McCOY TYNER — Tender Moments (1968-1987) Serie Blue Note CD Treasury – CP32-9545 | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

On this excellent set, McCoy Tyner had the opportunity for the first time to head a larger group. His nonet is an all-star aggregation comprised of trumpeter Lee Morgan, trombonist Julian Priester, altoist James Spaulding, Bennie Maupin on tenor, Bob Northern on French horn, Howard Johnson on tuba, bassist Herbie Lewis, and drummer Joe Chambers in addition to the pianist/leader. Tyner debuted six of his originals, and although none became standards (perhaps the best known are "The High Priest" and "All My Yesterdays"), the music is quite colorful and advanced for the period. Well worth investigating. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Mode To John    5:40
 McCoy Tyner
2    Man From Tanganyika    6:52
 McCoy Tyner
3    The High Priest    6:05
 McCoy Tyner
4    Utopia    7:35
 McCoy Tyner
5    All My Yesterday    6:03
 McCoy Tyner
6    Lee Plus Three    5:41
 McCoy Tyner
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Flute – James Spaulding
Bass – Herbie Lewis
Drums – Joe Chambers
French Horn – Bob Northern
Piano – McCoy Tyner
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – Bennie Maupin
Trombone – Julian Priester
Trumpet – Lee Morgan
Tuba – Howard Johnson

ELVIN JONES | JIMMY GARRISON SEXTET ft. McCOY TYNER — Illumination! (1965-2017) RM | Serie Impulse! Master Sessions | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The second album by Elvin Jones as sole title rights leader (excluding the co-op ensemble that recorded the stunning and essential progressive jazz icon Illumination!) has the drummer sounding more like a backup musician, as he claims no compositional duties or noticeable solo space. In fact, this is one of the very best albums in the career of alto saxophonist Charlie Mariano, who occupies the bulk of lead lines and improvising responsibilities. He's so up-front, and on an instrument that is not John Coltrane's main instrument -- the tenor sax -- that the title is also a bit of a misnomer. The value of Jones as a bandleader lies in his concept of using fellow Detroiter Sir Roland Hanna or brother Hank Jones on selected tracks, or in the case of three tracks, no pianist. Bassist Richard Davis rounds out this truly brilliant ensemble of burgeoning mid-'60s jazz stars, who play an enticing collection of standards, bop, compositions of Bob Hammer, and originals from several modern sources. A stone cold bebopper and Charlie Parker devotee at the time of this recording. Mariano is the standout performer. He swings easily but mightily on the title track paralleling Coltrane's "Milestones," stretches the Charles Mingus evergreen "Reincarnation of a Lovebird" (titled here as "Love Bird"), and pulls out all the stops with Hank Jones during an only slightly flawed (they miss two notes) version of the tricky "Anthropology." They tack a calypso beat onto Duke Ellington's "Fantazm" in a playful, modern dress, and stroll on the quirky Hammer composition "That Five-Four Bag" as an offshoot retort to Dave Brubeck's "Take Five." The three tracks sans piano include a walking version of "Everything Happens to Me"; the ballad "Smoke Rings," where the band excepting Mariano is relaxed; and Frank Sinatra's "This Love of Mine," where the emotive saxophonist dips into humor, even a bit ribald. The variety from cut to cut is engaging, and there's nothing over the top, even the drumming of Elvin Jones. With the musicality at a high level, Dear John C. needs revisiting by drumming students and jazz fans to note how teamwork, shared values, and held-in-check dynamics benefit the overall quality of music. It seems this recording is underrated when over time it should never be. Dear John C. is deserving of an excellent rating. Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist :
1    Nuttin' Out Jones    5:32
 Prince Lasha
2    Oriental Flower    3:45
 McCoy Tyner
3    Half And Half    6:21
 Charles Davis
4    Aborigine Dance In Scotland    4:09
 Sonny Simmons
5    Gettin' On Way    5:12
 Jimmy Garrison
6    Just Us Blues    5:54
 Charles Davis
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, English Horn – Sonny Simmons
Baritone Saxophone – Charles Davis
Bass – Jimmy Garrison
Clarinet, Flute – Prince Lasha
Drums – Elvin Jones
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Piano – McCoy Tyner

ELVIN JONES | McCOY TYNER QUINTET — Love & Peace (1982-1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

With the exception of one number ("House That Love Built") from 1978 that matches drummer Elvin Jones with the reeds of Frank Foster and Pat LaBarbera, guitarist Roland Prince and bassist Andy McCloud, this CD reissue focuses on an unusual and generally successful reunion session. Drummer Jones and pianist McCoy Tyner have not recorded together that often since leaving John Coltrane's Quartet in late 1965. With Pharoah Sanders (who was part of the reason they departed) on tenor, bassist Richard Davis in the late Jimmy Garrison's spot, and guitarist Jean-Paul Bourelly an added wild card, the musicians avoid Coltrane tunes in favor of newer originals and the standard "Sweet and Lovely." Sanders sounds very much like late-1950s Coltrane; Bourelly is a bit out of place, and Tyner easily takes solo honors. An interesting but not overly memorable outing that was originally cut for the Japanese Trio label and made available in the U.S. by the now-defunct Black-Hawk company. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Little Rock's Blues    4:35
 Pharoah Sanders
2    Hip Jones    7:27
 Pharoah Sanders
3    Korina    5:35
 Gene Perla
4    For Tomorrow    7:08
 McCoy Tyner
5    Sweet And Lovely    6:52
 Gus Arnheim / Jules LeMare / Harry Tobias
6    Origin    5:05
 Pharoah Sanders
7    House That Love Built    10:27
 Frank Foster
Credits :
Bass – Andy McCloud (tracks: 7), Richard Davis
Drums – Elvin Jones
Electric Guitar – Jean-Paul Bourelly
Guitar – Roland Prince (tracks: 7)
Piano – McCoy Tyner
Soprano Saxophone – Frank Foster (tracks: 7)
Tenor Saxophone – Frank Foster (tracks: 7), Pat LaBarbera (tracks: 7), Pharoah Sanders

McCOY TYNER — The Real McCoy (1967-1999) RM | RVG Edition | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Two and a half years after his last recording as a leader for Impulse, pianist McCoy Tyner emerged to start a period on Blue Note that would result in seven albums. Having left John Coltrane's Quartet in late 1965, Tyner was entering a period of struggle, although artistically his playing grew quite a bit in the late '60s. For this release, the pianist is teamed with tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Elvin Jones for five of his originals. Highlights of the easily recommended album include "Passion Dance," "Four by Five," and "Blues on the Corner." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Passion Dance 8:44
McCoy Tyner
2 Contemplation 9:10
McCoy Tyner
3 Four by Five 6:33 
McCoy Tyner
4 Search for Peace 6:27
McCoy Tyner
5 Blues on the Corner 5:58
McCoy Tyner
Credits
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Elvin Jones
Piano – McCoy Tyner
Recorded By [Recording By] – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Henderson

THE CURTIS FULLER SEXTETTE — Imagination (1959-1991) RM | MONOAURAL | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Prior to the official formation of the Jazztet with trumpeter Art Farmer, trombonist Curtis Fuller and tenorman Benny Golson made several albums together, usually with other trumpeters. This somewhat rare date has trumpeter Thad Jones, bassist Jimmy Garrison, drummer Dave Bailey, and, most significantly, pianist McCoy Tyner in his recording debut completing the sextet. Fuller arranged all five of the songs, four of which were his originals. Although the material (other than the lone standard "Imagination") is unfamiliar, the chord changes inspire the players to create some fine solos. Easily recommended to hard bop fans lucky enough to find this album. Scott Yanow   Tracklist & Credits :

CURTIS FULLER — Images Of Curtis Fuller (1960-1991) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist & Credits :

LOU DONALDSON - Lush Life (1967-2007) RM | RVG Edition | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

After brief sojourns at Argo and Cadet, Lou Donaldson marked his 1967 return by recording Lush Life, the grandest project he ever attempted. With its plush arrangements and unabashedly pretty melodies, Lush Life stands in stark contrast to everything else he cut in the '60s. There are no blues, no stabs at soul-jazz grooves, no hard bop -- only sweet, sensitive renditions of romantic standards. Donaldson shone on ballads before, but it's nevertheless surprising how successful he is on this set of slow love songs. His tone is full and elegant -- it's easy to get lost in his rich readings of these familiar melodies, as well as his slyly seductive improvisations. Of course, it helps that his instrumental backdrops are as lovely as those his nine-piece backing band provide. Nonets are unwieldy, to be certain, but Duke Pearson's arrangements are clean, sparkling, and attractive, and the superstar band -- Wayne Shorter (tenor sax), Jerry Dodgion (alto sax, flute), Pepper Adams (bari sax), Freddie Hubbard (trumpet), Garnett Brown (trombone), McCoy Tyner (piano), Ron Carter (bass), Al Harewood (drums) -- knows enough to provide sympathetic support and not steal the show. When they do take solos, it enhances Donaldson's original statements, and helps make Lush Life the singularly enchanting record it is. Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Tracklist :
1    Sweet Slumber 5'56
Lucky Millinder / Al J. Neiburg / Henri Woode
2     You've Changed 4'23
Bill Carey / Carl Fischer    
3     The Good Life 4'53
Jean Broussole / Sacha Distel    
4     Star Dust 3'40
Hoagy Carmichael    
5     What Will I Tell My Heart 4'25
Irving Gordon / Jack Lawrence / Peter Tinturin
6     It Might as Well Be Spring 5'58
Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers
7     Sweet and Lovely 5'58
Gus Arnheim / Jules LeMare (Chas. N. Daniels) / Harry Tobias
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lou Donaldson
Alto Saxophone, Flute – Jerry Dodgion
Arranged By – Duke Pearson
Baritone Saxophone – Pepper Adams
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Al Harewood
Piano – McCoy Tyner
Recorded By, Remastered By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – Wayne Shorter
Trombone – Garnett Brown
Trumpet – Freddie Hubbard

HANK MOBLEY - A Caddy for Daddy (1966-2009) RM | SACD, Hybrid | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Hank Mobley was a perfect artist for Blue Note in the 1960s. A distinctive but not dominant soloist, Mobley was also a very talented writer whose compositions avoided the predictable yet could often be quite melodic and soulful; his tricky originals consistently inspired the young all-stars in Blue Note's stable. For this CD, which is a straight reissue of a 1965 session, Mobley is joined by trumpeter Lee Morgan, trombonist Curtis Fuller, pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Bob Cranshaw, and drummer Billy Higgins (a typically remarkable Blue Note lineup) for the infectious title cut, three other lesser-known but superior originals, plus Wayne Shorter's "Venus Di Mildew." Recommended. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     A Caddy for Daddy 9:15
Hank Mobley    
2     The Morning After 9:35
Hank Mobley    
3     Venus Di Mildew 7:05
Wayne Shorter    
4     Ace Deuce Trey 7:10
Hank Mobley    
5     3rd Time Around 6:10
Hank Mobley
Credits :
Bass – Bob Cranshaw
Drums – Billy Higgins
Piano – McCoy Tyner
Recorded By [Recording By] – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – Hank Mobley
Trombone – Curtis Fuller
Trumpet – Lee Morgan

HANK MOBLEY - A Slice of the Top (1966-1995) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is one of tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley's more intriguing sessions, for the talented composer had an opportunity to have four of his originals, plus the standard "There's a Lull in My Life," performed by an octet in the cool-toned style of Miles Davis's "Birth of the Cool" nonet, arranged by Duke Pearson. Although recorded in 1966, this date was not released until 1979 (and reissued on CD in 1995). Mobley, who continued to evolve into a more advanced player throughout the 1960s, fits right in with such adventurous players as altoist James Spaulding, trumpeter Lee Morgan (with whom Mobley recorded frequently), pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Reggie Workman and drummer Billy Higgins. The inclusion of Kiane Zawadi on euphonium and Howard Johnson on tuba adds a lot of color to this memorable outing. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Hank's Other Bag 7'10
Hank Mobley
2     There's a Lull in My Life 5'23
Mack Gordon / Mark Gordon / Harry Revel    
3     Cute 'N Pretty 7'34
Hank Mobley    
4     A Touch of Blue 8'44
Hank Mobley
5     A Slice of the Top 9'40
Hank Mobley
Notas.
Originally issued as BN LT-995, on which Reggie Workman was mistakenly identified as bassist.
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – James Spaulding
Arranged By – Duke Pearson
Bass – Bob Cranshaw
Drums – Billy Higgins
Engineer [Recording] – Rudy Van Gelder
Euphonium – Kiane Zawadi
Piano – McCoy Tyner
Tenor Saxophone – Hank Mobley
Trumpet – Lee Morgan
Tuba – Howard Johnson

