BETTY BENNETT — Nobody Else But Me (1955-1991) MONO | Ladies Sing Jazz Series | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Nobody Else But Me illuminates the dark corners of romance with rare depth and maturity -- Betty Bennett's sultry, knowing vocals further establish the palpable feeling that this is a record for adults. Shorty Rogers and André Previn share arranger duties, and both operate in a framework emphasizing nuance and restraint, enabling Bennett to articulate her tales of love and loss without embellishment or redundancy. Equal parts stylist and storyteller, she fully inhabits relatively little-known songs like "This Is the Moment" and "Treat Me Rough." Jason Ankeny
Tracklist :
1    Nobody Else But Me 3:38
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
2    You're Driving Me Crazy 2:54
Walter Donaldson
3    My Man's Gone Now 3:27
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin / DuBose Heyward
4    Island In The West Indies 2:58
Vernon Duke / Ira Gershwin
5    The Next Time I Care 3:14
Bronislaw Kaper / John Latouche
6    Tomorrow Mountain 3:29
Duke Ellington / John Latouche
7    Treat Me Rough 2:49
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
8    Mountain Greenery 2:33
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
9    This Is The Moment 3:20
Frederick Hollander / Leo Robin
10    You Took Advantage Of Me 2:50
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
11    Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Martin / Blane
12    Sidewalks Of Cuba 2:31
Irving Mills / Ben Oakland / Mitchell Parish
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Harry Klee
Bass – Ralph Pena
Bass, Arranged By – Jimmy Giuffre
Drums – Irv Cottler
Guitar – Barney Kessel
Piano, Arranged By – André Previn
Tenor Saxophone – Bob Cooper
Trombone – Frank Rosolino
Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Arranged By – Shorty Rogers
Vocals – Betty Bennett

LOUIE BELLSON AND HIS ORCHESTRA — Skin Deep (1954-1999) RM | Verve Elite Edition Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Louis Bellson has long been acknowledged as one of the greatest drummers in jazz history and this release combines two separate sessions that are predominately features for his incredible solos. "Percussionistically Speaking" starts as a blues, then Bellson shows off his subtle brushwork before switching to sticks for a powerful solo. There's more room for other soloists on "Fascinatin' Rhythm," where guitarist Joe Puma, pianist Ralph Martin and bassist Bob Peterson get to show off their chops, too. The title track is Bellson's best known piece, written while he was briefly with Duke Ellington; this powerful big band version is as effective as his famous earlier version. Another choice cut is "For Europeans Only," featuring a strong solo by the ill-fated tenor saxophonist Wardell Gray, who was killed a little over a year following this session. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
 1. Percussionistically Speaking (7:58)
Written-By – Louie Bellson
2. A Pearl For Louie (3:54)
Written-By – Ralph Martin
3. Fascinatin' Rhythm (4:16)
Written-By – George And Ira Gershwin
4. Copasetic (Long Version) (4:56)
 Written-By – Don Elliott, Ralph Martin
5. All God's Chillun Got Rhythm (2:55)
Written-By – Bronislaw Kaper, Gus Kahn, Walter Jurmann
6. Skin Deep (7:53)
Written-By – Louie Bellson
7. Loris (3:58)
Written-By – Joe Puma
8. For Europeans Only (3:03)
Written-By – Don Redman, Tadd Dameron
9. Phalanges (3:18)
Written-By – Clark Terry
10. Caxton Hall Swing (3:00)
Written-By – Louie Bellson
11. Copasetic (Short Version) (3:44)
Written-By – Don Elliott, Ralph Martin
Credits :
Louie Bellson plays drums on all tracks accompanied by:
On tracks 1-5, 7 and 11:
Don Elliott-trumpet, mellphone, vibraphone, bongo
Ralph Martin-piano
Joe Puma-guitar
Bob Peterson-bass
Recorded probably early February 1954 in New York City

On tracks 6 and 8-10:
Harry "Sweets" Edison, Maynard Ferguson, Conrad Gozzo, Ray Linn - Trumpet
Hoyt Bohannon, Herbie Harper, Tommy Pederson - Trombone
Benny Carter, Willie Smith - Alto Saxophone
Wardell Gray, Bumps Myers - Tenor saxophone
Bob Lawson - Baritone saxophone
Jimmie Rowles - Piano
Barney Kessel - Guitar
John Simmons - Bass
Don Redman - Arranger
Recorded August 14, 1953 at Radio Recorders, Hollywood

