound away from too many years of Basie influences! Frank does a killer job on his own "Raunchy Rita", taken here in a nice sexy groove, and stretched out nice and long with a very sinister feel – and other tracks include "ME", "Summertime", and "Elvin's Guitar Blues", which actually features Jones on guitar! CD

Amazingly great early material George recorded for Mercury – filled with great tunes that sometimes get lost amidst the reissue market, a very nicely done 2 CD set that contains a total of 48 tracks in all! The cuts are drawn from the period when George was still nursing his Hank Williams influences more than the lost loves he became famous for, but there's still plenty of great weepers here to go along with the classic honky tonk. Titles include "Cup Of Loneliness", "Too Much Water", "Just One More", "No Money In This Deal", "Why Baby Why", "Flame In My Heart", "Window Up Above", "I Love You Because", "Tender Years", "Your Old Standby", "Glad To Let Her Go", "Big Harlan Taylor", "I'm Gonna Burn Your Playhouse Down", "Will The Circle Be Unbroken", "If I Don't Love You", "Mr Fool", and "Who Shot Sam". CD

Stunning early sounds from the legendary George Jones – material recorded in the years before his bigger fame on the Musicor and Epic labels – and tracks that show that Jones was already a hell of a well-developed talent right from the start! The cuts here sparkle with that trademark George Jones vocal sound – but also have a nice sort of an edge, as George hasn't settled down into that totally smooth approach of later years – and instead here moves between rocking moments and more twang-heavy tunes – served up on an assortment of singles and rare tracks recorded for the Mercury, Starday, and Dixie labels. Titles include "Too Much Water", "Seasons Of My Heart", "Gonna Come Get You", "I'm Ragged But I'm Right", "Eskimo Pie", "No No Never", "Play It Cool", "Take The Devil Out Of Me", "Just One More", and "No Money In This Deal". A hell of a collection – 29 tracks in all! CD

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A trio of fantastic duet albums from this legendary team – all presented in a single set! Me & The First Lady is the second record to pair the incredible vocals of George Jones and Tammy Wynette – and it also marks a real shift in the careers of both musicians – a rise to the more introspective, mature style that Jones would explore very strongly on his Columbia sides to come! Both singers were more upbeat in the 60s, and maybe had some more gimmicks to some of their songs – yet here, they come together in this very sophisticated style that's mindblowing – all put together with superb Billy Sherrill production. Titles include "A Lovely Place To Cry", "We Believe In Each Other", "The Great Divide", "The Ceremony", "We're Gonna Try To Get Along", "Lovin You Is Worth It", and "It's Been A Beautiful Life". We're Gonna Hold On is a set that's maybe marking some of the personal rift between George Jones and Tammy Wynette in its title – yet a record that still has a wonderfully unified feel between two of the most amazing voices in country music! The match of styles, moods, and moments is superb – way different than just the sort of playful male/female country that was forged in years past – and a real standard-setting performance that includes "The Jet Set", "We're Gonna Hold On", "Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms", "That Man Of Mine", "If Loving You Starts Hurting Me", and "The Woman Loves Me Right". Golden Ring is a stunning record from the duo of George Jones and Tammy Wynette – a set that could be easily written off as a reflection of their shaky relationship – yet instead the kind of material that has the pair continuing to plumb emotive and vocal depths that few other country singers could ever hope to touch! The album works wonderfully as a unified whole – a testament to the strengths and struggles of human relationships, delivered by two singers who had plenty of life under their belts by the time of the session – and who still know how to come together on their vocals in a way that's unlike anyone else before, then, or since. Titles include "Golden Ring", "Keep The Change", "Near You", "Even The Bad Times Are Good", "Did You Ever", "Tattletale Eyes", "Cryin Time", and "If You Don't Somebody Else Will". CD

A landmark little record from Grace Jones – a set that started off as one of those "hey, let's see if this model can sing" sort of records – but which has gone onto become an enduring classic! Most of the tunes are older ones, but they're remade with a soaring Sigma Sound groove by the best in Philly – taking sometimes-cloying lyrics and pushing them into hipper disco territory for the 70s – all with that odd wink and subtle sense of irony that would emerge more clearly in Jones' later records. Tom Moulton produced and mixed, and titles include "I Need A Man", "La Vie En Rose", "Sorry", "Tomorrow", "What I Did For Love", and "Send In The Clowns". LP, Vinyl record album

The big single off our favorite Grace Jones LP, driven by an irresistibly snapping Sly & Robbie rhythm, with a percolating, slick 80s groove. 7-inch, Vinyl record

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Landmark stuff – a killer session of funky guitar jazz, and the record that gave Ivan "Boogaloo" Joe Jones his nickname! The set's a full-on wailer that really blows away Joe's first two on Prestige – breaking out ouf the box with a killer lineup that includes Rusty Bryant on tenor, Bernard Purdie on drums, and Sonny Phillips on organ – all working with Joe's incredibly tight guitar lines to craft some wicked tunes that take soul jazz firmly into the sound of the 70s! Titles include "Boogaloo Joe", "People Are Talking", "Dream On Little Dreamer", and "Atlantic City Soul". LP, Vinyl record album

A great live date from the best period in Jack Jones' career – with titles that include "Spinning Wheel", "Conversation", "I Had A Dream", "Everything Is Beautiful", and "Brother Where Are You". LP, Vinyl record album

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A super-huge album from Quincy Jones – a record that's almost like Quincy's trying to show the whole younger generation that an older master like himself can still deliver the goods! The set was delivered right after Quincy helped out Michael Jackson on Off The Wall – and while it's got a few of the soulful touches of that set, it's also marked more deeply by the kind of work that Jones was turning out in the 70s – nicely focused with soulful vocals on most cuts, including some especially nice work from Patti Austin – a singer whose sophisticated style works perfectly for Quincy's groove. Titles include the killer "Ai No Corrida", plus "Razzamatazz", "Just Once", "Something Special", "Turn On The Action", "The Dude", "Betcha Wouldn't Hurt Me", "Velas", and "One Hundred Ways". CD

A super-huge album from Quincy Jones – a record that's almost like Quincy's trying to show the whole younger generation that an older master like himself can still deliver the goods! The set was delivered right after Quincy helped out Michael Jackson on Off The Wall – and while it's got a few of the soulful touches of that set, it's also marked more deeply by the kind of work that Jones was turning out in the 70s – nicely focused with soulful vocals on most cuts, including some especially nice work from Patti Austin – a singer whose sophisticated style works perfectly for Quincy's groove. Titles include the killer "Ai No Corrida", plus "Razzamatazz", "Just Once", "Something Special", "Turn On The Action", "The Dude", "Betcha Wouldn't Hurt Me", "Velas", and "One Hundred Ways". LP, Vinyl record album

A super-huge album from Quincy Jones – a record that's almost like Quincy's trying to show the whole younger generation that an older master like himself can still deliver the goods! The set was delivered right after Quincy helped out Michael Jackson on Off The Wall – and while it's got a few of the soulful touches of that set, it's also marked more deeply by the kind of work that Jones was turning out in the 70s – nicely focused with soulful vocals on most cuts, including some especially nice work from Patti Austin – a singer whose sophisticated style works perfectly for Quincy's groove. Titles include the killer "Ai No Corrida", plus "Razzamatazz", "Just Once", "Something Special", "Turn On The Action", "The Dude", "Betcha Wouldn't Hurt Me", "Velas", and "One Hundred Ways". LP, Vinyl record album

Quincy Jones may be best remembered for his funky soundtrack work of the 70s – but the man can also hit a deeper, more serious vein when he wants – as he does on this ambitious album-length project inspired by the landmark Roots mini-series! The music isn't a straight soundtrack from the program, but instead evokes the longer narrative over the passage of its different selections – working as its own "saga of an American family", as it moves from African roots, through years of oppression, to moments of pride and power – amidst larger orchestrations from Jones, with help from Letta Mbulu on some key vocals, and more help from Bill Summers, James Cleveland, and even Lou Gossett. Titles include "Many Rains", "Free At Last", "Jumpin De Broom", "Ole Fiddler", "Boyhood To Manhood", "Oluwa", and "Motherland". LP, Vinyl record album

