SAM JONES PLUS 10 — The Chant (1961-1994) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Bassist Sam Jones's Riverside recordings have long been underrated. This CD reissue features Jones on bass and cello for four songs apiece with a particularly strong supporting cast including cornetist Nat Adderley, trumpeter Blue Mitchell, trombonist Melba Liston, altoist Cannonball Adderley (who only takes one solo) and Jimmy Heath on tenor; Victor Feldman and Heath provided the colorful arrangments. Highlights include "Four," "Sonny Boy," Jones's "In Walked Ray" and "Over the Rainbow" but all eight selections in this straightahead set are rewarding. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    The Chant    3:24
 Victor Feldman
2    Four    4:23
 Miles Davis / Jon Hendricks
3    Blues On Down    5:45
 Benny Golson
4    Sonny Boy    4:54
 Lew Brown / Buddy DeSylva / Ray Henderson / Al Jolson
5    In Walked Ray    4:04
Written-By – Sam Jones
6    Bluebird    4:10
 Charlie Parker
7    Over The Rainbow    6:37
 Harold Arlen / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
8    Off-Color    4:26
Written-By – Rudy Stevenson
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Julian "Cannonball" Adderley
Arranged By – Jimmy Heath, Victor Feldman
Baritone Saxophone – Tate Houston
Bass – Keter Betts (tracks: 4 to 7), Sam Jones (tracks: 1 to 3, 8)
Cello – Sam Jones (tracks: 4 to 7)
Cornet – Nat Adderley
Drums – Louis Hayes
Guitar – Les Spann (tracks: 1 to 3, 8)
Piano – Victor Feldman (tracks: 1 to 3, 5, 8), Wynton Kelly (tracks: 4, 6, 7)
Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Heath
Trombone – Melba Liston
Trumpet – Blue Mitchell
Vibraphone – Victor Feldman (tracks: 4 to 7)

ELMO HOPE — Homecoming! (1961-1992) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Homecoming! is a particularly high-spirited record for this stage in Hope's troubled career. Following an extended stay in Los Angeles, a number of the day's top players helped welcome a refreshed Hope back to New York on this session. Tenor saxophonists Frank Foster and Jimmy Heath, as well as trumpeter Blue Mitchell, form the front line on the sextet numbers, while on all tracks Hope is joined by the rhythm section of Percy Heath and Philly Joe Jones. Four of the album's (original) seven tracks are sextet performances and the two alternate takes only appear on the Fantasy Original Jazz Classics CD reissue. The Dameron-esque bop numbers sizzle and weave and the tenor work of Frank Foster is especially rewarding on the album's bouncing opener, "Moe, Jr.," take four on the CD. The three ballads are equally fresh and less doom-ridden than comparable performances found elsewhere in his catalog. Expect fine performances by all. This great hard bop record is highly recommended. Brandon Burke
Tracklist :
1    Elmo Hope Sextet–    Moe, Jr. (Take 4)    5:52
Composed By – Elmo Hope
2    Elmo Hope Sextet–    Moe, Jr. (Take 2)    4:37
Composed By – Elmo Hope
3    Elmo Hope Trio–    La Berthe    3:10
Composed By – Elmo Hope
4    Elmo Hope Sextet–    Eyes So Beautiful As Yours    6:28
Composed By – Elmo Hope
5    Elmo Hope Trio–    Homecoming    5:04
Composed By – Elmo Hope
6    Elmo Hope Trio–    One Mo' Blues    6:44
Composed By – Elmo Hope
7    Elmo Hope Sextet–    A Kiss For My Love (Take 5)    5:29
Composed By – Elmo Hope
8    Elmo Hope Sextet–    A Kiss For My Love (Take 4 - Previously Unissued)    5:35
Composed By – Elmo Hope
9    Elmo Hope Trio–    Imagination 6:39
Composed By – Jimmy Van Heusen And Johnny Burke
Credits :
Bass – Percy Heath
Drums – "Philly" Joe Jones
Piano, Arranged By – Elmo Hope
Producer – Orrin Keepnews
Remastered By – Phil De Lancie
Tenor Saxophone – Frank Foster (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 7, 8), Jimmy Heath (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 7, 8)
Trumpet – Blue Mitchell (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 7, 8)

