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."
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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
Tracklist + Credits :

JOHNNY HODGES QUINTET WITH LALO SCHIFRIN - Buenos Aires Blues + The Eleventh Hour (2009) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

This release presents two complete albums by the unique Johnny Hodges, both appearing here on CD for the first time ever.
The first, in quintet format, marks Hodges' only recorded encounter ever with Argentinean pianist an composer Lalo Schifrin. The latter LP showsases the saxophonist soloing on standard tunes with a big band conducted & arranged by Oliver Nelson.
Previously Unreleased Recordings    
1    Mama Knows 5:00
Written-By – Johnny Hodges
2    I'm In Another World 2:49
Written-By – Duke Ellington
3    Dreary Days 3:14
Written-By – Lalo Schifrin
4    I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me 4:58
Written-By – Clarence Gaskill, Jimmy McHugh
5    B.A. Blues 4:37
Written-By – Lalo Schifrin
6    Wanderlust 7:20
Written-By – Duke Ellington
7    All Too Soon 3:23
Written-By – Carl Sigman, Duke Ellington
8    Somebody Loves Me 2:48
Written-By – Ballard MacDonald, Buddy G. De Sylva, George Gershwin
9    Away From You 3:32
Written-By – Johnny Hodges
The Eleventh Hour    
10    Something To Live For 2:22
Written-By – Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington
11    In A Sentimental Mood 2:55
Written-By – Duke Ellington, Irving Mills, Manny Kurtz
12    I Didn't Know About You 2:36
Written-By – Bob Russell, Duke Ellington
13    Guitar Amour 3:29
Written-By – Duke Ellington
14    You Blew Out The Flame (In My Heart) 2:02
Written-By – Ervin Drake, Jimmy Shirl, Johnny Hodges
15    Theme From "The Eleventh Hour" 2:14
Written-By – Harry Sukman
16    Love Song From "Mutiny On The Bounty" 1:55
Written-By – Bronislaw Kaper
17    Solitude 2:35
Written-By – Duke Ellington, Eddie Delange, Irving Mills
18    Satin Doll 1:57
Written-By – Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington
19    Don't Blame Me 2:44
Written-By – Jimmy McHugh & Dorothy Fields
20    Prelude To A Kiss 2:39
Written-By – Duke Ellington, Irving Gordon, Irving Mills
21    Warm Valley 1:56
Written-By – Duke Ellington
Personnel 1-9
Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges
Bass – George Duvivier
Drums – Dave Bailey (pistas: 1 to 9),
Guitar – Barry Galbraith
Piano, Arranged By – Lalo Schifrin
Personnel 10-21
Piano, Organ – Bernie Leighton
Strings, Arranged By, Conductor – Oliver Nelson
Violin – Ray Nance (pistas: 13)
Drums – Osie Johnson
Notas.
Tracks 1 to 9 recorded May 26, 1963, in New York and issued as Previously Unreleased Recordings.
Tracks 10 to 21 recorded August 6 and 15, 1962, in New York and issued as The Eleventh Hour.
"This release presents two complete original albums by the unique Johnny Hodges, both appearing here on CD for the first time ever. The first, in quartet format, marks Hodges' only recorded encounter with Lalo Schifrin. The latter LP showcases the saxophonist soloing on standard tunes with a big band conducted & arranged by Oliver Nelson."

ZOOT SIMS - New Beat Bossa Nova Means the Samba Swing Vol. 1 + Vol. 2 (1962-2013) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

New Beat Bossa Nova Vol. 1   
1    Recado Bossa Nova Part 1 2:38
Written-By – Djalma Ferreira, Luiz Antônio
2    Recado Bossa Nova Part 2 3:00
Written-By – Djalma Ferreira, Luiz Antônio
3    Cano Canoe 5:38
Written-By – Mick Micheyl
4    Cantando A Orquestra    4:10
Distel / Peze
5    Ciume    4:15
Carlos Lyra
6    Maria Ninguem    2:40
Carlos Lyra
7    Sem Saudades De Vocé    6:04
Carlos Lyra
8    Barquinho De Papel    2:55
New Beat Bossa Nova Vol. 2  
9    Bernie's Tune 3:02
Written-By – Bernie Miller
10    Poquito Cantando 2:34
Written-By – Don Costa
11    Tickle Toe 2:41
Written-By – Lester Young
12    Lonesome Road 4:24
Written-By – Gene Austin, Nathaniel Shilkret
13    Instant Samba 2:28
Written-By – Don Costa
14    They Call The Wind Maria 2:59
Written-By – Lerner & Loewe
15    Lover Come Back To Me 5:04
Written-By – Hammerstein, Romberg
16    Nature Boy 3:05
Written-By – Eden Ahbez
17    Reaching For The Moon 2:54
Written-By – Irving Berlin
18    Don't fool With Love 3:19
Written-By – Johnny Lehmann, Stan Lebowsky
- BONUS TRACKS -    
19    I Got Rhythm 4:10
Written-By – George & Ira Gershwin
20    Recado Bossa Nova [Vocal Version] 2:11
Written-By – Djalma Ferreira, Luiz Antônio
21    Don't Fool With Love 2:14
Written-By – Johnny Lehmann, Stan Lebowsky
Written-By – Meredith Willson
23    Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart 2:36
Written-By – James F. Hanley
Notas.
New Beat Bossa Nova Vol. 1: August 28 1962 New York City
New Beat Bossa Nova Vol. 2: November 1962 New York City
Bonus Tracks: October 1-2 1962 New York City
All Credits :

THE ZOOT SIMS, AL COHN SEPTET | CHARLIE SHAVERS, URBIE GREEN - Happy Over Hoagy + We Dig Cole (1988) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Happy Over Hoagy    
1    The Nearness Of You    3:28
Hoagy Carmichael / Ned Washington
2    I Get Along Without You Very Well    4:07
Hoagy Carmichael
3    Skylark    4:03
Hoagy Carmichael / Johnny Mercer
4    Up A Lazy River    4:09
Sidney Arodin / Hoagy Carmichael
5    Stardust    2:57
Hoagy Carmichael / Mitchell Parish
6    Old Rockin' Chair    3:16
Hoagy Carmichael
7    Georgia On My Mind    3:21
Hoagy Carmichael / Stuart Gorrell
8    Two Sleepy People    4:14
Hoagy Carmichael / Frank Loesser
Arranged By – Bill Elton
Tenor Saxophone – Zoot Sims
Trombone – Jimmy Cleveland
Piano – Elliot Lawrence
Trumpet – Nick Travis
Drums – Osie Johnson
Baritone Saxophone – Al Cohn
Double Bass – Milt Hinton
We Dig Cole    
9    What Is This Thing Called Love    3:00
Cole Porter
10    It's Delovely    4:02
Cole Porter
11    Begin The Beguine    3:07
Cole Porter
12    It's All Right With Us    3:33
Cole Porter
13    I Love Paris    3:28
Cole Porter
14    My Heart Belongs To Daddy    3:48
Cole Porter
15    Night And Day    4:01
Cole Porter
16    Just One Of Those Things    3:51
Cole Porter
Arranged By – Larry Clinton
Clarinet – Sol Yaged
Drums – Cozy Cole
Guitar – Barry Galbraith
Piano – Buddy Weed
Tenor Saxophone – Sam "The Man" Taylor
Trombone – Urbie Green
Trumpet – Charlie Shavers

AL COHN | BILL PERKINS | RICHIE KAMUCA - The Brothers! (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Lester Young's influence on younger tenor players was at its height in the early-to-mid-'50s. This enjoyable session matches together the three tenors of Al Cohn, Bill Perkins and Richie Kamuca but good luck telling them apart! Backed by pianist Hank Jones, either Barry Galbraith or Jimmy Raney (who used the pseudonym on this date of Sam Beethoven) on guitar, bassist John Beal and drummer Chuck Flores, the tenors play concise versions of originals by Cohn, Perkins, Nat Pierce, Bill Potts and Bob Brookmeyer in addition to the lone standard "Blue Skies." The music is fun and swinging if not all that original or distinctive. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Blixed    3:45
2    Kim's Kaper    3:10
3    Rolling Stone    3:04
4    Sioux Zan    3:05
5    The Walrus    2:45
6    Blue Skies    3:08
7    Gay Blade    3:14
8    Three Of A Kind    3:10
9    Hags!    3:14
10    Pro-Ex    3:01
11    Strange Again    3:16
12    Cap Snapper    3:36
- BONUS TRACKS-
13    Memories Of You    2:59
14    Saw Buck    3:18
15    Chorus For Morris    3:19
16    Slightly Salty    3:15
Notas.
Recorded at Webster Hall, in New York City on June 24 (#2,3,6-8,10) & 25 (#1,4,5,9,11,12), 1955.
Credits :
Bass – John Beal
Drums – Chuck Flores
Guitar – Barry Galbraith (pistas: 2, 3, 6 to 8, 10), Jimmy Raney (pistas: 1, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12)
Piano – Hank Jones
Tenor Saxophone – Al Cohn, Bill Perkins, Richie Kamuca

COLEMAN HAWKINS WITH BILLY BYERS AND HIS ORCHESTRA - The Hawk in Hi-Fi (1956-2001) RM | FLAC (tracks), lossless