Original recordings produced by Norman Granz
Tracks 1-5 and 6-10 are in their respective original 10" LP sequences
Master numbers show the order in which the tracks were recorded

BARNEY KESSEL — Vol. 3 "To Swing or Not to Swing" (1955-1987) Two Version | APE (image+.cue), lossless + FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Guitarist Barney Kessel's string of recordings for Contemporary in the 1950s included some of the finest work of his career. The unusual repertoire on this set -- which includes "Louisiana," "Indiana," and "12th Street Rag," along with four Kessel originals and more usual standards -- would by itself make this bop/cool set noteworthy. Add to that a very interesting lineup of players (trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, Georgie Auld or Bill Perkins on tenor, pianist Jimmy Rowles, the rhythm guitar of Al Hendrickson, bassist Red Mitchell, and Shelly Manne or Irv Cottler on drums) and some excellent showcases for Kessel, and the overall result is a recording highly recommended to fans of straight-ahead jazz. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. Begin The Blues 4:21
Written-By – Barney Kessel
2. Louisiana 3:55
Written-By – Andy Razaf, Bob Schaefer, J.C. Johnson
3. Happy Feeling 3:55
Written-By – Barney Kessel
4. Embraceable You 3:21
Written-By – Ira And George Gershwin
5. Wail Street 4:21
Written-By – Barney Kessel
6. Indiana 3:08
Written-By – Ballard MacDonald, James F. Hanley
7. Moten Swing 3:56
Written-By – Bennie Moten, Buster Moten
8. Midnight Sun 3:05
Written-By – Lionel Hampton, Sonny Burke
9. Contemporary Blues 4:05
Written-By – Barney Kessel
10. Don't Blame Me 2:54
Written-By – Dorothy Fields And Jimmy McHugh
11. 12th Street Rag 2:56
Written-By – Euday L. Bowman
Credits :
Bass – Red Mitchell
Drums – Irv Cottler, Shelly Manne
Guitar – Barney Kessel
Piano – Jimmy Rowles
Rhythm Guitar – Al Hendrickson
Tenor Saxophone – Bill Perkins, Georgie Auld
Trumpet – Harry Edison

THELMA GRACEN — Night And Day (1956-1990) Jazz-Club Serie – 69 | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Thelma Gracen's lone EmArcy date boasts a warm, nocturnal atmosphere that belies the precision and complexity of its performances. Guitarist Barney Kessel, tenorist Georgie Auld, and pianist Lou Levy are all in top form, delivering graceful, almost effortless support that encircles Gracen's vocals like a kind of halo effect. Her cool, sophisticated interpretations of chestnuts like "I'll Remember April" and "Night and Day" immediately bring to mind the likes of Anita O'Day and Chris Connor, but Gracen possesses a style and intelligence all her own -- it's a shame her discography is so slim. Jason Ankeny

Tracklist :

1  I'll Remember April 2:50 

Patricia Johnston / Gene Paul / Don Raye 

2  Night and Day 3:01 

Cole Porter 

3  I'll Never Be the Same 4:18 

Gus Kahn / Matty Malneck / Frank Signorelli 

4  Tea for Two 2:36 

Irving Caesar / Vincent Youmans 

5  I'll Get By 3:41 

Fred E. Ahlert / Roy Turk 

6  Out of Nowhere 2:36 

John W. Green / Edward Heyman 

7  Solitude 3:56 

Eddie DeLange / Duke Ellington 

8  Just You Just Me 1:48 

Jesse Greer / Raymond Klages 

9  I'm Yours 4:14 

John W. Green / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg 

10  People Will Say We're in Love 2:46 

Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers 

11  More Than You Know 3:49 

Edward Eliscu / Billy Rose / Vincent Youmans 

12  Let There Be Love 2:01 

Ian Murray Seafield Grant / Lionel Rand 

Credits :

Barney Kessel - guitar

Lou Levy - piano

Georgie Auld - Sax (tenor)

