MORGANA KING — Morgana King Sings The Blues (1956-1989) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tracklist :
1 More Than You Know 4:04
Edward Eliscu / Billy Rose / Vincent Youmans
2 Frankie and Johnnie 2:42
Traditional
3 Mean to Me 3:26
Fred E. Ahlert / Roy Turk
4 When Your Lover Has Gone 3:16 

Einar A. Swan
 5 Something to Remember You By 3:46  
Howard Dietz / Arthur Schwartz
 6 I See Two Lovers  3:57  Mort Dixon / Allie Wrubel
7 Body and Soul 4:08
Frank Eyton / Johnny Green / Edward Heyman
 8 Mad About the Boy 3:29
Noël Coward
 9 It's Only a Paper Moon 2:50
Harold Arlen / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg / Billy Rose
 10 Bill 2:50
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern / P.G. Wodehouse
 11 Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man 3:56
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
 12 Why Was I Born? 3:56
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
Credits :
Bass – Ernie Furtado
Drums – Ralph Pollack
Guitar – Barry Galbraith
Piano – Harvey Leonard
Vibraphone [Vibraharp] – Terry Gibbs

MARILYN MOORE — Moody Marilyn Moore (1957) Vynil LP | MONO | FLAC (tracks) 24-96Hz

Singer Marilyn Moore was wed to reedist Al Cohn at the time she recorded her lone LP, the aptly titled Bethlehem session Moody Marilyn Moore, but the scarcity of her studio output and the connubial origins of the session shouldn't be considered a condemnation of her talents. Working with a small but beguiling backing unit including Cohn on tenor and bass clarinet, Milt Hinton on bass, Barry Galbraith on guitar, Joe Wilder on trumpet, Don Abney on piano and Osie Johnson on drums, Moore proves herself a first-rate stylist in the Billie Holiday mode, with a lived-in, seen-it-all authority that lends the music a welcome edge. The arrangements perfectly capture a smoky, late-night atmosphere, but it's Moore's vocals that truly underscore the solitude and heartbreak so essential to the record's potency. Jason Ankeny
Tracklist :
1. I'm Just A Lucky So And So (2:56)
 Mack David / Duke Ellington
2. Ill Wind (2:50)
 Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
3. If Love Is Trouble (2:39)
 George Handy / Jack Segal
4. Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby? (3:22)
 Bill Austin / Louis Jordan
5. Born To Blow The Blues (3:34)
 Bob Russell / Jack Segal
6. Lover Come Back To Me (2:55)
 Oscar Hammerstein II / Sigmund Romberg
7. You're Driving Me Crazy (2:51)
 Walter Donaldson
8. Trav'lin' All Alone (3:05)
 J.C. Johnson
9. I Cried For You (Now It's Your Turn To Cry Over Me) (2:14)
 Gus Arnheim / Arthur Freed / Abe Lyman
10. Leavin' Town (3:29)
 George Handy / Jack Segal
11. Trouble Is A Man (2:49)
 Alec Wilder
12. I Got Rhythm (2:09)
 George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Credits :
Bass – Milt Hinton
Drums – Osie Johnson
Guitar – Barry Galbraith
Piano – Don Abney
Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet – Al Cohn
Trumpet – Joe Wilder
Vocals – Mariyn Moore

