J.J. JOHNSON · KAI WINDING · BENNIE GREEN — Trombone by Three (1956-1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Top drawer early fifties bop turning hard bop across the three small groups here, with Sonny Rollins in his typical fifties blistering form. Each of the three trombonists are distinctly flavoured, and we also get Max Roach and Art Blakey drumming on two thirds of the sessions Mark Harrington
Tracklist  :
1 –Jay Jay Johnson Sextet - Elysee 3:07
Written-By – John Lewis 
2 –Jay Jay Johnson Sextet - Hi-Lo 2:43
Written-By – Sonny Rollins
3 –Jay Jay Johnson Sextet - Fox Hunt 2:46
Written-By – J. J. Johnson 
4 –Jay Jay Johnson Sextet - Opus V 2:46
Written-By – Johnson 
5 –Bennie Green Septet - Green Junction 2:52
Written-By – Bennie Green
6 –Bennie Green Septet - Flowing River 2:40
Written-By – Green 
7 –Kai Winding Sextet - A Night On Bop Mountain 3:34
Written-By – Kai Winding
8 –Kai Winding Sextet - Waterworks (Alternate) 3:39
Written-By – Gerry Mulligan
9 –Kai Winding Sextet - Broadway (Alternate) 3:19
Written-By – Woods , McRae 
10 –Kai Winding Sextet - Sid's Bounce 3:16
Written-By – Joe Kaminsky
11 –Bennie Green Septet - Whirl-A-Licks 3:17
Written-By – Bennie Green
12 –Bennie Green Septet - Pennies From Heaven 2:14
Written-By – Johnston, Burke
– BONUS TRACKS –
13    –Kai Winding Sextet - Broadway 3:08
14 –Kai Winding Sextet - Waterworks 3:38
15 –Kai Winding Sextet - A Night On Bop Mountain 3:24
16 –Bennie Green Septet - Tenor Sax Shuffle 3:04
17 –Bennie Green Septet - Sugar Syrup 3:01
Credits :
# 1 to 4 - New York City; 1949
JJ.Johnson - Trombone  
Sonny Rollins - Tenor Saxophone
Kenny Dorham - Trumpet
John Lewis - Piano
Leonard Gaskin - Bass
Max Roach - Drums

# 7 to 10 & 13-15 - New York City;  1949
Trombone – Kai Winding
Tenor Saxophone – Brew Moore
Baritone Saxophone – Gerry Mulligan
Piano – George Wallington
Bass – Curly Russell
Drums – Roy Haynes

# 5,6 11,12,16, 17 - New York City;  1951
Baritone Saxophone – Rudy Williams
Bass – Tommy Potter
Drums – Art Blakey
Piano – Teddy Brannon
Tenor Saxophone – "Big Nick" Nicholas, Eddie Davis
Trombone – Bennie Green

GEORGE RUSSELL SEXTET — Ezz-thetics (1961-1992) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is a true classic. Composer/pianist George Russell gathered together a very versatile group of talents (trumpeter Don Ellis, trombonist Dave Baker, Eric Dolphy on alto and bass clarinet, bassist Steve Swallow, and drummer Joe Hunt) to explore three of his originals, "'Round Midnight" (which is given an extraordinary treatment by Dolphy), Miles Davis' "Nardis," and David Baker's "Honesty." The music is post-bop and although using ideas from avant-garde jazz, it does not fall into any simple category. The improvising is at a very high level and the frameworks (which include free and stop-time sections) really inspire the players. Highly recommended. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Ezz-thetic 8:57
Composed By – George Russell
2    Nardis 4:34
Composed By – Miles Davis
3    Lydiot 8:06
Composed By – George Russell
4    Thoughts 5:32
Composed By – George Russell
5    Honesty 9:00
Composed By – Dave Baker
6    'Round Midnight 6:33
Composed By – Thelonious Monk
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Eric Dolphy
Bass – Steve Swallow
Bass Clarinet – Eric Dolphy (tracks: 2, 4)
Drums – Joe Hunt
Piano, Arranged By – George Russell
Trombone – Dave Baker
Trumpet – Don Ellis

ART PEPPER – The Trip (1977-1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Art Pepper made a name for himself around Los Angeles in the '50s as a leading light in the style then known as West Coast jazz -- a cool alternative to the hot hard bop being made in East Coast cities like New York and Philadelphia. Pepper never really fit the cool stereotype, however; he was too incendiary a soloist (influenced by Lester Young, perhaps, and Bird certainly), more inclined to inject overt anger and passion into his playing than contemporaries like Getz or Mulligan. By the time these sides were made in 1976, any residual coolness had been displaced by hot emotionalism and an almost manic intensity. The lessons of John Coltrane had clearly been absorbed, harmonically and otherwise; not only was Pepper more assertive than ever, but he also took more chances. Polish is for shoes and fingernails: by the late '70s Pepper was rough, raw, and nakedly vulnerable. Every solo this late in his career was an adventure. On this record the adventure is joined by ex-Coltrane drummer Elvin Jones, who doesn't interact with Pepper as much as one might expect, but nevertheless puts down the hard grooves the altoist needed to be at his best. There's a bit of a tentative cast to much of this record, almost as if the musicians were not yet completely comfortable with one another. Pepper's playing is first-rate, however: his interpretation of Michel Legrand's melody, "The Summer Knows," is by itself worth the price of the album. Given that he would not live many years longer after its recording, this one is a keeper. Chris Kelsey
Tracklist :
1    The Trip (Original Take) 8:46
Composed By – Art Pepper
2    The Trip (Alternate Take) 12:58
Composed By – Art Pepper
3    A Song For Richard 6:17
Composed By – Joe Gordon
4    Sweet Love Of Mine 6:34
Composed By – Woody Shaw
5    Junior Cat 7:46
Composed By – Art Pepper
6    The Summer Knows 7:09
Composed By – Alan & Marilyn Bergman, Michel LeGrand
7    Red Car 5:45
Composed By – Art Pepper
Credits :
Art Pepper - Alto Saxophone
George Cables - Piano
David Williams - Bass
Elvin Jones - Drums

CEDAR WALTON — Soul Cycle (1969-1995) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Soul Cycle, recorded in 1969, is pianist/composer Cedar Walton's attempt to "groove those who are already tuned in, while picking up some entirely new ears along the way." In his candid liner notes, he describes a major concern for jazz musicians at that time: How to be commercial without selling out. The electric instruments featured here are a nod to the times, but sound innocent compared to Miles Davis' contemporaneous Bitches Brew.

The opening "Sundown Express" sounds almost like an urban TV show theme, but James Moody's tentative, edgy sax solo sustains the suspense. The mellow, inoffensive, Latin-tinged "Quiet Dawn" also sounds influenced by television, while Stevie Wonder's "My Cherie Amour" finds us in the compromising place Walton describes in his liner notes. But on "Pensativa," "Easy Walker," and "I Should Care," Walton returns to the acoustic piano, and the band sounds more relaxed. An interesting effort that reflects its times, Soul Cycle confirms that Walton's playing is most authoritative in a blues/bop landscape. Rovi Staff   

Tracklist :

1 Sundown Express 6:49

Written-By – Walton

2 Quiet Dawn 7:31

Written-By – Cal Massey

3 Pensativa 6:28

Written-By – Clare Fisher

4 My Cherie Amour 4:13

Written-By – Cosby

5 Easy Walker 8:03

Written-By – Billy Taylor

6 I Should Care 3:26

Written-By – Stordahl, Wetstein, Cahn

Credits :

Bass, Bass [Fender] – Reggie Workman

Drums – Albert "Tootie" Heath

Guitar – Rudy Stevenson

Piano, Electric Piano – Cedar Walton

Tenor Saxophone, Flute – James Moody

THE CEDAR WALTON TRIO, QUARTET & QUINTET — Cedar! (1967-1990) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Pianist Cedar Walton's debut as a leader is quite impressive. This CD reissue (which includes a "new" rendition of "Take the 'A' Train") showcases Walton with bassist Leroy Vinnegar and drummer Billy Higgins on "My Ship," features a pair of quartet numbers with trumpeter Kenny Dorham, has tenor saxophonist Junior Cook in Dorham's place on two other pieces (including "Come Sunday") and uses a quintet on the two remaining selections. One of the top hard bop-based pianists to emerge during the 1960s, Walton also contributed four originals to his excellent set. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Turquoise Twice    7:17
 Cedar Walton
2    Twilight Waltz    4:17
 Cedar Walton
3    My Ship    5:31
 Ira Gershwin / Kurt Weill
4    Short Stuff    6:23
 Cedar Walton
5    Head And Shoulders    4:13
 Cedar Walton
6    Come Sunday    6:56
 Duke Ellington
7    Take The "A" Train    3:27
 Billy Strayhorn
Credits :
Bass – Leroy Vinnegar
Drums – Billy Higgins
Piano – Cedar Walton
Tenor Saxophone – Junior Cook
Trumpet – Kenny Dorham

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

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

HONI GORDON — Honi Gordon Sings (1962-1991) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Honi Gordon's obscurity (this was her only recording as a solo singer) is a mystery for she displays a great deal of talent on this date. Her father George Gordon wrote some of the tricky lyrics (which are phrased like a horn) and Honi (who is given stimulating support by pianist Jaki Byard, Ken McIntyre on flute and alto, guitarist Wally Richardson, bassist George Duvivier and drummer Ed Shaughnessy) is up to the job. Her version of Charles Mingus's "Strollin'" is definitive, she finds something new to say on "Ill Wind" and really digs into the originals. This is bop-based jazz singing at its best. Scott Yanow
Tracklist
1     Strollin' 4:30
Honi Gordon / Charles Mingus
2     Ill Wind 2:30
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
3     My Kokomo 5:15
George Gordon
4     Why Try to Change Me Now? 4:55
Cy Coleman / Joseph McCarthy
5     Cupid 3:20
Honi Gordon
6     Walkin' (Out the Door) 3:05
Mary Lou Williams
7     Why 3:20
Consuela Moorehead
8     Love Affair 3:40
Honi Gordon
9     Lament of the Lonely 2:43
Esmond Edwards
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Flute  – Ken McIntyre
Bass – George Duvivier
Drums – Eddie Shaughnessy
Guitar – Wally Richardson
Piano – Jaki Byard
Vocals – Honi Gordon

PRINCE LASHA QUINTET ft. SONNY SIMMONS – The Cry ! (1963-2001) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

In the early '60s, flutist Prince Lasha's work with alto saxophonist Sonny Simmons was often compared to the trailblazing free jazz that Ornette Coleman was exploring at the time. To be sure, Coleman was a major inspiration to both of them. And yet, The Cry! demonstrates that Lasha's work with Simmons had an avant-garde energy of its own. Coleman is a strong influence on this 1962 session -- which Lasha co-led with Simmons -- but The Cry! isn't an outright imitation of Coleman's work any more than Phil Woods' recordings are outright imitations of Charlie Parker's. For one thing, The Cry! is slightly more accessible than the albums that Coleman recorded for Atlantic in the early '60s. Free jazz performances like "Bojangles," "A.Y.," and the rhythmic "Congo Call" are abstract, cerebral, and left-of-center, but they're still a bit more accessible than Coleman's harmolodic experimentation. The same thing goes for the Latin-influenced "Juanita" and the bluesy "Red's Mood," which is Coleman-minded but also has a strong Charlie Parker influence -- in fact, the tune successfully bridges the gap between Bird and Coleman and shows listeners what those altoists had in common. It should be noted that, even though The Cry! (which employs Gary Peacock or Mark Proctor on acoustic bass and Gene Stone on drums) is free jazz, it isn't the blistering, ferocious stuff that Albert Ayler, Cecil Taylor, and late-period John Coltrane were known for in the 1960s. This album is quirky and dissonant, but it isn't harsh or confrontational. In avant-garde circles, The Cry! went down in history as one of Lasha's finest accomplishments -- and deservedly so. Alex Henderson
Tracklist :
1    Congo Call    5:02
  Written-By – Prince Lasha, Sonny Simmons
2    Bojangles    7:00
  Written-By – Prince Lasha, Sonny Simmons
3    Green And Gold    4:52
  Written-By – Prince Lasha, Sonny Simmons
4    Ghost Of The Past    4:49
  Written-By – Prince Lasha, Sonny Simmons
5    Red's Mood    5:04
  Written-By – Prince Lasha, Sonny Simmons
6    Juanita    5:32
  Written-By – Prince Lasha, Sonny Simmons
7    Lost Generation    5:15
  Written-By – Prince Lasha, Sonny Simmons
8    A.Y.    4:46
  Written-By – Prince Lasha, Sonny Simmons
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Sonny Simmons
Bass – Gary Peacock, Mark Proctor (tracks: 1, 3 to 6)
Drums – Gene Stone
Flute – Prince Lasha

