NAT ADDERLEY — Work Song (1960-2004) SACD, Hybrid | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Work Song is a near-classic by cornetist Nat Adderley. Adderley utilizes a cornet-cello-guitar front line with Sam Jones and Wes Montgomery, along with a top-notch rhythm section pianist including Bobby Timmons, Percy Heath, or Keter Betts on bass and drummer Louis Hayes. First up is a fine early performance of his greatest hit, "Work Song." He also helps introduce Cannonball Adderley's "Sack O' Woe." Four songs use a smaller group, with Timmons absent on "My Heart Stood Still," which finds Keter Betts on cello and Jones on bass; "Mean to Me" featuring Nat backed by Montgomery, Betts, and Hayes; and two ballads ("I've Got a Crush on You" and "Violets for Your Furs") interpreted by the Adderley-Montgomery-Jones trio. No matter the setting, Nat Adderley is heard throughout in peak form, playing quite lyrically. Highly recommended. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Work Song 4:12
Written-By – Nat Adderley
2    Pretty Memory 3:50
Written-By – Bobby Timmons
3    I've Got A Crush On You 2:53
Written-By – Gershwin-Gershwin
4    Mean To Me 4:59
Written-By – Ahlert, Turk
5    Fallout 4:51
Written-By – N. Adderley
6    Sack Of Woe 4:24
Written-By – Julian Adderley
7    My Heart Stood Still 6:24
Written-By – Rodgers-Hart
8    Violets For Your Furs 3:47
Written-By – Dennis, Adair
9    Scrambled Eggs 3:20
Written-By – Sam Jones
Credits :
Bass – Keter Betts (tracks: 2, 4, 5), Percy Heath (tracks: 1, 6, 9), Sam Jones (tracks: 3, 7, 8)
Cello – Keter Betts (tracks: 7), Sam Jones (tracks: 1, 2, 5, 6, 9)
Cornet – Nat Adderley
Drums – Louis Hayes (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 7, 9)
Guitar – Wes Montgomery
Piano – Bobby Timmons (tracks: 1, 2, 5, 6, 9)
Producer, Liner Notes – Orrin Keepnews

KENNY DORHAM — The Complete 'Round About Midnight at the Cafe Bohemia (1956-2002) 2CD | RM | MONO | Serie RVG Edition | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

During the spring and summer of 1956, trumpeter Kenny Dorham recorded two studio albums with his Jazz Prophets, a small hard bop band involving tenor saxophonist J.R. Monterose and a rhythm section of pianist Dick Katz, bassist Sam Jones and drummer Arthur Edgehill. On May 31 of that year, Dorham's group performed live at the Café Bohemia with Bobby Timmons at the piano and guitarist Kenny Burrell sitting in on all but the first of four sets. Originally engineered by Rudy Van Gelder and remastered by him in 2001, Blue Note's 2002 double-disc "Complete" Dorham Café Bohemia edition combines every usable track taped during this exceptionally fine evening of live jazz. The word "understated" has sometimes been used to describe the music played by Dorham's band on this night in 1956; this is only appropriate if Dorham is compared with intense individuals like Fats Navarro or Dizzy Gillespie. Dorham's jazz was perhaps more intimate and accessible precisely because his horn had an earthier tone, almost like that of a cornet. Sometimes compared with Ted Curson, Richard Williams or Freddie Hubbard, Dorham sounded a lot like the profoundly gifted and vastly underappreciated Johnny Coles, particularly during ballads like "Autumn in New York" and "Round Midnight." There are also intimations of Miles Davis, Nat Adderley and even young Don Cherry. This music is designed for relaxing and grooving out. It will greatly assist anyone who is traveling by night or trying to make it through to the end of another day. arwulf arwulf   Tracklist & Credits