Stone funky work from the late 60s – a landmark batch of tracks by Quincy Jones – originally recorded for the soundtrack of the first Bill Cosby show, and issued here to the public for the first time ever! The show's famous theme "Hikky-Burr" is a well-known groover with a sinister snapping edge that sums up all the best of Quincy's funky jazz soundtrack work in the 60s – and the rest of the tracks on the set follow in a blend of California soul jazz modes that's mighty mighty nice! Players on the tunes include Milt Jackson, Monty Alexander, Joe Sample, Eddie Harris, Ray Brown, and Paul Humphrey – and the tracks have a loose, improvised feel that's a nice contrast from a lot of Quincy's tighter soundtrack work. Along with 2 different versions of "Hikky-Burr" (one with vocal by Cosby, one without), the set also features tracks that include "Toe Jam", "Jive Den", "Monty Is That You", and "Eubie Walkin" – plus a loosely disguised version of "Listen Here", and a take on "Oh Happy Day". Great stuff – and wonderful to finally have out on CD! CD

A great little collection of work recorded by bassist Sam Jones during the early 60s – done at a time when Jones had emerged from some key fame in the Cannonball Adderley Quintet, and was beginning to work as a leader on his own! The quality of the work here is extremely high, and Jones' sessions from the time marked a whole new voice for the bass as a leader in jazz – done at a time when soul jazz waves were rolling onto the market with great strength, and allowing the "bottom" of the genre's sound to come to the forefront. Players on the sessions include Nat Adderley, Charles Davis, Jimmy Heath, Bobby Timmons, Blue Mitchell, Les Spann, and Frank Strozier – and titles include "Blue Bird", "Some Kinda Mean", "There Is No Greater Love", "Home", "The Old Country", "Four", and "Unit 7". CD

A strong 70s recording by a group that was mostly known as the Cedar Walton trio – the group of Sam Jones on bass, Walton on piano, and Billy Higgins on drums – recorded only for the Japanese market, and a heck of a record! The set's got one standout feature that sets it apart from some of the other sides by the Walton group at the time – the use of a string quartet on a few of the tracks, which creates some great interplay between the core trio and the augmented strings. This is hear to especially great effect on Walton's classic "Holy Land", as well as on the tracks "Le Maestro" and "I Didn't Know What Time It Was". The set also features 3 great tunes by Jones – "Blues For Amos", "Seven Minds", "Miss Morgan". CD

One of the strongest statements ever recorded by bassist Sam Jones – a wickedly soulful session that cooks on all burners! The album's got a rich depth that far surpasses most of Jones' trio sessions – and is a full quintet album, with Terumasa Hino on cornet, Bob Berg on tenor, Ronnie Matthews on piano, and Al Foster on drums. Matthews' strong and soulful lines really push the whole group along – stretching out with modal energy that really seems to set the horns free. All tracks are extremely fresh, and played at a level that brings out the best we'd expect from the players – possibly more in fact – and the record's an under-appreciated gem in the Steeplechase catalog of the 70s! Titles include "Del Sasser", "Visitation", "Occurrence", "Jean Marie", and "Before You". CD also features 3 bonus alternate takes! CD

One of the strongest statements ever recorded by bassist Sam Jones – a wickedly soulful session that cooks on all burners! The album's got a rich depth that far surpasses most of Jones' trio sessions – and is a full quintet album, with Terumasa Hino on cornet, Bob Berg on tenor, Ronnie Matthews on piano, and Al Foster on drums. Matthews' strong and soulful lines really push the whole group along – stretching out with modal energy that really seems to set the horns free. All tracks are extremely fresh, and played at a level that brings out the best we'd expect from the players – possibly more in fact – and the record's an under-appreciated gem in the Steeplechase catalog of the 70s! Titles include "Del Sasser", "Visitation", "Occurrence", "Jean Marie", and "Before You". LP, Vinyl record album

A really goofy little record – one that has the great Spike Jones taking on the hi-fi generation – demonstrating the qualities of your system with a huge amount of sound effects mixed with music! LP, Vinyl record album

... 78 RPM, Vinyl record

Classic Jones Girls for Philly! The record's a landmark album in the shift from Philly disco to sophisticated modern – and the smooth tight vocals of The Jones Girls are to the latter half of Philly what the runaway singing of Three Degrees were to the early half. Includes their excellent remake of the Stylistics' "Children of the Night" – which has a cool sample riff on the intro – plus the cuts "I Just Love The Man", "When I'm Gone", "At Peace With Woman", and "Back In the Day". One of the best female records on Philly International, and with excellent work by Dexter Wansel and Kenny Gamble! LP, Vinyl record album

Excellent work from Clifford Jordan – far better than the usual Steeplechase session of the time! The vibe here is similar to Jordan's work at the time on the Strata East label – played in a very similar group, with Cedar Walton on piano, Sam Jones on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums – way more than just a standard rhythm section, and with Jordan in tow, a compelling quartet with a really unique sound! There's a great depth to the work here – hardly the American soloist taking up space that you might get on other European live dates from the period – and the tracks are long, with an angular soul jazz finish. Both Jordan and Walton get plenty of room for expression – and titles on this third volume include "Seven Minds", "Shoulders", "St Thomas", and "Bleecker Street Theme". CD

Nice reissue of this rare Clifford Jordan session from the mid 70s, recorded for "Dolphy Productions" in Paris, and with a feel and a spirit very similar to his Jordan's Strata East albums from the same time – like Glass Bead Games and In The World! The group is similar to those recordings too, and features Cedar Walton, Sam Jones, and Billy Higgins – all working with Jordan in a wonderfully exploratory groove that still has a deep and rhythmic swing. Tracks are nice and long, and there's a great take on the Strata fave "John Coltrane", plus other nice ones that include "Midnight Waltz","One For Amos", and "Highest Mountain". CD

A great one by Clifford Jordan! The LP was originally recorded for "Dolphy Productions" in Paris, and with a feel and a spirit very similar to his classic Strata East albums from the same time, like Glass Bead Games and In The World. The group is similar to those recordings too, and features Cedar Walton, Sam Jones, and Billy Higgins. Tracks are nice and long, and there's a great take on the Strata fave "John Coltrane", plus other nice ones that include "Midnight Waltz","One For Amos", and "Highest Mountain". LP, Vinyl record album

An excellent trio set, from a time when the piano of Duke Jordan was really getting some great exposure on record! The trio features Sam Jones on bass and Al Foster on drums – on titles that include "Love Train", "Dig", "Dancer's Call", and "Out Of Nowhere". LP, Vinyl record album

A record that revolutionized the concept of jazz vocals in the 50s – thanks to famous performances by Annie Ross and King Pleasure! The tracks on the LP include Ross' early interpretations of Wardell Gray's classics "Twisted" and "Farmer's Market", and the King Pleasure set includes classics like "Red Top", "This Is Always", "Sometimes I'm Happy", and his great duet with Jon Hendricks, "Don't Get Scared". A landmark LP of jazz vocal sides, and one that no fan of vocalese should be without. LP, Vinyl record album

A record that revolutionized the concept of jazz vocals in the 50s – thanks to famous performances by Annie Ross and King Pleasure! The tracks on the LP include Ross' early interpretations of Wardell Gray's classics "Twisted" and "Farmer's Market", and the King Pleasure set includes classics like "Red Top", "This Is Always", "Sometimes I'm Happy", and his great duet with Jon Hendricks, "Don't Get Scared". A landmark LP of jazz vocal sides, and one that no fan of vocalese should be without. CD reissue includes 4 extra bonus tracks! CD