HANK MOBLEY - Straight No Filter (1986-2001) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Straight No Filter finds tenor Hank Mobley in several settings from the mid-'60s, each of them excellent. The overall roster is quite impressive, starting with the first set which features trumpeter Lee Morgan, pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Bob Cranshaw, and drummer Billy Higgins. The upbeat title cut is given a loose, post-bop feel by Tyner's comping, but things are brought back to earth by Mobley's emotional playing. A number of exchanges between Morgan and Mobley's horns give the piece an effective ending. "Chain Reaction" gives this group nearly 11 minutes to stretch things out, while "Soft Impressions" features a heavy blues groove. A couple of other standouts on this album -- "This Feelin's Good" and "Yes Indeed" -- feature trumpeter Donald Byrd, pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Butch Warren, and drummer Philly Joe Jones. Hancock provides a distinctive backdrop for Mobley and Morgan's solos while turning in some fine work himself. Mobley shines on Sy Oliver's "Yes Indeed," delivering a soulful solo, shot through with the blues. His playing throughout Straight No Filter is warm, accessible, and inventive, and it is instructive to have these sessions side by side, giving the listener a chance to compare Mobley's work in different settings. It should be mentioned that he penned eight out of the nine of these fine compositions. Bob Blumenthal's liner notes are helpful, breaking down the individual sessions and providing a good overview of Mobley's career. Straight No Filter will be welcomed by Mobley's fans and lovers of hard bop. It shouldn't be missed. Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.
Tracklist :
1     Straight No Filter 5:56
Hank Mobley    
2     Chain Reaction 11:00 crans
Hank Mobley    
3     Soft Impressions 4:46
Hank Mobley    
4     Third Time Around 6:23
Hank Mobley    
5     Hank's Waltz 7:41
Hank Mobley    
6     Syrup and Biscuits 5:34
Hank Mobley    
7     Comin' Back 6:24
Hank Mobley    
8     The Feelin's Good 5:38
Hank Mobley    
9     Yes Indeed 5:34
Sy Oliver
Notas.
Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on June 17, 1966 (#1-3), February 4, 1965 (#4-5), October 2, 1963 (#6-7) and March 7, 1963 (#8-9).
Credits :
Bass – Bob Cranshaw (pistas: 1 to 3), Butch Warren (pistas: 8, 9), John Ore (pistas: 6, 7), Paul Chambers (pistas: 4, 5)
Drums – Philly Joe Jones (pistas: 6 to 9), Billy Higgins (pistas: 1 to 5)
Engineer [Recording Engineer] – Rudy Van Gelder
Mastered By [Using 24-bit Super Bit Mapping] – Ron McMaster
Piano – Andrew Hill (pistas: 6, 7), Barry Harris (pistas: 4, 5), Herbie Hancock (pistas: 8, 9), McCoy Tyner (pistas: 1 to 3)
Tenor Saxophone – Hank Mobley
Trumpet – Donald Byrd (pistas: 8, 9), Freddie Hubbard (pistas: 4, 5), Lee Morgan (pistas: 1 to 3, 6, 7)

STANLEY TURRENTINE - Easy Walker (1969-2017) Blue Note, The Masterworks, Top 50 / SHM-CD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Easy Walker is a fairly standard but highly enjoyable small-group soul-jazz session from Stanley Turrentine. Backed by a rhythm section of pianist McCoy Tyner, drummer Mickey Roker, and bassist Bob Cranshaw, Turrentine turns in a number of rich, round, and full-bodied leads which are perfectly complemented by Tyner's strutting, sympathetic piano. Largely divided between midtempo grooves and slow blues, with a couple of pop covers like "What the World Needs Now Is Love," thrown in, Easy Walker doesn't offer much challenging material, but it does let the musicians work a good groove, and occasionally showcase their improvisational skills, making it a good, relaxing soul-jazz session. The 1997 CD reissue features four bonus tracks which were recorded with drummer Billy Cobham and bassist Gene Taylor, along with Tyner; the highlight of these is a breezy version of Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Wave." by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Tracklist  :
1 Meat Wave 4:40
Written-By – Hank Johnson
2 They All Say That I'm The Biggest Fool 7:40
Written-By – Buddy Johnson
3 Yours Is My Heart Alone 5:00
Written-By – Franz Lehar
4 Easy Walker 6:10
Written-By – Billy Taylor
5 What The World Needs Now Is Love 6:40
Written-By – David-Bacharach
6 Alone Together 5:35
Written-By – Dietz-Schwartz
7 A Foggy Day 6:23
Composed By – G. Gershwin-I. Gershwin                                                    
8 Stan's Shuffle 6:56
Composed By – Stanley Turrentine
9 Watch What Happens 5:32
Composed By – M. LeGrand, N. Gimbel
10 Intermission Walk 6:39
Composed By – Tommy Turrentine
11 Wave 8:13
Composed By – Antonio Carlos Jobim                   
Credits :
Bass – Bob Cranshaw
Drums – Mickey Roker
Piano – McCoy Tyner
Tenor Saxophone – Stanley Turrentine 