Thelma Gracen - Vocals

ANN RICHARDS — Ann, Man! (1961-2002) Collectables Jazz Classics Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Ann Richards, an excellent singer who was married to Stan Kenton for a few years, only recorded a few solo albums before slipping away into obscurity. Ann, Man! is her most intimate date, a quartet set with trumpeter Jack Sheldon, guitarist Barney Kessel, bassist Red Callender, and drummer Larry Bunker. Four of the songs (including "There's a Lull in My Life" and "You Go to My Head") are duets with Kessel. Richards shows off her versatility and sensitivity on this well-rounded set, swinging lightly and singing with restrained emotions. It is a pity that she did not have a prosperous career, for the talent was definitely there. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1        Yes Sir That's My Baby 3:22
Written-By – Gus Kahn, Walter Donaldson
2        An Occasional Man 2:56
Written-By – Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane
3        There's A Lull In My Life 3:52
Written-By – Harry Revel, Mack Gordon
4        The Masquerade Is Over 2:20
Written-By – Allie Wrubel, Herb Magidson
5        You Go To My Head
Written-By – Haven Gillespie, Fred Coots
6        Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby 2:40
Written-By – Billy Austin, Louis Jordan
7        And That's All 2:54
Written-By – Sister Rosetta Tharpe
8        Bewitched 4:03
Written-By – Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
9        Evil Gal Blues 4:10
Written-By – Leonard Feather
10        Love Is A Word For The Blues 1:59
Written-By – Dick Hyman, Leonard Feather, Milt Raskin
11        How Do I Look In Blue 2:56
Written-By – Gene Roland, Johnny Richards
12        I Couldn't Sleep A Wink Last Night 3:02
Written-By – Harold Adamson, Jimmy McHugh
Credits:
Bass – Red Callender
Drums – Larry Bunker
Guitar – Barney Kessel
Trumpet – Jack Sheldon
Vocals – Ann Richards

DODO MARMAROSA TRIO — Complete Studio Recordings (2004) 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Even if comparisons with Lennie Tristano, Al Haig and Bud Powell are inevitable, Dodo Marmarosa's music has a surrealistic imprint essentially unlike that of any other pianist in or out of bop. In honor of this cardinal truth, the Lone Hill Jazz label has come forward with the Complete Studio Recordings of the Dodo Marmarosa Trio (including alternate takes), bringing together three different West Coast sessions from 1946 and 1947, four selections waxed in his home town of Pittsburgh in 1950, and an entire second disc's worth of mature Marmarosa material recorded in Chicago in 1961 and 1962. The instrumentation is well worth scrutinizing; the two earliest tracks, dated January 11, 1946, involved bassist Ray Brown and drummer Jackie Mills. Tracks three through 14, waxed on or after September 23, 1946, had no drummer -- only guitarist Barney Kessel and bassist Gene Englund played with the pianist. A rare example of Dodo the vocalist, "I've Got News for You" was originally released on the Atomic record label. The bedrock of this man's musical legacy is a series of sides recorded for the Dial label in Los Angeles on December 3, 1947 (disc one, tracks 15-19 and 24-29). The first cascading bars of "Bopmatism" plunge the listener into an intoxicating groove from which there is no retreat. Here Dodo worked with Harry Babasin, a bassist who doubled on the cello, and once again percussionist Jackie Mills. The Pittsburgh Savoy session found the pianist in the company of bassist Thomas Mandrus and drummer Joe Wallace. More than ten years fraught with personal crises passed before Dodo Marmarosa, by then operating in Chicago, recorded again in a studio with a trio. On May 9 and 10, 1961, the pianist recorded ten tracks with bassist Richard Evans and drummer Marshall Thompson. Almost exactly one year later, on May 4, 1962, seven additional performances were waxed with the great Sam Jones replacing Evans. Both those who are just discovering Marmarosa's music and seasoned jazzheads who are mainly familiar with his earlier work will find this raft of latter-day Dodo a treasure well worth savoring time and again. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist 1 :
1    Mellow Mood 3:12
Written-By – D. Marmarosa
2    Dodo's Blues 3:11
Written-By – D. Marmarosa
3    Raindrops 2:47
Written-By – D. Marmarosa
4    I've Got News For You 2:58
Written-By – L. Easton
5    Compadoo 2:18
Written-By – D. Marmarosa
6    I'm In Love 2:35
Lyrics By – LeBaron / Music By – Kreisler
7    Opus No. 5 1:45
Written-By – D. Marmarosa
8    You Thrill Me So 2:44
Written-By – D. Marmarosa
9    Dodo's Bounce 1:41
Written-By – D. Marmarosa
10    Escape 1:42
Written-By – D. Marmarosa
11    Lover Come Back To Me 2:49
Lyrics By – Hammerstein II / Music By – Romberg
12    Raindrops 2:09
Written-By – D. Marmarosa
13    Smoke Gets In Your Eyes 2:38
Lyrics By – Harbach / Music By – Kern
14    Bopmatism 1:20
Written-By – D. Marmarosa
15    Bopmatism 2:55
Written-By – D. Marmarosa
16    Dodo's Dance 3:06
Written-By – D. Marmarosa
17    Trade Winds 3:08
Written-By – D. Marmarosa
18    Dary Departs 2:35
Written-By – D. Marmarosa
19    Cosmo Street 3:51
Written-By – D. Marmarosa
20    My Foolish Heart 2:36
Lyrics By – Washington / Music By – Young
21    Blue Room 3:04
Written-By – Hart-Rodgers
22    Why Was I Born 3:13
Written-By – Kern-Hammerstein II
23    The Night Is Young 2:48
Written-By – I. Kahal
24    Bopmatism    3:06
25    Dodo's Dance    3:04
26    Trade Winds    3:05
27    Dary Departs    2:45
28    Dary Departs    2:43
29    Cosmo Street    3:25
Tracklist 2 :
1    April Played The Fiddle 4:07
Written-By – Monaco, Burke
2    Why Do I Love You 3:19
Written-By – Kern-Hammerstein II
3    Everything Happens To Me 4:39
Music By – Carmichael / Words By – Mercer
4    Me And My Shadow 4:04
Lyrics By – Rose / Music By – Dreyer / Written-By – Jolson
5    On Green Dolphin Street 3:15
Lyrics By – Washington / Music By – Kaper
6    Tracy's Blues 3:36
Written-By – D. Marmarosa
7    You Call It Madness 3:56
Written-By – Conrad, DuBois, Gregory, Columbo
8    Mellow Mood 3:57
Written-By – D. Marmarosa
9    I Thought About You 5:29
Lyrics By – Mercer / Music By – VanHeusen
10    A Cottage For Sale 4:56
Lyrics By – Conley / Music By – Robison
11    The Song Is You 7:31
Written-By – Kern-Hammerstein II
12    Just Friends 5:17
Lyrics By – Klenner / Music By – Lewis
13    Yardbird Suite 4:18
Written-By – C. Parker
14    I Remember You 3:41
Lyrics By – Mercer / Music By – Schertzinger
15    The Moody Blues 4:09
Written-By – D. Marmarosa
16    The Very Thought Of You 4:02
Written-By – R. Noble
17    Yardbird Suite 3:50
Written-By – C. Parker
Credits :
Bass – Gene Englund (tracks: 1-3 to 1-14), Ray Brown (tracks: 1-1, 1-2), Richard Evans (tracks: 2-1 to 2-10), Sam Jones (tracks: 2-1 to 2-10), Thomas Mandrus (tracks: 1-20 to 1-23)
Bass, Cello – Harry Babasin (tracks: 1-15 to 1-19, 1-24 to 1-29)
Drums – Jackie Mills (tracks: 1-1, 1-2, 1-15 to 1-19, 1-24 to 1-29), Joe Wallace  (tracks: 1-20 to 1-23), Marshall Thompson (tracks: 2-1 to 2-17)
Guitar – Barney Kessel (tracks: 1-3 to 1-14)
Piano – Dodo Marmarosa
Vocals – Dodo Marmarosa (tracks: 1-4)

CHARLIE BYRD | BARNEY KESSEL | HERB ELLIS — Great Guitars (1975) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Charlie Byrd was teamed up with Barney Kessel and Herb Ellis (along with bassist Joe Byrd and drummer John Rae) for this rather exciting concert. While Ellis and Kessel have three unaccompanied duets, the inclusion of Byrd (thought of as a Brazilian specialist rather than a bopper) is the wild card that makes this set a major success. While Byrd is excellent on his features "Charlie's Blues" and "O Barquinho," it is the three stomps featuring all the guitarists ("Undecided," "Topsy" and "Benny's Bugle") that are most memorable. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Undecided    6:19
 Sydney Robin / Charlie Shavers
2    O Barquinho    4:41
 Ronaldo Bôscoli / Roberto Menescal
3    Slow Burn    5:33
 Barney Kessel
4    Charlie's Blues    8:17
 Charlie Byrd
5    Topsy    5:44
 Edgar Battle / Eddie Durham
6    Latin Groove    4:26
 Barney Kessel
7    Down Home Blues    3:57
 Herb Ellis / Barney Kessel
8    H And B Guitar Boogie    4:08
 Herb Ellis / Barney Kessel
9    Benny's Bugle    5:37
 Benny Goodman
Credits :
Bass – Joe Byrd
Drums – John Rae
Guitar – Barney Kessel, Charlie Byrd, Herb Ellis

THE BARNEY KESSEL TRIO — Jellybeans (1981-1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 On this fairly typical trio set, guitarist Barney Kessel is joined by bassist Bob Maize and drummer Jimmie Smith. "Stella by Starlight," "St. Thomas" and "Shiny Stockings" generate some heat; there are three Kessel originals and also two veteran ballads. The music swings without giving listeners any real surprises, but Kessel's fans can consider this one of his best Concord recordings. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Jellybeans    4:08
 Barney Kessel
2    Stella By Starlight    5:46
 Ned Washington / Victor Young
3    Mermaid    4:27
 Barney Kessel
4    My Foolish Heart    4:34
 Ned Washington / Victor Young
5    Juarez After Dark    4:26
 Barney Kessel
6    I've Never Been In Love Before    5:19
 Frank Loesser
7    St. Thomas    4:45
 Sonny Rollins
8    Shiny Stockings    5:14
 Frank Foster
Credits :
Bass – Bob Maize
Drums – Jimmie Smith
Guitar – Barney Kessel

BARNEY KESSEL — Kessel's Kit (1969-2015) RM | Serie Jazz Collection 1000 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist  :
1. B.J.'s Samba (Kessel) - 4:032. Meu Irmao (Pes) - 4:51
3. Malibu (Trovajoli) - 5:32

4. On the Riviera (Kessel) - 3:57
5. Lison (Pes) - 3:48
6. Freeway (Capuano-Capuano) - 2:58
7. From My Heart (Kessel) - 5:09
8. Swing Samba (Kessel) - 3:41
9. Amelia (De Natale-Coggio) - 3:20
Credits :
Drums – Vincenzo Restuccia
Electric Bass – Giovanni Tommaso
Electric Guitar – Carlo Pes
Electric Organ – Antonello Vannucchi
Percussion – Ciro Cicco

BARNEY KESSEL – Let's Cook! (1957-1999) RM | FLAC (tracks+cue) lossless

This is an excellent session from guitarist Barney Kessel. Kessel is matched with vibraphonist Victor Feldman, pianist Hampton Hawes, bassist Leroy Vinnegar, and drummer Shelly Manne for a blues-with-a-bridge (the 11-minute "Let's Cook"), Vernon Duke's ballad "Time Remembered," and "Just in Time." The second half of the album has modernized versions of "Tiger Rag" and "Jersey Bounce" as played by the guitarist, tenor saxophonist Ben Webster, trombonist Frank Rosolino, pianist Jimmie Rowles, Vinnegar, and Manne. Throughout, Kessel keeps with the other all-stars, swinging hard while paying tribute to the legacy of Charlie Christian. Scott Yanow
Tracklist  :
1 Let's Cook 11:18
Written-By – Barney Kessel
2 Time Remembered 4:15
Written-By – Vernon Duke
3 Just In Time 4:57
Written-By – Adolph Green, Betty Comden, Jule Styne
4 Tiger Rag 9:45
Written-By – Original Dixieland Jazz Band
5 Jersey Bounce 9:30
Written-By – Bobby Plater, Buddy Feyne, Tiny Bradshaw
# 1-3 :
Bass – Leroy Vinnegar
Drums – Shelly Manne
Guitar – Barney Kessel
Piano – Hampton Hawes
Victor Feldman Vibraphone
# 4-5 :
Piano – Jimmy Rowles
Saxophone – Ben Webster
Trombone – Frank Rosolino
Guitar – Barney Kessel
Bass – Leroy Vinnegar
Drums – Shelly Manne

