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

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

SHIRLEY HORN — Loads of Love + Shirley Horn with Horns (1990) Serie PolyGram Jazz Vocal Classics | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Two of pianist/vocalist Shirley Horn's rarest (and earliest) recordings are reissued in full on this single CD. Actually, Horn does not play piano at all, sticking exclusively to vocals, and she had less control over the interpretations (being persuaded to sing some songs at faster-than-usual tempos) than she would later on. The arrangements for the big bands that back Horn were written by Jimmy Jones and Quincy Jones and, although the overall music is enjoyable, Horn would have much preferred to be the pianist behind her own vocals. Since she would only record two other albums during the next 15 years (sticking to playing locally in the Washington, D.C., area while raising her daughter), this CD gives one a valuable look at the early Shirley Horn; her distinctive vocal style was already nearly fully formed. Scott Yanow
Loads Of Love
1 Wild Is Love 1:29
Written-By – Wayne, Rasch
2 Loads Of Love 2:24
Written-By – Richard Rodgers
3 My Future Just Passed 2:40
Written-By – Marion, Jr., Whiting
4 There's A Boat That's Leaving Soon For New York 2:41
Written-By – Ira & George Gershwin
5 Ten Cents A Dance 3:49
Written-By – Rodgers & Hart
6 Only The Lonely 3:05
Written-By – Cahn/Van Heusen
7 The Second Time Around 3:12
Written-By – Van Heusen/Cahn
8 Do It Again 2:56
Written-By – DeSilva, Gershwin
9 It's Love 2:01
Written-By – Comden/Green, Bernstein
10 That's No Joke 2:37
Written-By – Bailey
11 Love For Sale 3:50
Written-By – Porter
12 Who Am I 2:49
Written-By – Stone, Bullock
Shirley Horn With Horns
13 On The Street Where You Live 2:15
Written-By – Lerner/Lowe
14 The Great City 2:02
Written-By – Lewis
15 That Old Black Magic 2:34
Written-By – Mercer/Arlen
16 Mack The Knife 3:01
Written-By – Brecht, Weill, Blitzstein
17 Come Dance With Me 2:13
Written-By – Van Heusen/Cahn
18 Let Me Love You 3:04
Written-By – Howard
19 After You've Gone 2:59
Written-By – Creamer, Layton
20 Wouldn't It Be Loverly 3:42
Written-By – Lerner/Lowe
21 Go Away Little Boy 3:26
Written-By – Goffin/King
22 I'm In The Mood For Love 2:47
Written-By – McHugh/Fields
23 The Good Life 3:11
Written-By – Reardon, Distel
24 Wee Small Hours 3:20
Written-By – Hilliard, Mann
Credits:
Arranged By, Conductor – Jimmy Jones (tracks: 1 to 12)
Baritone Saxophone – Gerry Mulligan (tracks: 1 to 12)
Bass – Milt Hinton (tracks: 1 to 12)
Drums – Osie Johnson (tracks: 1 to 12)
Guitar – Kenny Burrell (tracks: 1 to 12)
Piano – Bobby Scott (tracks: 13, 16, 18, 20), Hank Jones (tracks: 1 to 6, 8 to 10, 12), Jimmy Jones (tracks: 7, 11, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21 to 24)
Producer, Conductor – Quincy Jones (tracks: 13 to 24)
Saxophone – Al Cohn (tracks: 1 to 12)
Saxophone, Flute – Frank Wess (tracks: 1 to 12), Jerome Richardson (tracks: 1 to 12)
Trombone – Jimmy Cleveland (tracks: 13 to 24)
Trumpet – Ernie Royal (tracks: 1 to 12), Joe Newman (tracks: 1 to 12)
Violin – Gene Orloff (tracks: 1 to 12)
Vocals – Shirley Horn

BOB BROOKMEYER | JIMMY CLEVELAND | FRANK ROSOLINO — The Trombones Inc. (1958-2007) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 Each of the selections on this set has between seven and a dozen trombonists along with a rhythm section. The first five selections were recorded with East Coast musicians and the next six with players from the West Coast but, truth be told, there is no real difference in the style of music. The arrangements of J.J. Johnson, Warren Barker and Marty Paich are strictly straight-ahead with an emphasis on the sound of the trombone sections. There are many concise solos along the way but the only standouts are Frank Rosolino and Jimmy Cleveland, as most of the other individual spots are brief. The final number, "I Found a New Baby," was not on the original LP and was apparently recorded half on the East Coast and half on the West, a discographer's nightmare but pointing to the unity of this project. The music is fun and very much in the idiom of 1950s J.J. Johnson although Johnson does not actually play a note on this project. Scott Yanow   Tracklist & Credits :