JIMMY HEATH — Triple Threat (1962-1998) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Jimmy Heath has long been at least a triple threat as a musician (tenor, flute and soprano), arranger and composer. On this 1998 CD reissue, Heath sticks to tenor, performing "Make Someone Happy" and "The More I See You' while joined by pianist Cedar Walton and his two brothers, bassist Percy Heath and drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath. The other five numbers consist of four of his originals (best-known is "Gemini") plus a reworking of the ballad "Goodbye." For these selections, the quartet is augmented by young trumpeter Freddie Hubbard (who takes a few fiery solos) and Julius Watkins on French horn. The arrangements of Heath uplift the straightahead music and make each selection seem a bit special. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Gemini 6'09
Jimmy Heath
2     Bruh Slim 5'16
Jimmy Heath
3     Goodbye 7'04
Gordon Jenkins
4     Dew and Mud 5'01
Jimmy Heath
5     Make Someone Happy 3'41
Betty Comden / Adolph Green / Jule Styne
6     The More I See You 4'18
Mack Gordon / Harry Warren
7     Prospecting 5'40
Jimmy Heath
Credits :
Bass – Percy Heath
Drums – Albert Heath
French Horn – Julius Watkins (pistas: 1 to 4, 7)
Piano – Cedar Walton
Producer – Orrin Keepnews
Remastered By – Phil De Lancie
Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Heath
Trumpet – Freddie Hubbard (pistas: 1 to 4, 7)

J.J. JOHNSON — The Eminent Jay Jay Johnson, Volume 1 (1956-2001) RM | MONO | RVG Edition Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The CD reissue of the two volumes titled The Eminent Jay Jay Johnson straighten out his three Blue Note sessions of 1953-55 and add alternate takes. This particular CD concentrates exclusively on the trombonist's 1953 sextet date with the great trumpeter Clifford Brown, Jimmy Heath (who doubles on tenor and baritone), pianist John Lewis, bassist Percy Heath and drummer Kenny Clarke. The six titles (plus three alternates) are highlighted by "It Could Happen to You," "Turnpike" and a classic rendition of "Get Happy." Although Johnson has a couple of features, Clifford Brown largely steals the show. This CD is well worth getting by listeners who do not have the music on Brownie's own Complete Blue Note set. Scott Yanow   Tracklist & Credits :

CURTIS FULLER — Smokin' (1972-2017) RM | Serie Mainstream Records Master Collection – 70 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Trombonist Curtis Fuller's second Mainstream album has
some dated electronics and funk rhythms, although there are some worthwhile solos from the leader, trumpeter Bill Hardman, and Jimmy Heath on tenor and soprano. The rhythm section (guitarist Earl Dunbar, Cedar Walton on electric piano, electric bassist Mickey Bass and drummer Billy Higgins) weighs down the music a bit despite their obvious talents. The band stretches out on four Fuller originals (best is the 11-minute "Smokin'") and "Stella by Starlight," but the results are not too essential. Scott Yanow   Tracklist & Credits : 

RAY BROWN | MILT JACKSON — Much In Common + All-Star Big Band (1996) 2xCD | Serie Verve Take 2 | APE (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist & Credits :

CLIFFORD BROWN – The Complete Blue Note And Pacific Jazz Recordings (1995) 4xCD BOX-SET | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This four-CD set has the exact same music as an earlier Mosaic five-LP box, but is highly recommended to those listeners not already possessing the limited-edition set. Trumpeter Clifford Brown is heard on the most significant recordings from the first half of his tragically brief career. Whether co-leading a date with altoist Lou Donaldson, playing as a sideman with trombonist J.J. Johnson, interacting with an all-star group of West Coast players, or jamming with the first (although unofficial) edition of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers (a two-disc live performance with a quintet that also includes the drummer/leader, Donaldson and pianist Horace Silver), Brown is the main star. Highlights are many, including versions of "Brownie Speaks," Elmo Hope's "De-Dah," "Cherokee," "Get Happy," "Daahoud" and "Joy Spring." The attractive packaging, with its 40 pages of text and many rare pictures, is an added bonus. Scott Yanow    Tracklist + Credits :

DIZZY GILLESPIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1949-1950 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1168 (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This entry in the Classics label Chronological series features the final recordings by Dizzy Gillespie's 1940s big band, a few jump jazz titles geared toward the R&B market, and a session in which Dizzy's trumpet is backed by a string section arranged by Johnny Richards. It is definitely a mixed bag. The big band titles are generally weak ("You Stole My Wife, You Horsethief" would never be considered a classic), as Gillespie tried hard to come up with a hit to save his orchestra. The jump titles are more fun, with "She's Gone Again" being particularly catchy. Richards' string arrangements are not very creative, although Gillespie plays well throughout. This set is not without interest overall, but is mostly for Dizzy completists and is far from essential. Scott Yanow  Tracklist :

KENNY CLARKE – 1948-1950 | The Chronogical Classics – 1214 (2001) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Bebop thrived on both sides of the Atlantic during the late '40s. While some Americans treated bop as nothing more than affected "hep talk" and a way of dressing up funny, there were profound artistic innovations at the heart of this new music. Kenny Clarke helped to establish bop in Europe, and the recordings he made in Paris document a wonderful flowering of early modern jazz that would have a decisive impact on the next half century of musical evolution worldwide. Trumpeter Howard McGhee was the prime focus of a session that came at the end of a full season of recording activity during the spring of 1948. This was quite an octet in that John Lewis was the pianist, Hubert Fol and Jimmy Heath played alto saxophones, and Jesse Powell -- featured on "I'm in the Mood for Love" -- played tenor sax. Anyone who's fond of bassist Percy Heath should hear him carrying the melodic line on "Out of Nowhere." Six sides waxed for the small-time Century label in New York on January 25, 1949, resound with Milt Jackson's vibraphone -- he also doubled on piano -- and Kenny Dorham's fine trumpeting combined with the unusual tonalities of a French horn played by Julius Watkins. Furthermore, Joe Harris expanded Clarke's percussion section by handling congas and timbale. The results are something like chamber bop, dignified and progressive. "You Go to My Head" features the vibes -- Jackson makes the ballad feel like a blues -- and "Roll 'Em Bags" sounds something like "Billie's Bounce." Back in Paris, Clarke's next recording date involved Hubert Fol and a facile trombonist by the name of Nat Peck. "Iambic Pentameter," a wild feature for the drums, closely resembles "Epistrophy," while famously opinionated jazz critic Hugo Panassie's name is sent up in an adventurous bop study called "Assy Pan Assy." On March 3, 1950, Clarke participated in a remarkable session with the brothers Hubert and Raymond Fol and bassist Pierre Michelot. Their version of "Out of Nowhere" is a gem. The first version of "These Foolish Things" is so bopped up it's hard to recognize. Version number two, a feature for the bassist, is similarly veiled through harmonic reconstruction. "Those Fol-ish Things" at last reveals the melody, played on alto by Hubert Fol. These variations survive as a pleasant example of the quirkiness of the boppers. The CD closes with two excellent tracks from the spring of 1950, with Gerald Wiggins, Nat Peck, and world-class saxophonist James Moody joining the pack. arwulf arwulf       Tracklist + Credits :

BENNY CARTER ALL-STAR ENSEMBLE - Over the Rainbow (1989) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Benny Carter has recorded so frequently since the mid-'70s that it must be a constant challenge to come up with new settings for his alto. This particular Music Masters CD finds Carter taking his place in a saxophone section with fellow altoist Herb Geller, the tenors of Jimmy Heath and Frank Wess and baritonist Joe Temperley. The program is split evenly between standards and Carter compositions with the altoist also writing all of the colorful arrangements. This swinging and tasteful Benny Carter recording is a credit to his superb series of Music Masters dates. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Over the Rainbow 8:20
Harold Arlen / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
2     Out of Nowhere 5:39
Johnny Green / Edward Heyman
3     Straight Talk 9:24
Benny Carter    
4     The Gal from Atlanta 7:39
Benny Carter    
5     The Pawnbroker 5:18
Quincy Jones
6     Easy Money 11:10
Benny Carter
7     Ain't Misbehavin' 9:04
Harry Brooks / Andy Razaf / Fats Waller
8     Blues for Lucky Lovers 5:38
Benny Carter
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Herb Geller
Alto Saxophone, Arranged By – Benny Carter
Baritone Saxophone – Joe Temperley
Bass – Milt Hinton
Drums – Ronnie Bedford
Piano – Richard Wyands
Tenor Saxophone – Frank Wess, Jimmy Heath