A hell of a record from the young Roland Kirk – one of his first for Mercury Records, and the start of a great run of genius in the 60s! Kirk is mindblowing here – playing tenor, flute, manzello, and stritch – often at the same time, as pictured on the cover – a mode that's no gimmick at all, but which instead shows this wonderfully sophisticated understanding of sound and resonances between the reed instruments! And as always with Kirk, there's a strong current of soul in the music too – emphasized here by backing work from players who include Richard Wyands or Hank Jones on piano, Art Davis or Wendell Marshall on bass, and the great Charlie Persip on drums. Titles include the sublime modal number "We Free Kings" – plus "Three For The Festival", "The Haunted Melody", "You Did It You Did It", "Sack Full Of Soul", and "Moon Song". LP, Vinyl record album

Tremendous early work from Karin Krog – a great example of her rich vocal talents and creative energy, recorded well before her more experimental sessions of the 60s! Even at this early date, Karin's got a strong commitment to improvisation and unique phrasing – a style that really transforms all the tunes in the set, and marks them as her own through inventive performance with the trio of Egil Kapstad on piano, Kurt Lindgren on bass, and Jon Christensen on drums. Krog's voice is amazing – icy, yet never heartless – and her tones ring out especially beautifully on the modal groover "Karin's Kicks" – but sound great throughout, on other tunes that include "All Blues", "Lover Man", "By Myself", "I Fall In Love Too Easily", and "Mood Indigo". CD

Magnificent work from European jazz vocalist Karin Krog – a landmark album that shows why she sings like no other singer! On this 1974 session, Karin moves far beyond the standard jazz of her roots – into territory that's spacey, cosmic, and filled with the best influences bubbling underground in the Euro scene of the 70s. The backing group features Steve Kuhn on keyboards, Steve Swallow on bass, and Jon Christensen on drums – all working out these beautiful modal patterns that unlock Karin's cool and icy vocals. The tunes are all pretty incredible too – vocal versions of originals by Kuhn, like "Meaning Of Love", "Sometime To Go", and "Raindrops Raindrops"; a very cool version of Joni Mitchell's "All I Want", a rare Jon Hendricks' lyrical version of JJ Johnson's "Lament", and a sweet and breezy take on the Michel Colombier tune "We Could Be Flying"! LP, Vinyl record album

Magnificent work from European jazz vocalist Karin Krog – a landmark album that shows why she sings like no other singer! On this 1974 session, Karin moves far beyond the standard jazz of her roots – into territory that's spacey, cosmic, and filled with the best influences bubbling underground in the Euro scene of the 70s. The backing group features Steve Kuhn on keyboards, Steve Swallow on bass, and Jon Christensen on drums – all working out these beautiful modal patterns that unlock Karin's cool and icy vocals. The tunes are all pretty incredible too – vocal versions of originals by Kuhn, like "Meaning Of Love", "Sometime To Go", and "Raindrops Raindrops"; a very cool version of Joni Mitchell's "All I Want", a rare Jon Hendricks' lyrical version of JJ Johnson's "Lament", and a sweet and breezy take on the Michel Colombier tune "We Could Be Flying"! CD

Drummer Joe LaBarbera always seems to know how to get the most out of a group – and that's definitely the case here, on a record that bristles with bold energy that hearkens back to the best years of hardbop – while also letting some of the individual players deliver some decidedly modern tones! The group features excellent work from Clay Jenkins on trumpet – a player whose phrasing really grabs us – next to tenor from Bob Sheppard, a player with this raspy edge that really adds a lot to the session! Bill Cunliffe plays piano, and brings a broad sense of tone to the record that seems to wrap everything up and unify the sound – and the group's completed by Jonathan Richards on bass. Titles include "Blue Notes", "Lake Erie", "Landmarks Along The Way", "You Know I Care", and "Grand Central". LP, Vinyl record album

Steve Lehman on alto saxophone and electronics – leading great group that features fantastic work by Chris Dingman on vibraphone, plus Mark Shim on tenor saxophone, Tim Albright on trombone, Jonathan Finlayson on trumpet, Jose Davila on tuba, Drew Gress on bass, and Tyshawn Sorey on drums! CD

