ARNETT COBB AND EDDIE "LOCKJAW" DAVIS — Blow Arnett Blow (1959-1993) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Arnett Cobb's debut for Prestige and his first recording as a leader in three years (due to a serious car accident in 1956) is an explosive affair. Cobb is matched up with fellow tough tenor Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, and there are plenty of sparks set off by their encounter. With organist Wild Bill Davis, bassist George Duvivier, and drummer Arthur Edgehill keeping the proceedings heated, Cobb and Davis tangle on a variety of basic material, alternating uptempo romps such as "Go Power" and "Go Red Go" with slightly more sober pieces highlighted by "When I Grow Too Old to Dream." This is a great matchup (reissued on CD through the OJC imprint) that lives up to its potential. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    When I Grow Too Old To Dream 6:41
Written-By – Hammerstein, Romberg
2    Go Power 5:05
Written-By – Duvivier
3    Dutch Kitchen Bounce 7:00
Written-By – Cobb, Woods
4    Go Red, Go 5:39
Written-By – Arnett Cobb
5    The Eely One 8:16
Written By – Jordan / Cobb
6    The Fluke 5:30
Written-By – Strethen Davis
Credits :
Bass – George Duvivier
Drums – Arthur Edgehill
Organ – Wild Bill Davis
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – Arnett Cobb, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis

LIONEL HAMPTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1942-1944 | The Chronogical Classics – 803 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Lionel Hampton Big Band made it big during the period covered by this CD. "Flying Home," which Hampton had recorded at least twice earlier with combos, became a sensation thanks to Illinois Jacquet's honking tenor (which largely launched R&B) and the excitement generated by Hampton and his band (including the screaming trumpet section). This disc covers most of the war years, has a few V-discs (including the hit version of "Flying Home" and a two-part remake), and such numbers as "Loose Wig," "Hamp's Boogie-Woogie," "Overtime," and "Tempo's Boogie." Jacquet was actually with Hampton for a relatively brief period of time, but Arnett Cobb proved to be a perfect replacement. Also quite notable in the band is pianist Milt Buckner (whose block chords became influential) and such high-note trumpeters as Ernie Royal, Cat Anderson, and Snooky Young. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

LIONEL HAMPTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1945-1946 | The Chronogical Classics – 922 (1997) FLAC (tracks), lossless

The sixth CD in Classics' series of Lionel Hampton records documents his music during a one-year period. Hampton's big band, riding high after "Flying Home," continued to grow in popularity during this era. The vibraphonist's showmanship and his sidemen's extroverted solos generated constant excitement, as can be heard throughout these 20 selections. With the exception of Dinah Washington's lone vocal on "Blow Top Blues" and the original version of "Hey! Ba-Ba-Re-Bop," most of the selections were formerly a bit rare, including a pair of rollicking V-disc performances ("Vibe Boogie" and "Screamin' Boogie"). Hampton is heard on 14 numbers with his big band (which included such key sidemen as trumpeter Joe Morris, tenorman Arnett Cobb, the eccentric Herbie Fields on alto and clarinet, and pianist Milt Buckner), four workouts with a septet, and two tunes (including a pair of vocals) with a rhythm quartet. Bing Crosby guests on so-so versions of "Pinetop's Boogie Woogie" and "On the Sunny Side of the Street" (sounding very much out of place), but otherwise, everything works. Stirring and accessible music. Scott Yanow
Tracklist  :

LIONEL HAMPTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1946 | The Chronogical Classics – 946 (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The bulk of this CD features the Lionel Hampton Big Band, an exciting orchestra that had roots in swing and was open to the influence of bebop, but also helped set the stage for somewhat exhibitionistic R&B. With a screaming trumpet section that included Jimmy Nottingham, Joe Wilder, and Leo "The Whistler" Shepherd (all who could play first trumpets) and both Arnett Cobb and Johnny Griffin on tenors, along with such soloists as trombonist Booty Wood, pianist Milt Buckner, and Hampton himself, this must have been a very difficult ensemble to defeat in "battle of the bands" contests. Best among the big band selections are "Cobb's Idea," "Adam Blew His Hat," and "Playboy." Also on this easily enjoyable disc are a quintet set that showcases Hampton's vibes and an octet session drawn from the big band that plays four songs, including "Double Talk" and "Jack the Fox Boogie."  Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

ARNETT COBB AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1946-1947 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1071 (1999) FLAC (tracks), lossless

For many, Arnett Cobb is the prototypical "Texas Tenor." His robust tone and aggressive playing were highlighted both with Lionel Hampton's band and later on his own recordings. This 20-track set chronicles all of Cobb's work under his own name, as well as sides with Milt Buckner and Herbie Fields with the Hamptone All Stars. Highlights include the bluesy "Down Home," "Still Flyin'," "Running With Ray," and "Cobb's Idea." Cub Koda
Tracklist + Credits :

WYNONIE HARRIS – 1945-1947 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1013 (1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The second Classics CD to feature blues singer Wynonie Harris' recordings as a leader finds him in the period right before he signed with the King label. The five four-song sessions on this disc (all quite jazz oriented) were cut for Hamp-Tone, Bullet, and Aladdin. First, Harris (who sounds quite enthusiastic in every setting) sings three numbers (including a two-part "Hey! Ba-Ba-Re-Bop") with a combo taken from the Lionel Hampton big band. The Bullet date was quite rare. Recorded in Nashville, it finds Harris backed by local players including Sun Ra in his first recording. Ra's piano is well featured throughout including on "Dig This Boogie." Harris is also heard with a Leonard Feather-organized band that includes trumpeter Joe Newman, altoist Tab Smith, and tenor-saxophonist Allen Eager ("Mr. Blues Jumped the Rabbit" is the best-known selection), with an obscure backup band in New York (including for "Ghost of a Chance," an odd departure with a vocal group) and sharing the spotlight with Big Joe Turner on three numbers (including a slightly disorganized two-part "Battle of the Blues"). Throughout, Wynonie Harris sounds like he was ready for stardom. Recommended. Scott Yanow
All Tracks & Credits :

EDDIE 'LOCKJAW' DAVIS | BUDDY TATE | COLEMAN HAWKINS | ARNETT COBB - Very Saxy (1959-1991) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tenor saxophonist Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis and his quartet (which includes organist Shirley Scott, bassist George Duvivier and drummer Arthur Edgehill) welcome three immortal tenors (Coleman Hawkins, Arnett Cobb and Buddy Tate) to what became a historic and hard-swinging jam session. On three blues, an original based on the chord changes of "Sweet Georgia Brown" and "Lester Leaps In," the four tenors battle it out and the results are quite exciting. The spirited music on this memorable LP will hopefully be reissued on CD eventually, for the performances live up to their great potential. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Very Saxy 8'18
Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis / George Duvivier
2     Lester Leaps In 6'15
Lester Young    
3     Fourmost 5'22
Shirley Scott
4     Foot Pattin' 8'53
George Duvivier
5     Light and Lovely 9'55
Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis / George Duvivier
Credits:
Bass – George Duvivier
Drums – Arthur Edgehill
Organ – Shirley Scott
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Remastered By – Phil De Lancie
Tenor Saxophone – Arnett Cobb, Buddy Tate, Coleman Hawkins, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis