SHELLY MANNE & HIS FRIENDS — Bells Are Ringing (1958-1996) RM | Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

When Shelly Manne and His Friends (a trio starring pianist André Previn) had a surprise hit with their interpretations of melodies from My Fair Lady, it started a trend toward recording jazz versions of scores from plays. For this LP, Manne's trio (with Previn and bassist Red Mitchell) perform nine songs from the play Bells Are Ringing. Although seven of the pieces remained obscure, "The Party's Over" (which is heard twice) and particularly "Just in Time" caught on. As is always the case with this group, Previn's piano is the lead voice and his virtuosity, good taste, melodic improvising, and solid sense of swing are chiefly responsible for the music's success. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    I Met A Girl    3:18
 Betty Comden / Adolph Green / Jule Styne 
2.    Just In Time    3:34
 Betty Comden / Adolph Green / Jule Styne 
3.    Independent (On My Own)    5:11
 Betty Comden / Adolph Green / Jule Styne 
4.    The Party's Over (Ballad Version)    5:46
 Betty Comden / Adolph Green / Jule Styne 
5.    It's A Perfect Relationship    3:43
 Betty Comden / Adolph Green / Jule Styne 
6.    Is It A Crime?    3:06
 Betty Comden / Adolph Green / Jule Styne 
7.    Better Than A Dream     5:54
 Betty Comden / Adolph Green / Jule Styne 
8.    Mu-Cha-Cha    4:23
 Betty Comden / Adolph Green / Jule Styne 
9.    Long Before I Knew You    4:10
 Betty Comden / Adolph Green / Jule Styne 
10.    The Party's Over (Up Tempo Version)    4:00
 Betty Comden / Adolph Green / Jule Styne 
Credits :
Bass – Red Mitchell
Drums – Shelly Manne
Piano – André Previn
Producer, Liner Notes – Lester Koenig 

BOBBY TIMMONS TRIO — Born to Be Blue! (1963-1995) RM | Two Version | APE + FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Throughout his career, Bobby Timmons was typecast as a soulful and blues-oriented pianist due to his hits ("Moanin '," "This Here" and "Dis Dat"). But as he shows on this 1963 trio date (with either Sam Jones or Ron Carter on bass and drummer Connie Kay), Timmons was actually a well-rounded player when inspired. The repertoire on his CD ranges from bop to spirituals, from three diverse originals to "Born to Be Blue." This is excellent music but unfortunately Timmons would not grow much musically after this period. His CD is worth picking up. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    Born To Be Blue    4:23
 Mel Tormé / Robert Wells 
2.    Malice Towards None    4:55
 Tom McIntosh 
3.    Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child    4:40
 Traditional 
4.    Know Not One    7:52
 Bobby Timmons 
5.    The Sit-In    4:15
 Bobby Timmons 
6.    Namely You    6:01
 Gene DePaul / Johnny Mercer 
7.    Often Annie    9:16
 Bobby Timmons 
Credits :
Bass – Ron Carter (tracks: 3, 4, 6), Sam Jones (tracks: 1, 2, 5, 7)
Drums – Connie Kay
Engineer [Recording Engineer] – Ray Fowler
Piano – Bobby Timmons
Producer [Produced By] – Orrin Keepnews
Remastered By [Remastering] – Kirk Felton 

CHUCK WAYNE — Morning Mist (1964-2003) RM | Two Version | APE + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Despite talent galore, certain artists never become widely known because they remain out of the spotlight. In jazz, for instance, leaders of innovative styles receive more copy than accompanists who only occasionally record their own dates. Guitarist Chuck Wayne bopped his way through the '40s and '50s playing with Dizzy Gillespie, George Shearing, and Tony Bennett. Recorded for Prestige in 1964, Morning Mist was one of the small number of albums Wayne recorded as a leader. He's joined by bassist Joe Williams and drummer Ronnie Bedford for intimate, short takes on ten pieces. Recorded in one day, originals like Wayne's "Shalimar" rub shoulders with the Gershwin brothers' "Someone to Watch Over Me" and Ellington/Persons' "Things Ain't What They Used to Be." Wayne's gentle touch runs toward the cool side of bop, though he's certainly capable of passionate work, as on "See Saw." The guitarist renders himself most distinct, surprisingly, when he sets the guitar aside for the banjo on Stephen Sondheim's "Lovely." Perhaps someone on Prestige's folk roster left the banjo behind in the studio, but whatever the reason for the choice, it was an inspired one. Morning Mist is a likable album and guitar lovers unfamiliar with Wayne's gifts will be glad Original Jazz Classics reissued it in 2003. Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.
Tracklist :
1.    Goodbye    2:25
 Gordon Jenkins 
2.    See Saw    3:04
 Chuck Wayne 
3.    Li'l Darlin    4:03
 Neal Hefti 
4.    I'll Get Along    2:25
 Chuck Wayne 
5.    Things Ain't What They Used To Be    3:16
 Duke Ellington / Ted Persons 
6.    Shalimar    3:29
 Chuck Wayne 
7.    Someone To Watch Over Me    2:54
 George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin 
8.    The Song Is You    2:50
 Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern 
9.    Alone At Last    2:05
 Bob Hilliard / John Lehman / Victor Young 
10.    Lovely   2:50
 Stephen Sondheim 
Banjo – Chuck Wayne
Credits :
Bass – Joe Williams 
Drums – Ronnie Bedford
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Guitar – Chuck Wayne
Producer – Cal Lampley
Remastered By – Joe Tarantino

CANNONBALL ADDERLEY AND HIS ORCHESTRA — African Waltz (1961-2000) 20 Bit Remastered Series | Two Version | APE + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

The music on African Waltz is better than it should be. Cannonball Adderley had a fluke hit with "African Waltz," so a full album was recorded with the hopes of coming up with additional hits. These 11 selections (which include "African Waltz") feature altoist Adderley backed by an 18-piece big band with arrangements provided by Ernie Wilkins and Bob Brookmeyer. The tunes clock in between two and five minutes and leave little room for much improvising by anyone other than Cannonball, his brother Nat on cornet, and pianist Wynton Kelly. There is some strong material on the set (including "West Coast Blues," "Stockholm Sweetnin'" and a remake of "This Here"), but the results are not too substantial and this was not that big a seller but it is still a reasonably enjoyable effort. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Something Different 2:59
Written-By – Chuck Mangione
2 West Coast Blues 4:02
Soloist – Bob Brookmeyer
Written-By – Wes Montgomery
3 Smoke Gets In Your Eyes 3:00
Written-By – Kern, Harbach
4 The Uptown 2:12
Written-By – Junior Mance
5 Stockholm Sweetin' 3:37
Written-By – Quincy Jones
6 African Waltz 2:08
Written-By – McDermott, Mitchell, Sachs
7 Blue Brass Band 4:46
Soloist – Oliver Nelson
Written-By – Nat Adderley
8 Kelly Blue 3:46
Written-By – Wynton Kelly
9 Letter From Home 1:55
Soloist [Piccolo Flute] – Jerome Richardson
Written-By – Mance
10 I'll Close My Eyes 3:39
Written-By – Reid, Kaye
11 This Here 3:00
Written-By – Bobby Timmons
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Flute – George Dorsey
Alto Saxophone, Soloist – Cannonball Adderley
Arranged By – Bob Brookmeyer (tracks: 5, 10), Ernie Wilkins (tracks: 1 to 4, 6 to 9, 11)
Baritone Saxophone – Arthur Clarke
Bass – Sam Jones
Conductor – Ernie Wilkins
Congas – Ray Barretto (tracks: 1 to 7, 9 to 11)
Drums – Charlie Persip, Louis Hayes
Drums [African] – Michael Olatunji (tracks: 6, 8)
Piano – Wynton Kelly
Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Oliver Nelson
Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Piccolo Flute – Jerome Richardson
Trombone – Arnett Sparrow (tracks: 6, 8), Bob Brookmeyer (tracks: 1 to 7, 9 to 11), George Matthews  (tracks: 6, 8), Jimmy Cleveland, Melba Liston (tracks: 1 to 7, 9 to 11), Paul Faulise
Trumpet – Clark Terry, Ernie Royal, Joe Newman (tracks: 6, 8), Nick Travis (tracks: 1 to 7, 9 to 11)
Trumpet, Soloist – Nat Adderley
Tuba – Don Butterfield

HAMPTON HAWES QUARTET — All Night Session! 1 (1958-1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

On the night of November 12 and into the morning of November 13, 1956, a quartet led by pianist Hampton Hawes recorded enough material to fill three long-playing phonograph record albums. This studio session contained many elements associated with a live gig: the work took place during regular nightclub performing hours, the improvisations were mostly extended, and there were no alternate takes. A remarkable freshness and spontaneity prevailed throughout the session. Although controversy continues regarding the original sequence of titles, Duke Jordan's "Jordu" and Dizzy Gillespie's "Groovin' High" are superb openers for this first of three volumes. In addition to an invigorating run down "Broadway," Hawes improvised two original themes: "Takin' Care" and a bluesy walk entitled "Hampton's Pulpit" that stretched out for more than 11 minutes, making it the longest track of the entire all-night session. Collaborating with the pianist on this historic date were guitarist Jim Hall, bassist Red Mitchell, and drummer Eldridge "Bruz" Freeman. The interplay between these four men is marvelous, particularly when heard with headphones or through a sound system allowing for a full appreciation of the stereophonic balance achieved by the recording engineers. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist :
1.    Jordu  7:05
Written-By – Duke Jordan
2.    Groovin' High  5:44
Written-By – Dizzy Gillespie
3.    Takin' Care  8:07
Written-By – Hampton Hawes
4.    Broadway  6:50
Written-By – Bill Bird, Henri Woode, Teddy McRae
5.    Hampton's Pulpit  11:14
Written-By – Hampton Hawes
Credits :
Bass – Red Mitchell
Drums – Bruz Freeman
Guitar – Jim Hall
Piano – Hampton Hawes 

