STAN GETZ – 1951-1952 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1338 (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In response to shortsighted comments implying that Stan Getz and Zoot Sims sounded too much like each other and too similar to Lester Young, Ira Gitler liked to use the analogy of "...a friend calling you on the telephone. You know who it is immediately. It's the same thing when you hear a musician play." The secret, of course, is to listen so carefully and consistently that you feel as though you have become a friend of the artist. This sort of empathy is a vital ingredient in jazz -- the empathy between composers, players, and listeners. Hearing Stan Getz recorded live in performance at Boston's Storyville club on October 28, 1951, spells it out marvelously. Backed by pianist Al Haig, guitarist Jimmy Raney, bassist Teddy Kotick, and drummer Tiny Kahn, Getz sounds as though he has arrived at a hard-won maturity. One great aspect of this music lies within the comparative nature of every sound. In Getz listeners can hear Jimmy Giuffre, Lee Konitz, even Charles Lloyd -- but best of all, Getz himself. By this time his artistry had evolved well beyond where he had been only a couple of years earlier. In some of these bands there's something of the marvelous complexity of Lennie Tristano's fascinating ensembles. Eight 1952 recordings originally released on 78-rpm singles bearing the baby-blue Roost label appeared under the heading of the Johnny Smith Quintet. Smith's quicksilver guitar, heard most dynamically on the rapid Tristano-like "Jaguar" and a fantastic cruising theme called "Tabu," acts as a stunning foil for the tenor. The slower numbers are positively intoxicating. Even with the guitar predominating, "Moonlight in Vermont" stands among the loveliest ballad recordings this saxophonist ever participated in. The band's next session took place in November of 1952, and resulted in music of comparable excellence. On December 12, Getz collaborated for the very first time with producer Norman Granz. Backed by a rhythm section including pianist Duke Jordan, the saxophonist had clearly found his own voice. "The Way You Look Tonight" is a powerful closer for this outstanding album of vintage early modern jazz. arwulf arwulf     Tracklist :

BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1949-1951 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1436 (2007) FLAC (tracks), lossless

This is the 34th volume in the Classics Benny Goodman chronology. It combines four titles from the Capitol records session of October 27, 1949 (Goodman's last for that label) with seven tunes recorded for Columbia on October 10 and November 24, 1950 and ten previously hard-to-find selections from a broadcast that aired April 1, 1951. Although the band on the Capitol date had Zoot Sims in the reed section, slick vocals by Dolly Houston, Buddy Greco and the Heathertones seem to use up all the air in the room. The Columbia sessions employed the Goodman Sextet, featuring pianist Teddy Wilson, vibraphonist Terry Gibbs and guitarist Johnny Smith, these last two helping to emphasize a contemporary bop-to-cool stylistic emphasis that was still playing a prominent role in Goodman's approach to music during this period. Vocalists on this leg of the journey include Nancy Reed, a carefully rehearsed, mixed vocal group known as the Pastels, and a deep-voiced male singer billed as "Rickey." This was none other than Jimmy Ricks, bass singer for the Ravens. Issued as Columbia 39121, the two instrumentals -- "Lullaby of the Leaves" b/w "Temptation Rag" -- are stunning examples of the Goodman/Gibbs collaboration at its finest. Yet the real gold in this compilation lies in the ten more traditional jazz melodies that were performed on the air, recorded and sold on a limited-edition LP in order to raise funds to benefit Fletcher Henderson, Goodman's greatest arranger as well as a pioneer of big-band jazz, who made his first jazz recordings in 1923. Henderson was ill and in serious need of cash. The fact that Goodman held this exciting jam session as a benefit for him adds considerable ethical ballast to an already superb bundle of live jazz. Teaming with Goodman in various combinations throughout the session were pianist Teddy Wilson, drummer Gene Krupa, bassist Eddie Safranski, guitarist Johnny Smith, trombonist Lou McGarity and trumpeter Buck Clayton. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist + Credits :

BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1951-1952 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1450 (2007) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is the 34th volume in the Classics Benny Goodman chronology. It combines four titles from the Capitol records session of October 27, 1949 (Goodman's last for that label) with seven tunes recorded for Columbia on October 10 and November 24, 1950 and ten previously hard-to-find selections from a broadcast that aired April 1, 1951. Although the band on the Capitol date had Zoot Sims in the reed section, slick vocals by Dolly Houston, Buddy Greco and the Heathertones seem to use up all the air in the room. The Columbia sessions employed the Goodman Sextet, featuring pianist Teddy Wilson, vibraphonist Terry Gibbs and guitarist Johnny Smith, these last two helping to emphasize a contemporary bop-to-cool stylistic emphasis that was still playing a prominent role in Goodman's approach to music during this period. Vocalists on this leg of the journey include Nancy Reed, a carefully rehearsed, mixed vocal group known as the Pastels, and a deep-voiced male singer billed as "Rickey." This was none other than Jimmy Ricks, bass singer for the Ravens. Issued as Columbia 39121, the two instrumentals -- "Lullaby of the Leaves" b/w "Temptation Rag" -- are stunning examples of the Goodman/Gibbs collaboration at its finest. Yet the real gold in this compilation lies in the ten more traditional jazz melodies that were performed on the air, recorded and sold on a limited-edition LP in order to raise funds to benefit Fletcher Henderson, Goodman's greatest arranger as well as a pioneer of big-band jazz, who made his first jazz recordings in 1923. Henderson was ill and in serious need of cash. The fact that Goodman held this exciting jam session as a benefit for him adds considerable ethical ballast to an already superb bundle of live jazz. Teaming with Goodman in various combinations throughout the session were pianist Teddy Wilson, drummer Gene Krupa, bassist Eddie Safranski, guitarist Johnny Smith, trombonist Lou McGarity and trumpeter Buck Clayton. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist : 

