BIG JOHN PATTON — Got A Good Thing Goin' (1966-2003) RM | Blue Note Rare Groove Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Grant Green always brought out the best in Big John Patton. Almost any record that featured the guitarist and organist was dominated by their scintillating interplay, and it always sounded like they were trying to top each other's blistering, funky solos. Patton and Green rarely sounded better than they did on Got a Good Thing Goin', a 1966 session that functioned as a showcase for the pair's dynamic interaction and exciting, invigorating solos. In particular, the duo's mastery is evident because there are no horns to stand in the way -- only drummer Hugh Walker and conga player Richard Landrum provide support, leaving plenty of room for Green and Patton to run wild. All five numbers -- two originals by Patton and Green, two pop covers ("Ain't That Peculiar," "Shake"), and Duke Pearson's "Amanda" -- are simple blues and soul-jazz songs that provide ample space for the guitarist and organist to stretch out. And they do stretch out -- as a pair, they have never sounded so fiery or intoxicating. Fans of hard bop may find the songs a little too simple, but hot, up-tempo soul-jazz rarely comes any better than it does on Got a Good Thing Goin'. Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Tracklist :
1    The Yodel 8:15
Written-By – Green, Patton
2    Soul Woman 7:40
Written-By – Green, Patton
3    Ain't That Peculiar 6:45
Written-By – Tarplin, Rogers, Robinson, Moore
4    The Shake 7:44
Written-By – Sam Cooke
5    Amanda 6:08
Written-By – Duke Pearson
Credits :
Congas – Richard Landrum
Drums – Hugh Walker
Engineer [Recording] – Rudy Van Gelder
Guitar – Grant Green
Organ – John Patton

MARY LOU WILLIAMS — Black Christ of the Andes (1964-2004) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Complex and brooding suites by jazz artists have often received mixed reviews. Whether hailed as brilliant and visionary or slammed as self-indulgent and trite -- Ellington's Black, Brown and Beige, Charles Mingus' infamous Town Hall Concert, or even Wynton Marsalis' Blood on the Fields all come to mind -- these works are, if nothing else, great risks for the artists involved. At the time of its initial performance, "Black Christ of the Andes" (or "St. Martin de Porres") was called everything from "blues stripped of its accent" to a "hokey prayer," prompting Williams to cut it from her repertoire before the release of the LP in 1964. An unfortunate fate for a very enjoyable and, now, highly regarded piece of music. Williams explained her pioneering concept of pairing jazz with spirituals as an attempt to heal the disparity between the gifted nature of the African-American and his tendency toward the worst kinds of sin. In fact, the original title for this LP was Music for Disturbed Souls. Certainly, by 1962 others had employed the modes and feel of the church into jazz, but Williams' use of the Ray Charles Singers (no relation to the other Ray Charles) added an element that made "St. Martin," an a cappella choral piece, a much more church-oriented affair than, say, John Coltrane's "Spiritual." Williams' vision, like Coltrane's, was at times dark and sobering while at others full of warmth and hope. It would have been completely out of place, however, at the Village Vanguard. This is a piece that belongs, if not in the church, then certainly out of the nightclub circuit. Other tracks on this LP, though, like her sublime rendition of "It Ain't Necessarily So," would have been welcome in their dark and smoky confines. Otherwise, expect a jump blues number, a handful of trio cuts (some featuring Percy Heath), and a smattering of various vocal combinations throughout. A number of styles are represented here and they weave amongst one another with ease and grace. This is a very enjoyable record with some especially rewarding piano solos by Williams. Brandon Burke
Tracklist :
1    St. Martin De Porres 6:32
Lyrics By – Rev. A. S. Woods, S.J.
Music By – M. L. Williams
2    It Ain't Necessarily So 4:41
Written-By – George And Ira Gershwin
3    The Devil 4:00
Lyrics By – Ada Moore
Music By – M. L. Williams
4    Miss D.D. 2:28
Written-By – M. L. Williams
5    Anima Christi 2:48
Written-By – M. L. Williams
6    A Grand Night For Swinging 3:06
Written-By – Billy Taylor
7    My Blue Heaven 3:21
Written-By – George Whiting, Walter Donaldson
8    Dirge Blues 2:57
Written-By – M. L. Williams
9    A Fungus A Mungus 3:21
Written-By – M. L. Williams
10    Koolbonga 3:21
Written-By – M. L. Williams
11    Forty-Five Degree Angle 2:50
Written-By – Denzil Best
12     Nicole 3:37
Written-By – M. L. Williams
13    Chunka Lunka 3:07
Written-By – M. L. Williams
14    Praise The Lord 5:55
Written-By – M. L. Williams
Credits :
Bass – Larry Gales (tracks: 5, 14), Percy Heath (tracks: 6 to 8, 10 to 13), Theodore Cromwell (tracks: 2, 4)
Bass Clarinet – Budd Johnson (tracks: 5)
Choir – The George Gordon Singers (tracks: 5, 14), The Ray Charles Singers (tracks: 1, 3)
Conductor – Howard Roberts (tracks: 1, 3)
Drums – George Chamble (tracks: 2, 4), Percy Brice (tracks: 5, 14), Tim Kennedy (tracks: 6 to 8, 10 to 13)
Guitar – Grant Green (tracks: 5, 14)
Piano – Mary Lou Williams
Tenor Saxophone – Budd Johnson (tracks: 14)
Vocals [Solo] – Jimmy Mitchell (tracks: 5, 14)

JOHNNY HODGES | WILD BILL DAVIS ft. GRANT GREEN - Joe's Blues (1965-2007) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Joe's Blues   
1    Joe's Blues 6'09
Johnny Hodges
2    I'll Walk Alone 4'31
Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne
3    Harmony In Harlem 3'21
Duke Ellington / Johnny Hodges / Irving Mills
4    Warm Valley 4'31
Duke Ellington
5    Wild Bill Blues 5'24
Johnny Hodges
6    Somebody Loves Me 4'51
Buddy DeSylva / George Gershwin / Ballard MacDonald
7    Solitude 5'03
Eddie DeLange / Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
8    Clementine 3'13
Billy Strayhorn
Wings & Things   
9    Wings And Things 7'18
Wild Bill Davis / Johnny Hodges
10    Spotted Dog 7'49
Wild Bill Davis / Johnny Hodges
11    Casanova 2'45
Wild Bill Davis  
12    Dow De Dow Dow Dow 3'26
Mercer Ellington / Johnny Hodges
13    Peg O' My Heart 3'28
Alfred Bryan / Fred Fisher
14    The Nearness Of You 3'18
Hoagy Carmichael / Ned Washington
15    Imbo 3'58
Duke Ellington
16    Take The "A" Train 3'58
Billy Strayhorn
Credits :
Guitar – Grant Green
Organ – Wild Bill Davis
Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges
with
Personnel 1-8 :
Bass – Bob Cranshaw
Drums – Grady Tate
Electric Bass – Bob Bushnell
Personnel 9-16 :
Bass – Richard Davis
Drums – Ben Dixon
Piano – Hank Jones (pistas: 14 to 16)
Trombone – Lawrence Brown
Notas.
Tracks 1 to 8 recorded on January 6, 1965, in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, and issued as Johnny Hodges / Wild Bill Davis - Joe's Blues.
Tracks 9 to 16 recorded on July 27, 1965, in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, and issued as Johnny Hodges / Wild Bill Davis - Wings & Things.

LOU DONALDSON & GRANT GREEN - Cool Blus (1961-2012) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    A Foggy Day    6:38
2    Here Tis    9:26
3    Cool Blues    6:54
4    Watusi Jump    7:32
5    Walk Wid Me    8:37
6    Misty    8:33
7    Please    6:09
8    Man With A Horn    5:49
9    Prisoner Of Love    5:12
10    Stardust    6:12
Notas.
Tracks 1-5: Recorded January 23, 1961. Previously issued as Here 'Tis.
Tracks 6-10: Recorded September 25, 1961. Previously issued on A Man With A Horn.

LOU DONALDSON - Here' Tis (1961-2010) RM | SACD, Hybrid | The Blue Note Reissues | WV (image+.cue), lossless

Here 'Tis is in the front rank of Lou Donaldson records, an exceptionally funky soul-jazz session that finds the saxophonist swinging harder than usual. As he moves from hard bop to soul-jazz, Donaldson reveals a bluesy streak to his playing while keeping the vigorous attack that defined his best bop. Donaldson's playing is among his finest in the soul-jazz vein, but what makes Here 'Tis such an enjoyable session is his interaction with his supporting trio of guitarist Grant Green, organist Baby Face Willette, and drummer Dave Bailey. As support, all three know how to keep a groove gritty and flexible, following Lou's lead and working a swinging beat that keeps flowing, never growing static. Green and Willette also have their time in the spotlight, and both musicians are frequently stunning. Green's single-note leads are clean and inventive; Willette is rhythmic and forceful, but also capable of soulful, mellow leads on the slow blues. Their talent, combined with Donaldson at a peak, results in a terrific record. Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Tracklist:
1 A Foggy Day 6:35
Written-By – Gershwin
2 Here 'Tis 9:23
Written-By – Lou Donaldson
3 Cool Blues 6:50
Written-By – Charlie Parker
4 Watusi Jump 7:30
Written-By – Lou Donaldson
5 Walk Wid Me 8:36
Written-By – Lou Donaldson
Credits:
Alto Saxophone – Lou Donaldson
Drums – Dave Bailey
Guitar – Grant Green
Organ – 'Baby Face' Willette
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder

LOU DONALDSON - The Natural Soul (1962-2003) RM | RVG Edition | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The Natural Soul finds Lou Donaldson delving deeply into soul-jazz, recording a set of funky, greasy instrumentals with only a few references to hard bop. Donaldson occasionally sounds a little awkward with the relaxed groove of The Natural Soul, as does trumpeter Tommy Turrentine, but the trio of guitarist Grant Green, organist John Patton, and drummer Ben Dixon keep things cooking. Green and Patton's solos often burn and are always invigorating, and Lou frequently matches their heights. The original compositions -- which form the bulk of the album -- aren't much more than blues and soul vamps, but they provide an excellent foundation for the combo to work hot grooves. And, in the end, that's what The Natural Soul is about -- groove. It maintains the high standards Donaldson established with his first soul-jazz foray, Here 'Tis, and remains one of his best records in that genre. Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Tracklist :
1     Funky Mama 9'05
Big John Patton
2    Love Walked In 5'10
Composed By – George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
3    Spaceman Twist 5'35
Composed By – Lou Donaldson
4    Sow Belly Blues 10'11
Composed By – Lou Donaldson
5    That's All 5'33
Composed By – Alan Brandt, Bob Haymes
6    Nice 'N' Greasy 5'24
Composed By – Johnny Acea
7    People Will Say We're In Love 7'53
Composed By – Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lou Donaldson
Drums – Ben Dixon
Guitar – Grant Green
Organ – John Patton
Recorded By, Remastered By [2002] – Rudy Van Gelder
Trumpet – Tommy Turrentine

LOU DONALDSON - "Good Gracious!" (1963-1997) RM | Blue Note Rare Groove Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Good Gracious may be Lou Donaldson's record, but guitarist Grant Green and organist John Patton steal the show. Working with a tight, soulful groove laid down by drummer Ben Dixon, the guitarist and organist trade hot lines that often steal the thunder from Donaldson, who nevertheless turns in a robust, tuneful performance. Donaldson's tone is richer and fuller than it is on many of his early-'60s records, and he really connects with the laid-back R&B grooves and soul-jazz vamps on Good Gracious, turning in melodic, memorable solos. However, Grant and Patton take the songs even further with their intense solos and fills; Patton, in particular, sounds on fire even when the tempo is mellow. Good Gracious still falls prey to some of the lazy tempos that pop up on most Lou Donaldson records, but it remains one of his finest soul-jazz sessions. Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Tracklist :
1     Bad John 8:16
Lou Donaldson    
2     The Holy Ghost 8:36
Lou Donaldson    
3     Cherry 5:15
Don Redman    
4     Caracas 7:17
Lou Donaldson    
5     Good Gracious 6:50
Lou Donaldson    
6     Don't Worry 'Bout Me
Rube Bloom / Ted Koehler
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lou Donaldson
Drums – Ben Dixon
Engineer [Recording] – Rudy Van Gelder
Guitar – Grant Green
Organ – John Patton
Producer [Blue Note Rare Groove Series] – Michael Cuscuna, Tom Evered

LOU DONALDSON - Musty Rusty + At His Best (1965-2007) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although issued on the Cadet label, Musty Rusty follows in much the same vein as Lou Donaldson's previous LPs for Blue Note. Credit reunions with the brilliant guitarist Grant Green and the underrated drummer Ben Dixon for the seamless transition, and even if organist Billy Gardner can't quite yet fill the shoes of longtime Donaldson foil Big John Patton, the set's soulfulness and creativity still demand attention. Trumpeter Bill Hardman completes the lineup, which comfortably settles into a tight, focused groove with the opening "The Space Walk" and never lets up -- Donaldson originals like "Hippity Hop" and the title tune crackle with energy, and the melodic ingenuity of Green's guitar solos astounds. Jason Ankeny
Tracklist :
1    Musty Rusty 6:03
Written-By – Lou Donaldson
2    Midnight Sun 4:45
Written-By – J. Francis Burke, Lionel Hampton
3    Hipty Hop 5:20
Written-By – Lou Donaldson
4    The Space Walk 6:10
Written-By – Ben Dixon
5    Ha' Mercy 5:30
Written-By – Lou Donaldson
6    Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White 5:20
Written-By – Luis Guglielmi, Mack David, Marcel Ageron
7    Greasy Papa 6:26
Written-By – Lou Donaldson
8    Tangerine 3:04
Written-By – Johnny Mercer, Victor Schertzinger
9    Wig Blues 3:56
Written-By – Lou Donaldson
10    Blues #3 5:56
Written-By – Lou Donaldson
11    Win, Lose Or Draw 6:08
Written-By – Ousley
12    Be Anything, But Be Mine 4:54
Written-By – Gordon
13    Day By Day 7:18
Written-By – Axel Stordahl, Paul Weston, Sammy Cahn
Credits :
>| 1-6  Lou Donaldson - Musty Rusty <|
Alto Saxophone – Lou Donaldson
Drums – Ben Dixon
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Guitar – Grant Green
Organ – Billy Gardner
Trumpet – Bill Hardman
>| 7-13 Lou Donaldson At His Best <|
Alto Saxophone – Lou Donaldson
Drums – Grady Tate
Guitar – Calvin Newborn
Organ – Billy Gardner
Trumpet – Bill Hardman
Drums – Ben Dixon

LOU DONALDSON - A Man with a Horn (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

These sessions were recorded for Blue Note in 1961 and 1963. The first date features five cuts with Jack Mcduff on organ, Grant Green on guitar, and Joe Dukes on drums. The four remaining cuts were recorded two years later with John Patton on organ, Ben Dixon on drums, and the addition of Irvin Stokes on trumpet. This is a mainly mellow affair with six of the nine tracks exchanging the hard bop and soul-jazz of the times for ballads and slow blues. However, the occasional up-tempo funky surprise does pop up on "My Melancholy Baby" and the Donaldson originals "Hipty Hop" and "Soul Meetin'." Al Campbell
Tracklist :
1     Misty 8:30
Johnny Burke / Erroll Garner     
2     Hippity Hop 5:44     
Lou Donaldson    
3     Please 6:07
Ralph Rainger / Leo Robin    
4     My Melancholy Baby 6:29
Ernie Burnett / George Norton    
5     Man With a Horn 5:47
Eddie DeLange / Jack Jenney / Bonnie Lake
6     Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White 4:22
Mack David    
7     Prisoner of Love 5:10
Russ Columbo / Clarence Gaskill / Leo Robin
8     Soul Meetin' 7:11
Lou Donaldson    
9     Stardust 6:11
Hoagy Carmichael / Mitchell Parish
Notas.
Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on September 25, 1961 (#1,3,5,7,9) and June 7, 1963 (#2,4,6,8)
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lou Donaldson
Drums – Ben Dixon (pistas: 2, 4, 6, 8), Joe Dukes (pistas: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9)
Engineer [Recording] – Rudy Van Gelder
Guitar – Grant Green
Organ – Jack McDuff (pistas: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9), John Patton (pistas: 2, 4, 6, 8)
Trumpet – Irvin Stokes (pistas: 2, 4, 6, 8)
Trumpet – Danny Moore, Ernie Royal, Joe Shepley

HANK MOBLEY - Workout (1961-2011) SHM-CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is one of the best-known Hank Mobley recordings, and for good reason. Although none of his four originals ("Workout," "Uh Huh," "Smokin'," "Greasin' Easy") caught on, the fine saxophonist is in top form. He jams on the four tunes, plus "The Best Things in Life Are Free," with an all-star quintet of young modernists -- guitarist Grant Green, pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Philly Joe Jones -- and shows that he was a much stronger player than his then-current boss Miles Davis seemed to think. [Some reissues add a version of "Three Coins in the Fountain" from the same date, originally released on Another Workout.] Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1 Workout 10:04
Written-By – Hank Mobley
2 Uh Huh 10:51
Written-By – Hank Mobley
3 Smokin' 7:33
Written-By – Hank Mobley
4 The Best Things In Life Are Free 5:21
Written-By – De Sylva, Brown, Henderson
5 Greasin' Easy 7:04
Written-By – Hank Mobley
- Bonus Tracks -
6    Three Coins In The Fountain (Take 21)
7    Three Coins In The Fountain (Take 19)
Credits:
Bass – Paul Chambers
Drums – Philly Joe Jones
Guitar – Grant Green
Piano – Wynton Kelly
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – Hank Mobley

JIMMY FORREST - Black Forrest (1959-1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This 1972 LP, a complement to All the Gin Is Gone, released the remainder of tenor saxophonist Jimmy Forrest's two Delmark sessions, including four alternate takes and five other songs. Forrest sounds fine, guitarist Grant Green was making his debut on record, and the rhythm section (pianist Harold Mabern, bassist Gene Ramey and drummer Elvin Jones) plays up to par. Get All the Gin Is Gone first, and then, if one wants to hear the rest of the story, this set. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1 Black Forrest 5:20
Jimmy Forrest
2 Dog It 4:46
Jimmy Forrest
3 These Foolish Things 6:07
Harry Link / Holt Marvell / Jack Strachey
4 Sunkenfoal 5:54
Jimmy Forrest
5 You Go to My Head 4:43
J. Fred Coots / Haven Gillespie
6 Black Forrest 2:28
Jimmy Forrest
7 What's New? 2:11
Johnny Burke / Bob Haggart
8 But Beautiful 4:19
Johnny Burke / James Van Heusen
9 All the Gin Is Gone 4:48
Public Domain
10 These Foolish Things 4:13
Harry Link / Holt Marvell / Jack Strachey
Credits:
 Bass – Gene Ramey
Drums – Elvin Jones
Guitar – Grant Green
Piano – Harold Mabern
Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Forrest

JIMMY FORREST - All the Gin Is Gone (1959-1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This was the first album that tenor saxophonist Jimmy Forrest made after his R&B phase ended. Particularly notable is that the set served as the recording debut of guitarist Grant Green; completing the band are pianist Harold Mabern, bassist Gene Ramey and drummer Elvin Jones. The top-notch group performs two ballads, "Caravan" and three basic Forrest originals, including the title cut. The music is essentially melodic and blues-based hard bop that looks toward soul-jazz. Everyone sounds in fine form. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     All the Gin Is Gone 4:46
Public Domain / Jimmy Forrest
2     Laura 6:41
Johnny Mercer / David Raksin
3     You Go to My Head 6:31
J. Fred Coots / Haven Gillespie
4     Myra 5:30
Jimmy Forrest
5     Caravan 9:23
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills / Juan Tizol
6     What's New? 2:57
Johnny Burke / Bob Haggart
7     Sunkenfoal 5:18
Jimmy Forrest
Credits :
Bass – Gene Ramey
Drums – Elvin Jones
Guitar – Grant Green
Piano – Harold Mabern
Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Forrest

GRANT GREEN - Grant's First Stand (1961-1999) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Grant Green's debut album, Grant's First Stand, still ranks as one of his greatest pure soul-jazz outings, a set of killer grooves laid down by a hard-swinging organ trio. For having such a small lineup -- just organist Baby Face Willette and drummer Ben Dixon -- the group cooks up quite a bit of power, really sinking its teeth into the storming up-tempo numbers, and swinging loose and easy on the ballads. The influence of the blues on both Green and Willette is strong and, while that's far and away the dominant flavor of the session, Green also displays his unique bop phrasing (learned by studying horn players' lines, rather than other guitarists) to fine effect on his high-octane opener, "Miss Ann's Tempo," and Willette's "Baby's Minor Lope." Green's original blues "A Wee Bit O'Green" and "Blues for Willarene" are both memorable, particularly the former, and the two standards -- "Lullaby of the Leaves" and "'Tain't Nobody's Bizness If I Do" -- are given smoky treatments soaked in bluesy, late-night atmosphere. Willette and Dixon both supply a tremendous rhythmic drive, and Willette's solos burn with gospel fervor. This same trio performed together on Willette's Stop and Listen album, with equally heated results. None of Green's contemporaries used the single-note style (Green rarely played chords, leaving that to the organ or piano) to quite the same degree, making him a unique voice on his instrument. And his terrific debut pegged him as an up-and-comer to watch closely.  by Steve Huey  

Tracklist :

1 Miss Ann's Tempo 5:37

Written-By – Grant Green

2 Lullaby Of The Leaves 7:39

Written-By – B. Petkere, J. Young

3 Blues For Willarene 7:06

Written-By – Green

4 Baby's Minor Lope 7:13

Written-By – Baby Face Willette

5 'Tain't Nobody's Business If I Do 4 :23

Written-By – E. Robbins, P. Grainger

6 A Wee Bit O' Green 7:46

Written-By – Green

Credits :

 Drums – Ben Dixon

Guitar – Grant Green

Organ – Baby Face Willette

GRANT GREEN - Grantstand (1961-2003) RVG Edition / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Grant Green's third album to be released, Grantstand teams the clear-toned guitarist with an unlikely backing group of musicians who rarely appeared with Blue Note otherwise: tenor saxophonist Yusef Lateef (who doubles on flute), organist Brother Jack McDuff, and drummer Al Harewood. Although Lateef was beginning to delve deeply into Eastern tonalities and instruments around the same time, his playing here is pretty straightforward and swinging, fitting the relaxed, bop-tinged soul-jazz that makes up most of the session. For his part, McDuff is mellower than his usual ferocious self, laying back and swinging with a blissful ease. Green contributes two bluesy originals, the nine-minute title track and the 15-minute "Blues in Maude's Flat," which are turned into loose, loping jams that rank as some of the best examples of Green's ability to work an extended groove. (The CD bonus track, "Green's Greenery," is in much the same vein, though not as long.) Elsewhere, Green leads a delicate, sensitive exploration of "My Funny Valentine" that ended up as his greatest standard performance to date, setting the stage for a great deal more work in this vein that was soon to be forthcoming (including his brilliant sessions with Sonny Clark). Still, the groove is what reigns supreme for most of the album; if you're looking for Green the soul-jazz groovemaster, Grantstand is an excellent place to find him. by Steve Huey
Tracklist  :
1    Grantstand 9:03
Written-By – Green
2    My Funny Valentine 9:06
Written-By – Rodgers-Hart
3    Blues In Maude's Flat 15:00
Written-By – Green
4    Old Folks 4:11
Written-By – Hill, Robison
5    Green's Greenery 5:10
Written-By – Grant Green
Credits :
Drums – Al Harewood
Guitar – Grant Green
Organ – Jack McDuff
Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Yusef Lateef

GRANT GREEN - The Latin Bit (1962-2007) RVG Edition | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Grant Green, being known mainly as a soul jazz guitarist, eventually gravitated into the popular boogaloo sound. The Latin Bit is the natural bridge to that next phase, though a bit premature for most in 1961-1963, even relative to the subsequent bossa nova craze. Pianist Johnny Acea, long an underrated jazzman, is the nucleus of this session, grounding it with witty chops, chordal comping, and rhythmic meat. The Latino rhythm section of drummer Willie Bobo and conga player Carlos "Patato" Valdes personify authentic, seasoned spice, while at times the chekere sound of Garvin Masseaux makes the soup too thick. At its collective best, the group presents a steady, serene, and steamy "Besame Mucho" and the patient, slow, slinky, sultry "Tico Tico." Just a small step below is a classy take on Charlie Parker's "My Little Suede Shoes," a premier jazz bebop (emphasis) tune with a Latin undertow and Green's tiniest staccato phrases, slightly marred by the overbearing constant chekere, but still classic. "Mama Inez" ranks high for its calypso-infused happy feeling and wry stop-start lines. The straight-ahead hard bopper "Brazil" and lone soul-jazz tune, "Blues for Juanita," display the single-note acumen that made Green's style instantly recognizable. This date always yielded mixed results for staunch fans of Green, but it remains a credible effort, even if slightly flawed in part. [Some reissues add two selections with pianist Sonny Clark and tenor saxophonist Ike Quebec, the latter of whom plays hip secondary harmonies on the bossa nova-flavored "Granada," but is in the complete background and a non-factor on the pop tune "Hey There."] Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1 Mambo Inn 5:48
Written-By – Woodlon, Sampson, Bauza
2 Besame Mucho 7:09
Written-By – C. Velasquez, S. Skylar
3 Mama Inez 6:38
Written-By – E. Grenet, L. Gilbert
4 Brazil 4:59
Written-By – A. Barroso, S. K. Russell
5 Tico Tico 7:42
Written-By – Jose Abreu
6 My Little Suede Shoes 6:21
Written-By – Charlie Parker
7 Blues For Jaunita 7:02
Written-By – Grant Green
8 Grenada 6:23
Written-By – Augustin Lara
9 Hey There 7:24
Written-By – J. Ross, R. Adler
Credits :
Bass – Wendell Marshall
Congas – Carlos "Patato" Valdes
Drums – Willie Bobo
Guitar – Grant Green
Percussion [Checkere] – Garvin Masseaux (tracks: 1 to 6)
Piano – Johnny Acea (tracks: 1 to 7), Sonny Clark (tracks: 8, 9)
Recorded By, Remastered By [2007] – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – Ike Quebec (tracks: 8, 9)
Notes
Tracks 1-6 originally issued in 1963 as Blue Note BST 84111.
Tracks 7-9 originally issued in 1996 on the first CD edition of this album. Bonus tracks, not part of original LP

GRANT GREEN - Am I Blue ? (1963-2002) RVG Edition / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

AM I BLUE features the classic Green / Patton / Dixon ensemble plus Johnny Cole and Joe Henderson on horns in a delightful yet unusually laid back vain. The gospel influence in John's playing is particularly evident on this recording, as is his minimalist philosophy. (If you don't have to play it, don't) Ironically, in his latter years, due to a strange accident with a car jack which would injure a tendon in his hand he would not have use of his pinky and fourth finger, yet could still create some of the richest and most amazing connections on the organ as well as develop very rich and lucid solo ideas ! The showstopper on the CD is the light and bouncy FOR ALL WE KNOW… Of course, Johnny Coles and a then newcomer and relatively unknown Joe Henderson definitely get their word in, but it is amazing to hear John's passing chords behind them. Grant Green typically lays out, listening, listening, listening, listening (which is what a soloist needs to be doing when his other bandmates are playing… not playing over them, or holding coversations, but listening and taking in the dialogue). Finally, Grant comes in and is as crisp, melodious and swinging and used expect him to be… throwing in a few surprise left hooks as well! - - Last word goes to John… who in turn not only takes a well crafted single note solo, but digs down with a real nifty shout chorus as well (though admittedly I will ever have to admit that Johnny Hammond Smith and Wild Bill will ever have him beat on that.) With Ben Dixon in his corner, however, he does take it home quite masterfully ! of note: That's the one thing that distinguishes a Grant Green session from one of those sessions where people are trying to copy such a session - - you can really tell the players are listening to each other, providing a lot of space and responding to one another's ideas! True Jazz masters are at their best not when they're showing off what they know… but when they're really listening and responding to what's going on around them. Then magic occurs, as was the historical case of John Coltrane's layer of sound discovery. - by Eddie Landsberg
Tracklist
1. Am I Blue? 6:54
Harry Akst / Grant Clarke
2. Take These Chains From My Heart 6:09
Hy Heath / Fred Rose
3. I Wanna Be Loved 7:34
Johnny Green / Edward Heyman / Billy Rose
4. Sweet Slumber 7:12
Lucky Millinder / Al J. Neiburg / Henri Woode
5. For All We Know 13:57
J. Fred Coots / Sam M. Lewis
Credits :
Grant Green - Guitar
Johnny Coles - Trumpet
Joe Henderson - Tenor Saxophone
"Big" John Patton - Organ
Ben Dixon - Drums