A fantastic pairing of the vocals of Abbey Lincoln and the tenor sax of Stan Getz – one that's captured here for the very first time on record, at a point that's just a few months shy of Stan's too-early death! Both players had really grown a lot during the 80s – and the match here is wonderful – the maturing tones of Stan's tenor, and Abbey's way of doing more with less than ever before – a special sort of magic that works equally well on familiar and unfamiliar tunes! The rest of the group here is equally great – Hank Jones on piano, Charlie Haden on bass, Mark Johnson on drums, and Maxine Roach guesting on viola on two tracks too. Arrangements are by Abbey – and titles include "When I'm Called Home", "And How I Hoped For Your Love", "Time For Love", "Summer Wishes Winter Dreams", "You Made Me Funny", and "Bird Alone". CD

A small combo set, recorded in Ohio for the small Trix label – with Lockwood on vocals and guitar, Maurice Reedus on tenor, Mark Hahn on guitar, Gene Schwartz on bass, and Jimmy Jones on drums! LP, Vinyl record album

A strong outing from the Joe Lovano nonet – recorded live at the Village Vanguard, with the feel of other classic work recorded in the legendary club! The album's stepped in traditions of large group work of the 50s and 60s – albums by artists like Tadd Dameron, Dizzy Gillespie, and the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra – with Lovano on tenor, working as a key part of 8 other musicians that include Steve Slagle on alto, Larry Farrell on trombone, and John Hicks on piano. Orchestrations are by Lovano, Slagle, and Willie Smith – and titles include "After The Rain", "Good Bait", "Laura", "On This Day", "At The Vanguard", and "My Little Brown Book". CD

An album named after and starting with Lulu's super huge hit from the film of the same name – the tune that crossed her over big with American audiences in the 60s, and which paved the way for a short burst of fame on the US market! The album's got a surprising depth overall – a nice range of modes that goes way beyond that straighter soul-influenced sound that other Brit girl pop singers were using at the time – with bits of folk, rock, fuzz, and sunshine all getting some nice play as the tunes roll on. Part of the credit goes to arrangers John Paul Jones and Peter Knight, but this sound is probably most likely due to producer Mickie Most, who gives Lulu the same wide ranging styles he was bringing to his work with Donovan at the time. Titles include "To Sir With Love", "Morning Dew", "Rattler", "Love Loves To Love Love", "Day Tripper", "Best Of Both Worlds", "The Boat That I Row", and "You & I". LP, Vinyl record album

A surprisingly great Shelly Manne album from the early 60s – one that follows a format that has Shelly playing in duo format ("2"), trio ("3"), and quartet ("4") – hence the title! The duo track is incredible – a spare duet with Coleman Hawkins called "Me & Some Drums" – improvised between Manne and Hawkins, stretching for 6 minutes, with a sound that's a high point in the career of both players! The trio work features Shelly with Eddie Costa on vibes and piano and George Duvivier on bass – and the quartet sides bring Hawkins back, alongside Hank Jones' piano and more bass by Duvivier. The whole thing's great – as much for Hawkins as it is for Manne – and titles include "The Sicks Of Us", "Slowly", "Take The A Train", "Lean On Me", and "Me & Some Drums". CD

Wild stuff! This album's beyond description – sort of a mix of the baroque instrumental arrangements of David Axelrod, and the tape/musique concrete grooves of Jon Appleton, with some of the hippiness of the work of Galt MacDermot – but still very different than all of them! The record has a strong concept and theme – with a lot of social and political strands running through the lyrics – but the real charm is the instrumentation, which is really messed-up, experimental, and runs from rock to funk to soul without pause. Players on the set include Alan Silva, Burton Greene, Roswell Rudd, Andrew Cyrille, and Jimmy Owens – but the album also features great gospel vocals by Alex Bradford, which should give you an idea of the mind-bending approach it takes! Titles include "Other Four Letter Words", "Baked Beans", "This Is The Word", "Trouble", "Poop For Sopranos & Orchestra", and "Today". LP, Vinyl record album

