We've never seen an original pressing of "Volume 2" of this LP, so we're assuming this is a Japanese-only vinyl issue of outtakes from those sessions. The original side's a very swingin', very groovy early album from Quincy – a big band recording, but handled with soulful touches that really set it apart from the genre! The band is a great one all the way through, featuring solos by Zoot Sims, Sahib Shihab, Phil Woods, Clark Terry and Kenny Burrell. A number of tracks are in a soul jazz mode, others more straight ahead – 11 tracks, including "Moanin", "Daylie Double", "Syncopated Clock", "A Parisian Thoroughfare", "G'Wan Train" and "The Preacher". CD includes 3 bonus tracks, "The Hucklebuck", "Blues In The Night", and "After Hours". 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 great little jazz record by Gary – very different than his groovy/easy albums on Verve, and with a dark sound that shows his strength as a composer and arranger. The group features McFarland in the lead on vibes, plus reed work by Phil Woods, Zoot Sims, and Richie Kamuca, and lots of rhythm backing by the likes of Richard Davis, Gabor Szabo, Sam Brown, and others. Willis Conover does a bit of narration, and tracks include "Sage Hands", "Milo's Other Samba", "Winter Colors", and "Bygones & Boogie". LP, Vinyl record album

A concept album, but one with a really great approach – a heady group of top-shelf saxophonists from the end of the 50s – all coming together in surprisingly tight formation, yet also getting a bit of solo space as well! The project is headed by arranger Bob Prince – who's got a great ear for letting the ensemble step out at the start, then lay back just slightly to let some of the genius talents on the set get a few licks in – a mighty lineup that includes Coleman Hawkins, Herb Geller, Phil Woods, Gene Quill, Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, Seldon Powell, Hal McKusick, and Georgie Auld. Things are a lot less gimmicky than you'd expect – and the album's a great meeting of older large group modes and some of the best modern inflections of the time. Titles include "Four Brothers", "The Gypsy", "Night In Tunisia", "Jumpin With Symphony Sid", and "Axmobile". LP, Vinyl record album