THE GEORGE RUSSELL SMALLTET — Jazz Workshop (1957-1987) RM | MONO | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This set, originally cut for RCA, was composer/arranger George Russell's debut as a leader. The original program (which includes such numbers as "Ye Hypocrite, Ye Beelzebub," "Livingstone I Presume," "Ezz-thetic" and "Knights of the Steamtable") has been joined by alternate second versions of "Ballad of Hix Blewitt" and "Concerto for Billy the Kid." Listening to the music, it is hard to believe that Russell only utilized a sextet (comprised of trumpeter Art Farmer, altoist Hal McKusick, guitarist Barry Galbraith, pianist Bill Evans, one of two bassists and one of three drummers). The ensembles are frequently dense, the harmonies quite original and there are often several events occurring at the same time; one would swear there were at least four or five horns being heard in spots. "Fellow Delegates" is particularly intriguing for it finds Russell playing chromatic drums while joined by Osie Johnson on wood drums; the otherwordly effect is worthy of Sun Ra. Even the more conventional pieces such as "Ezz-thetic" (based on the chords of "Love for Sale" but here almost resembling a Lennie Tristano line played backwards) sound quite advanced. Russell was able to utilize some of the more versatile and technically skilled players of the era, several of whom worked regularly in the studios. Recommended. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Ye Hypocrite, Ye Beelzebub    3:53
2    Jack's Blues    3:47
3    Livingstone I Presume    3:28
4    Ezz-Thetic    5:16
5    Night Sound    3:58
6    Round Johnny Rondo    3:31
7    Fellow Delegates    5:42
8    Witch Hunt    3:50
9    The Sad Sergeant    3:27
10    Khights Of The Steamtable    2:36
11    Ballad Of Hix Blewitt    3:18
12    Concerto For Billy The Kid    4:44
13    Ballad Of Hix Blewitt (Alternate Take)    3:45
14    Concerto For Billy The Kid (Alternate Take)    4:46
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Hal McKusick
Composed By – George Russell
Double Bass – Milt Hinton (tracks: 1-6, 8, 12, 14), Teddy Kotick (tracks: 7, 9, 10, 11, 13)
Drums – Joe Harris (tracks: 1-4), Osie Johnson, Paul Motian (tracks: 5, 6, 8, 12, 14)
Guitar – Barry Galbraith
Piano – Bill Evans
Trumpet – Art Farmer
Notes
Recorded at Webster Hall, New York City.
Tracks 1-4 recorded March 31, 1956.
Tracks 5, 6, 8, 12 recorded October 17, 1956.
Tracks 7, 9-11, 13-14 recorded December 21, 1956.

DEBBY MOORE - My Kind of Blues (1960-2007) FLAC (tracks), lossless

As its title promises, My Kind of Blues captures a distinctly personal interpretation of familiar blues and jazz standards--Debby Moore's uncommonly warm and gentle vocals soften the blow delivered by the lyrics of "How Come You Do Me Like You Do" and "Nothin' But Trouble on My Mind," transforming their melancholy into profound compassion and understanding. Nuanced contributions from trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, pianist Jimmy Jones, guitarist Barry Galbraith, bassist George Duvivier, and drummer Elvin Jones further underscore the session's feather-light beauty. Fresh Sound's 2007 CD reissue appends the bonus cut "Get a Feeling." Jason Ankeny
Tracklist :
1. Five Months, Two Weeks, Two Days 2:58
Written-By – D. Morris, D. Donaldson
2. Come On Home To Me 2:26
Written-By – D. Morris, D. Donaldson
3. See See Rider 2:26
 Traditional
4. Nothin' But Trouble On My Mind 2:40
Written-By – Debby Moore, L. Donaldson
5. Sent For You Yesterday 2:10
 Basie-Rushing-Durham
6. Baby, Won't You Please Come Home 2:39
C. Warfield-C. Williams
7. I'm Travelin' Light 3:01
 Young-Mercer
8. (I Know) My Baby Loves Me True 2:53
Written-By – Debby Moore, L. Donaldson
9. Why Don't You Do Right 2:50
Joe McCoy-Peggy Lee
10. How Come You Do Me Like You Do Do Do 2:21
 G. Austin-R. Bergere
11. Hallelujah, I Love Him So 2:56
Written-By – Ray Charles
12. No Love, No Nothin' 2:47
H. Warren-L. Robin
– BONUS TRACK –
13. Get A Feeling 2:15
 E. Maultsby-D. Butler
Credits :
Debby Moore - Vocals, Whistling
Harry Edison - Trumpet
Jimmy Jones - Piano
Barry Galbraith - Guitar
George Duvivier - Bass
Elvin Jones - Drums