OLIVER NELSON — The Argo, Verve And Impulse Big Band Studio Sessions (2006) RM | 6xCD BOX-SET | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Oliver Nelson was one of the more distinctive arrangers to be active in jazz, the studios, and popular music of the '60s. While most Nelson reissues focus on his always-excellent saxophone playing (whether on tenor or alto), this six-CD set, Argo, Verve and Impulse Big Band Studio Sessions, focuses on Oliver Nelson the arranger-composer-bandleader. He does take solos on some of these dates on tenor, alto,and soprano (his only recorded solos on that instrument), but it his writing that takes center stage. Included are his albums Full Nelson, Fantabulous, Jazzhattan Suite (which finds the ensemble called the Jazz Interactions Orchestra), Sound Pieces, and his unusual and reverent tribute set Musical Tribute to JFK: The Kennedy Dream. In addition, Nelson's writing for Leonard Feather's Encyclopedia of Jazz All Stars is here, plus his contributions (usually just part of each record) for sets by organist Shirley Scott (Roll 'Em), a group co-led by Ray Brown and Milt Jackson, and clarinetist Pee Wee Russell (The Spirit of '67). Topping off this well-conceived box are all of the music for organist Jimmy Smith's Hobo Flats, Peter and the Wolf (a classic jazz version), and Smith's first collaboration with guitarist Wes Montgomery, plus a few numbers from Smith's Bashin', Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and Hootchie Coochie Man. In addition to the playing of Jimmy Smith (who was really at his peak during this period), Wes Montgomery, Shirley Scott, and Pee Wee Russell, the most memorable soloists are altoist Phil Woods, cornetist Nat Adderley (on the Feather date), and flugelhornist Clark Terry plus Nelson himself. There is plenty of classic material here (such as the Smith/Montgomery blues jamming on "Down by the Riverside") which, even when the big-band writing is secondary, serves as a superior tribute to the underrated Oliver Nelson. Scott Yanow   Tracklist & Credits :

OLIVER NELSON — Verve Jazz Masters 48 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 Considering that he was the equal of such heralded arrangers as Quincy Jones, Gil Evans, and Tadd Dameron, it's a shame Oliver Nelson has, for the most part, gone unsung. Maybe Nelson's eventual TV and film work tainted him in the eyes of critics and purists; but, then again, most jazz arrangers made that move, often out of sheer financial necessity -- and let's not scold them if it was simply a matter of wanting to expand their horizons. Before his Hollywood switch, though, Nelson used several '60s dates to not only display those pen skills, but to reveal his considerable saxophone chops (tenor, alto, and soprano!), as well. The fruits can be found on many dates for OJC, Impulse (the classic Blues and the Abstract Truth), and Verve. It's his work for the latter label that is nicely showcased on this collection. Covering the years 1962-1967 and culled to a large extent from his Full Nelson album and various Leonard Feather-sponsored releases, the 16 tracks here find Nelson at the helm of various big band lineups, plying his always swinging yet often complex and distinct sound. The mix contains a dazzling array of treats, including some of the most sophisticated jazz charts ("Patterns for Orchestra"), a taste of his later soundtrack work ("A Typical Day in New York"), beautiful ballads ("Penthouse Dawn"), and even some contemporary R&B-tinged fare ("Full Nelson"). Along with these and several other original pieces, Nelson also does fine by Ellington ("Paris Blues") and W.C. Handy ("St. Louis Blues"). And it's Joe Newman's fine solo on this last cut that ably demonstrates how Nelson, like Mingus, had a knack for bringing out the best in his players. With an all-star cast of players and plenty of fine sides to go, this Nelson roundup offers the perfect way to familiarize yourself with one of the great jazz architects of the '60s. Stephen Cook   Tracklist & Credits :

OLIVER NELSON & FRIENDS – Happenings + Soulful Brass (2011) RM | Serie Impulse! 2-On-1 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This Impulse two-fer revives a pair of LPs by arranger, composer, and saxophonist Oliver Nelson, Happenings and Soulful Brass, released in 1966 and 1968, respectively. Happenings, a date with pianist Hank Jones, is the better album, unlike Soulful Brass, which was co-led with comedian/pianist Steve Allen. Unfortunately, both pianists are featured mainly on harpsichord, which tends to dominate, and at times overwhelm, the compositions. Unless you're a die-hard collector, best to skip this two-fer and pick up the Impulse releases, The Blues & the Abstract Truth and More Blues & the Abstract Truth. Al Campbell  Tracklist & Credits :