BILLIE HOLIDAY — Solitude (1952-1993) RM | Serie Billie Holiday Verve Story – Volume 2 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Billie Holiday's first recordings for Norman Granz' Clef Records present a vocalist truly at the top of her craft, although she would begin a rapid decline soon thereafter. This 1952 recording (originally issued as a 10" LP, Billie Holiday Sings) places Holiday in front of small piano and tenor saxophone-led groups including jazz luminaries such as Oscar Peterson and Charlie Shavers, where her gentle phrasing sets the tone for the sessions, evoking lazy evenings and dreamy afternoons. The alcoholism and heroin use that would be her downfall by the end of this decade seems to be almost unfathomable during these recordings since Holiday is in as fine a voice as her work in the '30s, and the musical environment seems ideal for these slow torch songs. Solitude runs as the common theme throughout these 16 tracks; the idle breathiness of "These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)" finds the vocalist casually reminiscing, and Barney Kessel's warm guitar lines frame the title track beautifully. Several of Holiday's best-known recordings came from this session, including outstanding versions of "I Only Have Eyes for You" and a darkly emotional "Love for Sale," making this album far and away the best work of her later years, and certainly a noteworthy moment of her entire career. Zac Johnson
Tracklist :
1. East of the Sun (And West of the Moon) (Bowman) - 2:56
2. Blue Moon (Rodgers-Hart) - 3:31
3. You Go to My Head (Coots-Gillespie) - 2:57
4. You Turned the Tables on Me (Alter-Mitchell) - 3:28
5. Easy to Love (Porter) - 3:02
6. These Foolish Things (Link-Strachey-Maschwitz) - 3:35
7. I Only Have Eyes for You (Warren-Dubin) - 2:54
8. Solitude (Ellington-DeLange-Mills) - 3:32
9. Everything I Have Is Yours (Lane-Adamson) - 3:45
10. Love for Sale (Porter) - 2:59
11. Moonglow (DeLange-Hudson-Mills) - 3:00
12. Tenderly (Gross-Lawrence) - 3:25
13. If the Moon Turns Green (Coates-Hanighen) - 2:47
14. Remember (Berlin) - 2:37
15. Autumn in New York (LP take) (Duke) - 3:43
16. Autumn in New York (78 rpm take) (Duke) - 3:52
Credits :
Billie Holiday - Vocals
Charlie Shavers - Trumpet
Flip Phillips - Tenor Saxophone
Oscar Peterson - Piano
Barney Kessel - Guitar
Alvin Stoller - Drums

BOB BROOKMEYER | JIMMY CLEVELAND | FRANK ROSOLINO — The Trombones Inc. (1958-2007) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 Each of the selections on this set has between seven and a dozen trombonists along with a rhythm section. The first five selections were recorded with East Coast musicians and the next six with players from the West Coast but, truth be told, there is no real difference in the style of music. The arrangements of J.J. Johnson, Warren Barker and Marty Paich are strictly straight-ahead with an emphasis on the sound of the trombone sections. There are many concise solos along the way but the only standouts are Frank Rosolino and Jimmy Cleveland, as most of the other individual spots are brief. The final number, "I Found a New Baby," was not on the original LP and was apparently recorded half on the East Coast and half on the West, a discographer's nightmare but pointing to the unity of this project. The music is fun and very much in the idiom of 1950s J.J. Johnson although Johnson does not actually play a note on this project. Scott Yanow   Tracklist & Credits :

OLIVER NELSON & FRIENDS – Happenings + Soulful Brass (2011) RM | Serie Impulse! 2-On-1 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This Impulse two-fer revives a pair of LPs by arranger, composer, and saxophonist Oliver Nelson, Happenings and Soulful Brass, released in 1966 and 1968, respectively. Happenings, a date with pianist Hank Jones, is the better album, unlike Soulful Brass, which was co-led with comedian/pianist Steve Allen. Unfortunately, both pianists are featured mainly on harpsichord, which tends to dominate, and at times overwhelm, the compositions. Unless you're a die-hard collector, best to skip this two-fer and pick up the Impulse releases, The Blues & the Abstract Truth and More Blues & the Abstract Truth. Al Campbell  Tracklist & Credits :