LEE KONITZ - From Newport to Nice (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This compilation consists of live tracks from various sources, including festivals, television and radio broadcasts over a quarter century. While the playing of Konitz and his various band mates is first rate, the sound quality ranges from excellent to poor, probably due to the condition of the tapes and the fact that some of the songs likely come from audience tapes. Highlights include "All The Things You Are," heard in a swinging quintet that included guitarist Rene Thomas and pianist Misha Mengleberg; Lennie Tristano's "At Twilight," by a quartet that featured the late guitarist Atilla Zoller; and the lengthy but delightful second version of "Lover Man," in a quartet with Shelly Manne, Red Mitchell and Jimmy Rowles. Konitz fans should not let the sometimes dismal sound quality keep them from acquiring this excellent CD. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1     Two Not One 5:41
Lennie Tristano
2     My Melancholy Baby 3:09
Ernie Burnett / George Norton
3     I'm Getting Sentimental over You 3:38
George Bassman / Ned Washington
4     Easy Living 3:53
Ralph Rainger / Leo Robin
5     Some of These Days 4:14
Shelton Brooks
6     Lover Man 4:19
Jimmy Davis / Roger "Ram" Ramirez / Jimmy Sherman
7     Will You Still Be Mine? 4:05
Tom Adair / Matt Dennis
8     'Round Midnight 5:10
Bernie Hanighen / Thelonious Monk / Cootie Williams
9     All the Things You Are 9:20
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
10     317 East 32nd Street 6:17
Lennie Tristano
11     At Twilight 7:59
Maceo Pinkard
12     Lover Man 10:05
Jimmy Davis / Roger "Ram" Ramirez / Jimmy Sherman
13     Body and Soul 5:54
Frank Eyton / Johnny Green / Edward Heyman / Robert Sour
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Contrabass – Barre Phillips (pistas: 10, 11), Bob Carter (pistas: 1), Frank Carroll (pistas: 2), Henry Grimes (pistas: 5 to 7), Johnny Fischer (pistas: 3, 4), Red Mitchell (pistas: 12), Rob Langereis (pistas: 8, 9)
Drums – Buzzy Drootin (pistas: 1), Don Lamond (pistas: 2), Ed Levinson (pistas: 5 to 7), Han Bennink (pistas: 8, 9), Rudi Sehring (pistas: 3), Shelly Manne (pistas: 12), Stu Martin (pistas: 10, 11)
Guitar – Attila Zoller (pistas: 10, 11), Jimmy Raney (pistas: 13), Johnny Smith (pistas: 2), René Thomas (pistas: 8, 9)
Piano – Jimmy Rowles (pistas: 12), Misha Mengelberg (pistas: 8, 9), Roland Kovac (pistas: 3), Russ Freeman (pistas: 1)
Tenor Saxophone – Warne Marsh (pistas: 1)

RUTH PRICE - Sings With The Johnny Smith Quartet (1956-1989) FLAC (tracks), lossless

This album is a set of standards delivered by Ruth Price (who didn't make enough albums during her performing career), backed by Johnny Smith, one of jazz's eminent guitarists. Smith gained significant attention with his album Moonlight in Vermont, which Down Beat named as jazz album of the year, while Price performed in relative obscurity throughout her short career. Because this CD, originally issued by Teddy Reig's Roost Records, offers just a mite more than a half-hour's worth of music, each note should be savored. Price and Smith work wonderfully well together on tasteful arrangements played in an urbane, intelligent, and subdued manner. There are no pyrotechnics on this session. Their collaboration on "This Heart of Mine" rivals Sarah Vaughan's classic rendition. Gordon Jenkins' "Goodbye," with Smith's dramatic guitar and John Rae's softly stroked vibes playing in support of Price, is a highlight of the album. On "When You Wish Upon a Star," made popular by Ukelele Ike Edwards in Pinocchio, Smith abandons his chordal playing for a single string approach behind Price. While comprised mostly of slow ballads, the serious atmosphere is relieved from time to time with an upbeat number, such as "Time after Time" and a bouncy "Back in Your Own Back Yard," done with swinging merriment. Not blessed with an overwhelming voice or great range, Price concentrates on her interpretive skills as she works her cool vocals with very good results. Price didn't record a lot during her career, but what is available is well worth having. by Dave Nathan  
Tracklist :
1. I'm Nobody's Baby  1:55
Written-By – Davis, Santly, Ager
2. It Never Entered My Mind  3:50
Written-By – Rodgers-Hart
3. Wonderful Guy  2:10
Written-By – Rodgers-Hammerstein
4. Until The Real Thing Comes Along  3:55
Written-By – Freeman, Cahn, Chaplin
5. This Heart Of Mine  2:38
Written-By – Freed, Warren
6. When You Wish Upon A Star  3:34
Written-By – Harline, Washington
7. Time After Time  2:35
Written-By – Cahn-Styne
8. Goodbye  3:23
Written-By – G. Jenkins
9. Back In Your Own Back Yard  2:03
Written-By – Jolson, Rose, Dreyer
10. I'll Be Seeing You  3:20
Written-By – Cahal, Fain
11. Run, Little Rain Drop, Run  2:26
Written-By – Warren, Gordon
12. Sleeping Bee  3:20
Written By – Capot, Arlen
Credits :
Bass – Clyde Lombardi
Drum – John Lee
Guitar – Johnny Smith
Vibraphone – John Rae
Vocals – Ruth Price

BEVERLY KENNEY - Sings For Johnny Smith (1955-1991) RM / MONO / APE (image+.cue), lossless

Beverly Kenney was one of the most promising new jazz singers of the mid-'50s. Unfortunately, she did not live long and recorded just three albums as a leader. This particular CD reissue, a quartet date with guitarist Johnny Smith, pianist Bob Pancoast, bassist Knobby Totah, and drummer Mousie Alexander, is a real gem, with Kenney heard in top form. Her version of "Destination Moon" is quite delightful, and other highlights include "Tis' Autumn," "Almost Like Being in Love," "There Will Never Be Another You," and "Snuggled on Your Shoulder," even if "Ball and Chain" (a renamed "Sweet Lorraine") does not quite cut it. Beverly Kenney had great potential and deserves to be remembered today. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Surrey With The Fringe On Top    2:07
Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers
2    Tis' Autumn    2:26
H. Nemo
3    Looking For A Boy    2:18
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
4    I'll Know My Love (Greensleeves)    2:31
L. Jones-B. Kaye
5    Destination Moon    2:18
Roy Alfred / M. Fisher
6    Ball & Chain (Sweet Lorraine)    3:00
Burwell-Parish
7    Almost Like Being In Love    2:08
Alan Jay Lerner / Frederick Loewe
8    Stairway To The Stars    2:48
Matty Malneck / Mitchell Parish / Frank Signorelli
9    There Will Never Be Another You    2:09
Mack Gordon / Harry Warren
10    This Little Town In Paris    3:05
M. Schwartz
11    Moe's Blues    2:15
M. King
12    Snuggled On Your Shoulder    2:26
Carmen Lombardo / Joe Young
Credits :
Bass – Nabil Totah
Drums – Mousie Alexander
Guitar – Johnny Smith
Piano – Bob Pancoast
Vocals – Beverly Kenney

JOHNNY SMITH - Moods [1953] ROOTS

Johnny Smith's signature mellow-and-pretty-guitar jazz sound is showcased nicely on his 1953 release Moods. Always choosing to focus on the softer, melodic aspects of jazz, Smith arranges such standards as "Sophisticated Lady," "Have You Met Miss Jones," and others in a chordal-based style. Often crossing the facile boundary between classical music and cool jazz, Smith is an underappreciated musician whose catalog has much more to offer than just his classic recording of "Moonlight in Vermont".  by Matt Collar
Tracklist
1 What's New  3:07
Johnny Burke / Bob Haggart
2 I'll Remember April  2:48
Gene DePaul / Patricia Johnston / Don Raye
3 Sophisticated Lady  3:04
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills / Mitchell Parish
4 Easy to Love  3:16
Cole Porter
5 Autumn in New York  2:44
Vernon Duke
6 Walk, Don't Run  2:49
Johnny Smith
7 Lover Man  2:28
Jimmy Davis / Roger "Ram" Ramirez / Jimmy Sherman
8 Dancing on the Ceiling  2:59
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
9 Blues for Birdland  2:40
Erroll Garner
10 Have You Met Miss Jones?  2:34
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
11 Someone to Watch Over Me  2:17
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
12 How About You  2:43
Arthur Freed / Burton Lane
Credits
Johnny Smith - Composer, Guitar, Primary Artist

 JOHNNY SMITH - Moods [1953] ROOTS

2002 / TOCJ-66157 / CBR320 / scans

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