MORGANA KING — A Taste Of Honey (1964-1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    A Taste Of Honey 5:13
Written-By – B Scott, R Marlowe
2    Fascinating Rhytm 2:33
Written-By – G & I Gershwin
3    Prelude To A Kiss 3:39
Written-By – D Ellington, I Gordon, I Mills
4    Easy Living 3:36
Written-By – L Robin, R Rainger
5    All Blues 3:39
Written-By – M Davis, O Brown
6    Bluesette 2:42
Written-By – N Gimbel, J Thielemans
7    Easy To Love 2:40
Written-By – C Porter
8    The Night Has A Thousand Eyes 3:02
Written-By – B Bernier, J Brianin
9    The Lady Is A Tramp 2:17
Written-By – R Rodgers/L Hart
10    Try to Remember 2:36
Written-By – H Schmidt, T Jones
11    Meditation 3:48
Written-By – Jobim, Mendonca, Gimbel
12    I'll Follow You 4:38
Written-By – F Ahlert, R Turk
13    Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child     3:21
Credits :
Arranged and conducted by - Torrie Zito
ft. Clark Terry, Joe Wilder, Dave McKenna, Barry Galbraith, Mel Lewis, Mundell Lowe, Phil Woods, Hank Jones, Don Butterfield ...
Vocals - Morgana King

LEE WILEY WITH BILLY BUTTERFIELD AND HIS ORCHESTRA — A Touch of the Blues (1958-2002) RM | Mono | RCA 100 Years Of Music Series | FLAC (tracks), lossless

The stellar A Touch of the Blues pairs Lee Wiley with an exceptional band led by trumpeter Billy Butterfield, whose warm, beautiful tone proves a sympathetic counterpoint to Al Cohn and Bill Finegan's otherwise dark, melancholy arrangements. While a title like A Touch of the Blues guarantees the listener few surprises, the album consistently avoids the familiar bluesy clichés -- Wiley's sensuality and sophistication suggest emotional depths to make such gestures redundant anyway. And like her more celebrated songbook sessions, the material here is expertly selected, complementing Wiley's inherent strengths while affording her the latitude to stretch out in new directions. Jason Ankeny
Tracklist :
1        The Memphis Blues 3:30
W.C. Handy / George Norton
2    From the Land of the Sky Blue Water 2:47

Charles Wakefield Cadman / Nelle Richmond Eberhart
3    The Ace in the Hole 3:03
James Dempsey / George Mitchell
4    Someday You'll Be Sorry 4:13
Louis Armstrong
5    My Melancholy Baby 3:15
Ernie Burnett / George Norton
6    A Hundred Years from Today 3:12
Ned Washington / Joseph Young / Victor Young
7    Blues in My Heart 3:03
Benny Carter / Irving Mills
8    Maybe You'll Be There 3:17
Rube Bloom / Sammy Gallop
9    Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea 3:00
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
10    I Don't Want to Walk Without You 2:46
Frank Loesser / Jule Styne
11    Make Believe 3:19
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
12    A Touch of the Blues 4:13
Don George / Ed Wilcox
Credits :
Arranged By – Bill Finegan
Arranged By, Saxophone – Al Cohn
Bass – Milt Hinton
Guitar – Mundell Lowe, Barry Galbraith
Lead Vocals – Lee Wiley
Piano – Moe Wechsler
Saxophone – Gene Allen
Trumpet, Leader – Billy Butterfield

CAROL STEVENS WITH PHIL MOORE'S MUSIC — That Satin Doll (1957-1991) Mono | Ladies Sing Jazz Series | APE (image+.cue), lossless