ART TATUM — The Complete Pablo Group Masterpieces (1990) RM | 6CD BOX-SET | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tatum spent most of his career as a solo pianist; in fact, it was often said that he was such an unpredictable virtuoso that it would be difficult for other musicians to play with him. Producer Norman Granz sought to prove that the theory was false, so between 1954 and 1956 he extensively recorded Tatum with a variety of other classic jazzmen, resulting originally in nine LPs of material that is now available separately as eight CDs and on this very full six-CD box set. In contrast to the massive solo Tatum sessions that Granz also recorded during this period, the group sides have plenty of variety and exciting moments, which is not too surprising when one considers that Tatum was teamed in a trio with altoist Benny Carter and drummer Louie Bellson; with trumpeter Roy Eldridge, clarinetist Buddy DeFranco, and tenor saxophonist Ben Webster in separate quartets; in an explosive trio with vibraphonist Lionel Hampton and drummer Buddy Rich; with a sextet including Hampton, Rich, and trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison; and on a standard trio session. Scott Yanow    Tracklist & Credits :

BARNEY KESSEL — Barney Kessel Volume 1 : Easy Like (1956-2006) RM | MONO | APE (image+.cue), lossless

Other than four songs apiece released by Onyx and Verve, the CD reissue of Easy Like, Vol. 1 has guitarist Barney Kessel's first sessions as a leader, performances which launched his longtime association with the Contemporary label. Augmented by two "new" alternate takes, the set features Kessel in boppish form with quintets in 1953 and 1956 featuring, either Bud Shank or Buddy Collette doubling on flute and alto. Kessel shows off the influence of Charlie Christian throughout the performances, with the highlights including "Easy Like," "Lullaby of Birdland," "North of the Border," and the accurately titled "Salute to Charlie Christian." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Easy Like 4:04
Barney Kessel
2 Tenderly 4:06
Walter Gross / Jack Lawrence
3 Lullaby of Birdland 3:16
George Shearing / George David Weiss
4 What Is There to Say? 3:10
Vernon Duke / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
5 Bernardo 3:34
Barney Kessel
6 Vicky's Dream 2:37
Barney Kessel
7 Salute to Charlie Christian 2:52
Barney Kessel
8 That's All 3:18
Alan Brandt / Bob Haymes
9 I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart 4:12
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills / Henry Nemo / John Redmond
10 Just Squeeze Me (But Don't Tease Me) 3:41
Duke Ellington / Lee Gaines
11 April in Paris 3:00
Vernon Duke / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
12 North of the Border 2:46
Barney Kessel
13 Easy Like 2:44
Barney Kessel
14 North of the Border 2:44
Barney Kessel
Credits :
Bass – Harry Babasin (tracks: 3 to 8, 10, 11), Red Mitchell (tracks: 1, 2, 9, 12 to 14 )
Drums – Shelly Manne
Flute, Alto Saxophone – Bud Shank (tracks: 3 to 8, 10, 11), Buddy Collette (tracks: 1, 2, 9, 12 to 14 )
Guitar – Barney Kessel
Piano – Arnold Ross (tracks: 3 to 8, 10, 11), Claude Williamson (tracks: 1, 2, 9, 12 to 14 )

LESTER YOUNG — The Complete Lester Young Studio Sessions on Verve (2006) RM | 8xCD BOX-SET | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

All too often, jazz critics have promoted the myth that Lester Young's playing went way downhill after World War II -- that the seminal tenor man was so emotionally wounded by the racism he suffered in the military in 1944-1945 that he could no longer play as well as he had in the '30s and early '40s. To be sure, Young went through hell in the military, and his painful experiences took their toll in the form of alcohol abuse, severe depression, and various health problems. But despite Young's mental decline, he was still a fantastic soloist. This eight-CD set, which gathers most of the studio recordings that he made for Norman Granz's Clef, Norgran, and Verve labels from 1946-1959, underscores the fact that much of his postwar output was superb. At its worst, this collection is at least decent, but the Pres truly excels on sessions with Nat "King" Cole and Buddy Rich in 1946, Oscar Peterson and Barney Kessel in 1952, Roy Eldridge and Teddy Wilson in 1956, and Harry "Sweets" Edison in 1957. Disc 8 contains two recorded interviews with the saxman -- one conducted by Chris Albertson in 1958 for WCAU radio in Philadelphia, the other by French jazz enthusiast Francois Postif in Paris on February 6, 1959 (only five or six weeks before Young's death on March 15 of that year). The contrast between the fascinating interviews is striking; in Philly, Young is polite and soft-spoken, whereas in Paris, the effects of the alcohol are hard to miss. Sounding intoxicated and using profanity liberally, Young candidly tells Postif about everything from his experiences with racism to his associations with Billie Holiday and Count Basie. But as much as the set has going for it, The Complete Lester Young Studio Sessions on Verve isn't for novices, casual listeners, or those who are budget-minded (Verve's suggested retail price in the U.S. was $144). Collectors are the ones who will find this CD to be a musical feast. Alex Henderson   Tracklist & Credits :