 In January 1956, veteran tenor saxophonist Coleman Hawkins recorded a dozen songs, eight with a string orchestra and four accompanied by a big band, all arranged by Billy Byers. Hawkins is the main soloist throughout, and he was still very much in his prime 33 years after he first joined Fletcher Henderson's orchestra; in fact, the upcoming year of 1957 would be one of his finest. However, Byers' arrangements are more functional than inspired, and some of these selections are more easy listening than they are swinging. Still, there are some strong moments (particularly on "The Bean Stalks Again" and "His Very Own Blues") and, although not classic, this is a pleasing release. Scott Yanow

Tracklist :
1     Body and Soul 5:00
Frank Eyton / John Green / Edward Heyman / Robert Sour
2     Little Girl Blue [Take 3] 3:04
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
3     I Never Knew [Take 5] 3:07
Raymond B. Egan / Roy Marsh / Tom Pitts
4     Dinner for One Please, James [Take 3] 3:12     
Michael Carr
5    The Bean Stalks Again 3:25
Coleman Hawkins
6     His Very Own Blues 3:03
Coleman Hawkins    
7     The Day You Came Along 4:10
Sam Coslow / Arthur Johnson
8     Have You Met Miss Jones [Take 7] 3:06
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
9     The Essence of You 3:30
Coleman Hawkins
10     There Will Never Be Another You 3:00
Mack Gordon / Harry Warren
11     I'm Shooting High 2:36
Ted Koehler / Jimmy McHugh
12     Bean and the Boys [Issued As "39-25-39"] 2:52
Coleman Hawkins
13     There Will Never Be Another You 3:23
Mack Gordon / Harry Warren
14     There Will Never Be Another You 3:26
Mack Gordon / Harry Warren
15     Little Girl Blue [Take 1] 3:09
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
16     Dinner for One Please, James [Take 2] 3:17
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
17     I Never Knew [Take 2] 3:18
Raymond B. Egan / Roy Marsh / Tom Pitts
18    Have You Met Miss Jones [Take 1] 3:10
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
19     Have You Met Miss Jones? 3:20
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
20     Have You Met Miss Jones? 2:38
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
21     The Day You Came Along 3:15
Sam Coslow / Arthur Johnson
All Credits

COLEMAN HAWKINS | MANNY ALBAM AND HIS ORCHESTRA - The Hawk in Paris (1957-1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This CD is a major surprise. Hawkins had always wanted to record with a large string section and he received his wish on the majority of these 12 romantic melodies, all of which have some association with Paris. The surprise is that he plays with a great deal of fire (his doubletiming on "My Man" is wondrous), and that Manny Albam's arrangements mostly avoid being muzaky and quite often are creative and witty. What could have been a novelty or an insipid affair is actually one of Coleman Hawkins's more memorable albums. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     April in Paris 3:53
Vernon Duke / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
2     Mon Homme (My Man) 3:19
Francis Salabert / Maurice Yain        
3     Under Paris Skies 2:46     
Jean Dréjac / Kim Gannon / Hubert Giraud
4     Mimi 3:08
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
5    La Chnouf 3:07
Marc Lanjean
6     La Vie en Rose 2:37
Mack David / Louis Louiguy / Marcel Louiguy / Édith Piaf
7     La Mer (Beyond the Sea) 3:33
Albert Lasry / Charles Trénet        
8     Paris in the Spring 3:15
Mack Gordon / Harry Revel        
9     I Love Paris 3:31
Cole Porter
10     Mademoiselle de Paris 3:19
Henri Contet / Paul Durand / Eric Maschwitz / Mitchell Parish
11     Chiens Perdus Sans Collier (The Little Lost Dog) 2:58
Edmond Bacri / Paul Misraki        
12     Tu N' Peux T' Figurer (Dawn over Paris) 3:22
Paul Misraki
Recorded at Webster Hall in New York City, on July 9 (3, 4, 9 & 10), 11 (1, 2, 6 & 7) and 13 (5, 8, 11 & 12), 1956
Credits :
Arranged By, Conductor – Manny Albam, Orchestra – Manny Albam And His Orchestra
Bass – Arnold Fishkin
Drums – Osie Johnson
Guitar – Barry Gailbreath
Harp – Janet Putnam
Percussion – Marity Wilson
Piano – Hank Jones
Reeds – Al Young, Ray Beckenstein, Romeo Penque
Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins
Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Romeo Penque
Trombone – Urbie Green
Trumpet – Chauncey Welsch, Nick Travis

