BUDDY RICH AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1946-1948 | The Chronogical Classics – 1099 (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is the first CD from the French Classics reissue series showcasing drummer Buddy Rich as a big-band leader. These 22 titles were recorded between 1946 and 1948 with several of them being V-discs. The tight arrangements of Tadd Dameron, Neil Hefti, Eddie Finckel, Bill Channon, and Turk Van Lake are strict yet thoroughly swinging ensemble playing. Even though Rich led this big band, he does not take center stage over the entire outcome. His Frank Sinatra-influenced vocals are heard here along with those of Dorothy Reid and Linda Larkin. During this three-year period his bands included the likes of Johnny Mandel, Red Rodney, Hal McKusick, Jimmy Giuffre, Warne Marsh, and Allen Eager. With the proven talent heard here it's a shame Rich couldn't sustain his ensembles, but finding gigs as the big-band era was drawing to a close made it economically unfeasible. Rich would not attempt to lead another big band until 1966. Al Campbell  
Tracklist + Credits :

STAN GETZ | ZOOT SIMS — The Brothers (1956-1989) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The music on this LP recalls the airy "Four Brothers" sound that tenor saxophonists Stan Getz, Zoot Sims and Herbie Steward, and baritone saxophonist Serge Charloff, plied in Woody Herman's band of 1947. For this outing, Steward and Charloff exit, and four become five with the addition of tenor luminaries Al Cohn, Brew Moore, and Allen Eager. The set appropriately kicks off with Gerry Mulligan's "Five Brothers," a tune reminiscent of Jimmy Giuffre's original "Four Brothers" in its fluid and bouncy arrangement. Three other attractive and similarly disposed originals (one more by Mulligan and two by Cohn) complete the saxophone session from 1949, all featuring swinging statements by each soloist. A 1952 sextet date led by Sims and Cohn is also included, offering up another round of original and buoyantly swinging cuts, bolstered by lively contributions from trombonist Kai Winding and solid rhythmic support by pianist George Wallington, bassist Percy Heath, and drummer Art Blakey. A fine release that nicely showcases the cool, proto-West Coast bop forged by both these soloists and Miles Davis. Stephen Cook  

Tracklist :
1 Stan Getz And His Four Brothers- Five Brothers 3:10
Gerry Mulligan    
2 Stan Getz And His Four Brothers- Five Brothers [Alternate Take] 3:34
Gerry Mulligan    
3 Stan Getz And His Four Brothers- Battle of the Saxes 3:52
Al Cohn    
4 Stan Getz And His Four Brothers- Battleground 3:46
Al Cohn    
5 Stan Getz And His Four Brothers- Battleground [Alternate Take] 3:31
Al Cohn    
6 Stan Getz And His Four Brothers- Four and One Moore 3:22
Gerry Mulligan    
7 Stan Getz And His Four Brothers- Four and One Moore [Alternate Take] 3:15
Gerry Mulligan    
8 Zoot Sims And Al Cohn– The Red Door 4:34
Zoot Sims    
9 Zoot Sims And Al Cohn– Zootcase 4:18
Zoot Sims
10 Zoot Sims And Al Cohn– Tangerine 4:24
Victor Schertzinger    
11 Zoot Sims And Al Cohn– Morning Fun 5:37  
Al Cohn
Credits :
1-7
Bass – Gene Ramey
Drums – Charlie Perry
Piano – Walter Bishop
Tenor Saxophone – Brew Moore, Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Allen Eager
8-11
Bass – Percy Heath
Drums – Art Blakey
Piano – George Wallington
Tenor Saxophone – Al Cohn, , Zoot Sims
Trombone – Kai Winding
Notas.
#1-7 recorded April 8, 1949. #8-11 recorded September 8, 1952.
#2, 5 and 7 are bonus tracks.
Remastered By [Digital Remastering] – Joe Tarantino
Artwork – Don Martin