THE JIMMY HEATH ORCHESTRA - Really Big! (1960-1992) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Jimmy Heath's first chance to lead a fairly large group, an all-star ten-piece, found him well featured both on tenor and as an arranger/composer. With such colorful players as cornetist Nat Adderley, flugelhornist Clark Terry, altoist Cannonball Adderley, and either Cedar Walton or Tommy Flanagan on piano, Heath introduces a few originals (including "Big 'P'" and "A Picture of Heath") and uplifts "Green Dolphin Street," "Dat Dere," and "My Ideal," among others. A well-conceived set. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Big "P" 3'53
Jimmy Heath
2     Old Fashioned Fun 4'34
Jimmy Heath
3     Mona's Mood 4'53
Jimmy Heath
4     Dat Dere 4'24
Oscar Brown, Jr. / Bobby Timmons
5     Nails 4'47
Jimmy Heath
6     On Green Dolphin Street 4'42
Bronislaw Kaper / Ned Washington
7     My Ideal 4'10
Newell Chase / Leo Robin / Richard A. Whiting
8     Picture of Heath 4'30
Jimmy Heath
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Julian "Cannonball" Adderley
Baritone Saxophone – Pat Patrick
Bass – Percy Heath
Cornet – Nat Adderley
Drums – Albert Heath
French Horn – Dick Berg
Piano – Cedar Walton (3 to 5, 7, 8), Tommy Flanagan (1, 2, 6)
Producer – Orrin Keepnews
Remastered By [Digital Remastering, 1992] – Phil De Lancie
Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Heath
Trombone – Tom McIntosh
Trumpet – Clark Terry

JIMMY HEATH - The Quota (1965-1995) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Jimmy Heath's considerable talents are very evident on this fine hard bop title. His supple, Dexter Gordon-inspired tenor work shines throughout the album's seven tracks, which range from the challenging yet fleet originals "Funny Time" and "The Quota" to attractive covers like "When Sunny Gets Blue" and Milt Jackson's "Bells and Horns." Heath also mixes it up stylistically with elements of both East Coast jazz (Philly native, vigorous ensemble work) and West Coast jazz (spry, vaporous arrangements), showing his flexibility amidst the music's healthy, bi-coastal rivalry of the late-'50s and early-'60s California stars Art Pepper and Chet Baker would cover several Heath numbers on their excellent 1956 collaboration Playboys. The Quota also benefits from stellar solo contributions by trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, French horn player Julius Watkins, and pianist Cedar Walton; brothers Percy and Albert Heath handle the bass and drums chores admirably, and they make a family reunion of it. The Quota's strong material, tight arrangements, and thoughtful solos help make this Heath title one of the better hard bop releases available and a must for any jazz collection. Stephen Cook  
Tracklist :
1     The Quota 5'08
Jimmy Heath
2     Lowland Lullaby 4'38
Jimmy Heath
3     Thinking of You 5'08
Bert Kalmar / Harry Ruby
4     Bells and Horns 4'55
Milt Jackson / Milton Jackson, Jr.
5     Down Shift 5'47
Jimmy Heath
6     When Sunny Gets Blue 6'29
Marvin Fisher / Jack Segal
7     Funny Time 6'23
Jimmy Heath
Credits :
Bass – Percy Heath
Drums – Albert "Tootie" Heath
French Horn – Julius Watkins
Piano – Cedar Walton
Producer – Orrin Keepnews
Remastered By – Phil De Lancie
Tenor Saxophone, Arranged By – Jimmy Heath
Trumpet – Freddie Hubbard   

JIMMY HEATH AND BRASS — Swamp Seed (1963-1997) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is a delightful if underrated set that was reissued on CD in 1997. The multi-talented Jimmy Heath has many consistently rewarding and distinctive tenor saxophone solos; he also contributed three of the seven pieces and arranged all of them for a group also including trumpeter Donald Byrd, two French horns, Don Butterfield's tuba and a rhythm section that has bassist Percy Heath and (on three numbers) drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath. The music is straight-ahead but contains some unpredictable moments. Highlights include Heath's versions of Thelonious Monk's "Nutty" and "More Than You Know." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. Six Steps 4'49
Jimmy Heath
2. Nutty 4'05
Thelonious Monk
3. More Than You Know 5'09
Edward Eliscu / Billy Rose / Vincent Youmans
4. Swamp Seed 5'19
Percy Heath
5. D. Waltz 6'33
Jimmy Heath
6. Just In Time 5'28
Betty Comden / Adolph Green / Jule Styne
7. Wall To Wall 5'27
Jimmy Heath
Credits
Jimmy Heath - Tenor Saxophone
Donald Byrd - |Trumpet
Julius Watkins - French Horn
Jim Buffington - French Horn
Don Butterfield - Tuba
Harold Maybern - Piano (tracks 1, 2, 4)
Herbie Hancock - Piano
Percy Heath - Bass
Albert "Toothie" Heath - Drums (tracks 1, 2, 4)
Connie Kay - Drums

JIMMY HEATH QUINTET — On The Trail (1964-1994) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Unlike some of his other Riverside recordings, the accent on this Jimmy Heath CD reissue is very much on his tenor playing (rather than his arrangements). Heath is in excellent form with a quintet that also includes pianist Wynton Kelly, guitarist Kenny Burrell, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath. The instantly recognizable hard bop saxophonist performs four standards and three of his own compositions, including the original versions of "Gingerbread Boy" and "Project S." It's a good example of his playing talents. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 On the Trail 5:04
Ferde Grofé
2 Cloak and Dagger 4:17
Jimmy Heath
3 Vanity 4:37
Bernard Bierman / Jack Manus / Guy Wood
4 All the Things You Are 5:19
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
5 Gingerbread Boy 5:29
Jimmy Heath
6 I Should Care 5:13
Sammy Cahn / Axel Stordahl / Paul Weston
7 Project S 8:01
Jimmy Heath
Credits
Bass – Paul Chambers
Drums – Albert Heath
Guitar – Kenny Burrell
Piano – Wynton Kelly
Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Heath

JIMMY HEATH - The Gap Sealer + Love and Understanding (1972-2008) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Some of Heath's finest, most aggressive playing. He is a standout on soprano, flute, and tenor. Ron Wynn

This is one of Jimmy Heath's more unusual and versatile records, and fortunately it has been reissued on CD. Heath switches between tenor, soprano and flute on a diverse program (five originals plus Duke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood") that ranges from hard bop to light funk and R&Bish jazz. Heath's sidemen (trombonist Curtis Fuller, cellist Bernard Fennell, keyboardist Stanley Cowell, electric bassist Bob Cranshaw and drummer Billy Higgins) sound quite inspired by the material and Heath plays at his most inventive throughout the underrated set. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Heritage Hum 7'48
Jimmy Heath
2     Invitation 5:46
Kaper    
3     A Sound For Sore Ears  7'20
Jimmy Heath
4     Gap Sealer 7'28
Jimmy Heath
5     Angel Man 7'20
Jimmy Heath
6     Alkebu-Lan (Land of the Blacks) 7'34
James Mtume
 Love and Understanding (1973)
7     One For Juan 7'04
Jimmy Heath
8     Hands Up! Feet Down! 7'06
Jimmy Heath
9     Far Away Lands 5'02
Jimmy Heath
10     Smilin' Billy 5'46
Jimmy Heath
11     Gemini 7'53
Jimmy Heath
Credits :
1-6
Bass – Bob Cranshaw
Drums – Al "Tootie" Heath
Percussion – Mtume
Piano – Kenny Barron
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Heath
7-11
Cello – Bernard Fennell
Drums, Tambourine – Billy Higgins
Electric Bass – Bob Cranshaw
Piano, Electric Piano – Stanley Cowell
Flute, Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Heath
Trombone – Curtis Fuller

JIMMY HEATH - Time and the Place (1974-1994) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Although this 1994 CD looks like a reissue, the music was actually released for the first time 20 years after it was recorded. Jimmy Heath, who is heard here on tenor, alto, soprano and flute, played at his prime throughout the 1970's although he tended to be somewhat overlooked in popularity polls. Heath was stretching himself during the era as can be heard on these obscure pieces; five of his originals plus Kenny Dorham's "No End." Although essentially bop-based, Heath was open to the influences of the avant-garde and fusion and, with a flexible group also including trombonist Curtis Fuller, guitarist Pat Martino, pianist Stanley Cowell, bassist Sam Jones, drummer Billy Higgins and percussionist Mtume, Jimmy Heath consistently takes adventurous yet logical solos. Worth checking out. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     The Time and the Place 9'34
Jimmy Heath
2     The Voice of the Saxophone 6'11
Jimmy Heath
3     No End 7'06
Kenny Dorham
4     The 13th House 9'04
Jimmy Heath    
5     Fau-Lu 8'07
Jimmy Heath    
6     Studio Style 4'49
Jimmy Heath
Credits :
Congas, Percussion – Mtume (pistas: 1, 3 to 5)
Drums – Billy Higgins
Flute, Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Heath
Guitar – Pat Martino
Piano, Mbira – Stanley Cowell
Trombone – Curtis Fuller (pistas: 1, 3 to 5)
Vocals – Curtis Fuller (pistas: 3), Jimmy Heath (pistas: 3)

JIMMY HEATH - Picture of Heath (1975-2015) RM | FLAC (tracks), lossless

As was true of most Xanadu dates, the accent is on bebop during this Jimmy Heath LP. Doubling on tenor and soprano, Heath is heard on five of his better originals, including "For Minor's Only," "CTA" and the title cut, plus "Body and Soul." The great tenorman was clearly inspired by the stellar rhythm section (pianist Barry Harris, bassist Sam Jones and drummer Billy Higgins), resulting in one of his best blowing sessions. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     For Minors Only 7'23
Jimmy Heath
2     Body and Soul 7'24
Frank Eyton / Johnny Green / Edward Heyman / Robert Sour
3     Picture of Heath 5'59
Jimmy Heath
4     Bruh Slim 8'58
Jimmy Heath
5     All Members 5'12
Jimmy Heath
6     C.T.A. 5'12
Jimmy Heath
Credits :
Bass – Sam Jones
Drums – Billy Higgins
Piano – Barry Harris
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Jimmy Heath

JIMMY HEATH - New Picture (1985) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Ten years after his most recent set as a leader, Jimmy Heath (heard here on tenor and soprano) finally had another opportunity to lead an album of his own. This date, reissued on CD, finds Heath playing in a largely unchanged style from his earlier days, although some of his freer flights hint slightly at the avant-garde. With strong support given by pianist Tommy Flanagan, guitarist Tony Purrone (an alumnus of the Heath Brothers), bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Al Foster, Heath performs four originals, "Lush Life," and Charlie Parker's "Dewey Square," and "Sophisticated Lady." Three numbers add two French horns, a trombone and a tuba to the ensembles for color; Heath provided the arrangements. A tasteful and swinging effort. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     New Picture 5'00
Jimmy Heath
2     Lush Life 8'06
Billy Strayhorn
3     Changes 5'59
Jimmy Heath
4     Keep Love Alive 5'21
Jimmy Heath
5     Dewey Square 4'05
Charlie Parker
6     Sophisticated Lady 6'44
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills / Mitchell Parish
7     Togetherness 5'10
Jimmy Heath
Credits :
Bass – Rufus Reid
Drums – Al Foster
Electric Piano [Rhodes] – Tommy Flanagan (pistas: 3, 4)
French Horn – Bob Routch (pistas: 2, 4, 6), John Clark (pistas: 2, 4, 6)
Guitar – Tony Purrone
Piano [Acoustic] – Tommy Flanagan (pistas: 1, 2, 6, 7 , 8)
Producer – Jimmy Heath, Orrin Keepnews
Recorded By, Engineer [Remix] – Rudy Van Gelder
Soprano Saxophone – Jimmy Heath (pistas: 4 to 7)
Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Heath (pistas: 1 to 3, 5)
Trombone – Benny Powell (pistas: 2, 4, 6)
Tuba – Howard Johnson (pistas: 2, 4, 6)