JOE HENDERSON — Page One (1963-1999) RM | RVG Edition | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The title Page One is fitting for this disc, as it marks the beginning of the first chapter in the long career of tenor man Joe Henderson. And what a beginning it is; no less than Kenny Dorham, McCoy Tyner, Butch Warren, and Pete La Roca join the saxophonist for a stunning set that includes "Blue Bossa" and "Recorda Me," two works that would be forever associated with Henderson. Both are bossa novas that offer a hip alternative to the easy listening Brazilian trend that would become popular with the masses. Henderson and Dorham make an ideal pair on these and other choice cuts like the blistering "Homestretch" and the engaging swinger "Jinrikisha." These both show the already mature compositional prowess that would become Henderson's trademark throughout his legendary career. The final blues number, "Out of the Night," features powerful work by the leader that only hints of things to come in subsequent chapters. Rovi Staff
Tracklist :
1 Blue Bossa 7:55
Composed By – Kenny Dorham
2 La Mesha 9:05
Composed By – Kenny Dorham
3 Homestretch 4:10
Composed By – Joe Henderson
4 Recorda Me 5:56
Composed By – Joe Henderson
5 Jinrikisha 7:20
Composed By – Joe Henderson
6 Out Of The Night 7:20
Composed By – Joe Henderson
Credits :
Bass – Butch Warren
Drums – Pete La Roca
Piano – McCoy Tyner
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Henderson
Trumpet, Liner Notes [Original] – Kenny Dorham

JOE HENDERSON - In 'N Out (1964-1987) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Joe Henderson's third Blue Note release matches the very distinctive tenor with the veteran trumpeter Kenny Dorham and an unbeatable rhythm section: pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Richard Davis, and drummer Elvin Jones. Henderson always had the ability to make a routine bop piece sound complex and the most complicated free improvisation seem logical. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. In 'N Out 10:25
Joe Henderson
2. Punjab 9:09
Joe Henderson
3. Serenity 8:17
Joe Henderson
4. Short Story 7:11
Kenny Dorham
5. Brown's Town
Kenny Dorham
6. In 'N' Out 9:16
Joe Henderson
Credits :
Joe Henderson (Tenor Saxophone)
Kenny Dorham (Trumpet)
McCoy Tyner (Piano)
Richard Davis (Ddouble Bass)
Elvin Jones (Drums) 

DONALD BYRD - "Mustang!" (1966-1997) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Donald Byrd, a talented hard bop trumpeter during his prime (although rarely reaching the technical heights of Lee Morgan and Freddie Hubbard), performs a varied repertoire on Mustang!. "Dixie Lee" has dated rhythms, and "Mustang" was an attempt to achieve a hit on the level of Morgan's "The Sidewinder." However, Byrd sounds fine on those numbers; he digs into the complex chord changes of "Fly Little Bird Fly," is sensitive on "I Got It Bad," swings on his "I'm So Excited by You," and performs his memorable countermelody to "On the Trail," which had been recorded earlier by several other musicians. Teamed with a typically impressive Blue Note crew (altoist Sonny Red, tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley, pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Walter Booker, and drummer Freddie Waits), Byrd performs high-quality straight-ahead jazz that fits the modern mainstream of the era. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist  :
1 Mustang 8:28
Written-By – Sylvester Kyner
2 Fly Little Bird Fly 5:23
Written-By – Donald Byrd
3 I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good 5:51
Written-By – Ellington, Webster 
4 Dixie Lee 6:40
Written-By – Donald Byrd
5 On The Trail 7:41
Written-By – Ferde Grofe
6 I'm So Excited By You 5:38
Written-By – Donald Byrd
7 Gingerbread Boy 8:38
Written-By – Jimmy Heath
8 I'm So Excited By You (First Version) 7:20
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Sonny Red (tracks: 1 to 6)
Bass – Walter Booker
Drums – Freddie Waits (tracks: 1 to 6), Joe Chambers (tracks: 7, 8)
Engineer [Recording] – Rudy Van Gelder
Piano – McCoy Tyner
Tenor Saxophone – Hank Mobley (tracks: 1 to 6), Jimmy Heath (tracks: 7, 8)
Trumpet – Donald Byrd