HANK MOBLEY - Workout (1962-2011) SACD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is one of the best-known Hank Mobley recordings, and for good reason. Although none of his four originals ("Workout," "Uh Huh," "Smokin'," "Greasin' Easy") caught on, the fine saxophonist is in top form. He jams on the four tunes, plus "The Best Things in Life Are Free," with an all-star quintet of young modernists -- guitarist Grant Green, pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Philly Joe Jones -- and shows that he was a much stronger player than his then-current boss Miles Davis seemed to think. [Some reissues add a version of "Three Coins in the Fountain" from the same date, originally released on Another Workout.] by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1 Workout 10:04
Written-By [Uncredited] – Hank Mobley
2 Uh Huh 10:51
Written-By [Uncredited] – Hank Mobley
3 Smokin' 7:33
Written-By [Uncredited] – Hank Mobley
4 The Best Things In Life Are Free 5:21
Written-By [Uncredited] – De Sylva, Brown, Henderson
5 Greasin' Easy 7:04
Written-By [Uncredited] – Hank Mobley
- Bonus Track -
6 Three Coins In The Fountain 5:44
Written-By [Uncredited] – Jule Styne, Sammy Cahn
Credits:
Bass – Paul Chambers
Drums – Philly Joe Jones
Guitar – Grant Green
Piano – Wynton Kelly
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – Hank Mobley

GRANT GREEN — The Complete Quartets with Sonny Clark (1962-1997) 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Mosaic released a four-disc box set titled The Complete Blue Note With Sonny Clark in 1991, rounding up everything that the guitarist and pianist recorded together between 1961 and 1962. Blue Note's 1997 version of the set, The Complete Quartets With Sonny Clark, trims Mosaic's collection by two discs, offering only the quartet sessions (the Ike Quebec sessions, Born to Be Blue and Blue and Sentimental, are available on individual discs). In some ways, this actually results in a more unified set, since it puts Green and Clark directly in the spotlight, with no saxophone to complete for solos, but it doesn't really matter if the music is presented as this double-disc set, the four-disc box, or the individual albums -- this is superb music, showcasing the guitarist and pianist at their very best. All of the sessions are straight-ahead bop but the music has a gentle, relaxed vibe that makes it warm, intimate, and accessible. Grant and Clark's mastery is subtle -- the music is so enjoyable, you may not notice the deftness of their improvisation and technique -- but that invests the music with the grace, style, and emotion that distinguishes The Complete Quartets. Small group hard bop rarely comes any better than this. Stephen Thomas Erlewine  
Tracklist 1:
1 Airegin 7:32
Sonny Rollins
2 It Ain't Necessarily So 10:20
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
3 I Concentrate on You 5:40
Cole Porter
4 The Things We Did Last Summer 5:54
Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne
5 The Song Is You 7:44
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
6 Nancy (With the Laughing Face) 6:20
James Van Heusen / Phil Silvers
7 Airegin 7:34
Sonny Rollins
8 On Green Dolphin Street 6:25
Bronislaw Kaper / Ned Washington
9 Shadrack 6:20
Robert MacGimsey
10 What Is This Thing Called Love? 5:40
Cole Porter
Tracklist 2:
1 Moon River 5:34
Henry Mancini / Johnny Mercer
2 Gooden's Corner 8:11
Grant Green
3 Two for One 7:38
Grant Green
4 Oleo 5:35
Sonny Rollins
5 Little Girl Blue 7:12
T. B. Harms / Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
6 Tune-Up 7:17
Miles Davis
7 Hip Funk 8:35
Grant Green
8 My Favorite Things 8:28
Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers
9 Oleo 6:00
Sonny Rollins
Credits:
Bass – Sam Jones
Drums – Art Blakey (tracks: 1-1 to 1-7), Louis Hayes (tracks: 1-8 to 2-9)
Engineer [Recording] – Rudy Van Gelder
Guitar – Grant Green
Piano – Sonny Clark

BIG JOHN PATTON - Blue John (1963-2014) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

LARRY YOUNG — Into Somethin' (1964-2014) RM | SHM-CD | Serie : Blue Note, The Masterworks | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Larry Young who like most organists originally sounded close to Jimmy Smith, took a big step away from the organ's dominant influence on this adventurous and colorful set, which was his debut as a leader for Blue Note. Performing with a quartet also including tenor saxophonist Sam Rivers, guitarist Grant Green and drummer Elvin Jones, Young performs four of his originals plus Green's "Plaza de Toros." Other than the blues "Backup," the music is fairly complex, grooving in its own fashion and showing that Young was quite aware of John Coltrane's modal excursions. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Tyrone    9:37
Larry Young
2    Plaza De Toros    9:36
Grant Green
3    Paris Eyes    6:39
Larry Young
4    Backup    8:36
Larry Young
5    Ritha    6:45
Larry Young
6    Ritha (Quartet Version)    6:51
Larry Young
Credits :
Drums – Elvin Jones
Guitar – Grant Green
Organ – Larry Young
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – Sam Rivers