HAMPTON HAWES QUARTET — All Night Session ! 2 (1958-1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is the second of three albums that came about as the result of an all-night recording session that took place in Los Angeles on November 12 and 13, 1956. Although Hampton Hawes spontaneously created five original tunes at this extraordinarily inspired date, everything on Vol. 2 comes directly out of the standard bop musician's working repertoire. The quartet, with bassist Red Mitchell, guitarist Jim Hall, and drummer Eldridge "Bruz" Freeman, collectively improvise their way through four attractive standards ("I Should Care" turned out to be the only slow ballad of the entire session) and three of Dizzy Gillespie's most refreshing creations. In 1958 Hawes was quoted as saying "It's hard to put into words how good it feels to play jazz when it's really swinging...I've reached a point where the music fills you up so much emotionally that you feel like shouting hallelujah -- like people do in church when they're converted to God. That's the way I was feeling the night we recorded All Night Session!". arwulf arwulf
Tracklist :
1.    I'll Remember April    7:05
 Gene DePaul / Patricia Johnston / Don Raye 
2.    I Should Care    4:28
 Sammy Cahn / Axel Stordahl / Paul Weston 
3.    Woody'n You    5:45
 Dizzy Gillespie 
4.    Two Bass Hit    2:54
 Dizzy Gillespie / John Lewis
5.    Will You Still Be Mine    6:59
 Tom Adair / Matt Dennis 
6.    April In Paris    7:34
 Vernon Duke / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg 
7.    Blue 'N' Boogie    8:10
 Dizzy Gillespie / Frank Paparelli 
Credits :
Bass – Red Mitchell
Drums – Bruz Freeman
Guitar – Jim Hall
Piano – Hampton Hawes 

HAMPTON HAWES QUARTET — All Night Session! 3 (1958-1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Vol. 3 of the Hampton Hawes Quartet's All Night Session contains three spontaneously improvised variations on the blues, one very cool extended rendition of Duke Ellington's "Do Nothin' 'Till You Hear from Me" and a strikingly handsome treatment of Harold Arlen's "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea." The briskly paced "Blues #4" is especially progressive and exciting. Apparently "Blues of a Sort" was a warm-up performance, as voices are audible (discussing a football game!) in the background during the bass solo. For this one-take marathon late-night session of November 12 and 13, 1956, Hawes chose to share the studio with guitarist Jim Hall, bassist Red Mitchell and drummer Eldridge "Bruz" Freeman, who had replaced Chuck Thompson following that musician's sudden inability to continue touring with the group earlier that year. "We gave Chuck what money we could and left him sitting on a hospital cot in a white bathrobe." This grim image, like much of Hawes' autobiography Raise Up Off Me, paints a stark picture of the narcotics epidemic among jazz musicians during the '50s. Although this was the first peak of his career, Hawes later admitted that "during the fall of 1956 I was messing up consistently -- showing late on gigs or missing them altogether." He had lots of offers for work, including the possibility of providing music for a film soundtrack: "Wanted to do it, would have paid good, but at the time I didn't even have the bread to get high enough to get to the studio to see what they had in mind." One of the great incongruities of bop is the fact that Charlie Parker and the musicians who were most directly influenced by him were able to be so creative and prolific while grappling with addictions that confounded, immobilized, and eventually slew them. All of these insights quietly swarm beneath the surface of what added up to more than two hours of exceptionally fine quartet jazz. The complete All Night Session was issued in 2007 by the Definitive label and is emphatically recommended for listeners of every persuasion. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist :
1.    Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me  11:03
Written-By – Bob Russell, Duke Ellington
2.    Blues #3  7:38
Composed By – Hampton Hawes
3.    Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea  11:00
Written-By – Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler
4.    Blues #4  6:17
Composed By – Hampton Hawes
5.    Blues Of A Sort  5:37
Composed By – Hampton Hawes
Credits :
Bass – Red Mitchell
Drums – Bruz Freeman
Guitar – Jim Hall
Piano – Hampton Hawes

BARBARA LEA — Lea in Love (1957-1990) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Singer Barbara Lea often recalls her idol and friend Lee Wiley on this set of love songs. The backup is uniformly tasteful but changes from song to song with such impressive stylists as trumpeter Johnny Windhurst, baritonist Ernie Caceres, Garvin Bushell (on oboe and bassoon), Dick Cary (the arranger on piano and alto horn), guitarist Jimmy Raney and (on a beautiful version of "True Love") harpist Adele Girard making memorable appearances. Lea's straightforward and heartfelt delivery is heard at its best on such songs as "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To," "Mountain Greenery," "More than You Know" and "Autumn Leaves" (which is partly taken in French). These interpretations are often touching. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    Will I Find My Love Today?  3:45
 Sean Fogarty / Sidney Shaw 
2.    We Could Make Such Beautiful Music Together    2:00
 Henry Manners / Robert Sour 
3.    You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To    3:18
 Cole Porter 
4.    Am I In Love?    2:00
Howard Ryan, Ronald Barrett 
5.    The Very Thought Of You    3:05
 Ray Noble 
6.    I've Got My Eyes On You    2:12
 Cole Porter 
7.    True Love    2:53
 Cole Porter 
8.    Mountain Greenery    2:18
 Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers 
9.    More Than You Know    4:36
 Edward Eliscu / Billy Rose / Vincent Youmans 
10.    Ain't Misbehavin'    2:40
 Harry Brooks / Andy Razaf / Fats Waller 
11.    Autumn Leaves    3:17
 Joseph Kosma / Johnny Mercer / Jacques Prévert 
12.    Sleep Peaceful, Mr. Used-To-Be    3:18
 Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer 
Credits:
Bass – Al Hall, Beverly Peer
Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone – Ernie Caceres
Drums – Osie Johnson
Guitar – Al Casamenti, Jimmy Raney
Harp – Adele Girard
Oboe, Bassoon – Garvin Bushell
Piano – Jimmy Lyon 
Piano, Alto Horn, Arranged By – Dick Cary
Remastered By – Phil De Lancie
Trumpet – Johnny Windhurst
Vocals – Barbara Lea 

HELEN HUMES — Songs I Like to Sing! (1960-1988) RM | Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

One of the high points of Helen Humes' career, this Contemporary set (reissued on CD) features superior songs, superb backup, and very suitable and swinging arrangements by Marty Paich. Humes' versions of "If I Could Be With You," "You're Driving Me Crazy," and "Million Dollar Secret," in particular, are definitive. On four songs, she is backed by tenor great Ben Webster, a rhythm section, and a string quartet; the other numbers find her joined by a 14-piece band that includes Webster and Teddy Edwards on tenors along with altoist Art Pepper. This classic release is essential and shows just how appealing a singer Helen Humes could be. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    If I Could Be With You 3:22
Written-By – Creamer, Johnson
2.    Don't Worry 'Bout Me 2:58
Written-By – Bloom, Koehler
3.    Don't Worry 'Bout Me (Alternate Take)    2:56
4.    Mean To Me 3:25
Written-By – Ahlert, Turk
5.    Every Now And Then 3:49
Written-By – Silver, Lewis, Sherman
6.    I Want A Roof Over My Head 3:00
Written-By – Harvey Brooks 
7.    St. Louis Blues 2:43
Written-By – W. C. Handy
8.    You're Driving Me Crazy 3:09
Written-By – Walter Donaldson
9.    My Old Flame 3:20
Written-By – Johnston, Coslow
10.    Millon Dollar Secret 4:04
Written-By – Helen Humes
11.    Love Me Or Leave Me 2:58
Written-By – Kahn, Donaldson
12.    Imagination 3:04
Written-By – Burke-Van Heusen
13.    Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone 2:41
Written-By – Stept, Clare
Credits :
Arranged By, Conductor – Marty Paich
Baritone Saxophone – Bill Hood (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 6 to 8, 10, 11, 13)
Bass – Leroy Vinegar
Cello – Eleanor Slatkin (tracks: 1, 5, 9, 12)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Art Pepper (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 6 to 8, 10, 11, 13)
Drums – Shelly Manne
Guitar – Barney Kessel
Piano – Andre Previn
Tenor Saxophone – Ben Webster, Teddy Edwards (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 6 to 8, 10, 11, 13)
Trombone – Bob Fitzpatrick (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 6 to 8, 10, 11, 13), Harry Betts (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 6 to 8, 10, 11, 13)
Trumpet – Al Porcino (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 6 to 8, 10, 11, 13), Jack Sheldon (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 6 to 8, 10, 11, 13), Ray Triscari (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 6 to 8, 10, 11, 13), Stu Williamson (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 6 to 8, 10, 11, 13)
Viola – Alvin Dinkin (tracks: 1, 5, 9, 12)
Violin – James Getzoff (tracks: 1, 5, 9, 12), Joseph Stepansky (tracks: 1, 5, 9, 12)
Vocals – Helen Humes

VINCE GUARALDI — Vince Guaraldi Trio (1956-2001) RM | 24 Bit Remastered Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue) lossless

This CD reissue under the OJC imprint brings back the first full session led by pianist Vince Guaraldi. Teamed up with the fine guitarist Eddie Duran and bassist Dean Reilly, Guaraldi swings lightly and with subtle creativity on two group originals and eight standards, including "Django," "Chelsea Bridge," "Fascinating Rhythm," and "The Lady's in Love with You." Tasteful music. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. Django 4:55
Written-By – John Lewis 
2. Fenwyck's Farfel 4:07
Written-By – Vince Guaraldi
3. Never Never Land 4:15
Written-By – Comden-Green, Stein
4. Chelsea Bridge 3:39
Written-By – Strayhorn
5. Fascinating Rhythm 2:45
Written-By – Geo. Gershwin
6. The Lady's In Love With You 3:52
Written-By – Lane, Loesser
7. Sweet And Lovely 3:42
Written-By – Gus Arnheim, Tobias, Lemare
8. Ossobucco 2:55
Written-By – Eddie Duran
9. Three Coins In A Fountain 4:06
Written-By – Stein, Cahn
10. It's De-Lovely 3:23
Written-By – Cole Porter
Credits :
Bass – Dean Reilly
Guitar – Eddie Duran
Piano – Vince Guaraldi 

TERI THORNTON — Devil May Care (1961-1999) RM | Two Version | APE + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

This is the first (of three) long out of print recordings by Teri Thornton, finally available to the general public. It would not be a stretch to say she is perhaps the most talented, distinctive, clean, out-of-sight singer listeners have never heard....until now. Thornton's powerful, almost chilling voice compares favorably to the pristine tones and vibrato of Sarah Vaughan, the blues sassiness of Dinah Washington, and some of the more soulful refrains of Abbey Lincoln. Simply put, you have to hear her once to believe her. Whether on doleful ballads or raucous swingers, Thornton is totally confident and in control -- of her emotions and yours. From the best version of the Bob Dorough-written title track you are likely to hear, to the regretful ballad "My Old Flame" or the ultimate heart-melter "Left Alone," to an interesting arrangement on a pleading "What's Your Story, Morning Glory?," Thornton charges through the bar lines. Check her forcefulness on "Dancing in the Dark" and "I Feel a Song Coming On." Sometimes she purposefully staggers behind measures to grand effect. Every track is a showstopper, thanks to her uniquely soulful, drama-laden approach. Potent, unobtrusive horn charts feature legends like trumpeter Clark Terry, trombonist Britt Woodman, and saxophonists Earle Warren and Seldon Powell. The rhythm section of guitarist Freddie Green (half the tracks, Sam Herman on the others), pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Sam Jones, and drummer Jimmy Cobb can do no wrong. Arranger par excellence Norman Simmons provided the perfect charts. This is an important document of a truly great jazz singer, and is essential in the collection of every serious aficionado. The only one regret is that it can't be given several handfuls of. Michael G. Nastos  
Tracklist :
1 Lullaby of the Leaves 2:48
Bernice Petkere / Joe Young 
2 Devil May Care 2:47
Bob Dorough 
3 Detour Ahead 3:10
Lou Carter / Herb Ellis / John Freigo / Johnny Frigo 
4 The Song Is You 2:33
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern 
5 My Old Flame 3:29
Sam Coslow / Arthur Johnston 
6 What's Your Story, Morning Glory? 3:47
Jack Lawrence / Paul Francis Webster / Mary Lou Williams 
7 Dancing in the Dark 2:31
Howard Dietz / Arthur Schwartz 
8 Left Alone 3:27
Billie Holiday / Mal Waldron 
9 Blue Champagne 3:11
Jim Eaton / Frank Ryerson / Grady Watts 
10 I Feel a Song Coming On 2:42
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh / George Oppenheimer 
11 What's New? 4:11
Johnny Burke / Bob Haggart 
12 Blue Skies 2:33
Irving Berlin 
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Earl Warren
Arranged By, Conductor – Norman Simmons
Bass – Sam Jones
Drums – Jimmy Cobb
Guitar – Freddie Green, Sam Herman
Piano – Wynton Kelly
Producer – Orrin Keepnews
Tenor Saxophone – Seldon Powell
Trombone – Britt Woodman
Trumpet – Clark Terry
Vocals – Teri Thornton