GIL EVANS — The Complete Pacific Jazz Sessions (2006) Blue Note Connoisseur Series | APE (tracks+.cue), lossless

Gil Evans released two records on World Pacific in 1958 and 1959. They were among his earliest dates as a leader. Gil Evans & Ten was issued by Prestige in 1957, but these dates stand out more. New Bottle, Old Wine was the first of the pair and the band included four trumpets, a trio of trombones, French horn (played by Julius Watkins), a pair of tubas, Cannonball Adderley as the lone saxophonist, and a rhythm section that included either Philly Joe Jones or Art Blakey on drums, Paul Chambers on bass, and Chuck Wayne on guitar. The reading of "King Porter Stomp" is the stunner here, with Adderley's solo being a prized moment. There isn't a weak cut in the whole mess, though. Other standouts include Fats Waller's "Willow Tree," "Lester Leaps In," with great solos by Wayne and Adderley, the burning finale of Dizzy Gillespie's "Manteca," and Charlie Parker's "Bird Feathers" closing it out.

The second of these albums, Great Jazz Standards, featured a similar band with some notable differences. For one, the inclusion of soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy as a soloist and rhythm sections that included either Dennis Charles or Elvin Jones on drums, Curtis Fuller on trombone, and Budd Johnson on tenor for about half the set. The finer moments here include "Ballad of the Sad Young Men" (a newish tune at the time with a fine piano solo by Evans) and John Lewis' "Django," with a truly brilliant and understated solo by Lacy, who also does a commendable job on "Straight No Chaser." Johnson wails on Gil Evans' "La Nevada (Theme)." Evans' arrangement of Clifford Brown's "Joy Spring" is also a killer, with his and guitarist Ray Crawford's solos. The Complete Pacific Jazz Sessions is a fine collection issued by Blue Note, which, as part of the Connoisseur Series, is limited and will be out of print again soon. Don't wait.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-    Tracklist & Credits :

GIL EVANS — Gil Evans & Ten (1957-2003) SACD, Hybrid | MONO | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although arranger Gil Evans had been active in the major leagues of jazz ever since the mid-'40s and had participated in Miles Davis' famous Birth of the Cool recordings, Gil Evans & Ten was his first opportunity to record as a leader. The set features a typically unusual 11-piece unit consisting of two trumpets, trombonist Jimmy Cleveland, Bart Varsalona on bass trombone, French horn player Willie Ruff, Steve Lacy on soprano, altoist Lee Konitz, Dave Kurtzer on bassoon, bassist Paul Chambers, and either Nick Stabulas or Jo Jones on drums, plus the leader's sparse piano. As good an introduction to his work as any, this program includes diverse works ranging from Leadbelly to Leonard Bernstein, plus Evans' own "Jambangle." The arranger's inventive use of the voices of his rather unique sidemen make this a memorable set. Scott Yanow   Tracklist & Credits :

GIL EVANS ORCHESTRA — Great Jazz Standards (1959-1988) Pacific Jazz Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A follow-up to New Bottle, Old Wine, this Gil Evans set has colorful arrangements of five jazz standards plus "Ballad of the Sad Young Men" and Evans' "Theme." Using a band consisting of three trumpets, three trombones, a French horn, Bill Barber's tuba, soprano-saxophonist Steve Lacy (the first important post-swing player on his instrument), tenor saxophonist Budd Johnson (on half of the program), and a four-piece rhythm section (including the leader's piano), Evans contributes some very memorable written ensemble passages, most notably on "Straight No Chaser." In addition to Lacy and Johnson, the main soloists are trumpeter Johnny Coles, trombonists Curtis Fuller and Jimmy Cleveland, and guitarist Ray Crawford. Highly recommended. Scott Yanow    Tracklist & Credits :

GIL EVANS — The Individualism of Gil Evans (1964-2003) RM | Serie Jazz The Best | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although Gil Evans had gained a lot of acclaim for his three collaborations with Miles Davis in the 1950s and his own albums, this CD contains (with the exception of two tracks purposely left off), Evans's only dates as a leader during 1961-68. The personnel varies on the six sessions that comprise the CD (which adds five numbers including two previously unreleased to the original Lp) with such major soloists featured as tenorman Wayne Shorter, trombonist Jimmy Cleveland, trumpeter Johnny Coles and guitarist Kenny Burrell. Highlights include "Time of the Barracudas," "The Barbara Song," "Las Vegas Tango" and "Spoonful." Highly recommended to Gil Evans fans; it is a pity he did not record more during this era. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Time Of The Barracudas 7:26
Bass – Gary Peacock
Drums – Elvin Jones
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
French Horn – Julius Watkins, Ray Alonge
Guitar – Kenny Burrell
Harp – Bob Maxwell
Reeds, Woodwind – Al Block, Andy Fitzgerald, Bob Tricarico, George Marge, Wayne Shorter
Trombone – Frank Rehak
Tuba – Bill Barber
Written-By – Gil Evans, Miles Davis
2 The Barbara Song 9:59
Bass – Gary Peacock
Drums – Elvin Jones
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
French Horn – Julius Watkins, Ray Alonge
Harp – Bob Maxwell
Reeds, Woodwind – Al Block, Andy Fitzgerald, Bob Tricarico, George Marge, Wayne Shorter
Trombone – Frank Rehak
Tuba – Bill Barber
Written-By – Bertolt Brecht, Kurt Weill
3 Las Vegas Tango 6:35
Bass – Paul Chambers, Ron Carter
Drums – Elvin Jones
Engineer – Bob Simpson
French Horn – Ray Alonge
Guitar – Kenny Burrell
Reeds, Woodwind – Bob Tricarico, Eric Dolphy, Garvin Bushell, Steve Lacy
Trombone – Jimmy Cleveland, Tony Studd
Trumpet – Bernie Glow, Johnny Coles
Tuba – Bill Barber
Written-By – Gil Evans
Flute Song / Hotel Me (12:29)
4a Flute Song
Bass – Ben Tucker, Paul Chambers, Richard Davis 
Drums – Elvin Jones
Engineer – Phil Ramone
French Horn – Don Corado, Gil Cohen, Julius Watkins
Guitar – Barry Galbraith
Harp – Margret Ross
Reeds, Woodwind – Al Block, Bob Tricarico, Eric Dolphy, Steve Lacy
Trombone – Jimmy Cleveland
Written-By – Gil Evans
4b Hotel Me
Bass – Paul Chambers, Ron Carter
Drums – Elvin Jones
Engineer – Bob Simpson, Phil Ramone
French Horn – Ray Alonge
Guitar – Kenny Burrell
Reeds, Woodwind – Bob Tricarico, Eric Dolphy, Garvin Bushell, Steve Lacy
Trombone – Jimmy Cleveland, Tony Studd
Trumpet – Bernie Glow, Johnny Coles
Tuba – Bill Barber
Written-By – Gil Evans, Miles Davis
5 El Toreador 3:26
Bass – Milt Hinton, Paul Chambers, Richard Davis 
Drums – Osie Johnson
Engineer – Phil Ramone
French Horn – Jim Buffington, Bob Northern
Reeds, Woodwind – Bob Tricarico, Eric Dolphy, Jerome Richardson, Steve Lacy
Trombone – Jimmy Cleveland, Tony Studd
Trumpet – Ernie Royal, Johnny Coles, Louis Mucci
Written-By – Gil Evans
– BONUS TRACKS –
6 Proclamation 3:55
Bass – Gary Peacock
Drums – Elvin Jones
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
French Horn – Julius Watkins, Ray Alonge
Guitar – Kenny Burrell
Harp – Bob Maxwell
Reeds, Woodwind – Al Block, Andy Fitzgerald, Bob Tricarico, George Marge, Wayne Shorter
Trombone – Frank Rehak
Trumpet – Johnny Coles
Tuba – Bill Barber
Written-By – Gil Evans
7 Nothing Like You 2:36
Bass – Gary Peacock
Drums – Elvin Jones
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
French Horn – Julius Watkins, Ray Alonge
Guitar – Kenny Burrell
Harp – Bob Maxwell
Reeds, Woodwind – Al Block, Andy Fitzgerald, Bob Tricarico, George Marge, Wayne Shorter
Trombone – Frank Rehak
Trumpet – Johnny Coles
Tuba – Bill Barber
Written-By – Bob Dorough
8 Concorde 7:39
Bass – Paul Chambers  
Drums – Elvin Jones
Engineer – Bob Simpson
French Horn – Julius Watkins, Ray Alonge
Guitar – Kenny Burrell
Reeds, Woodwind – Andy Fitzgerald, Bob Tricarico, George Marge, Phil Woods
Trombone – Jimmy Cleveland, Jimmy Knepper
Trumpet – Bernie Glow, Louis Mucci, Thad Jones
Tuba – Bill Barber
Violin [Tenor] – Harry Lookofsky
Written-By – John Lewis 
9 Spoonful 13:46
Bass – Paul Chambers  
Drums – Elvin Jones
Engineer – Bob Simpson
French Horn – Julius Watkins, Ray Alonge
Guitar – Kenny Burrell
Reeds, Woodwind – Andy Fitzgerald, Bob Tricarico, George Marge, Phil Woods
Trombone – Jimmy Cleveland, Jimmy Knepper
Trumpet – Bernie Glow, Louis Mucci, Thad Jones
Tuba – Bill Barber
Violin [Tenor] – Harry Lookofsky
Written-By – Willie Dixon
Credits : Arranged By, Conductor, Piano – Gil Evans

LIONEL HAMPTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1950-1951 | The Chronogical Classics – 1262 (2002) FLAC (tracks), lossless

The 11th installment in the complete chronological works of Lionel Hampton opens with a series of recordings made for the Decca label in Los Angeles during October of 1950. With flashy arrangements and topical vocals, these records have more than a little in common with what Johnny Otis was cooking up in L.A. during this same time period. The big difference lies in Hampton's occasional use of smooth crooners and instrumentation that shone with a Hollywood sheen. By the time he commenced recording for MGM in New York on April 17, 1951, Hamp was ready to slip into a much hipper groove with "Air Mail Special" and several scintillating originals: "Cool Train," "Gates Steps Out," and "Gladysee Bounce." Hampton's band also backed vocalist Irma Curry on "A Kiss Was Just a Kiss," with a melodramatic speech delivered by Eve Lynn in shameless imitation of R&B heartthrob Larry Darnell's famous recitation during his 1949 masterpiece "I'll Get Along Somehow." The instrumental "Alone" is a fine example of Hampton's ability to play a slow ballad on the vibraphone in front of a lacquered big band. The session of May 21, 1951, stands among the most unusual episodes in Hampton's entire career. Here the big band is yoked into service behind a very white choir that sings the Jewish folk melodies "Hannah, Hannah" and "Shalom, Shalom." This creates a wholesome if slightly cheesy atmosphere that one would expect to find in a Broadway musical. The session finishes off with a much stronger instrumental interpretation of a traditional Jewish melody, "Eli, Eli." The closing tracks come from a session that took place on October 16, 1951, using a smaller band, electric guitarist Chuck Norris, and R&B vocalist Sonny Parker. Jazz heads will best appreciate this compilation for the presence of many fine instrumentalists, including trumpeters Idrees Sulieman and Benny Bailey, trombonists Al Grey and Jimmy Cleveland, saxophonist Jerome Richardson, organist Milt Buckner, and R&B piano legend Floyd Dixon. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist + Credits :

LIONEL HAMPTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1951-1953 | The Chronogical Classics – 1429 (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Here is the 12th volume in the complete chronological recordings of Lionel Hampton as reissued by the Classics label. It opens with Hamp's final five recordings for the MGM label, waxed in Los Angeles on October 17, 1951. This was a 20-piece big band using charts written by Quincy Jones, and the music it made feels much different from what's to be heard in the next leg of Lionel Hampton's odyssey, a Norman Granz-produced quartet session with Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown and Buddy Rich, recorded in New York on September 2, 1953. While the big band sides are exciting and fun, with a hip vocal by Sonny Parker on "Don't Flee the Scene Salty" and a singalong routine led by Hamp on "Oh Rock," the quartet swings cohesively, stretching out for six, seven or nearly eleven minutes, for the LP era had begun and Norman Granz encouraged extended improvisations. The combination of Oscar Peterson and Lionel Hampton, whether cooking together on "Air Mail Special" or savoring the changes of a ballad like "The Nearness of You" made spirits to soar and sparks to fly. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist :

OSCAR PETTIFORD – 1954-1955 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1454 (2007) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