JOE HENDERSON ft. ALICE COLTRANE - The Elements (1974-1996) RM | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

This is one of the odder Joe Henderson recordings. The four lengthy selections not only feature the great tenor-saxophonist but the piano and harp of Alice Coltrane (during one of her rare appearances as a sideman), violinist Michael White, bassist Charlie Haden, percussionist Kenneth Nash and Baba Duru Oshun on tablas. The somewhat spiritual nature of the music (Henderson's compositions are titled "Fire," "Air," "Water" and "Earth") and the presence of Alice Coltrane makes these Eastern-flavored performances rather unique if not all that essential: an early example of world music in jazz. This recording has been reissued as part of Henderson's eight-CD Milestone box set. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Fire    11:07
 Joe Henderson
2    Air    9:53
 Joe Henderson
3    Water 7:27
 Joe Henderson
Flute [Wood] – Kenneth Nash
4    Earth 13:07
 Joe Henderson
Narrator – Kenneth Nash
Credits :
Bass – Charlie Haden
Congas, Percussion [North African Sakara Drum], Bells [Chinese, African, Indian], Gong, Percussion – Kenneth Nash
Drums – Leon Ndugu Chancler (tracks: 1, 4)
Piano, Harp, Tambura, Harmonium – Alice Coltrane
Tabla, Percussion – Baba Duru Oshun
Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Composed By, Alto Flute – Joe Henderson
Violin – Michael White (tracks: 1, 2, 4)

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

SONNY STITT — Kaleidoscope (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Deftly handling the alto, tenor, and baritone saxophone, bebop giant Sonny Stitt is heard to perfection here on a variety of early-'50s dates. Stitt not only shows off his patented speed throughout, but he goes a long way in dispelling criticisms of him being all fire and no grace. The 16-track disc kicks off with four tight, Latin-tinged swingers featuring an octet that includes trumpeter Joe Newman and timbales player Humberto Morales. Switching to piano quartet mode for the bulk of the disc, Stitt ranges effortlessly from frenetic blasts ("Cherokee") to golden-hued ballads ("Imagination"). Capping off the set with four bonus cuts featuring the likes of Gene Ammons and Junior Mance, Stitt delivers one of the top sets of performances from the late bebop era. Stephen Cook
Tracklist :
1    Stitt's It 2:35
Written-By – Massey, Stitt
2    Cool Mambo 2:40
Written-By – Massey, Stitt
3    Blue Mambo 2:25
Written-By – Massey, Stitt
4    Sonny Sounds 2:29
Written-By – Massey, Stitt
5    Ain't Misbehavin' 3:02
Written-By – Razaf, Waller, Brooks
6    Later 3:00
Written-By – Sonny Stitt
7    P.S. I Love You 3:00
Written-By – Jenkins, Mercer
8    This Can't Be Love 2:47
Written-By – Rodgers-Hart
9    Imagination 3:24
Written-By – Burke-Van Heusen
10    Cherokee 2:33
Written-By – Ray Noble
11    Can't We Be Friends 2:41
Written-By – Swift, James
12    Liza (All The Clouds'll Roll Away) 2:45
Written-By – Gershwin-Gershwin, Kahn
– BONUS TRACK –
13    To Think You've Chosen Me 3:11
Written-By – Benjamin, Weiss
14    After You've Gone 2:25
Written-By – Creamer, Layton
15    Our Very Own 3:05
Written-By – Elliot, Young
16    'S Wonderful 2:24
Written-By – Gershwin-Gershwin
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Sonny Stitt
Baritone Saxophone – Gene Ammons (tracks: 13 to 16)
Bass – Ernie Sheppard (tracks: 1 to 4), Gene Wright (tracks: 7 to 16), Tommy Potter (tracks: 5, 6)
Drums – Art Blakey (tracks: 5, 6, 9, 10), Shadow Wilson (tracks: 1 to 4), Teddy Stewart (tracks: 7, 8, 11, 12), Wesley Landers (tracks: 13 to 16)
Engineer [Recording] – Rudy Van Gelder
Piano – Charlie Bateman (tracks: 7, 8, 11, 12), John Houston (tracks: 1 to 4), Junior Mance (tracks: 9, 10, 13 to 16), Kenny Drew (tracks: 5, 6)
Timbales – Humberto Morales (tracks: 2, 3)
Trombone – Matthew Gee (tracks: 13 to 16)
Trumpet – Bill Massey (tracks: 1 to 4, 13 to 16), Joe Newman (tracks: 1 to 4), John Hunt (tracks: 1 to 4)
Vocals – Larry Townsend (tracks: 13 to 16)
Nota.
Selections #1-4 recorded on March 25, 1952; #5-6 February 17, 1950; #7-8 February 1, 1951; #9-10 December 15, 1950; #11-12 January 31, 1951; #13-16 October 8, 1950. All selections recorded in New York City.
NoNOISE reprocessing by Sonic Solutions.
Audio restoration and digital remastering, 1992 (Fantasy Studios, Berkeley).
Selections #13-16 previously released on Stitt’s Bits (Prestige 7585).

OSCAR PETERSON | MILT JACKSON — Two Of The Few (1983-1992) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This CD reissue brings back a unique duet recording featuring pianist Oscar Peterson and vibraphonist Milt Jackson. One would expect the instrumentation to feature mostly ballads, but the opposite is true as O.P. and Bags romp through quite a few uptempo pieces. Highlights include "Oh, Lady Be Good," "Limehouse Blues," "Reunion Blues," and "Just You, Just Me." This is a successful and highly enjoyable outing. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1        Lady Be Good 7:54
Written-By – George & Ira Gershwin
2        If I Had You 4:27
Written-By – James Campbell, Reginald Connelly, Ted Shapiro
3        Limehouse Blues 4:28
Written-By – Douglas Furber, Philip Braham
4        Mister Basie 5:54
Written-By – Oscar Peterson
5        Reunion Blues 5:12
Written-By – Milt Jackson
6        More Than You Know 6:35
Written-By – Billy Rose, Edward Eliscu, Vincent Youmans
7        Just You, Just Me 5:07
Written-By – Jesse Greer, Raymond Klages
8        Here's Two Of The Few 5:56
Written-By – Milt Jackson
Credits :
Piano – Oscar Peterson
Vibraphone [Vibes] – Milt Jackson

HAROLD LAND — West Coast Blues! (1960-1996) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This reissue (which surprisingly has not yet come out in complete fashion on CD) was originally recorded for the Jazzland label. Tenor saxophonist Harold Land leads an all-star sextet that includes guitarist Wes Montgomery, trumpeter Joe Gordon, pianist Barry Harris, bassist Sam Jones and drummer Louis Hayes. Together, they perform three of Land's originals, "Don't Explain," and Charlie Parker's "Klactoveedsedstene," and an early version of Montgomery's "West Coast Blues." The music is as well-played and swinging as one would expect from this superior bop group. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Úrsula 7:05
Written-By – Harold Land
2    Klactoveedsedstene 6:01
Written-By – Charlie Parker
3    Don't Explain 9:56
Written-By – Herzog, Holiday
4    West Coast Blues 7:45
Written-By – Wes Montgomery
5    Terrain 4:52
Written-By – Land
6    Compulsion 6:47
Written-By – Land
Credits :
Bass – Sam Jones
Drums – Louis Hayes
Guitar – Wes Montgomery
Piano – Barry Harris
Tenor Saxophone – Harold Land
Trumpet – Joe Gordon

THELONIOUS MONK SEPTET - Monk's Music (1957) Two Version (1986, RM | MONO | Riverside CD Masterpiece Series – 6) + (2011, RM | Serie Original Jazz Classics Remasters) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Monk's Music is often cited as one of the focal points of Thelonious Monk's six-year affiliation (1955-1961) with the Riverside label. Although the original disc clocked in at slightly over 30 minutes, packed into that half hour are not only the introduction of a few of Monk's signature compositions, but also some amazing interactions from the assembled ensemble. Joining Thelonious Monk (piano) during these two recording sessions are Ray Copeland (trumpet), Gigi Gryce (alto sax), Coleman Hawkins (tenor sax), John Coltrane (tenor sax), Wilbur Ware (bass), and Art Blakey (drums). The true meaning of the album's title exists beyond just Thelonious, as the opening sacred prelude, "Abide With Me," was written by William H. Monk. This brief piece features only the horn quartet, foreshadowing their importance throughout the album. The angular stride style featured during the chorus of "Well You Needn't" is tackled with the same nimble authority as Monk's completely unfettered solos. If his ability to swing and his utilization of atomic clock accuracy have ever been questioned, the answer lies no further. So utterly free and fantastic, certain passages command immediate review to be fully comprehended. Hearing Coltrane and Hawkins together is admittedly part of the charm in these sides. "Ruby, My Dear" is bathed in the smoky essence of Hawkins' rich textures and Coltrane's playful cat-and-mouse aggression. Blakey gently propels the rhythm, never getting in the way and sporting a serene snare groove throughout. "Off Minor" is largely led by Monk, with solos that follow into and out of the memorable chorus that sparkles with the full involvement of the horn and rhythm sections. The same is true for this definitive version of "Epistrophy" -- perhaps the zenith collaborative effort between Coltrane and Monk. AdAdditionally, Blakey is in top form, with a solo that borders on spastic precision. Lindsay Planer
Tracklist :
1    Abide with Me 0:55    
Henry Francis Lyte / Thelonious Monk
2    Well, You Needn't 11:27
Thelonious Monk
3    Ruby, My Dear 5:28    
Thelonious Monk
4    Off Minor (Take 5) 5:11    
Thelonious Monk
5    Epistrophy  10:48
Kenny Clarke / Thelonious Monk
6    Crepuscule with Nellie (Take 6) 4:40    
Thelonious Monk
– BONUS TRACK –
7    Off Minor (Take 4) 5:15    
Thelonious Monk
 8    Crepuscule with Nellie (Take 4 & 5) 4:44
Thelonious Monk
9    Blues For Tomorrow    13:33
Credits :
Trumpet – Ray Copeland
Alto Saxophone – Gigi Gryce
Bass – Wilbur Ware
Drums – Art Blakey
Piano – Thelonious Monk
Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins, John Coltrane

ERNIE HENRY — Presenting Ernie Henry (1956-1999) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Altoist Ernie Henry's first of three sessions as a leader, all of which were made within 16 months of his premature death, served as a strong debut. Joined by trumpeter Kenny Dorham, pianist Kenny Drew, bassist Wilbur Ware and drummer Art Taylor, Henry -- who always had a distinctive tone -- performs five of his boppish originals, plus "Gone With the Wind" and "I Should Care." Throughout the date, Henry hints strongly at the great potential he had. This set has thus far only been reissued by the OJC series on LP. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Gone With The Wind    3:24
 Herbert Magidson / Allie Wrubel
2    Orient    5:10
 Ernie Henry
3    Free Flight    5:48
 Ernie Henry
4    Checkmate    5:55
 Ernie Henry
5    Active Ingredients    5:03
 Ernie Henry
6    I Should Care    5:07
 Sammy Cahn / Axel Stordahl / Paul Weston
7    Cleo's Chant    8:21
 Ernie Henry
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Ernie Henry
Bass – Wilbur Ware
Drums – Art Taylor
Piano – Kenny Drew
Trumpet – Kenny Dorham

THE LUCKY THOMPSON QUARTET — Lucky Strikes (1964-1987) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This CD reissue serves as a perfect introduction to the talents of the underrated saxophonist Lucky Thompson. Heard on four songs apiece on tenor and soprano (he was one of the first bop-oriented soprano players), Thompson plays two standards and six originals in a quartet with pianist Hank Jones, bassist Richard Davis, and drummer Connie Kay. The playing time on this straight reissue of an earlier LP is a bit brief (just over 38 minutes), but the quality is quite high. Thompson's soprano solos in particular are quite memorable. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 In a Sentimental Mood 5:49
Duke Ellington / Manny Kurtz / Irving Mills
2 Fly With the Wind 4:01
Lucky Thompson
3 Mid-Nite Oil 5:08
Lucky Thompson
4 Reminiscent 4:04
Lucky Thompson
5 Mumba Neua 4:47
Lucky Thompson
6 I Forgot to Remember 6:36
Lucky Thompson
7 Prey-Loot 4:05
Lucky Thompson
8 Invitation 4:55
Bronislaw Kaper
Credits :
Bass – Richard Davis
Drums – Connie Kay
Piano – Hank Jones
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Lucky Thompson