HAMPTON HAWES · BARNEY KESSEL · SHELLY MANNE · RED MITCHELL — Four! Hampton Hawes!!!! (1958-1988) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Pianist Hampton Hawes' 1950s recordings for the Contemporary label are at such a high level that they could all be given five stars. This outing with bassist Red Mitchell, drummer Shelly Manne, and guitarist Barney Kessel (who is a slight wild card) is also quite successful. Two previously unreleased numbers ("Thou Swell" and "The Awful Truth") have been added to the CD reissue. Highlights of the exciting bop date include "Yardbird Suite," "There Will Never Be Another You," and "Love Is Just Around the Corner."  Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Yardbird Suite 6:37
Written-By – Charlie Parker
2    There Will Never Be Another You 6:58
Written-By – Harry Warren, Mack Gordon
3    Bow Jest 6:30
Written-By – Red Mitchell
4    Sweet Sue 5:35
Written-By – Victor Young, Will Harris
5    Up Blues 5:10
Written-By – Hampton Hawes
6    Like Someone In Love 3:14
Written-By – Johnny Burke & Jimmy Van Heusen
7    Love Is Around The Corner 5:40
Written-By – Leo Robin, Lewis E. Gensler
– BONUS TRACKS –
8    Thou Swell    4:54
 Written-By – Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers 
9    The Awful Truth    8:09
 Written-By – Hampton Hawes 
Credits :
Bass – Red Mitchell
Drums – Shelly Manne
Guitar – Barney Kessel
Piano – Hampton Hawes
Notes. 
Recorded January 27, 1958 in Los Angeles.
Technical data: 30-15,000 cycles. Multiple microphone technique featuring AKG C-12 condenser microphones. Ampex stereo tape recorder. Reeves Soundcraft tape. Reissued and digitally re-mastered for CD, at Fantasy Studios, Berkeley 1988
tracks 8, 9 additional not on original LP

JOE HENDERSON QUARTETS — Tetragon (1968-1995) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Joe Henderson's second Milestone recording (which, as with all the others, is currently available on his massive "complete" eight-CD box set) features the great tenor with two separate rhythm sections: Kenny Barron or Don Friedman on piano, bassist Ron Carter and either Louis Hayes or Jack DeJohnette on drums. Highlights of this album include the title track, "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "Invitation." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    Invitation    6:13
 Bronislaw Kaper / Paul Francis Webster 
2.    R. J.    5:33
 Ron Carter 
3.    The Bead Game    8:36
 Joe Henderson / Lee Konitz 
4.    Tetragon    5:37
 Joe Henderson 
5.    Waltz For Zweetie    4:25
 Walter Bishop, Sr. 
6.    First Trip    5:12
 Ron Carter 
7.    I've Got You Under My Skin    4:57
 Cole Porter 
Credits :
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Jack DeJohnette (tracks: 1 to 3, 5), Louis Hayes (tracks: 4, 6, 7)
Piano – Don Friedman (tracks: 1 to 3, 5), Kenny Barron (tracks: 4, 6, 7)
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Henderson

THE DAVE BRUBECK QUARTET — Jazz At Oberlin (1953) RM | Two Version | SACD, Hybrid | MONO | Original Jazz Classics Remasters Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although a touch underrated, Jazz at Oberlin is one of the early Dave Brubeck classic recordings. The interplay between the pianist-leader and altoist Paul Desmond on "Perdido" borders on the miraculous, and their renditions of "The Way You Look Tonight," "How High the Moon" and "Stardust" are quite memorable. Brubeck's piano playing on "These Foolish Things" is so percussive and atonal in one spot as to sound like Cecil Taylor, who would not emerge for another two years. With bassist Ron Crotty and drummer Lloyd Davis giving the Quartet quiet and steady support, Brubeck and Desmond were free to play at their most adventurous. Highly recommended. Scott Yanow

Tracklist :

1 - These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You) 6:33
 Marvell / Jack Strachey 
2 - Perdido 7:32
 Juan Tizol 
3 - Stardust 6:30
 Hoagy Carmichael 
4 - The Way You Look Tonight 7:51
Dorothy Fields, Jerome Kern
5 - How High The Moon 9:11
William Lewis, Nancy Hamilton
Credits :
Paul Desmond - Alto Saxophone 

Dave Brubeck  - Piano 

Ron Crotty - Bass 

Lloyd Davis - Drums 

KEN McINTYRE · ERIC DOLPHY — Looking Ahead (1961-1994) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