That Satin Doll pairs Carol Stevens with arranger Phil Moore to create one of the more unique and evocative major-label LPs of its era. Stevens' breathy, often haunting voice largely eschews conventional vocal approaches in favor of ethereal, wordless humming that perfectly complements Moore's exotic settings -- there's something profoundly otherworldly yet curiously sexy about the record, and you just know Captain Kirk kept a copy handy to set the mood while banging green-skinned alien chicks aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise. Flautist Herbie Mann, guitarist Barry Galbraith and trumpeter Don Elliott further underscore That Satin Doll's moonlit beauty, contributing wonderfully nuanced performances that lend the music its distinctly jazzy appeal. Jason Ankeny
Tracklist :
1        In A Mellotone 2:22
Written-By – Duke Ellington, Milt Gabler
2        Satin Doll 2:47
Written-By – Duke Ellington
3        Saved It All For You 3:09
Written-By – Phil Moore
4        Everywhere 3:10
Written-By – Bill Harris
5        Mood For You 2:30
Written-By – Phil Moore
6        Lurelei (F. H. C.) 2:38
Written-By – Phil Moore
7        Romance In The Dark 2:57
Written-By – Willie Broonzy, Lil Green
8        Lying In The Hay 2:57
Written-By – Pepper, Roberts, Jean Franc-Nohain, Mireille
9        I'm Playing With Fire 1:33
Written-By – Irving Berlin
10        Tender As A Rose 3:19
Written-By – Phil Moore
11        Keep On Doin' What You're Doin' 2:15
Written-By – Bert Kalmar, Harry Ruby
12        At Last 2:10
Written-By – Harry Warren, Mark Gordon
Credits :
Bass – Milt Hinton
Bass Clarinet – Bernard Kaufman (tracks: 2, 4 to 7, 9 to 12), Sol Schlinger (tracks: 1, 3, 8)
Drums – Osie Johnson
English Horn, Clarinet – Phil Bodner (tracks: 1, 3, 8)
Flute – Bernard Kaufman (tracks: 2, 4 to 7, 9 to 12)
Flute [Alto] – Herbie Mann (tracks: 1, 3, 8)
Guitar – Barry Galbraith
Percussion – Phil Kraus (tracks: 1, 3, 8)
Piano – Frank Berry
Piano, Directed By [Musical Director] – Phil Moore
Trombone – Eddie Bert (tracks: 1, 3, 8), Warren Covington (tracks: 2, 4 to 7, 9 to 12)
Trumpet – Nick Travis (tracks: 1, 3, 8)
Trumpet, Mellophone – Don Elliott (tracks: 2, 4 to 7, 9 to 12)
Vibraphone – Bobby Rosengarden (tracks: 2, 4 to 7, 9 to 12)
Vocals – Carol Stevens
Woodwind – Romeo Penque (tracks: 2, 4 to 7, 9 to 12)

LUCY REED — This Is Lucy Reed (1957-2001) RM | Mono | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In a perfect world, Lucy Reed would have been much better-known and would have built a large catalog. But regrettably, the obscure Midwestern jazz singer never became well-known, and she only recorded a few albums. Recorded at various sessions in January 1957, This Is Lucy Reed is the second of two albums she provided for Fantasy. This album, which Fantasy reissued on CD in 2001, finds Reed backed by some of bop's heavyweights, including trumpeter Art Farmer, trombonist Jimmy Cleveland, bassist Milt Hinton, arranger George Russell (who is heard on drums), and arranger Gil Evans (who plays piano on four selections). Unfortunately, the sidemen usually don't get enough solo space. But Reed's vocals are the main thing, and the singer really shines on cool-toned yet expressive performances of well-known standards like "You Don't Know What Love Is" and W.C. Handy's "St. Louis Blues." Cool School goddesses like Chris Connor and June Christy are prominent influences, and yet, the recognizable Reed was a fine singer in her own right. The word "recognizable" also describes Gil Evans' arranging on "Love for Sale," "No Moon at All," and the goofy novelty item "A Trout, No Doubt"; Evans' classical-influenced style of arranging is quite distinctive, and true to form, his contributions to This Is Lucy Reed underscore his interest in European classical music. Equally attractive are Russell's arrangements on "Born to Blow the Blues," "This Is New," and "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning." Russell was only 34 when this album was recorded, but even in early 1957, he was a forward thinker. Anyone who is seriously into Cool School singers of the 1950s should give This Is Lucy Reed a very close listen. Alex Henderson
Tracklist
1        There He Goes 2:50
Arranged By – Jack English
2        Lucky To Be Me    2:28
 Leonard Bernstein / Betty Comden / Adolph Green
3        In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning 4:24
Arranged By – George Russell
4        St. Louis Blues    3:25
 W.C. Handy
5        Easy Come, Easy Go    4:55
 Johnny Green / Edward Heyman
6        Love For Sale 4:27
 Cole Porter, Arranged By – Gil Evans
7        Little Boy Blue    2:55
 Eugene Field
8        A Trout, No Doubt 2:35
Arranged By – Eddie Higgins
9        Born To Blow The Blues 4:40
 Bob Russell / Jack Segal, Arranged By – George Russell
10        This Is New 3:55
 Ira Gershwin / Kurt Weill, Arranged By – George Russell
11        No Moon At All  2:15
 Redd Evans / Dave Mann, Arranged By – Gil Evans
12        You Don't Know What Love Is    4:00
 Gene DePaul / Don Raye
 Credits :
Alto Flute – Romeo Penque (tracks: 1, 6, 8, 11)
Bass – Bill Pemberton (tracks: 1, 6, 8, 11), Milt Hinton (tracks: 3, 9, 10), Verne Rammer (tracks: 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12)
Bass Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone – Sol Schlinger (tracks: 3, 9, 10)
Bass Trombone – Tommy Mitchell (tracks: 1, 6, 8, 11)
Bassoon – David Kurtzer (tracks: 1, 6, 8, 11)
Clarinet – Ken Soderblom (tracks: 4)
Drums – George Russell, William Gaeto (tracks: 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12)
English Horn, Flute – Romeo Penque
Guitar – Barry Galbraith (tracks: 3, 9, 10), John Gray (tracks: 2)
Piano – Don Abney (tracks: 3, 9, 10), Eddie Higgins (tracks: 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12), Gil Evans (tracks: 1, 6, 8, 11)
Trombone – Jimmy Cleveland (tracks: 1, 6, 8, 11)
Trumpet – Art Farmer (tracks: 3, 9, 10)
Violin [Tenor] – Harry Lookofsky (tracks: 1, 6, 8, 11)
Vocals – Lucy Reed

CURTIS FULLER — Soul Trombone + Cabin in the Sky (2011) RM | Serie Impulse! 2-On-1 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This budget two-fer in Impulse's 2011 reissue series offers trombonist Curtis Fuller's first two releases for the label, both recorded in 1961; they are his 18th and 19th overall. The first, Soul Trombone, recorded in November, is aptly titled and places Fuller as the leader of a stellar band that includes pianist Cedar Walton, trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, tenor saxophonist Jimmy Heath, Granville T. Hogan on drums, and either Jimmy Cobb or Jymie Merritt on bass. Of the six track on the set, three are originals, and they include the stellar hard bop offering "The Clan," the swinging "Newdles," and the breezy "Ladies Night." Two standard ballads here, "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning," and Stan Getz's arrangement of "Dear Old Stockholm," are also beautifully delivered. On this date, Fuller allowed all of his sidemen to stretch out and engage with one another generously. Cabin in the Sky is an entirely different kind of outing, and almost experimental -- though not in the avant-garde sense -- with Fuller leading a pair of different large bands that include a full string section arranged by Harry Lookofsky and conducted by Manny Albam. This date relies heavily (but not exclusively) on the tunes of Vernon Duke and John Latouche. The emphasis here is on texture, color, and harmony, but as a result, some of Fuller's authority is overshadowed by the elaborate and restrictive arrangements. That said, this set is far from uninteresting, and given the price tag, irresistible. Some of the players on this date include Bob Brookmeyer, Kai Winding, Hank Jones, Milt Hinton, and Osie Johnson. Standouts include non string-arranged tracks such as "Honey in the Honeycomb" and "Savannah."
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist & Credits :

THE OLIVER NELSON ORCHESTRA ft. PHIL WOODS — Impressions Of Phaedra (1962) Vinyl, LP MONOAURAL | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Moody and long-forgotten, like the film it was inspired by, Phaedra interchanges film-like cues with some torrid jazz content (mostly courtesy of Phil Woods). Makes an interesting case for "Greek Jazz."  Douglas Payne
Tracklist & Credits :

OLIVER NELSON — Oliver Nelson Plays Michelle (1966) LP, Vinyl | MONOAURAL | FLAC (tracks), lossless

This is an album of short, often corny tunes and brief, likable solos. Nelson features one of his first uses of guitar here via Barry Galbraith and, more prominently, Billy Butler. Nelson's originals, "Jazz Bug" and "Do You See What I See?" are worth a listen. Douglas Payne   Tracklist & Credits :

GIL EVANS ft. CLAUDE THORNHILL AND HIS ORCHESTRA WITH LEE KONITZ — The Real Birth Of The Cool : Studio Recordings (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist & Credits :

GIL EVANS — The Complete Instrumental Charts for Claude Thornhill - 1942-1947 (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist & Credits :

THE GIL EVANS ORCHESTRA — Into the Hot (1962-1988) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Although this album (reissued on CD) proudly states that it is by the Gil Evans Orchestra and has Evans' picture on the cover, the arranger actually had nothing to do with the music. Three songs have the nucleus of his big band performing numbers composed, arranged, and conducted by John Carisi (who also plays one of the trumpets). Those selections by the composer of "Israel" are disappointingly forgettable. The other three performances are even further away from Evans for they are actually selections by avant-garde pianist Cecil Taylor's septet! Taylor's music features trumpeter Ted Curson, trombonist Roswell Rudd, altoist Jimmy Lyons, tenor saxophonist Archie Shepp, bassist Henry Grimes, and drummer Sunny Murray and is quite adventurous and exciting, the main reason to acquire this somewhat misleading set. Scott Yanow    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

CLIFFORD BROWN – Brownie : The Complete EmArcy Recordings of Clifford Brown (1989) RM | 11xCD BOX-SET | MONO | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although undoubtedly an expensive acquisition, this ten-CD set is perfectly done and contains dozens of gems. The remarkable but short-lived trumpeter Clifford Brown has the second half of his career fully documented (other than his final performance) and he is showcased in a wide variety of settings. The bulk of the numbers are of Brownie's quintet with co-leader and drummer Max Roach, either Harold Land or Sonny Rollins on tenor, pianist Richie Powell, and bassist George Morrow (including some previously unheard alternate takes), but there is also much more. Brown stars at several jam sessions (including a meeting with fellow trumpeters Clark Terry and Maynard Ferguson), accompanies such singers as Dinah Washington, Helen Merrill, and Sarah Vaughan, and is backed by strings on one date. Everything is here, including classic versions of "Parisian Thoroughfare," "Joy Spring," "Daahoud," "Coronado," a ridiculously fast "Move," "Portrait of Jenny," "Cherokee," "Sandu," "I'll Remember April," and "What Is This Thing Called Love?" Get this set while it stays in print. Scott Yanow   Tracklist + Credits :

CLIFFORD BROWN – Clifford Brown with Strings (1955-1987) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

There are two schools of thought regarding this Clifford Brown with strings session (which has been reissued on CD). Brownie plays quite beautifully and shows off his warm tone on such numbers as "Portrait of Jenny," "Memories of You," "Embraceable You" and "Stardust." But on the other hand the string arrangements by Neal Hefti border on muzak and Brown never really departs from the melody. So the trumpeter's tone is the only reason to acquire this disc which to this listener is a slight disappointment, not living up to its potential. Scott Yanow     Tracklist + Credits :

MILDRED BAILEY – 1945-1947 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1337 (2003) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