The setting is the Golden Gate, but the sound is pure Philly International – a rare early live performance from the label, featuring some of its key vocal heavyweights working here with live accompaniment from MFSB! Although the instrumental group backed Philly artists often in the studio, this 1973 concert marks the only time they worked live with the singers – in a stunning showcase for the young label, performed as part of a Columbia Records convention in San Francisco! Given the setting, and the uniqueness of the whole event, the release of this rare material is a treasure for soul fans of many generations – a rare addition to the amazing run of music the label first started giving us at the time. The set begins with MFSB doing a version of "Freddie's Dead" – then runs into Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes singing "I Miss You", "The Love I Lost", and "If You Don't Know Me By Now" – followed by Three Degrees on "I Didn't Know" and "Dirty Ol Man". MFSB then follow with "TSOP", then Billy Paul sings "East" and "Me & Mrs Jones", and the set ends with The O'Jays on "Love Train", "Sunshine", "Back Stabbers", and "When The World's At Peace". LP, Vinyl record album

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

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

A pivotal album in the career of Charles Mingus – one that really has him honing his sound, and reaching for that trademark mix of modernism and raw emotion that set a whole generation on fire! The album's a lot more freewheeling than other Mingus material from the time – although still a bit more compact than the Atlantic or Columbia sides – and the group's staffed with key early interpreters of Charles' vision – including John LaPorta on alto, Teo Macero on tenor and baritone, Thad Jones on trumpet, Clem DeRosa on drums, and Jackson Wiley on cello – an instrument that really helps shade in some of the darker corners of the tunes. Titles include great early originals like "Four Hands", "Minor Intrusion", "Thrice Upon A Theme", and "The Spur Of The Moment" – plus his great take on "Stormy Weather", which is a bit stormier than most! LP, Vinyl record album

Fantastic mid-50's work by Mingus, and a pivotal pair of recordings that clearly show his transition from bop bassist to groundbreaking modernist. The CD brings together two rare 10" albums that originally came out on the Period label in 1954. The albums are also noteworthy for the incredible talents of reed player John LaPorta, a mid-50's Mingus collaborator, and one of the most overlooked geniuses of that decade's jazz scene. Other players include John LaPorta, Thad Jones, and Clem DeRosa – and the titles are a good mix of originals and strangely-arranged standards (which were sort of Mingus' trademark at the time). Includes "The Spur Of The Moment/Echonitus", "Stormy Weather", "Minor Intrusion", "Four Hands", and "Thrice Upon A Theme". CD

One of the greatest albums ever from Joni Mitchell – and maybe one of the most go-to records in her legendary catalog! The record set a new high mark for singer/songwriter material in the 70s – and there's an intimate, upfront quality here that's even more striking than Mitchell's early work – personal storytelling, with a slightly poetic vibe, set to spare acoustic backing that really makes the presence of the lyrics stand out even more. Well worth all the praise and attention the album's gotten for decades – with titles that include "All I Want", "My Old Man", "Little Green", "Carey", "Blue", "California", "This Flight Tonight", "River", "A Case Of You", and "The Last Time I Saw Richard". CD

One of the greatest albums ever from Joni Mitchell – and maybe one of the most go-to records in her legendary catalog! The record set a new high mark for singer/songwriter material in the 70s – and there's an intimate, upfront quality here that's even more striking than Mitchell's early work – personal storytelling, with a slightly poetic vibe, set to spare acoustic backing that really makes the presence of the lyrics stand out even more. Well worth all the praise and attention the album's gotten for decades – with titles that include "All I Want", "My Old Man", "Little Green", "Carey", "Blue", "California", "This Flight Tonight", "River", "A Case Of You", and "The Last Time I Saw Richard". CD

... LP, Vinyl record album

Really cool material from the sessions for one of our favorite Joni Mitchell albums ever – a set that marked a new embrace of jazz in her music, and created some very groovy tunes! The music here is different than the final cuts that appeared on Court & Spark – more stripped-down and personal, in a way that links this new material back to the sparer sound of Joni at the end of the 60s. The format's a great one, and makes us love the songs even more – and the package features a very cool "Piano Suite", with snippets of other songs – plus demo takes on "People's Parties", "Help Me", "Trouble Child", "Raised On Robbery", and "Just Like This Train". LP, Vinyl record album