It was quite fitting that Ken McIntyre had an opportunity to record in a quintet with Eric Dolphy, for his multi-instrumental approach was similar to Dolphy's, although he always had a very different sound. On this CD reissue, McIntyre plays alto on four tunes and flute on two others (his work on bassoon, oboe, and bass clarinet would come slightly later), while Dolphy mostly plays alto but doubles on flute on one number and switches to bass clarinet for "Dianna." With pianist Walter Bishop, Jr., bassist Sam Jones, and drummer Art Taylor offering concise solos and swinging support, McIntyre somehow almost holds his own with Dolphy on a variety of originals and George Gershwin's "They All Laughed." A very interesting date. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. Lautir 4:03
Composed By – Ken McIntyre 
2. Curtsy 5:51
Composed By – Ken McIntyre 
3. Geo's Tune 7:13
Composed By – Ken McIntyre 
4. They All Laughed 5:06
Composed By – Gershwin-Gershwin
5. Head Shakin' 10:45
Composed By – Ken McIntyre 
6. Dianna 9:05
Composed By – Ken McIntyre 
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Flute – Ken McIntyre
Alto Saxophone, Flute, Bass Clarinet – Eric Dolphy
Bass – Sam Jones
Drums – Arthur Taylor
Piano – Walter Bishop, Jr.

BARBARA LEA — Barbara Lea With The Johnny Windhurst Quintets (1957-1991) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Singer Barbara Lea's second album is pretty definitive of her early years. Lea is joined by the great (but ill fated and largely forgotten) trumpeter Johnny Windhurst, Dick Cary on either piano or alto horn, sometimes pianist Richard Lowman, guitarist Al Casamenti, bassist Al Hall, and drummer Osie Johnson. Originally a dozen selections, the CD reissue adds an alternate take and an additional title. Lea remains true to the lyrics yet uplifts the material, while the rhythm section swings lightly. Among the many highlights are "Nobody Else but You," "I'm Comin' Virginia," "My Honey's Lovin' Arms," and "Baltimore Oriole." Delightful music by a singer who deserves to be celebrated. Scott Yanow
Tracklist : 
1 Nobody Else But Me 3:13 
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
2 Where Have You Been? 3:31
Cole Porter
3 I'm Coming Virginia 3:22 
Will Marion Cook / Donald Heywood
4 Honey in the Honeycomb 2:47 
Vernon Duke / John Latouche
5 Thrusday's Child 2:26 
Lee Holdridge
 6 I've Got a Pocketful of Dreams 1:21 
James V. Monaco
 7 My Honey's Lovin' Arms 2:46 
Joseph Meyer / Herman Ruby
 8 I Had Myself a True Love 3:45 
Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer
 9 Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You 3:08 
Andy Razaf / Don Redman
 10 I Feel at Home with You 2:34 
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
11 Baltimore Oriole 3:52 
Hoagy Carmichael / Paul Francis Webster
12 Blue Skies 3:07 
Irving Berlin
 13 I Feel at Home with You 2:46 
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
 14 Straw Hat Full of Lilacs 2:46
Credits :
Bass – Al Hall (tracks: 1 to 13)
Drums – Osie Johnson (tracks: 1 to 13)
Engineer [Recording Engineer] – Rudy Van Gelder
Guitar – Al Casamenti (tracks: 2 to 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13)
Harp – Unknown Artist (tracks: 14)
Horn [Alto Horn] – Dick Cary (tracks: 1, 7, 8, 11, 12)
Piano – Dick Cary (tracks: 2 to 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13), Richard Lowman (tracks: 1, 5, 8, 11)
Trumpet, Leader – Johnny Windhurst (tracks: 1 to 8, 9 to13)
Vocals – Barbara Lea

TOMMY FLANAGAN TRIO — Overseas (1957-1999) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This studio session represents one of Tommy Flanagan's earliest dates as a leader, recorded while he was in Stockholm, Sweden. Bassist Wilbur Little and a young Elvin Jones on drums provide strong support, but the focus is on Flanagan's brilliant piano. The brilliant opener is a potent brisk run through Charlie Parker's "Relaxin' at Camarillo," followed by a faster than typical "Chelsea Bridge," which the leader playfully detours into another Billy Strayhorn composition ("Raincheck") for a moment, while also featuring Jones' brushwork in a pair of breaks. Flanagan's approach to the venerable standard "Willow Weep for Me" is steeped in blues, backed by Little's imaginative accompaniment. The bulk of this date is devoted to Flanagan's compositions, though only one, "Eclypso," remained in his repertoire for long. This engaging piece alternates between calypso and bop, with Jones switching between sticks and brushes. "Beat's Up" has the obvious influence of Bud Powell, while the extended blues "Little Rock" opens with a sauntering bass solo. This album has been released under various titles on several labels, including DIW, Dragon, Met, and Prestige, though Fantasy reissued it with three alternate takes in 1999. -Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1. Relaxin' At Camarillo 3:20
 Charlie Parker 
2. Chelsea Bridge 3:45
 Billy Strayhorn 
3. Eclypso 6:00
 Tommy Flanagan 
4. Beat's Up 4:20
 Tommy Flanagan 
5. Skal Brothers 2:30
 Tommy Flanagan 
6. Little Rock 7:00
 Tommy Flanagan 
7. Verdandi 2:10
 Tommy Flanagan 
8. Delarna 4:35
 Tommy Flanagan 
9. Willow Weep For Me 6:20
 Ann Ronell 
– BONUS TRACKS –
10. Delarna (take 2) 4:35
 Tommy Flanagan 
11. Verdandi (take 2) 2:10
 Tommy Flanagan 
12. Willow Weep For Me (take 1) 6:12
 Ann Ronell
Credits :
Bass – Wilbur Little
Drums – Elvin Jones
Piano – Tommy Flanagan

