BENNIE GREEN — Blows His Horn (1955-1989) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Bennie Green, one of the few trombonists of the 1950s not to sound somewhat like a J.J. Johnson clone, always had a likable and humorous style. He blends in well with tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse on these standards, blues, and jump tunes, two of which have group vocals. With a fine rhythm section (pianist Cliff Smalls, bassist Paul Chambers, drummer Osie Johnson, and Candido on congas), Green and his band show that there is no reason that swinging jazz has to be viewed as overly intellectual and esoteric. This CD (a reissue of the original LP) is a fine example of Bennie Green's talents and winning musical personality. Scott Yanow

Tracklist :
1. Sometimes I'm Happy 3:53
 Irving Caesar / Clifford Grey / Vincent Youmans
2. Laura 6:13
 Johnny Mercer / David Raksin
3. Body And Soul 6:58
 Frank Eyton / Johnny Green / Edward Heyman / Robert Sour
4. Say Jack 3:36
 Bennie Green / Osie Johnson
5. One Track 3:15
Bennie Green / Osie Johnson
6. Groovin' The Blues (Take 1) 5:31
 Bennie Green
7. Groovin' The Blues (Take 2)
Bennie Green
8. Travelin' Light 3:07
 Harry Akst / Sidney Clare
9. Hi Yo Silver 3:21
 Bennie Green / Osie Johnson
Credits:

Bennie Green - Trombone

Paul Chambers - Bass

Candido - Congas

Osie Johnson - Drums

Cliff Smalls - Piano

Charlie Rouse - Tenor Saxophone

PAUL GONSALVES / ROY ELDRIDGE - Mexican Bandit Meets Pittsburgh Pirate (1973-1992) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

This album teams tenor saxophonist Paul Gonsalves and trumpeter Roy Eldridge quite late in their careers. Gonsalves would pass away within a year and Eldridge would only be able to play for about five more. Actually, Eldridge is in generally good (and typically combative) form on tunes such as his "5400 North" and "C Jam Blues." The ailing Gonsalves is tentative and streaky in spots and just average throughout despite his best efforts. The rhythm section (pianist Cliff Smalls, bassist Sam Jones and drummer Eddie Locke) is perfectly up to the task and has "It's the Talk of the Town" as its feature. It's an interesting historical album although the leader has sounded much better elsewhere.
 by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1 5400 North 6:50
Roy Eldridge
2 I Cover the Waterfront 8:21
Johnny Green / Edward Heyman
3 C Jam Blues 5:50
Barney Bigard / Duke Ellington
4 Body and Soul 7:28
Frank Eyton / Johnny Green / Edward Heyman / Robert Sour
5 It's the Talk of the Town 7:00
Jerry Livingston / Al J. Neiburg / Marty Symes
6 Somebody Loves Me 4:52
Buddy DeSylva / George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin / Ballard MacDonald
- Bonus Track -
7 Satin Doll 5:43
Duke Ellington / Johnny Mercer / Billy Strayhorn
Credits:
Bass – Sam Jones
Drums – Eddie Locke
Piano – Cliff Smalls
Tenor Saxophone – Paul Gonsalves
Trumpet, Vocals – Roy Eldridge