FREDDIE HUBBARD - Open Sesame (1960-2002) RVG Edition / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Freddie Hubbard's first recording as a leader, Open Sesame features the 22-year-old trumpeter in a quintet with tenor saxophonist Tina Brooks, the up-and-coming pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Sam Jones and drummer Clifford Jarvis. This set shows that even at this early stage, Hubbard had the potential to be one of the greats. On the ballad "But Beautiful" he shows maturity; other highlights include "Open Sesame," a driving "All or Nothing at All" and "One Mint Julep." It's an impressive start to what would be a very interesting career. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. Open Sesame 7:14
Tina Brooks
2. But Beautiful 6:23
James Van Heusen
3. Gypsy Blue 6:25
Tina Brooks
4. All Or Nothing At All  5:36
Alterman, Lawrence
5. One Mint Julep 6:00
Rudy Toombs
6. Hub's Nub 6:51
Freddie Hubbard
7. Open Sesame (Alternate Take)    7:14
8. Gypsy Blue (Alternate Take)    7:35
Credits :
Freddie Hubbard - Trumpet
Tina Brooks - Tenor Sax
McCoy Tyner - Piano
Sam Jones - Bass
Clifford Jarvis - Drums

ART BLAKEY QUARTET - A Jazz Message (1964) lp / MONO / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Drummer Art Blakey took time off from his busy schedule as leader of The Jazz Messengers to participate in this quartet session with saxophonist Sonny Stitt, pianist McCoy Tyner and bassist Art Davis. Although this session was under Blakey's leadership, Stitt (on both tenor and alto) emerges as the main soloist, playing his trademark bebop lines with creativity and typical enthusiasm. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
A1 Cafe 6:14
Written-By – Blakey, Stitt
A2 Just Knock On My Door 5:56
Written-By – Blakey, Stitt
A3 Summertime 5:55
Written-By – Heyward, Gershwin
B1 Blues Back 6:30
Written-By – Tyner
B2 Sunday 7:21
Written-By – Conn, Styne, Miller
B3 The Song Is You 5:06
Written-By – O. Hammerstein II / J. Kern
Credits:
Bass – Art Davis
Drums – Art Blakey
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Piano – McCoy Tyner
Tenor Saxophone – Sonny Stitt

JOHN COLTRANE - Olé Coltrane (1961-2000) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The complicated rhythm patterns and diverse sonic textures on Olé Coltrane are evidence that John Coltrane was once again charting his own course. His sheer ability as a maverick -- beyond his appreciable musical skills -- guides works such as this to new levels, ultimately advancing the entire art form. Historically, it's worth noting that recording had already commenced two days prior to this session on Africa/Brass, Coltrane's debut for the burgeoning Impulse! label. The two sets complement each other, suggesting a shift in the larger scheme of Coltrane's musical motifs. The assembled musicians worked within a basic quartet setting, featuring Coltrane on soprano and tenor sax, McCoy Tyner on piano, and Elvin Jones on drums, with double-bass chores held down by Art Davis and Reggie Workman. Added to that are significant contributions and interactions with trumpeter Freddie Hubbard and Eric Dolphy on flute and alto sax (although Dolphy's contract with another record label prevented him from being properly credited on initial pressings of the album). The title track is striking in its resemblance to the Spanish influence heard on Miles Davis' Sketches of Spain. This is taken a bit further as Coltrane's combo stretches out with inspired improvisations from Dolphy, Hubbard, Tyner, and Coltrane, respectively. "Olé" likewise sports some amazing double-bass interaction. The combination of a bowed upright bass played in tandem with the same instrument that is being plucked has a sinister permeation that undoubtedly excited Coltrane, who was perpetually searching for sounds outside the norm. The haunting beauty of "Aisha" stands as one of the finest collaborative efforts between Tyner, the song's author, and Coltrane. The solos from Hubbard, Dolphy, and an uncredited Tyner gleam from within the context of a single facet in a multi-dimensional jewel. [Some reissues include an extra track cut during the same sessions, "To Her Ladyship."] by Lindsay Planer  

Tracklist:

1 Olé 18:13
Written-By – John Coltrane
2 Dahomey Dance 10:49
Written-By – John Coltrane
3 Aisha 7:37
Written-By – McCoy Tyner
- Bonus Track -
4 Original Untitled Ballad (To Her Ladyship) 8:58
Written-By – Billy Frazier 
Credits:
Alto Saxophone – George Lane (tracks: 2)
Bass – Art Davis (tracks: 1, 3, 4), Reggie Workman
Drums – Elvin Jones
Flute – Eric Dolphy (tracks: 4), George Lane
Piano – McCoy Tyner
Soprano Saxophone – John Coltrane
Tenor Saxophone – John Coltrane (tracks: 2)
Trumpet – Freddie Hubbard