CURTIS FULLER — The Complete Blue Note/UA Curtis Fuller Sessions (1996) 3CD BOX-SET | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Trombonist Curtis Fuller, who developed his sound out of the style of J.J. Johnson, recorded prolifically as a leader from 1957-1962. After recording three dates for Prestige and New Jazz within a seven-day period in 1957, Fuller made four albums for Blue Note from 1957-1958, and after three albums for Savoy, he cut a lone session for United Artists in 1959. All of the five Blue Note and United Artists records (plus an alternate take of "Down Home") are on this excellent three-CD limited box set, released in 1996. Fuller is heard with four different quintets that include either tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley, baritonist Tate Houston, trumpeter Art Farmer, or (on a date only previously out in Japan) fellow trombonist Slide Hampton; the rhythm sections consist of either Bobby Timmons or Sonny Clark on piano, Paul Chambers or George Tucker on bass, and Art Taylor, Louis Hayes, or Charlie Persip in the drum slot. In addition, there is a sextet session with Lee Morgan, Mobley, Tommy Flanagan, Chambers, and Elvin Jones that has arrangements by Gigi Gryce and Benny Golson. Throughout, the music is high-quality hard bop with plenty of fine features for the underrated but talented Curtis Fuller. Scott Yanow   Tracklist & Credits :

CURTIS FULLER — The Opener (1957) Two Version (1996, RM | MONOAURAL | The BN Works 1500 Series) + (1999, RM | Serie 24 Bit By RVG) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Opener is trombonist Curtis Fuller's first album for Blue Note and it is a thoroughly impressive affair. Working with a quintet featuring tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley, pianist Bobby Timmons, bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Art Taylor, Fuller runs through a set of three standards -- "A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening," "Here's to My Lady," "Soon" -- two originals and an Oscar Pettiford-penned calypso. The six songs give Fuller a chance to display his warm, fluid style in all of its variations. "A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening" illustrates that he can be seductive and lyrical on ballads, while the brassy "Hugore" and hard-swinging "Lizzy's Bounce" shows that he can play hard without getting sloppy. His backing musicians are equally impressive; in particular, Mobley's robust playing steals the show. In all, The Opener, along with his three earlier sessions for Prestige and New Jazz, establishes Fuller as one of the most distinctive and original hard bop trombonists of the late '50s. Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Tracklist :
1 A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening 6:50
Written-By – H. Adamson, J. McHugh
2 Hugore 6:41
Written-By – Curtis Fuller
3 Oscalypso 5:37
Written-By – Oscar Pettiford
4 Here's To My Lady 6:40
Written-By – J. Mercer, R. Bloom
5 Lizzy's Bounce 5:21
Written-By – Curtis Fuller
6 Soon 5:35
Written-By – G. Gershwin-I. Gershwin
Credits :
Bass – Paul Chambers
Drums – Art Taylor
Piano – Bobby Timmons
Tenor Saxophone – Hank Mobley
Trombone – Curtis Fuller

KENNY DORHAM — Matador (1962-2010) RM | Serie Jazz名盤 999 Best & More, EMI Music Japan Inc. 50th Anniversary | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Kenny Dorham's Matador can safely claim the all too common distinction of being a classic among jazz connoisseurs while virtually unknown to the casual listener. Dorham is joined here by Jackie McLean, Bobby Timmons, Teddy Smith, and J.C. Moses, all of whom deliver outstanding performances. More than anything, this session is perhaps best known for including a stunning version of McLean's composition "Melody for Melonae," used less than a month earlier on his groundbreaking Blue Note LP Let Freedom Ring. For this session, though, the tune is renamed "Melanie" and, if not better, this version at least rivals the take under McLean's leadership. For starters, the addition of another horn adds some tonal depth to the proceedings, a situation arguably lacking in the tune's earlier recording. Also of note is what has to be Bobby Timmons' most intense moment on record. One rarely has the opportunity to hear Timmons dig and scrape as hard as he does during this solo, and his barely audible vocal accompaniment (à la Bud Powell) only helps to prove this point. This is a case where a performer not commonly associated with seriously stretching out goes at it with a life-affirming fervor, making "Melanie" a treat for listeners who revel in emotional performances. Other highlights include the opener, "El Matador," a 5/4 number that, frankly, fades out just when things were getting good, and the otherwise unaccompanied Dorham/Timmons duet, "Prelude." A fantastic session by any standard. Brandon Burke 

Tracklist :

1 El Matador 6:32
Kenny Dorham
2 Melanie, Pts. 1-3 11:34
Jackie McLean
3 Smile 5:00
Charlie Chaplin / Geoffrey Parsons / John Turner
4 Beautiful Love 5:13
Haven Gillespie / Wayne King / Egbert VanAlstyne / Victor Young
5 Prelude 4:47
Heitor Villa-Lobos
6 There Goes My Heart 5:12
Benny Davis / Horace Silver
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Jackie McLean
Bass – Teddy Smith
Drums – J.C. Moses
Piano – Bobby Timmons
Trumpet – Kenny Dorham

HANK MOBLEY - Hank (1957-2000) RM | MONO | RVG Edition | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1     Fit for a Hanker 7:24
Hank Mobley
2     Hi Groove, Low Feedback 9:56
Hank Mobley    
3     Easy to Love 5:39
Cole Porter    
4     Time After Time 6:48
Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne
5     Dance of the Infidels 7:54
Bud Powell
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – John Jenkins
Bass – Wilbur Ware
Drums – "Philly" Joe Jones
Piano – Bobby Timmons
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – Hank Mobley
Trumpet – Donald Byrd

LEE MORGAN - The Cooker (1957-2006) RVG Edition / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The trumpeter, then just 19, teams up with baritonist Pepper Adams, pianist Bobby Timmons, bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Philly Joe Jones for a particularly strong set that is highlighted by a lengthy and fiery "Night in Tunisia," "Lover Man" and a rapid rendition of "Just One of Those Things." Morgan plays remarkably well for his age (already ranking just below Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis), making this an essential acquisition. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. A Night In Tunisia (9:24)
Dizzy Gillespie / Frank Paparelli
2. Heavy Dipper (7:05)
Lee Morgan
3. Just One Of Those Things (7:18)
Cole Porter
4. Lover Man (6:50)
Jimmie Davis / Roger Ramirez / Jimmy Sherman
5. New-Ma (8:15)
Lee Morgan
6. Just One Of Those Things (alt.take) (7:50)
Cole Porter
Musicians :
• Lee Morgan - Trumpet
• Pepper Adams - Baritone Sax
• Bobby Timmons - Piano
• Paul Chambers - Bass
• Philly Joe Jones - Drums

GEORGES ARVANITAS / ART BLAKEY / JAZZ AT THE PHILHARMONIC - Jazz & Cinéma, Vol. 2 (2001) Jazz In Paris 50 / RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This compilation in the Verve Jazz in Paris reissue series gathers three separate recording sessions originally issued on various French EP discs. The first four tracks were recorded for the movie Les Tricheurs, with Oscar Peterson, Herb Ellis, Ray Brown, and Gus Johnson backing various horn soloists. The title track is a blues, composed on the spot, featuring Stan Getz and Roy Eldridge; the trumpeter easily wins the solo battle as Getz is a bit sloppy with several reed squeaks during his chance. Coleman Hawkins, Dizzy Gillespie, and Eldridge each are individually featured performing originals with the rhythm section, with Gillespie taking top honors for his driving bop tune "Mic's Jump." The 1958 edition of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, including Lee Morgan and Benny Golson in the front line, are featured in 18 mostly brief tracks from the soundtrack to Les Femmes Disparaissent, with music composed by Blakey and Golson. Because of their brevity and separation from the film, most of the selections don't stand that well on their own. The music is occasionally interesting but, as a whole, not exciting enough to interest the vast majority of Art Blakey fans. The final two songs represent only a part of the music recorded for the Roger Vadim film La Bride sur le Cou. The compositions by James Campbell are not that impressive; the introduction to "La Bride sur le Cou" is almost identical to the theme of the standard "My Old Flame," while the hard bop tune "Brigitte Strip Blues" is rather generic. The all-French quintet, which includes pianist Georges Arvanitas, tenor saxophonist François Jeanneau, and Bernard Vitet on flügelhorn, seems to be going through the motions. Overall, this CD is one of the more disappointing titles in the generally laudable Jazz in Paris series. by Kurt Morris  
Tracklist :
1    Jazz At The Philharmonic– Les Tricheurs 3:13
Written-By – Roy Eldridge, Stan Getz
2    Jazz At The Philharmonic– Clo's Blues 3:22
Written-By – Coleman Hawkins
3    Jazz At The Philharmonic– Phil's Tune 4:20
Written-By – Roy Eldridge
4    Jazz At The Philharmonic– Mic's Jump 2:17
Written-By – Dizzy Gillespie
5    Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers – Générique    2:46
6    Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers– Pierre Et Béatrice    1:04
7    Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers– Nasol    0:42
8    Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers– Tom    1:15
9    Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers– Poursuite Dans La Ruelle    0:21
10    Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers– Ne Chuchote Pas    1:26
11    Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers– Mambo Dans La Voiture    1:18
Art Blakey / Benny Golson
12    Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers– Merlin    0:46
13    Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers– Juste Pour Eux Seuls    2:26
14    Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers– Blues Pour Doudou    3:15
15    Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers– Blues Pour Marcel    4:20
16    Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers– Blues Pour Vava    3:31
17    Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers– Pasquier    1:02
18    Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers– Quaglio    0:47
19    Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers– La Divorcée De Léo Fall    2:12
20    Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers– Suspense, Tom Et Nasol    0:40
21    Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers– Des Femmes Disparaissent    1:03
22    Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers– Final Pour Pierre Et Béatrice    1:00
23    Georges Arvanitas Quintet– La Bride Sur Le Cou    3:11
James Campbell
24    Georges Arvanitas Quintet– Brigitte Strip Blues    2:37
James Campbell
Credits :
Double Bass – Jymie Merritt (faixas: 5 to 22), Louis Trussardi (faixas: 23, 24), Ray Brown (faixas: 1 to 4)
Drums – Gus Johnson (faixas: 1 to 4), Michel Babault (faixas: 23, 24)
Drums, Composed By, Arranged By – Art Blakey (faixas: 5 to 22)
Flugelhorn – Bernard Vitet (faixas: 23, 24)
Guitar – Herb Ellis (faixas: 1 to 4)
Piano – Bobby Timmons (faixas: 5 to 22), Georges Arvanitas (faixas: 23, 24), Oscar Peterson (faixas: 1 to 4)
Saxophone [Tenor] – Coleman Hawkins (faixas: 2), François Jeanneau (faixas: 23, 24), Stan Getz (faixas: 1)
Saxophone [Tenor], Composed By, Arranged By – Benny Golson (faixas: 5 to 22)
Trumpet – Dizzy Gillespie (faixas: 4), Lee Morgan (faixas: 5 to 22), Roy Eldridge (faixas: 1, 3)
Nota :
Jazz At The Philharmonic: Les Tricheurs
Original Soundtrack of Marcel Carné's Movie
Recorded May 1, 1958 at Hoche studio, Paris
Reissue of the Barclay EP 74 024

Art Blakey And The Jazz Messengers: Des Femmes Disparaissent
Original Soundtrack of Edouard Molinaro's movie
Recorded December 1958 in Paris
Partial reissue of the Fontana EP 660 224

Georges Arvanitas Quintet: La Bride Sur Le Cou
Original Soundtrack of Roger Vadim's movie
Recorded April 19, 1961 at Hoche Studio Hoche, Paris
Partial reissue of the Barclay EP 72 471 

ART BLAKEY - 1958 Paris Olympia (1958-2001) Jazz In Paris 69 / RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The 1958 version of the Jazz Messengers were widely recorded during their stay in Paris, but this LP does not duplicate any of the other recordings previously released. This band (with trumpeter Lee Morgan, Benny Golson on tenor, and pianist Bobby Timmons) was particularly strong, and it is quite enjoyable to hear them stretch out on such songs as "I Remember Clifford," "Moanin'," "Blues March," and "Whisper Not." Hard bop at its best, all of it propelled by the powerful drumming of Art Blakey. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Just By Myself 4:35
Benny Golson
2     I Remember Clifford 5:36
Benny Golson
3     Are You Real 10:17
Benny Golson
4     Moanin 13:18
Bobby Timmons
5     Justice 9:16
Thelonious Monk
6     Blues March 5:46
Benny Golson
7     Whisper Not 7:11
Benny Golson
Credits :
Artwork – Les Télécréateurs Design
Double Bass – Jymie Merritt
Drums – Art Blakey
Photography By – Jean-Pierre Leloir
Piano – Bobby Timmons
Tenor Saxophone – Benny Golson
Trumpet – Lee MorganWritten-By – Benny Golson (faixas: 1 to 3, 6, 7)
Nota :
(P) 1959 Universal Music S.A. France
(C) 2001 Universal Music S.A. France
Recorded at "L'Olympia", Paris, France, November 22, 1958 (Tracks 1, 2, 3)
Recorded at "L'Olympia", Paris, France, December 17, 1958 (Tracks 4, 5, 6, 7)

ART BLAKEY AND THE JAZZ MESSENGERS - Moanin' (1958-1984) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Moanin' includes some of the greatest music Blakey produced in the studio with arguably his very best band. There are three tracks that are immortal and will always stand the test of time. The title selection is a pure tuneful melody stewed in a bluesy shuffle penned by pianist Bobby Timmons, while tenor saxophonist Benny Golson's classy, slowed "Along Came Betty" and the static, militaristic "Blues March" will always have a home in the repertoire of every student or professional jazz band. "Are You Real?" has the most subtle of melody lines, and "Drum Thunder Suite" has Blakey's quick blasting tom-tom-based rudiments reigning on high as the horns sigh, leading to hard bop. "Come Rain or Come Shine" is the piece that commands the most attention, a highly modified, lilting arrangement where the accompanying staggered, staccato rhythms contrast the light-hearted refrains. Certainly a complete and wholly satisfying album, Moanin' ranks with the very best of Blakey and what modern jazz offered in the late '50s and beyond. by Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist:

1 Moanin' 9:30

Bobby Timmons
2 Are You Real 4:47
Benny Golson
3 Along Came Betty 6:08
Benny Golson
4 The Drum Thunder Suite: First Theme: Drum Thunder/Second Theme: Cry a Blue 7:30
Art Blakey
5 Blues March 6:13
Benny Golson
6 Come Rain or Come Shine 5:45
Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer
Credits:
Bass – Jymie Merritt
Drums – Art Blakey
Piano – Bobby Timmons
Tenor Saxophone – Benny Golson
Trumpet – Lee Morgan

ART BLAKEY AND THE JAZZ MESSENGERS - A Night in Tunisia (1961-2013) RM / BLUE NOTE MASTERWORKS / SHM-CD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers hit their artistic peak with the powerful A Night in Tunisia. This incarnation of the group included Lee Morgan, Wayne Shorter, Bobby Timmons, and Jymie Merritt along with their leader, Blakey. As the Messengers entered their most fruitful period for Blue Note, Blakey drove his men relentlessly with powerful grooves, heavy swinging, and shouts of encouragement. This session documents the full power of his assertive leadership and the masterful playing of his sidemen, each rising to legendary status under his tutelage. Long known for their creative arrangements within the context of small-group jazz, the Messengers push the definition of hard bop and blues to the limit here. Dizzy Gillespie's title track is evidence enough of the creative power of this group: Blakey's steam shovel-like mambo, Morgan and Shorter's wailing solos, and a dramatic ending make for a stunning piece. Shorter's contribution includes the swinging "Sincerely Diana." The soulful Bobby Timmons presents his delightful "So Tired," a bluesy number in the spirit of his classic "Dat Dere." Also included are Lee Morgan's smoky "Yama," the bouncing "Kozo's Waltz," and the classic "When Your Lover Has Gone." by Rovi Staff  
Tracklist:
1 A Night in Tunisia 11:14
Dizzy Gillespie / Frank Paparelli
2 Sincerely Diana 6:48
Wayne Shorter
3 So Tired 6:37
Bobby Timmons
4 Yama 6:23
Lee Morgan
5 Kozo's Waltz 6:46
Lee Morgan
- Bonus Tracks -
6 When Your Lover Has Gone 6:46
Einar A. Swan
7 Sincerely Diana (Alt. Take) 6:58
Wayne Shorter
Credits:

Bass – Jymie Merritt

Drums – Art Blakey
Piano – Bobby Timmons
Recorded By, Remastered By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – Wayne Shorter
Trumpet – Lee Morgan

ART BLAKEY AND THE JAZZ MESSENGERS - Roots & Herbs (1961-2014) RM / BLUE NOTE MASTERWORKS / SHM-CD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Originally recorded in 1961, Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers' Roots & Herbs was first released in 1970. Like many titles in the Blue Note catalog, this fine Blakey outing was initially shelved by Alfred Lion for unknown reasons; thankfully, considering Blakey's large array of available Blue Note albums, this wasn't necessarily a crisis. Having already been a magnet for such talented hard bop players and writers as Hank Mobley, Benny Golson, Clifford Brown, Horace Silver (who helped form the original group), and Kenny Dorham, the Messengers' lineup of 1961 featured one of Blakey's best rosters: In addition to trumpeter Lee Morgan, who would alternate in the early '60s with Freddie Hubbard, the band featured tenor saxophonist Wayne Shorter, pianists Walter Davis, Jr. and Bobby Timmons, and bassist Jymie Merritt. Feeding off six early compositions by Shorter, all the players reel off top-notch solos atop Blakey's fluidly galvanizing swing beat. Highlights include "Ping Pong," "Look at Birdie," and "Master Mind," compositions that, in their fetchingly askew ways, nicely foreshadow the wealth of ideas to come from Shorter's pen throughout the '60s. by Stephen Cook  
Tracklist:

1 Ping Pong 7:06

Wayne Shorter
2 Roots and Herbs 6:05
Wayne Shorter
3 The Back Sliders 7:51
Wayne Shorter
4 United 7:29
Wayne Shorter
5 Look at the Birdie 6:45
Wayne Shorter

6 Master Mind 6:55

Wayne Shorter

- Bonus Tracks - 

7 The Back Sliders 7:12

Wayne Shorter

8 Ping Pong 5:58

Wayne Shorter

9 United 6:48

Wayne Shorter
Credits:
Bass – Jymie Merritt
Drums – Art Blakey
Piano – Bobby Timmons (tracks: 1, 3, 5 to 9), Walter Davis Jr. (tracks: 2, 4)
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone, Composed By [All Compositions] – Wayne Shorter
Trumpet – Lee Morgan

ART BLAKEY AND THE JAZZ MESSENGERS - The Witch Doctor (1961-2014) RM / BLUE NOTE MASTERWORKS / SHM-CD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Into the third year of utilizing late-'20s superstars trumpeter Lee Morgan and tenor saxophonist Wayne Shorter on the front line, Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers were showing a progressive compositional stance, mostly due to the emerging creativity of Shorter's sharply off-minor ideas. Pianist Bobby Timmons, a peer of the front liners, is swimming somewhere in the middle of this stylistic lake, exhibiting soulful backstrokes, straight-ahead sprinting, and the angular chordal complexities or sudden changes any potpourri of modernities might offer. Faithful bassist Jymie Merritt, no young pup at the time (seven years Blakey's junior) is solid, unspectacular, and right where this band of stars needed him to be. Writing chores continue to be split evenly between the horn players, but Shorter's pieces are distinct with a difference. "Those Who Sit and Wait" is a classic hard bop line with opposing non-sequitur melody/harmony cross sections, while "Joelle" sports two piano chords from Timmons leading to unusual phrasings, but still in a hard bop stance. Morgan contributes the title track and an alternate take with its typical and reliable hard bop shuffle buoying quirky horn and piano exchanges, and the spectacular "Afrique" with a 6/8 modal, choppy clave Latin beat merging to easy swing from the heavy tenor of Shorter -- the best of three worlds. Timmons contributes "A Little Busy" which is not far removed from the soul-jazz he is known for, a fun and funky groove biscuit where the pianist is truly in his element. "Lost & Found," penned by Clifford Jordan, showcases the straight-ahead signature sound the Jazz Messengers mined for decades -- upbeat, happy and tight. Whether this was or was not the pinnacle for this great band is still up for debate, but it assuredly ranks with Blakey's personal best aside from the popular album Moanin' of the same time frame. by Michael G. Nastos  
Tracklist:
1 The Witch Doctor 5:32
Lee Morgan
2 Afrique 6:58
Duke Ellington / Lee Morgan
3 Those Who Sit and Wait 5:54
Wayne Shorter
4 A Little Busy 6:18
Bobby Timmons
5 Joelle 5:13
Wayne Shorter
6 Lost and Found 5:06
Clifford Jordan
- Bonus Track -
7 The Witch Doctor 5:33
Lee Morgan
Credits:
Bass – Jymie Merritt
Drums – Art Blakey
Piano – Bobby Timmons
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – Wayne Shorter
Trumpet – Lee Morgan