COLEMAN HAWKINS - The Hawk Flies High (1957-2004) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Coleman Hawkins' 1957 session for Riverside, aside from an oral documentary record in a short-lived series, was his only recording for the label under his name. Yet producer Orrin Keepnews had the good sense to invite the legendary tenor saxophonist to pick his own musicians, and Hawkins surprised him by asking for young boppers J.J. Johnson and Idrees Sulieman in addition to the potent rhythm section of Hank Jones, Oscar Pettiford, Barry Galbraith, and Jo Jones. The two days of sessions produced a number of strong performances, with Hawkins still very much at the top of his game, while both Johnson and Sulieman catch fire as well. Even though most of the focus was on new material contributed by the participants, the musicians quickly adapted to the unfamiliar music, especially the leader's old-fashioned swinger "Sancticity" (which sounds like it could have been part of Count Basie's repertoire) and the pianist's tightly woven bop vehicle "Chant." Hawkins was one of the great ballad interpreters, and his majestic performance of the standard "Laura" is no exception. The 2008 reissue in the Keepnews Collection series uncovered no previously unissued material, though expanded liner notes by the producer and improved 24-bit remastering make this edition an improvement over earlier versions. Ken Dryden  
Tracklist :
1     Chant 5:08
Hank Jones / Henry Jones
2     Juicy Fruit 11:16
Idrees Sulieman
3     Think Deep 3:24
William Smith
4     Lauran 4:34
Johnny Mercer / David Raksin
5     Blue Lights 5:44
Gigi Gryce
6     Sancticity 9:10
Coleman Hawkins
Credits :
Bass – Oscar Pettiford
Drums – Jo Jones
Guitar – Barry Galbraith
Piano – Hank Jones
Producer, Other [Original Liner Notes] – Orrin Keepnews
Saxophone [Tenor] – Coleman Hawkins
Trombone – J.J. Johnson
Trumpet – Idrees Sulieman

COLEMAN HAWKINS - Desafinado : Coleman Hawkins Plays Bossa Nova and Jazz Samba (1962-1997) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

That Coleman Hawkins jumped on the jazz/bossa nova bandwagon craze initiated by Stan Getz in 1962 was a bit of a surprise to his fans, but that he was comfortable in the idiom should not be off-putting. Able to adapt to any style over his lengthy career, the legendary tenor saxophonist chose classic standards adapted to Brazilian rhythms, music from masters like Antonio Carlos Jobim and João Gilberto, and a Manny Albam original. Producer Bob Thiele and music director Albam were strong in their resolve directing Hawkins to do this project, and the results are fairly predictable, especially considering that every single track is played in midtempo. The difference is the deployment of two guitarists in Barry Galbraith (lead) and Howard Collins (rhythm) split into separate stereo channels, with bassist Major Holley and no full kit drummer, although Eddie Locke with a minimal and stripped-down setup, Willie Rodriguez, and even Tommy Flanagan play small Latin percussion instruments. Themes derived from nights in Rio such as the beautifully rendered title track and "One Note Samba" are quite typical, but "O Pato" (The Duck) has a component added on from Duke Ellington's "Take the 'A' Train," while the Hawkins original "Stumpy" is adapted into "Stumpy Bossa Nova," derived from Dizzy Gillespie's "Groovin' High" with a taste of "The Man I Love" tacked on at the end. Albam's "Samba Para Bean" is standardized cool with Locke's accents via brushes on closed hi-hat cymbals, while "I Remember You" is a completely unforced, pretty rendition of this well-worn standard. Gilberto's tribute to Luiz Bonfá, "Um Abraco No Bonfa," sports a guitar lead by Galbraith in a stretched-out frame. The curve ball is a somewhat weird crossbred samba take of "I'm Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover," a truly corny song the band tried to make cool, only marginally succeeding. The simplified style of this album overall perfectly suited the amiable, good-natured, and laid-back Hawkins at a time when the world was somewhat in political turmoil regarding Caribbean nations and the role of South America in the emerging so-called Third World. He passed away seven years later, leaving a legacy as the most revered tenor saxophonist in jazz, and this very nice recording in his long discography, unique even unto itself. Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist :
1     Desafinado 5:49
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Newton Mendonça
2     I'm Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover 2:53
Mort Dixon / Harry Woods    
3     Samba Para Bean 5:29
Manny Albam    
4     I Remember You 3:59
Johnny Mercer / Victor Schertzinger
5     One Note Samba 6:01
Jon Hendricks / Antônio Carlos Jobim / Newton Mendonça
6     O Pato 4:12
Jayme Silva / Neuza Teixeira
7     Un Abraco No Bonfa [An Embrace to Bonfa] 4:52
João Gilberto
8     Stumpy Bossa Nova 2:30
Coleman Hawkins
Credits :
Arranged By – Manny Albam
Bass – Major Holley Jr.
Claves – Tommy Flanagan
Drums – Eddie Locke
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Guitar – Barry Galbraith, Howard Collins
Percussion – Willie Rodriguez
Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins