BARRY HARRIS TRIO — Preminado (1961-1990) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This CD reissue (a straight reissue of the original Riverside LP) features the great bop pianist Barry Harris in a trio with bassist Joe Benjamin and drummer Elvin Jones. Jones in particular pushes the pianist, and this fine set has many strong moments, including strong versions of "My Heart Stood Still," Harris' original title cut and "What Is This Thing Called Love"; in addition, Barry Harris takes "I Should Care" as an unaccompanied solo. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    My Heart Stood Still    6:31
 Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
2    Preminado    5:30
 Barry Harris
3    I Should Care    3:33
 Sammy Cahn / Axel Stordahl / Paul Weston
4    There's No One But You    4:06
 A. H. C. Croom-Johnson / Austen Croom / Redd Evans
5    One Down    4:35
 Barry Harris
6    It's The Talk Of The Town    5:03
 Jerry Livingston / Al J. Neiburg / Marty Symes
7    Play, Carol, Play    4:11
 Barry Harris
8    What Is This Thing Called Love    4:05
 Cole Porter
Credits :
Bass – Joe Benjamin
Drums – Elvin Jones
Piano – Barry Harris

DICK KATZ — Piano & Pen (1959- 2012) RM Limited Edition | Serie Jazz Best Collection 1000 – 4 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Timonium 5:08
Written-By – Dick Katz
2    Aurora 4:29
Written-By – Dick Katz
3    Duologue No.1 4:32
Written-By – Dick Katz
4    Glad To Be Unhappy 4:44
Written-By – Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart
5    Round Trip 3:20
Written-By – Dick Katz
6    Afternoon In Paris 6:53
Written-By – John Lewis
7    Ain't Misbehavin' 4:03
Written-By – Andy Razaf, Thomas Waller, Harry Brooks
8    Scrapple From The Apple 4:34
Written-By – Charlie Parker
Credits :
Bass – Joe Benjamin
Drums – Connie Kay
Guitar – Chuck Wayne (tracks: 1,3,4,8), Jimmy Raney (tracks: 2,5,6,7)
Piano – Dick Katz

HARRY EDISON — Mr. Swing + The Swinger (1999) 2CD | Serie Verve Elite Edition | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The late Harry "Sweets" Edison was one of the acknowledged masters of swing trumpet; this reissue combines the original LPs The Swinger and Mr. Swing into a two-CD set with the addition of the previously unreleased "How Am I to Know?" and an Edison original, "Blues in the Closet" (no relation to the Oscar Pettiford piece with the same name). Edison and tenor saxophonist Jimmy Forrest work well together, inspiring one another with lyrical lines on the ballads like "The Very Thought of You," and Edison's easygoing blues "Pussy Willow," but also heat up the session with their playing on an up-tempo Basie-like blues in "Nasty." Edison switches to open horn during most of the second CD. Forrest's vibrato-filled solo on "Ill Wind," and Edison's memorable rendition of "Baby, Won't You Please Come Home?," including both open and muted trumpet solos, are second-half highlights. Pianist Jimmy Jones, bassist Joe Benjamin, drummer Charlie Persip, and rhythm guitarist Freddie Greene make up the capable rhythm section. This reissue is a part of the Verve Elite limited-edition series with only 6,500 copies pressed. Ken Dryden
Tracklist 1 :
1 Pussy Willow 7:34
Harry "Sweets" Edison / Duke Ellington
2 The Very Thought of You 6:08   
Peter Gosling / Ray Noble
3 Nasty 5:24
Harry "Sweets" Edison
4 The Strollers 6:58
Harry "Sweets" Edison
5 Sunday 6:58
Chester Conn / Benny Krueger / Ned Miller / Jule Styne
6 Fairground 5:06
Harry "Sweets" Edison
7 How Am I to Know? 7:18
Gordon Jenkins / Jack King
Tracklist 2 :
1 Love Is Here to Stay 9:52   
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
2 Short Coat 9:46
Harry "Sweets" Edison
3 Baby, Won't You Please Come Home 5:10
Charles Warfield / Clarence Williams
4 Impressario 8:42
Harry "Sweets" Edison
5 Ill Wind 5:53
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
6 Blues in the Closet 9:15
Harry "Sweets" Edison / Oscar Pettiford
Credits :
Bass – Joe Benjamin
Drums, Timpani – Charlie Persip
Guitar – Freddie Green
Piano – Jimmy Jones
Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Forrest
Trumpet – Harry Edison

DIZZY GILLESPIE – 1952 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1321 (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 All of the music on this CD was recorded by trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie in Paris during a one-month period in 1952. The first half of the set teams Gillespie with tenor saxophonist Don Byas, who had moved to Europe from the U.S. six years earlier. The sextet alternates swing standards with some boppish originals and Afro-Cuban jazz pieces. The performances are pretty concise, and one wishes that Gillespie and Byas had had opportunities to really stretch out and inspire each other. The final dozen selections mostly feature the trumpeter backed by a string orchestra with arrangements from Jo Boyer or Daniel White. The repertoire is comprised of swing tunes, but Dizzy's melodic statements are still pretty adventurous. Three of the numbers drop the strings and have Gillespie playing with the rhythm section. Although one would not call any of this music essential, it does have its moments of interest and Dizzy Gillespie fans will want to pick it up as a gap filler between more significant sessions. Scott Yanow    Tracklist :

DON BYAS – 1951-1952 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1315 (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Don Byas, one of the top tenor saxophonists of the mid-'40s, permanently moved to Europe in 1946 and was largely forgotten in the U.S. However, he continued playing and recording throughout his European years, and although his records rarely made it to the United States, they sold well in Europe. On this disc Byas, who was still very much in his playing prime in the 1950s, is first featured on three numbers with the swing/Dixieland-oriented group the Saratoga Jazz Hounds, a quintet that co-stars the erratic but exciting trumpeter Guy Longnon. The remainder of the Classics CD puts the focus entirely on Byas, who is joined by four overlapping rhythm sections. Most of the selections are slow-to-medium-tempo ballads that showcase Byas' lush tone and his ability to caress melodies, resulting in a pleasing collection. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

DON BYAS – 1952 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1372 (2004) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The eighth volume in the complete recordings of Oklahoma native Carlos Wesley "Don" Byas consists of 23 recordings he made in Paris during the spring and summer of 1952. Nine wonderful sides recorded for the Blue Star label on April 10th of that year are classic Byas -- lots of lush ballads and an occasional kicker -- with excellent rhythm support by pianist Art Simmons, bassist Joe Benjamin, and drummer Bill Clark. The remaining tracks presented here were originally issued on the Vogue label. Six lovely melodies recorded on May 21st feature guitarist Marcel Bianchi and bassist Pierre Michelot, while eight tunes rendered on July 18th are enhanced by the addition of a vibraphone. Byas was both a master of romantic exposition and a formidable improviser at brisk tempos, comparable to Coleman Hawkins yet possessed of a spirit entirely his own. This material will be new to some of those who live outside of Europe, and for this reason the producers of the Classics Chronological Series are to be warmly commended for having brought out another excellent volume of vintage jazz music for all to hear. arwulf arwulf

Tracklist + Credits :

ROLAND KIRK with JACK McDUFF - Kirk's Work (1961-2007) RM | RVG Remasters | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Kirk's Work, Rahsaan Roland Kirk's third long-player, teams him up with organist "Brother" Jack McDuff for Kirk's most soulful post-bop set to date. His unorthodox performance style incorporates the polyphonies of a tenor sax, flute, manzello, and stritch. (The latter instrument is Kirk's own modification of a second-generation B-flat soprano sax.) This contributes to the unique sonic textures and overtones Kirk creates when playing two -- and often three -- of those lead instruments simultaneously. The loose and soulful nature of McDuff's Hammond organ lends itself to the swinging R&B vibe pervasive throughout the album. Completing the quartet is Joe Benjamin (bass) and Art Taylor (drums), both veteran jazzmen in their own right. They lend their expertise as well as innate sense of rhythm to the up-tempo "revival meetin'" rendition of Sammy Kahn's "Makin' Whoopee" as well as the ominous swing of the title track. This is also an ideal showcase for Benjamin and Taylor's running counterpoint that glides throughout -- supporting soloists Kirk and McDuff. Of the four original Kirk compositions, "Doin' the Sixty-Eight" is arguably the strongest. The percussive rhythms weave a hypnotic Latin groove over which Kirk and McDuff both snake some highly cerebral solos. The stellar interpretation of "Skater's Waltz" combines a well-known traditional melody with some of the most aggressive interaction from the quartet. The tune is put through its paces and the tenor sax/Hammond organ leads bounce around like a game of sonic ping pong. The more aggressive performance style that Kirk would later incorporate definitely shows signs of development on Kirk's Work. While certainly not the best in his catalog, it is a touchstone album that captures the early soulful Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Lindsay Planer  
Tracklist :
1     Three for Dizzy 5'11
Rahsaan Roland Kirk
2     Makin' Whoopee 5'09
Walter Donaldson / Gus Kahn
3     Funk Underneath 6'17
Rahsaan Roland Kirk
4     Kirk's Work 3'56
Rahsaan Roland Kirk
5     Doin' the Sixty-Eight 4'22
Rahsaan Roland Kirk
6     Too Late Now 3'54
Burton Lane / Alan Jay Lerner
7     Skater's Waltz 4'24
Emile Waldteufel
Credits :
Bass – Joe Benjamin
Drums – Arthur Taylor
Organ – Jack McDuff
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Remastered By – Phil De Lancie
Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Reeds [Manzello, Strich], Siren – Roland Kirk

CLARK TERRY ft... YUSEF LATEEF - Color Changes (1961-2000) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is one of flügelhornist Clark Terry's finest albums. Terry had complete control over the music and, rather than have the usual jam session, he utilized an octet and arrangements by Yusef Lateef, Budd Johnson, and Al Cohn. The lineup of musicians (C.T., trombonist Jimmy Knepper, Julius Watkins on French horn, Yusef Lateef on tenor, flute, oboe, and English horn, Seldon Powell doubling on tenor and flute, pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Joe Benjamin, and drummer Ed Shaughnessy) lives up to its potential, and the charts make good use of the sounds of these very individual stylists. The material, which consists of originals by Terry, Duke Jordan, Lateef, and Bob Wilber, is both rare and fresh, and the interpretations always swing. Highly recommended. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Blue Waltz (La Valse Bleue) 6:37
Chester Conn
2     Brother Terry 3:54
Yusef Lateef
3     Flutin' and Fluglin' 6:46
Clark Terry
4     No Problem 5:49
Duke Jordan
5     La Rive Gauche 5:28
Clark Terry
6     Nahstye Blues
Clark Terry    
7     Chat Qui Peche (A Cat That Fishes) 7:32
Clark Terry
Credits :    
Bass – Joe Benjamin
Drums – Ed Shaughnessy
French Horn – Julius Watkins
Piano – Budd Johnson (tracks: 6), Tommy Flanagan
Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Seldon Powell
Tenor Saxophone, Flute, English Horn, Oboe – Yusef Lateef
Trombone – Jimmy Knepper
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Clark Terry

CLARK TERRY - Mellow Moods (1962-1994) RM | FLAC (tracks), lossless

This LP combines together two former LPs by flugelhornist Clark Terry: Everything's Mellow and All American. Since those two sessions were cut for the Moodsville label (where all of the sets were supposed to be emphasizing quiet ballads) and the second date has songs from a forgotten musical, this release wouldn't seem to have much potential. However, Terry is highly expressive on the former date (a quartet outing with pianist Junior Mance, bassist Joe Benjamin, and drummer Charlie Persip) and does not stick only to ballads, throwing in some blues and obscure melodies. As for the All American score, Oliver Nelson was enlisted to write arrangements for Terry's septet (which is comprised of Budd Johnson on tenor, trombonist Lester Robertson, baritonist George Barrow, pianist Eddie Costa in one of his final recordings, bassist Art Davis, and drummer Ed Shaughnessy) and, except for a couple of purposely corny moments, the music is greatly uplifted; in fact, a few of the songs deserve to be revived. Terry and Johnson are in great form throughout. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Out in the Cold Again 4'29
Bobby Bloom / Rube Bloom / Ted Koehler
2     The Simple Waltz 5'10
Bob Brookmeyer / Clark Terry
3     This Is Always 4'53
Mack Gordon / Harry Warren
4     Lullaby 3'40
Johannes Brahms
5     Among My Souvenirs 4'48
Edgar Leslie / Horatio Nicholls
6     In the Alley 3'46
Clark Terry
7     Michelle 4'33
John Lennon / Paul McCartney / Clark Terry
8     As You Desire Me 3'26
Allie Wrubel
9     What a Country 4'22
Lee Adams / Charles Strouse
10     Same Language 4'05
Lee Adams / Charles Strouse
11     If I Were You 5'00
Lee Adams / Charles Strouse
12     I've Just Seen Her 3'50
Lee Adams / Charles Strouse
13     Once upon a Time 2'20
Lee Adams / Benny Carter / Charles Strouse
14     Nightlife 4'34
Lee Adams / Lou Gramm / Mick Jones / Charles Strouse
15     It's Fun to Think 5'06
Lee Adams / Charles Strouse
16     The Fight Song 3'45
Lee Adams / Charles Strouse
Credits :
Arranged By – Oliver Nelson (pistas: 9 to 16)
Baritone Saxophone – George Barrow (pistas: 9 to 16)
Bass – Art Davis (pistas: 9 to 16), Joe Benjamin (pistas: 1 to 8)
Drums – Charlie Persip (pistas: 1 to 8), Ed Shaughnessy (pistas: 9 to 16)
Engineer [Recording] – Rudy Van Gelder
Piano – Junior Mance (pistas: 1 to 8)
Piano, Vibraphone – Eddie Costa (pistas: 9 to 16)
Remastered By [Digital Remastering, 1993] – Phil De Lancie
Tenor Saxophone – Budd Johnson (pistas: 9 to 16)
Trombone – Lester Robertson (pistas: 9 to 16)
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Clark Terry