During his short, prolific, and equally tempestuous career, bassist Oscar Pettiford made potent modern jazz that stands the test of time, and is equal to or as brilliant as any you can name. These reissues, mainly from Bethlehem label recordings, showcase large ensembles and are a prelude to the orchestra Pettiford would lead before his untimely death in a European bicycle accident in 1960. There is an octet and a nonet from the Bethlehem dates, quite different and very strong. With trumpeters Clark Terry and Joe Wilder, trombonist Jimmy Cleveland, alto saxophonist Dave Schildkraut, clarinetist Jimmy Hamilton, and baritone saxophonist Danny Bank, Pettiford is able to use these members of Duke Ellington's orchestra in a manner much like Duke. There's a jam for Hamilton on Ellington's "Jack the Bear," Pettiford's reverent Jewish-sounding theme "Tamalpais," Terry's hard bopper "Chuckles" with Bank taking the lead, a typical "Mood Indigo" with Pettiford's walking bass up front in the mix, and a darker, moodier "Time on My Hands." The effortlessness of the ensemble is easy to hear, but does not really tell what Pettiford and his big band would do in the not-too-distant future. The next nine tracks, with considerable help from alto saxophonist and arranger Gigi Gryce, give definitive foreshadowing as to the charts that set Pettiford's music in an advanced stance. With trumpeters Donald Byrd and Ernie Royal, trombonist Bob Brookmeyer, multi-instrumentalist Jerome Richardson, and Gryce, a higher bar is set from a harmonic standpoint. "Titoro" is an outstanding merging of post-bop, Latin spice, and emerging progressive modernism, topped off by a scintillating solo from pianist Don Abney. The trend continues on the predatory ambush sounds of "Scorpio," the wild bird flute of Richardson on "Oscalypso," the bluesy "Don't Squawk" (a change of pace and a feature for Richardson again on flute), the happy chart "Kamman's A-Coming," Pettiford's cello feature "Another Seventh Heaven," and the famous bass-led "Bohemia After Dark." All are stellar examples of things to come in the late '50s. There are six quintet tracks with just French horn icon Julius Watkins and tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse in the front line, ranging from the galloping bop of Gerry Mulligan's "Sextette" to the well-known tuneful melody "Tricotism" with horns comping over Pettiford's lead bassline, and the solid bop of "Cable Car" and "Rides Again," both tunes that should be standards. The CD kicks off with two tracks originally on the Swing label out of France, featuring pianist Henri Renaud and a sextet with Max Roach on drums, guitarist Tal Farlow, tenor saxophonist Al Cohn, and trombonist Kai Winding. These two tunes are from a session documented on the previous Classics Pettiford reissue, 1951-1954: another happy Mulligan bopper ("E Lag") and the Charlie Parker-like "Rhumblues" (similar to "My Little Suede Shoes"). 1954-1955 is a must-have for mainstream jazz fans, and a fully representative document of what Pettiford was capable of as a player and leader. Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist + Credits :

SONNY STITT & ZOOT SIMS — Complete Recordings (1965-2008) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A surprisingly great pairing - Sonny Stitt and Zoot Sims - heard here on 2 albums recorded in early 1965! "Inter-Action" begins the CD - a nice little set by Stitt and Sims - recorded in Chicago. "Broadway Soul" is an obscure album of Broadway tunes played jazz-wise from Sonny Stitt. Features a great set of players that include Zoot Sims, Jerome Richardson, Budd Johnson, Phil Woods, Walter Bishop Jr, Thad Jones and Osie Johnson.
INTER-ACTION (1965)
1. My Blue Heaven 8'03
Walter Donaldson
2. The Saber 3'05
Sonny Stitt
3. Katea 6'53
Sonny Stitt
4. Fools Rush In 5'33
Rube Bloom
5. Look Down That Lonesome Road 7'19
Traditional
6. I Want To Go Home 4'29
Sonny Stitt
Credits :
Sonny Stitt (Alto Sax & Tenor Sax)
Zoot Sims (Tenor Sax)
John Young (Piano)
Sam Kidd (Bass),
Philip Thomas (Drums)
BROADWAY SOUL (1965)
7. Hello Dolly 2'59
Jerry Herman
8. Better All The Time 3'35
Fain-A & M. Bergman
9. You'd Better Love Me 3'23
Gray / Martin
10. Night Song 5'09
Adams / Strouse
11. A Room Without Windows 3'27
Ervin Drake
12. Gimme Some 5'11
Adams / Strouse
13. Loads Of Love 2'15
Richard Rodgers
14. If I Gave You 5'05
Gray / Martin
Credits :
Sonny Stitt (Alto Sax & Tenor Sax)
Zoot Sims (Tenor Sax)
Thad Jones (Trumpet),
Jimmy Cleveland (Trombone),
Phil Woods (Alto Sax),
Budd Johnson, Jerome Richardson (Tenor Sax),
Roger Kellaway, Walter Bishop, Jr (Piano),
Milt Hinton (Bass),
Osie Johnson (Drums).