ART BLAKEY & THE JAZZ MESSENGERS - The Freedom Rider (1961-2015) RM / BLUE NOTE MASTERWORKS / SHM-CD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The final recording by this edition of The Jazz Messengers (featuring trumpeter Lee Morgan, tenor saxophonist Wayne Shorter, pianist Bobby Timmons, bassist Jymie Merritt and drummer/leader Art Blakey) finds the group consolidating their year-and-a-half of experience into yet another exciting document. Blakey's unaccompanied drum feature on "The Freedom Rider" is full of drama while the rest of the program (two compositions apiece by Morgan and Shorter) makes this last chapter for this particular band quite memorable. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1 Tell It Like It Is 7:53
Wayne Shorter
2 The Freedom Rider 7:25
Art Blakey
3 El Toro 6:20
Wayne Shorter
4 Petty Larceny 6:14
Lee Morgan
5 Blue Lace 5:59
Lee Morgan
6 Uptight 6:12
Lee Morgan
7 Pisces 6:52
Lee Morgan
8 Blue Ching 6:43
Kenny Dorham
Credits:
Bass – Jymie Merritt
Drums – Art Blakey
Piano – Bobby Timmons
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – Wayne Shorter
Trumpet – Lee Morgan

BENNY GOLSON - Benny Golson and the Philadelphians (1958-1998) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The title of this 1998 CD reissue is a little inaccurate. This set does have a six-song session with the all-Philadelphia crew of tenor saxophonist Benny Golson, trumpeter Lee Morgan, pianist Ray Bryant, bassist Percy Heath and drummer Philly Joe Jones. But there are also four numbers from a month later in which Golson and pianist Bobby Timmons are joined by a trio of Frenchmen: trumpeter Roger Guerin (who was actually the date's leader), bassist Pierre Michelot and drummer Christian Garros. Ironically, the previous Swing LP had the equally inaccurate title of Benny Golson In Paris; the first date was actually cut in New York. In any case, the music is quite enjoyable, and the two dates match well together. Golson, Morgan and Bryant take excellent solos on three Golson tunes and one apiece by Bryant, John Lewis ("Afternoon In Paris") and Gigi Gryce. The French session finds the band performing four numbers from the Jazz Messengers songbook: "Stablemates" (which is on both dates), "Moanin'," "I Remember Clifford" and "Blues March." Guerin sounds fine filling in for Lee Morgan. Throughout, Golson is at the peak of his playing ability, and he often emerges as the solo star. Recommended for hard bop collectors. by Scott Yanow  
Tracklist:
1 You're Not The Kind 4:17
Written-By – Gigi Gryce
2 Blues On My Mind 7:27
Written-By – Benny Golson
3 Stablemates 5:44
Written-By – Benny Golson
4 Thursday's Theme 7:35
Written-By – Benny Golson
5 Afternoon In Paris 6:50
Written-By – John Lewis  
6 Calgary 3:36
Written-By – Ray Bryant
7 Blues March 4:02
Written-By – Benny Golson
8 I Remember Clifford 2:59
Written-By – Benny Golson
9 Moanin' 6:04
Written-By – Bobby Timmons
10 Stablemates (Second Version) 8:07
Written-By – Benny Golson
Credits:
Bass – Percy Heath (tracks: 1 to 6), Pierre Michelot (tracks: 7 to 10)
Drums – Philly Joe Jones (tracks: 1 to 6), Christian Garros (tracks: 7 to 10)
Piano – Bobby Timmons (tracks: 7 to 10), Ray Bryant (tracks: 1 to 6)
Tenor Saxophone – Benny Golson
Trumpet – Lee Morgan (tracks: 1 to 6), Roger Guerin (tracks: 7 to 10)