The mindblowing full length debut of Joni Mitchell – and a record that instantly set a whole new tone for singer/songwriter material in the late 60s! Joni had years of folk experience before this set, but the record is something else entirely – dark at times, deeply personal, and inflected with an understanding of jazz phrasing that haunts some of the guitar work, and maybe a bit of the vocals – yet all in a way that's very different than much of Mitchell's later work too. The record is definitely one of those landmarks in this moment of an artist who emerges fully formed, with a sound that's all their own – resonating with a strength that's as powerful now as it was way back then! Titles include "I Had A King", "Sistowbell Lane", "The Dawntreader", "Cactus Tree", "Song To A Seagull", "The Pirate Of Penance", "Nathan La Franeer", and "Night In The City". LP, Vinyl record album

The second album from the Modern Lovers – but one that's completely different than the first! In an oft-told story, Jonathan Richman had a complete musical turnaround in the space between the records – shirking off the proto-punk of his roots (which was also a huge inspiration to the UK and US punk scenes to come) – and instead going into more personal material, delivered with the upfront and open emotionality that would mark Richman's music for decades to come! The shift is actually a great one – a way of really finding his own mark, and creating a sound that's completely unique – music that's surprisingly ageless, and with themes that nobody else could deliver this well. Titles include "Rockin Shoppin Center", "Back In The USA", "Important In Your Life", "New England", "Lonely Financial Zone", "Hi Dear", "Hey There Little Insect", and "Spring Time". CD

The second album from the Modern Lovers – but one that's completely different than the first! In an oft-told story, Jonathan Richman had a complete musical turnaround in the space between the records – shirking off the proto-punk of his roots (which was also a huge inspiration to the UK and US punk scenes to come) – and instead going into more personal material, delivered with the upfront and open emotionality that would mark Richman's music for decades to come! The shift is actually a great one – a way of really finding his own mark, and creating a sound that's completely unique – music that's surprisingly ageless, and with themes that nobody else could deliver this well. Titles include "Rockin Shoppin Center", "Back In The USA", "Important In Your Life", "New England", "Lonely Financial Zone", "Hi Dear", "Hey There Little Insect", and "Spring Time". LP, Vinyl record album

Monk Monk Monk! A classic, with a lively quintet that includes Thad Jones, Sam Jones, Art Taylor, and the amazing Charlie Rouse, here just beginning a very fruitful association with Monk – and really adding a lot to the session with some incredible tenor work that's as angular and modern as needed for Monk's work, yet with a soulful edge that really brings a lot to the music. The album's got 5 long tracks – hence the title – and they're all Monk classics that include "I Mean You", "Ask Me Now", "Jackie-ing", and "Straight No Chaser". LP, Vinyl record album

A unique large group effort from Thelonious Monk – but one that bristles with all the angular energy of his other great work for Riverside! The group here is a tentet – filled with excellent players who include Donald Byrd, Phil Woods, Pepper Adams, Eddie Bert, Robert Northern, and Charlie Rouse – all supported by rhythm from the team of Sam Jones on bass and Art Taylor on drums, possibly one of the key factors for the success of the record! The album's comprised of Monk classics like "Little Rootie Tootie", "Thelonious", "Friday The 13th", "Off Minor", "Crepuscule with Nellie" and "Monk's Mood" – all arranged by Hall Overton, a little-remembered modernist from the 50s, but one with a keen dedication towards pushing new sounds from old formats! Overton really keeps the spirit of Monk's music intact here – penning charts that allow for plenty of solo space and the kind of cross-trading lines you'd hear in some of Monk's best multi-horn small group sides for Riverside! LP, Vinyl record album

Solo piano recordings by Montoliu, with titles that include "Yesterdays", "Here's That Rainy Day", "Imagination", "Have You Met Miss Jones?", "I Feel All Alone", "Circe", "Apartment 512", and more. CD

With Ray Gomez on guitars, Wornell Jones, Isla Eckinger, and Jean Ristori on bass, Andy Newmark on drums, John McBurnie and Francois Zmirou on lead vocals, and The Percussionists Of Rio De Janeiro. LP, Vinyl record album