MILT JACKSON — Ballads & Blues (1956-2012) RM | Jazz Best Collection 1000 Series | MONO | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Comes with a mini description. Ballads & Blues is an album by American jazz vibraphonist Milt Jackson featuring performances recorded in 1956 and released on the Atlantic label. The unassuming title of this compilation understates the fact that Milt Jackson is a master of ballad and blues forms, and an inspired collaborator when working flautists.
The small group settings for these performances allow the players – some of the very best in jazz and all in top form – to be heard to full advantage. The guitarists are particularly effective, the crisp, cool tones of Skeeter Best, Barry Galbraith, Barney Kessel, and Kenny Burrell complementing the rich, ringing cascade from Jackson's vibes. Of note from 1956's Ballads and Blues are two performances with tenor saxophonist Lucky Thompson. These will be appreciated by anyone who has enjoyed Jackson's work with Thompson on the Savoy label. The 1956 date also has three Ralph Burns arrangements that augment the players with a woodwind quintet. While neither overly lush or cloying, the oboes, etc., still don't add a lot to what the core group has to say.
Tracklist :
1    So In Love 3:11

Written-By – Cole Porter
2    These Foolish Things 4:26
Written-By – Harry Link, Holt Marvell
3    Solitude 4:39
Written-By – Duke Ellington, Eddie de Lange, Irving Mills
4    The Song Is Ended 4:39
Written-By – Irving Berlin
5    They Didn't Believe Me 3:44
Written-By – Jerome Kern, M. E. Rourke
6    How High The Moon 6:12
Written-By – M. Lewis, Nancy Hamilton
7    Gerry's Blues 5:00
Written-By – Milt Jackson
8    Hello 3:44
Written-By – Milt Jackson
9    Bright Blues 6:11
Written-By – Milt Jackson
Personnel :
Milt Jackson – Vibes
Lucky Thompson - Tenor Saxophone (tracks 6, 8 & 9)
John Lewis - Piano (tracks 1, 3, 5, 6, 8 & 9)
Skeeter Best (tracks 6, 8 & 9), Barry Galbraith (tracks 1, 3 & 5), Barney Kessel (tracks 2, 4 & 7) – Guitar
Percy Heath (tracks 2, 4 & 7), Oscar Pettiford (tracks 1, 3, 5, 6, 8 & 9) - Bass
Kenny Clarke (tracks 1, 3, 5, 6, 8 & 9), Lawrence Marable (tracks 2, 4 & 7) – Drums

OSCAR PETERSON – 1950-1952 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1323 (2003) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Oscar Peterson, after making his initial recordings in his native Montreal during 1945-1949, was presented by Norman Granz at a Jazz at the Philharmonic concert in 1950 and hit it big. At first he was featured in duos with either Ray Brown or Major Holley on bass. This CD begins with three selections from a Carnegie Hall concert on September 16, 1950, with Brown including extended versions of "Carnegie Blues" and "I Only Have Eyes for You." Seven studio recordings by the same duo precede the first five recordings by the Oscar Peterson Trio with Brown and guitarist Barney Kessel. This CD's final session has most of the selections recorded by Peterson and Brown with guitarist Irving Ashby on January 26, 1952; Kessel would not officially become the group's guitarist until the following month. Although more swing-oriented than he would become (and showing off the influence of Nat King Cole), Oscar Peterson was already a great virtuoso and rapidly developing his own voice on the piano. These formerly rare recordings are well worth acquiring. Scott Yanow          Tracklist + Credits :

OSCAR PETERSON – 1952 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1361 (2004) FLAC (tracks), lossless

 Tracklist + Credits :

OSCAR PETERSON – 1952, Vol. 2 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1399 (2005) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tracklist :