THE CANNONBALL ADDERLEY QUINTET - Them Dirty Blues (1960-2000) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Recorded in early 1960, Them Dirty Blues contains two classic jazz compositions: Nat Adderley's "Work Song" and Bobby Timmons' "Dat Dere," the sequel to "This Here." This was alto saxophonist Cannonball Adderley's second quintet with brother Nat Adderley (cornet), and features Bobby Timmons on piano (who plays on four tracks and was replaced by Barry Harris on the remaining five), Sam Jones on bass, and Louis Hayes on drums. Them Dirty Blues was originally released on Riverside until Adderley made the switch to Capitol where he brought several master tapes with him, including these sessions. by Al Campbell
Tracklist:
1 Work Song 5:05
Composed By – Nat Adderley
2 Jeannine 7:15
Composed By – Duke Pearson
3 Easy Living 4:20
Composed By – L. Robin, R. Rainger
4 Them Dirty Blues 7:10
Composed By – Julian Adderley
5 Dat Dere 5:28
Composed By – Bobby Timmons
6 Del Sasser 4:40
Composed By – Sam Jones
7 Soon 5:34
Composed By – G. Gershwin, I. Gershwin
8 Work Song (Alternate Version) 5:49
Composed By – Nat Adderley
9 Dat Dere (Alternate Take) 5:28
Composed By – Bobby Timmons
Credits:
Alto Saxophone – Cannonball Adderley
Bass – Sam Jones
Cornet – Nat Adderley
Drums – Louis Hayes
Piano – Barry Harris (tracks: 1 to 4), Bobby Timmons (tracks: 5 to 9)

KENNY BURRELL - Blue Lights, Vol. 1 (1958-2000) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Guitarist Kenny Burrell leads a strong jam session that features the talented but very underrated trumpeter Louis Smith (who sounds a bit like Lee Morgan), the similar but contrasting tenors of Junior Cook and Tina Brooks, pianist Duke Jordan, bassist Sam Jones, and drummer Art Blakey. Jordan's tongue-in-cheek "Scotch Blues" is a high point. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1 Yes Baby 7:00
Kenny Burrell / Don Robey
2 Scotch Blues 5:35
Duke Jordan 
3 Autumn In New York 5:00
Vernon Duke
4 Caravan 7:20
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills / Juan Tizol
Credits:

Trumpet – Louis Smith (tracks: 1, 2, 4)

Bass – Sam Jones

Design [Cover] – Andy Warhol, Reid Miles
Drums – Art Blakey
Guitar – Kenny Burrell
Piano – Bobby Timmons (tracks: 3, 4), Duke Jordan (tracks: 1, 2)
Recorded, Remastered By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – Junior Cook (tracks: 1, 2, 4), Tina Brooks (tracks: 1, 2, 4)

KENNY BURRELL - Blue Lights, Vol. 2 (1958-2000) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A jam session led by guitarist Kenny Burrell features the talented if forgotten trumpeter Louis Smith, both Junior Cook and Tina Brooks on tenors, pianist Bobby Timmons (Duke Jordan was on the first volume), bassist Sam Jones, and drummer Art Blakey. The all-star group performs two standards ("Caravan" and the guitarist's feature on "Autumn in New York"), Sam Jones' "Chuckin'," and Burrell's "Rock Salt." This is excellent music that easily fits into the bop mainstream of the period. by Scott Yanow 
Tracklist:
1 Rock Salt 11:20
Kenny Burrell
2 The Man I Love 6:43
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
3 Chuckin' 12:10
Sam Jones
4 Phinupi 9:47
Kenny Burrell
Credits:
Bass – Sam Jones
Drums – Art Blakey
Guitar – Kenny Burrell
Recorded, Remastered By – Rudy Van Gelder
Trumpet – Louis Smith
Piano – Bobby Timmons (tracks: 1, 3), Duke Jordan (tracks: 2, 4)
Tenor Saxophone – Junior Cook (tracks: 1, 3, 4), Tina Brooks (tracks: 1, 3)
Written-By – George & Ira Gershwin (tracks: 2), Kenny Burrell (tracks: 1, 4), Sam Jones (tracks: 3)