JEROME RICHARDSON SEXTET - Midnight Oil (1958-1992) Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series / APE (image+.cue), lossless

Flutist Jerome Richardson (who switches to tenor on one of the five selections on this CD reissue) has long been underrated and has had relatively few opportunities to lead his own record dates -- only four up to the present time, of which Midnight Oil was the first. The music (three of Richardson's originals, Artie Shaw's "Lyric," and the standard "Caravan") is performed in swinging fashion by Richardson, trombonist Jimmy Cleveland (the unusual flute-trombone blend heard on three of the songs is quite pleasing), pianist Hank Jones, guitarist Kenny Burrell, bassist Joe Benjamin, and drummer Charlie Persip. This set offers cool-toned bop that, although brief in playing time (just over 35 minutes), is enjoyable. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Minorally 6:55
Written-By – J. Richardson
2    Way In Blues 5:08
Written-By – J. Richardson
3    Delerious Trimmings 5:17
Written-By – J. Richardson
4    Caravan 10:45
Written-By – Ellington, Mills, Tizol
5    Lyric 7:18
Written-By – Artie Shaw
Credits :
Bass – Joe Benjamin
Drums – Charlie Persip
Flute, Tenor Saxophone – Jerome Richardson
Guitar – Kenny Burrell
Piano – Hank Jones
Trombone – Jimmy Cleveland

BEVERLY KENNEY - Sings for Playboys (1958-1999) RM / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Beverly Kenney had a tragically brief life, committing suicide in 1960 when she was just 28, probably over a broken love affair. A subtle improviser with a haunting voice and a real skill for interpreting lyrics, she had six albums released during her lifetime. Sings for Playboys, despite its lightweight title, is one of her finest efforts. Accompanied by just pianist Ellis Larkins (who doubles on celeste) and bassist Joe Benjamin, Kenney digs into a dozen songs, only five of which could qualify as standards. While she brings new life to such tunes as "A Woman's Intuition" and "Try a Little Tenderness," she performs definitive versions of such forgotten numbers as "You're My Boy," "Life Can Be Beautiful," and "It's a Most Unusual Day." The music alternates between ballads and lightly swinging pieces with Larkins being a perfect accompanist for Kenney, who is heard throughout at her most expressive. The Japanese have rediscovered Beverly Kenney during the past decade; she's long overdue for American recognition. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. Do It Again 2:38
Buddy DeSylva / George Gershwin
2. A Woman's Intuition 3:33
Ned Washington / Victor Young
3. You're My Boy 3:00
Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne
4. Mama,Do I Gotta? 2:07
Manny Kurtz / Victor Mizzy
5. What Is There To Say 3:56
Vernon Duke / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
6. A Lover Like You 3:30
Otis Clements / Lester Judson
7. A Summer Romance 3:08
Lester Judson / Raymond Taylor
8. Life Can Be Beautiful 2:59
Harold Adamson / Jimmy McHugh
9. It's Magic 2:30
Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne
10. A-You're Adorable (The Alphabet Song) 2:32
Buddy Kaye / Sidney Lippman / Fred Wise
11. Try A Little Tenderness 3:14
Jimmy Campbell / Reginald Connelly / Harry Woods
It's A Most Unusual Day 1:47
Jimmy McHugh
Credits :
Bass – Joe Benjamin
Piano – Ellis Larkins
Vocals – Beverly Kenney