JIMMY HEATH - The Professor (1998) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tracklist :
1     The Time and the Place 9'33
Jimmy Heath
2     New Picture 5'01
Jimmy Heath
3     The Voice of the Saxophone 6'11
Jimmy Heath
4     Dewey Square 4'06
Charlie Parker
5     Song for Ben Webster 6'14
Ernie Wilkins
6     Forever Sonny 8'01
Jimmy Heath
7     No End 7'04
Kenny Dorham
8     Sophisticated Lady 6'44
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills / Mitchell Parish
Musician – Akira Tana, Al Foster, Benny Powell, Billy Higgins, Bob Routch*, Curtis Fuller, Howard Johnson, Larry Willis, Mtume, Rufus Reid, Sam Jones, Stafford James, Stanley Cowell, Tommy Flanagan, Tony Purrone

JIMMY HEATH - Love Letter (2020) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Released seven months after his death in January 2020, Love Letter finds legendary saxophonist Jimmy Heath offering a warmly rendered collection of ballads that works as a romantic capstone to his illustrious career. Known for his lyrical sound and nuanced arrangements, most notably with his siblings Percy and Tootie in the Heath Brothers, and with trumpeters like Chet Baker, Blue Mitchell, and Kenny Dorham, Heath brings all of his experience to bear on Love Letter. Joining him are pianist Kenny Barron, guitarist Russell Malone, vibraphonist Monte Croft, bassist David Wong, and drummer Lewis Nash. Together they craft a deeply heartfelt and enveloping sound that evokes Heath's classic acoustic work of the '50s and '60s. They offer sparkling and atmospheric reworkings of songs like Heath's own "Ballad From Upper Neighbors Suite," Dizzy Gillespie's "Con Alma," and Billie Holiday and Arthur Herzog, Jr.'s haunting "Don't Explain." Primarily a tenor player, Heath displays his lithe soprano skills on the yearning "Inside Your Heart." He is also joined by a handful of special guests, including vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant, who puts her distinctive stamp on the lesser-performed Billie Holiday and Mal Waldron number "Left Alone." Equally engaging is singer Gregory Porter, who offers a soulfully burnished reading of Gordon Parks' "Don't Misunderstand." Heath also engages in dusky harmonic interplay with trumpeter Wynton Marsalis on Kenny Dorham's "La Mesha." A masterfully understated and intoxicating album, Love Letter is just the kind of low-key farewell you would expect from Heath and one that holds you in its poignantly romantic swell throughout. Matt Collar  
Tracklist :
1     Ballad From Upper Neighbors Suite 4'22
Jimmy Heath
2     Left Alone 4'29
Billie Holiday / Mal Waldron
Arranged By – Jimmy Heath
Vocals – Cécile McLorin Salvant
3     Inside Your Heart 4'51
Jimmy Heath
4     La Mesha 7'13
Kenny Dorham
Arranged By – Jimmy Heath
Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis
5     Don't Misunderstand 5'31
Gordon Parks
Arranged By – Jimmy Heath
Vocals – Gregory Porter
6     Con Alma 5'13
Dizzy Gillespie
Arranged By – Jimmy Heath
7     Fashion or Passion 5'45
Jimmy Heath
8     Don’t Explain 7'08
Billie Holiday
Credits
Bass – Herb Wong
Drums – Lewis Nash
Guitar – Russell Malone
Piano – Kenny Barron
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Heath
Vibraphone – Monte Croft