ZOOT SIMS - Bohemia After Dark (1994) WV (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    9:20 Special 4:52
Written-By – Warren, Engvick
2    The Man I Love 5:12
Written-By – Gershwin
3    55th And State 4:40
Written-By – Sims
4    The Blue Room 5:07
Written-By – Rodgers/Hart
5    Gus's Blues 4:16
Written-By – Gus Johnson
6    That Old Feeling 5:31
Written-By – Brown, Fain
7    Bohemia After Dark 3:33
Written-By – Oscar Pettiford
8    Woody 'N You 5:19
Written-By – Dizzy Gillespie
9    I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance With You 6:43
Written-By – Crosby, Washington, Young
10    September In The Rain 5:12
Written-By – Dubin, Warren
11    The Nearness Of You 3:30
Written-By – Carmichael, Washington
12    Skylark 4:03
Written-By – Carmichael, Mercer
13    Two Sleepy People 4:14
Written-By – Loesser, Carmichael
Notas.
Tracks 1-10 recorded New York City, 1956.
Tracks 11-13 recorded New York City, 1957.
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Zoot Sims (pistas: 1-10)
Baritone Saxophone – Al Cohn (pistas: 11-13)
Bass – Milt Hinton (pistas: 9-13), Knobby Totah (pistas: 1-8)
Drums – Gus Johnson
Piano – Elliot Lawrence (pistas: 11-13)
Tenor Saxophone – Zoot Sims
Trombone – Bob Brookmeyer (pistas: 9-10), Jimmy Cleveland (pistas: 11-13)
Trumpet – Nick Travis (pistas: 11-13)

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

ZOOT SIMS | AL COHN - The Hoagy Carmichael Sessions And More (2005) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1     The Nearness of You 3:34
Hoagy Carmichael    
2     I Get Along Without You Very Well 4:11
Hoagy Carmichael    
3     Skylark 4:07
Hoagy Carmichael    
4     Up a Lazy River 4:07
Hoagy Carmichael    
5     Stardust 3:00
Hoagy Carmichael    
6     Old Rockin' Chair 3:20
Hoagy Carmichael    
7     Georgia on My Mind 3:24
Hoagy Carmichael    
8     Two Sleepy People 4:22
Hoagy Carmichael    
- BONUS TRACKS -
9     P-Town 5:12
Al Cohn    
10     Autumn Leaves 4:43
Joseph Kosma / Johnny Mercer    
11     The Thing 4:55
Al Cooper    
12     I'm Tellin' Ya 4:47
Al Cohn    
13     Morning Fun 6:15
Al Cohn / Zoot Sims
14     I Like It Like That 2:26
Max Collie    
15     Sweet Lorraine 3:21
Clifford R. Burwell / Mitchell Parish    
16     Nagasaki 2:32
Mort Dixon / Harry Warren
Notas.
Recorded in New York, 1957-1961
Credits :
Featuring – Jimmy Cleveland, Milt Hinton, Mose Allison, Nick Travis, Osie Johnson

EDDIE 'LOCKJAW' DAVIS BIG BAND - Trane Whistle (1961-1990) RM | FLAC (tracks), lossless

This CD reissue brings back an Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis session in which the distinctive tenor saxophonist is joined by a 13-piece big band arranged by Oliver Nelson. Most significant is the inclusion of the original version of "Stolen Moments" (here called "The Stolen Moment" and predating the more famous Oliver Nelson recording by several months). Eric Dolphy is in the backup group but is not heard from in a solo capacity. There are some spots for trumpeters Richard Williams, Clark Terry and Bobby Bryant along with Nelson on alto but this is primarily Davis' showcase. On a set comprised of four Oliver Nelson originals, the ballad "You Are Too Beautiful" and the leader's "Jaws," Lockjaw as usual shows plenty of emotion during his driving solos. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Trane Whistle 6'19
Oliver Nelson
2     Whole Nelson 3'35
Oliver Nelson
3     You Are Too Beautiful 5'11
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
4     The Stolen Moments 7'54
Oliver Nelson
5     Walk Away 5'27
Oliver Nelson
6     Jaws 4'36
Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis
Credits:
Bass – Wendell Marshall
Drums – Roy Haynes
Mastered By – Phil De Lancie
Piano – Richard Wyands
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Reeds – Eric Dolphy, George Barrow, Jerome Richardson, Oliver Nelson, Bob Ashron
Tenor Saxophone – Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis
Trombone – Jimmy Cleveland, Melba Liston
Trumpet – Clark Terry, Richard Williams

JOHNNY GRIFFIN - White Gardenia (1961-1995) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | APE (image+.cue), lossless

Tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin pays tribute to Billie Holiday, who had died exactly two years earlier, on this ballad-oriented set, which has been reissued on CD. Griffin is joined by a brass section (either five or seven pieces), plus a rhythm section and strings (the latter dominated by cellos), for his warm interpretations of nine songs associated with Billie Holiday, plus his original "White Gardenia." The arrangements, provided by Melba Liston and Norman Simmons, are tasteful, and the lyrical music is well-performed, if not overly memorable. Worth checking out. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Gloomy Sunday 4'06
Sam M. Lewis / Rezsö Seress
2     That Old Devil Called Love 3'50
Doris Fisher / Allan Roberts
3     White Gardenia 3'18
Johnny Griffin
4     God Bless the Child 3'17
Billie Holiday / Arthur Herzog, Jr.
5     Detour Ahead 4'33
Lou Carter / Herb Ellis / John Freigo / Johnny Frigo
6     Good Morning Heartache 4'10
Ervin Drake / Dan Fisher / Irene Higginbotham
7     Don't Explain 4'43
Billie Holiday / Arthur Herzog, Jr.
8     Travelin' Light 4'06
Harry Akst / Sidney Clare
9     No More 3'57
Tutti Camarata / Bob Russell
10     Left Alone 2'54
Eric Dolphy / Billie Holiday / Mal Waldron
Credits :
Arranged By – Melba Liston (pistas: 1 to 3, 7, 9, 10), Norman Simmons (pistas: 4 to 6, 8)
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Ben Riley
French Horn – Ray Alonge
Guitar – Barry Galbraith
Piano – Barry Harris (pistas: 2, 5, 8), Jimmy Jones (pistas: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10)
Producer – Orrin Keepnews
Remastered By – Phil De Lancie
Tenor Saxophone – Johnny Griffin
Trombone – Jimmy Cleveland, Paul Faulice, Urbie Green
Trumpet – Ernie Royal, Nat Adderley
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Clark Terry

CLARK TERRY - Swahili (1955-2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

With the exception of three songs cut as V-Discs in 1947, this set contains flugelhornist Clark Terry's first recordings as a leader. Joined by trombonist Jimmy Cleveland, baritonist Cecil Payne, pianist Horace Silver, Oscar Pettiford on cello, bassist Wendell Marshall, and drummer Art Blakey, Terry performs eight obscure songs that are arranged quite expertly by Quincy Jones. Terry sounds much more influenced by Dizzy Gillespie than he would in just a couple of years, but his good-humored musical personality and control of his horn were already obvious. With Pettiford offering occasional cello solos (in addition to playing second bass) and Cleveland in top form, this is an LP long overdue to be reissued on CD. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Swahili 6'07
Quincy Jones
2     Double Play 3'33
Quincy Jones
3     Slow Boat 4'28
Clark Terry
4     Co-Op 3'45
Clark Terry
5     Kitten 5'35
Clark Terry
6     The Countess 6'42
Freddie Green / Clark Terry
7     Tuma 3'06
Quincy Jones
8     Chuckles 4'19
Clark Terry
9     Bohemia After Dark 3'51
Oscar Pettiford
10     I Get a Kick out of You 4'31
Cole Porter
11     Blues in My Room 6'11
Jimmy Hamilton
12     I Can't Give You Anything But Love 4'38
Jimmy McHugh & Dorothy Fields
13     Chuckles 2'43
Clark Terry
14     Blues for Clarinet 4'00
Jimmy Hamilton
15     Solitude 5'24
Duke Ellington
16     What Am I Here For 4'41
Duke Ellington
Credits :
Arranged By – Quincy Jones (pistas: 1-8)
Bass – Oscar Pettiford (pistas: 9-16), W. Marshall (pistas: 1, 3 & 6)
Cello, Bass – O. Pettiford (pistas: 2, 4, 5, 7 & 8)
Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton (pistas: 9-16)
Drums – A. Blakey (pistas: 1-8), Osie Johnson (pistas: 9-16)
Guitar – Barry Galbraith (pistas: 9-16)
Piano – Horace Silver (pistas: 1-8)
Rhythm Guitar – Sidney Gross (pistas: 9-16)
Saxophone [Baritone] – Cecil Payne (pistas: 1-8)
Trombone – Jimmy Cleveland (pistas: 1-8)
Trumpet – Clark Terry