THE JOHN COLTRANE QUARTET - The Complete Africa / Brass Sessions (1961-1995) 2xCD / APE (image+.cue), lossless

This two-disc collection gathers the results of two recording sessions from April and May 1961 with the John Coltrane Orchestra. As the title indicates, The Complete Africa/Brass Sessions includes both volumes of the work and relocates "The Damned Don't Cry" -- originally issued on the Trane's Modes compilation -- to this more chronologically sound release. On this collection, these recordings replicate the sequence in which they were documented. After a successful string of albums on Atlantic Records, Coltrane signed to the burgeoning and jazz-intensive Impulse! label -- a relationship which would be kept for the remainder of his career. Shortly after reprising his role in the Miles Davis Sextet on "Teo" as well as the title track for Davis' Someday My Prince Will Come long-player, Coltrane assembled a 17-piece orchestra and began recording what would become known as Africa/Brass. Among the jazz luminaries contributing to these landmark sessions are: Booker Little (trumpet), Freddie Hubbard (trumpet), Julian Priester (trombone), Eric Dolphy (alto sax/bass clarinet), McCoy Tyner (piano), Paul Chambers (bass), and Elvin Jones (drums). Coltrane manipulates their power into masterful contrasts between the syncopated rhythms of "Greensleeves" or the full-out bop onslaught of "Songs of the Underground Railroad." The amazing virtuosity in Coltrane's solos has begun to show signs of the future direction his later avant-garde sides would take. The interaction with Tyner on "Songs of the Underground Railroad" is impeccable. Coltrane allows room for Elvin Jones and Reggie Workman to likewise engage Tyner for some high-spirited improvisation. This is a key work in understanding the path John Coltrane's music took in its final phases. The Complete Africa/Brass Sessions brilliantly documents this pivotal era in Coltrane's music. by Lindsay Planer  
Tracklist 1 :
1 Greensleeves 9:57
Traditional
2 Song Of The Underground Railroad 6:44
Traditional
3 Greensleeves (Alternate Take) 10:53
Traditional
4 The Damned Don't Cry 7:34
Arranged By, Conductor – Romulus Franceschini
Written-By – Cal Massey
5 Africa (First Version) 14:08
Bass – Paul Chambers 
Written-By – John Coltrane
Tracklist 2 :

1 Blues Minor 7:20

Written-By – John Coltrane
2 Africa (Alternate Take) 16:08
Bass – Art Davis
Written-By – John Coltrane
3 Africa 16:29
Bass – Art Davis 
Written-By – John Coltrane
Credits:
Alto Saxophone, Flute, Bass Clarinet – Eric Dolphy
Arranged By – John Coltrane (tracks: 1-1 to 1-3, 1-5 to 2-3), McCoy Tyner (tracks: 1-1 to 1-3, 1-5 to 2-3)
Baritone Saxophone – Pat Patrick
Bass – Reggie Workman
Conductor, Orchestrated By – Eric Dolphy (tracks: 1-1 to 1-3, 1-5 to 2-3)
Drums – Elvin Jones
Engineer [Recording] – Rudy Van Gelder
Euphonium – Carl Bowman (tracks: 2-1 to 2-3), Charles Greenlee (tracks: 1-1 to 1-5), Julian Priester (tracks: 1-1 to 1-5)
French Horn – Donald Corrado, Jimmy Buffington (tracks: 1-1 to 1-5), Julius Watkins, Bob Northern, Robert Swisshelm
Piano – McCoy Tyner
Piccolo Flute, Reeds – Garvin Bushell (tracks: 1-1 to 1-5)
Soprano Saxophone – John Coltrane (tracks: 1-1 to 1-5)
Tenor Saxophone – John Coltrane
Trombone – Britt Woodman (tracks: 2-1 to 2-3)
Trumpet – Booker Little, Freddie Hubbard (tracks: 1-1 to 1-5)
Tuba – Bill Barber

JOHN COLTRANE - Coltrane Jazz (1960-2006) RM / ATLANTIC 60th / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The first album to hit the shelves after Giant Steps, Coltrane Jazz was largely recorded in late 1959, although one of the eight songs ("Village Blues") was done in late 1960. On everything save the aforementioned "Village Blues," Coltrane used the Miles Davis rhythm section of pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Jimmy Cobb. While not the groundbreaker that Giant Steps was, Coltrane Jazz was a good consolidation of his gains as he prepared to launch into his peak years of the 1960s. There are three standards aboard, but the group reaches their peak on Coltrane's original material, particularly "Harmonique" with its melodic leaps and upper-register saxophone strains and the winding, slightly Eastern-flavored principal riffs of "Like Sonny," dedicated to Sonny Rollins. The moody "Village Blues" features the lineup of McCoy Tyner on piano, Elvin Jones on drums, and Steve Davis on bass; with the substitution of Jimmy Garrison on bass, that personnel would play on Coltrane's most influential and beloved 1960s albums. [Some reissues add four bonus tracks: alternate takes of "Like Sonny" and "I'll Wait and Pray" that were first issued on Alternate Takes and alternate takes of "Like Sonny" and "Village Blues" that came out on the Heavyweight Champion: The Complete Atlantic Recordings box.] by Richie Unterberger  
Tracklist:

1 Little Old Lady 4:30

Composed By – Hoagy Carmichael, Stanley Adams 
2 Village Blues 5:25
Composed By – John Coltrane
3 My Shining Hour 4:55
Composed By – Johnny Mercer & Harold Arlen
4 Fifth House 4:42
Composed By – John Coltrane
5 Harmonique 4:15
Composed By – John Coltrane
6 Like Sonny 5:56
Composed By – John Coltrane
7 I'll Wait And Pray 3:37
Composed By – George Treadwell, Jerry Valentine
8 Some Other Blues 5:40
Composed By – John Coltrane
- Bonus Tracks -
9 Like Sonny (Alternate Take) 6:08
Composed By – John Coltrane
10 I'll Wait And Pray (Alternate Take) 3:30
Composed By – George Treadwell, Jerry Valentine
11 Like Sonny (Alternate Take 5) 8:16
Composed By – John Coltrane
12 Village Blues (Alternate Take) 6:18
Composed By – John Coltrane
Credits:

Bass – Paul Chambers (tracks: 1, 3 to 11), Steve Davis (tracks: 2, 12)

Composed By – John Coltrane (tracks: 2, 4 to 6)
Drums – Elvin Jones (tracks: 2, 12), Jimmy Cobb (tracks: 1, 3 to 8, 10), Lex Humphries (tracks: 9, 11)
Piano – Cedar Walton (tracks: 9, 11), McCoy Tyner (tracks: 2, 12), Wynton Kelly (tracks: 1, 3 to 8, 10)
Tenor Saxophone – John Coltrane

JOHN COLTRANE - My Favorite Things (1961-2006) RM | ATLANTIC 60th | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although seemingly impossible to comprehend, this landmark jazz date made in 1960 was recorded in less than three days. All the more remarkable is that the same sessions which yielded My Favorite Things would also inform a majority of the albums Coltrane Plays the Blues, Coltrane's Sound, and Coltrane Legacy. It is easy to understand the appeal that these sides continue to hold. The unforced, practically casual soloing styles of the assembled quartet -- which includes Coltrane (soprano/tenor sax), McCoy Tyner (piano), Steve Davis (bass), and Elvin Jones (drums) -- allow for tastefully executed passages à la the Miles Davis Quintet, a trait Coltrane no doubt honed during his tenure in that band. Each track of this album is a joy to revisit. The ultimate listenability may reside in this quartet's capacity to not be overwhelmed by the soloist. Likewise, they are able to push the grooves along surreptitiously and unfettered. For instance, the support that the trio -- most notably Tyner -- gives to Coltrane on the title track winds the melody in and around itself. However, instead of becoming entangled and directionless, these musical sidebars simultaneously define the direction the song is taking. As a soloist, the definitive soprano sax runs during the Cole Porter standard "Everytime We Say Goodbye" and tenor solos on "But Not for Me" easily establish Coltrane as a pioneer of both instruments. Lindsay Planer  
Tracklist:
1 My Favorite Things 13:41
Written-By – Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein
2 Everytime We Say Goodbye 5:39
Written-By – Cole Porter
3 Summertime 11:31
Written-By – Du Bose Heyward, George Gershwin
4 But Not For Me 9:35
Written-By – George & Ira Gershwin
- Bonus Tracks -
5 My Favorite Things Part 1 (Single Version) 2:47
Written-By – Richard Rodgers / Oscar Hammerstein
6 My Favorite Things Part 2 (Single Version) 3:03
Written-By – Richard Rodgers / Oscar Hammerstein 
Credits:
Bass – Steve Davis
Drums – Elvin Jones
Piano – McCoy Tyner
Soprano Saxophone – John Coltrane (tracks: 1, 2)
Tenor Saxophone – John Coltrane (tracks: 3, 4)