WES MONTGOMERY — So Much Guitar (1961) RM | Four Version | Original Jazz Classics Remasters Series | 24-Karat Gold Plated | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

One of Wes Montgomery's finest recordings, a Riverside date that showcases the influential guitarist in a quintet with pianist Hank Jones, bassist Ron Carter, drummer Lex Humphries, and the congas of Ray Barretto. All eight performances are memorable in their own way, with "Cottontail," "I'm Just a Lucky So and So," and a brief unaccompanied "While We're Young" being high points. -Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. "Twisted Blues" (Wes Montgomery) – 5:31
2. "Cotton Tail" (Duke Ellington) – 3:38
3. "I Wish I Knew" (Mack Gordon, Harry Warren) – 5:26
4. "I'm Just a Lucky So-and-So" (Ellington, Mack David) – 5:57
5. "Repetition" (Neal Hefti) – 3:48
6. "Somethin' Like Bags" (Montgomery) – 4:44
7. "While We're Young" (Morty Palitz, Alec Wilder) – 2:12
8. "One for My Baby (and One More for the Road)"  (Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer) – 7:38
Credits :
Wes Montgomery – Guitar
Ron Carter – Bass
Lex Humphries – Drums
Ray Barretto – Conga
Hank Jones – Piano 

JEAN THIELEMANS — Man Bites Harmonica! (1958-1995) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | Two Version | Mp3 + FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although he plays guitar exclusively on two of the eight selections included on this CD reissue, it is Toots Thielemans' harmonica playing that is most unique. He holds his own on a hard bop blowing date with baritonist Pepper Adams, pianist Kenny Drew, bassist Wilbur Ware and drummer Art Taylor, jamming on such songs as "East of the Sun," "Struttin' with Some Barbeque" and "Isn't It Romantic." Even four decades later, no jazz harmonica player has dethroned the great Toots. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    East Of The Sun 7:14
Written-By – Brooks Bowman
2    Don't Blame Me 2:27
Written-By – Fields - McHugh
3    18th Century Ballroom 3:46
Written-By – Ray Bryant
4    Soul Station 6:58
Written-By – Jean Thielemans
5    Fundamental Frequency 4:54
Written-By – Jean Thielemans
6    Strutting With Some Barbecue 4:30
Written-By – Lil Arrmstrong
7    Imagination 4:27
Written-By – Burke - Van Heusen
8    Isn't It Romantic 5:16
Written-By – Rodgers & Hart
Credits :
Baritone Saxophone – Pepper Adams (tracks: 1, 3 to 6, 8)
Bass – Wilbur Ware
Drums – Art Taylor
Guitar, (tracks: 3, 4, 7), Harmonica, (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 6, 8) – Jean Thielemans
Piano – Kenny Drew

THE KENNY DREW TRIO — Pal Joey (1957-1992) RM | MONO | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | Two Version | Mp3 + FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

It seems strange that (with the exception of a 1960 session for Blue Note) this would be pianist Kenny Drew's last session as a leader until 1973. With bassist Wilbur Ware and drummer Philly Joe Jones, Drew interprets eight Rodgers and Hart tunes, five written for the play Pal Joey and three of their earlier hits that were included in the film version. Drew contributes swing and subtle bop-based improvising to these superior melodies (which are highlighted by "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered," "I Could Write a Book," and "The Lady Is a Tramp"), and the results are quite memorable. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
 1. Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered (4:08)
  Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
2. Do It The Hard Way (5:47)
  Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
3. I Didn't Know What Time It Was (3:58)
  Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
4. Happy Hunting Horn (4:15)
  Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
5. I Could Write A Book (4:38)  
  Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
6. What Is A Man? (5:04)
  Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
7. My Funny Valentine (4:05)
  Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
8. The Lady Is A Tramp (5:40)
  Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
Credits :
Kenny Drew - Piano
Wilbur Ware - Bass
Philly Joe Jones - Drums