As she neared the end of her recording career, Mildred Bailey suffered from a steadily shrinking voice, but her interpretive powers were undiminished. The Classics volume 1945-1947 proves that point with a program of 25 performances backed by orchestras including Eddie Sauter's and Ted Dale's, and sidemen including vibraphonist Red Norvo (Mr. Swing to her Mrs. Swing), pianist Ellis Larkins, clarinetist Hank d'Amico, and trumpeter Dick Vance. Bailey reflects on her long professional life with a raft of melancholy standards -- "Lover, Come Back to Me," "These Foolish Things," and a tender "Can't We Be Friends?" John Bush  
Tracklist + Credits :

ELLA FITZGERALD – 1954-1955 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1457 (2008) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The 15th installment in the complete studio recordings of Ella Fitzgerald as reissued in the Classics Chronological Series contains 22 titles cut between March 30, 1954, and August 5, 1955, marking the tail end of her contractual obligations as a Decca recording artist. Ella's involvement with Decca extended a full 20 years back to her initial recording session with the Chick Webb Orchestra in June 1935; by January of 1956 she would be working with Norman Granz (who had already been recording her in live performance with his Jazz at the Philharmonic package), inaugurating one of the great longstanding singer/producer collaborations in the entire history of recorded jazz. Drawing upon material originally made available on the LPs Sweet and Hot, Songs in a Mellow Mood, The First Lady of Song, Lullabies of Birdland and Songs from "Pete Kelly's Blues" (a motion picture in which Ella appeared cast as a jazz singer), this patchwork compilation opens with three songs that close out one of the delightful sessions that she shared with pianist Ellis Larkins during the spring of 1954. The next two titles come from a date that was typical of Decca's approach to artists and repertoire, for here Ella and a sextet including tenor saxophonist Sam Taylor, pianist Hank Jones, and organist Bill Doggett were pitted against a standard issue '50s pop vocal choir. Other ensembles heard on this disc were conducted or supervised by Benny Carter, Sy Oliver, André Previn, Dick Hyman, and Toots Camarata. Altogether, it's a fine portrait of Ella Fitzgerald in one of her primes, and an effective appetizer for the next chapter in her musical biography. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist + Credits :

GEORGE AULD – 1945-1946 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1351 (2004) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This second volume in the Classics Georgie Auld chronology presents all of his studio recordings made between May 24, 1945 and April 30, 1946. Auld's big band shared some stylistic qualities with Billy Eckstine's orchestra; both groups handled the innovations of bop with intelligence and creative precision. The first two tracks on this collection were originally issued on the Guild record label; the rest appeared on Musicraft. Georgie Auld, whose career at times paralleled that of Charlie Barnet, played soprano and alto in addition to his customary tenor saxophone; also like Barnet he was a capable vocalist. There are three examples of Auld's singing voice in this part of the chronology: he delivers a fine rendering of "I Don't Know Why" (once closely associated with Russ Columbo), a tidy take on "Route 66" that closely mimics the version recorded only six weeks earlier by Nat King Cole, and a boppish `big band update of "Honey," an attractive Richard Whiting melody dating from 1928. Nine tracks feature vocalist Lynne Stevens -- she is at her best on Ellington and Strayhorn's "Just A-Settin' and A-Rockin'" -- but the truly substantial element here is the band itself, a 17-piece ensemble working with arrangements penned by Budd Johnson, Tadd Dameron, Al Cohn, Franz Jackson and Neal Hefti. Auld also used Hugo Winterhalter's excellent arrangement of "Time on My Hands," apparently the same chart used by Count Basie in 1942. Note the presence of baritone saxophonist Serge Chaloff alongside Cohn and Auld in the reeds; that's Joe Albany and Stan Levey in the rhythm section. The vocal highlight of the whole album is Sarah Vaughan's lovely interpretation of "100 Years from Today," a Victor Young melody with words by Ned Washington published in 1933. Georgie Auld had a really fine big band from 1943-1946, and led an exceptional group during the year 1949. His early-'50s recordings sometimes involve group vocals or lounge atmosphere; by 1955 and 1956 he fronted a group known as the Hollywood All Stars, using arrangements by Billy May. Most of his music is worth the effort it takes to chase it down and soak it up. arwulf arwulf
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