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)

ART PEPPER — Living Legend (1975-1989) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Art Pepper, one of the major bop altoists to emerge during the '50s, started his comeback with this excellent set, Living Legend. After 15 years filled with prison time and fighting drug addiction, Pepper was finally ready to return to jazz. Accompanied by three of his old friends (pianist Hampton Hawes, bassist Charlie Haden and drummer Shelly Manne), Pepper displays a more explorative and darker style than he had previously. He also shows a greater emotional depth in his improvisations and was open to some of the innovations of the avant-garde in his search for greater self-expression. Although this recording would be topped by the ones to come, the music (five Pepper originals and an intense version of "Here's That Rainy Day") is quite rewarding. Scott Yanow
Tracklist  :
1 Ophelia 7:51
 Art Pepper
2 Here's That Rainy Day 5:37
Written-By – Jimmy Van Heusen And Johnny Burke
3 What Laurie Likes 6:45
 Art Pepper
4 Mr. Yohe 7:10
 Art Pepper
5 Lost Life 5:52
 Art Pepper
6 Samba Mom-Mom (Original Take) 8:18
 Art Pepper
7 Samba Mom-Mom (Alternate Take) 6:59
 Art Pepper
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Art Pepper
Bass – Charlie Haden
Drums – Shelly Manne
Piano – Hampton Hawes

BILL SMITH — Folk Jazz (1959-2003) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A record that could only have been made in the late '50s, 1959's Folk Jazz is a meeting of the two great collegiate crazes of the period, post-bebop modern jazz and traditional folk music. Clarinetist Bill Smith and a low-key piano-less trio ? Jim Hall on guitar, Monty Budwig on bass and the great Shelly Manne on drums ? take 10 songs from the folk tradition, strip them down to the bare essentials of melody and chord progressions and turn them into a Kind of Blue-like experiment in cool-toned modal jazz. Familiar standards like "Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair" (which opens with an extended unaccompanied solo by Smith that's a marvel of economy) are presented in entirely new and fresh settings. Perhaps the best of the lot is an extended meditation on the spiritual "Go Down Moses" that turns the song from a gospel shout to an intimate whisper. The 2003 CD reissue adds two tracks, alternate takes of "Reuben, Reuben" and "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen." Stewart Mason
Tracklist :
1    A-Roving    4:12
 Traditional
2    Greensleeves    5:00
 Traditional
3    Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen    3:35
 Traditional
4    John Henry    4:18
 Traditional
5    Wayfaring Stranger    4:21
 Traditional
6    Three Blind Mice    3:27
 Traditional
7    Go Down, Moses    6:44
 Traditional
8        Blow The Man Down    3:34
 Traditional
9    Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair    4:10
 Traditional
10    Reuben, Reuben    3:30
 Traditional
11    Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen (Alt. Take 1)    5:50
 James Cox
12    Reuben, Reuben (Alt. Take 14)    3:49
 Traditional
Credits :
Bass – Monty Budwig
Clarinet, Arranged By, Adapted By – Bill Smith
Drums – Shelly Manne
Guitar – Jim Hall

JOE GORDON — Lookin' Good! (1961-2001) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Joe Gordon did not live long, only making it to 35. His second of two recordings as a leader (originally released by Contemporary) finds him on the verge of leading his own group. Gordon wrote all eight of the selections and is joined by adventurous but obscure altoist Jimmy Woods, pianist Dick Whittington, bassist Jimmy Bond, and drummer Milt Turner. Although the solos are generally more memorable than the tunes, this is an excellent effort that hints at what might have been had Joe Gordon lived. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Terra Firma Irma    7:42
Written-By – Joe Gordon
2    A Song For Richard    5:00
Written-By – Joe Gordon
3    Non-Viennese Waltz Blues    4:11
Written-By – Joe Gordon
4    You're The Only Girl In The Next World For Me    4:01
Written-By – Joe Gordon
5    Co-op Blues    5:55
Written-By – Joe Gordon
6    Marianna    4:08
Written-By – Joe Gordon
7    Heleen    4:01
Written-By – Joe Gordon
8    Diminishing    5:05
Written-By – Joe Gordon
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Jimmy Woods
Bass – Jimmy Bond
Drums – Milt Turner
Piano – Dick Whittington
Trumpet – Joe Gordon