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

GENE AMMONS — Boss Tenor (1960) RM | Five Version | 20bit K2 | XRCD | SACD | RVG Remasters | The Prestige Stereo Series | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

The great tenor saxophonist Gene Ammons was of the generation of swing-era players that easily adapted to bop. But though he was a modernist, Ammons maintained that breathy, old-school romantic approach to the tenor. Boss Tenor, a quintet session from 1960, is one of Ammons' very best albums. Ray Barretto's congas subtly add a bit of Latin spice, but otherwise this is a collection of standards rendered with a gorgeous late-night bluesy feel. Accompaniment by Tommy Flanagan, one of the best mainstream pianists ever, certainly doesn't hurt, either. A gem. Mark Keresman
Tracklist :
1. Hittin' The Jug 8:29
 Gene Ammons
2. Close Your Eyes 3:46
 Bernice Petkere
3. My Romance 4:16
 Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
4. Canadian Sunset 5:24
 Norman Gimbel / Eddie Heywood
5. Blue Ammons 4:57
 Gene Ammons
6. Confirmation 5:24
 Charlie Parker
7. Stompin' At The Savoy 3:31
 Bill Doggett / Lucky Millinder
Credits :
Gene Ammons - Tenor Saxophone
Tommy Flanagan - Piano
Doug Watkins - Bass
Arthur Taylor - Drums
Ray Barretto - Conga

JOHN WRIGHT — Mr. Soul (1962-1995) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The flurry of interest in pianist John Wright in the early 1960s coincided with the soul movement in jazz.
The basic elements in his music may have qualified him for souldom in the minds of record marketers. But Wright had facets beyond his gospel and blues roots, and he 'soul' label attached to his recordings did him the disservice of suggesting a limited range. There's plenty soul in this collection, but Wright also had harmonic depth and a lyrical side that are on display here not only in the first three tracks, but in much of the blues-drenched original material that makes up the rest of the álbum. Wright's sensitive keyboard touch and crisp articulation impart a tripping lightness to even his churchiest expressions. He is accompanied by Wendel Marshall, na omnipresente bassist in the 1950s and '60s, and drummer Walter Perkinks, Jr. in the days before he worked with Art Farmer and Sonny Rollins. notes to CD. 
Tracklist :
1.    Our Waltz 5:21
David Rose
2.    Blue Prelude 3:25
Joe Bishop / Gordon Jenkins
3.    What's New? 5:29
Johnny Burke / Bob Haggart
4.    Everything's Gonna Work Out Fine 3:23
 (writer unknown)
5.    Mr. Soul 5:32
Esmond Edwards
6.    Shake 2:31
John Wright
7.    Strut 5:16
John Wright
8.    Now Hang in There 4:03
John Wright
Credits :
John Wright - Piano
Wendell Marshall - Bass
Walter Perkins, Jr. - Drums

JACK DeJOHNETTE — Sorcery (1974-1994) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A lot of rambling takes place on this interesting but erratic LP. Drummer Jack DeJohnette (doubling on keyboards) performs three songs with a group featuring bass clarinetist Bennie Maupin and the guitars of John Abercrombie and Mick Goodrick; the music shows the influence of fusion (most obviously on "The Rock Thing") and has its strong moments (much of the nearly 14-minute "Sorcery #1"). But the attempt at humor on "The Right Time" is self-indulgent. The second half of this release, with trios by DeJohnette, bassist Dave Holland, and Michael Fellerman on metaphone (whatever that is), are less memorable. While one admires DeJohnette's willingness to take chances, this music has not dated well. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. Sorcery, No. 1 - 13:50
 Jack DeJohnette
2. The Right Time - 2:21
 Jack DeJohnette
3. The Rock Thing - 4:14
 Jack DeJohnette
4. The Reverend King Suite: Reverend King/Obstructions/The Fatal Shot/Mourning/Unrest/New Spirits on the Horizon (John Coltrane/DeJohnette) - 14:19
 John Coltrane / Jack DeJohnette
5. Four Levels of Joy - 3:09
 Jack DeJohnette
6. Epilog (DeJohnette-Holland) - 3:11
 Jack DeJohnette / Dave Holland
Credits :
Jack DeJohnette - Drums, Keyboards, C-Melody Saxofone
Bennie Maupin - Bass Clarinet
John Abercrombie, Mick Goodrick - Guitars
Dave Holland - Bass
Michael Fellerman - Metaphone, Trombone

JACKIE McLEAN — 4, 5 And 6 (1956) Four Version | RM | SACD | RVG | The Prestige Mono Series | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

In 1956 Jackie McLean was only beginning to assert himself as a true individualist on the alto saxophone, exploring the lime-flavored microtones of his instrument that purists or the misinformed perceived as being off-key or out of tune. 4, 5 and 6 presents McLean's quartet on half the date, and tunes with an expanded quintet, and one sextet track -- thus the title. Mal Waldron, himself an unconventional pianist willing to explore different sizings and shadings of progressive jazz, is a wonderful complement for McLean's notions, with bassist Doug Watkins and drummer Art Taylor the impervious team everyone wanted for his rhythm section at the time. The quartet versions of "Sentimental Journey," "Why Was I Born?," and "When I Fall in Love" range from totally bluesy, to hard bop ribald, to pensive and hopeful, respectively. These are three great examples of McLean attempting to make the tunes his own, adding a flattened, self-effaced, almost grainy-faced texture to the music without concern for the perfectness of the melody. Donald Byrd joins the fray on his easygoing bopper "Contour," where complex is made simple and enjoyable, while Hank Mobley puts his tenor sax to the test on the lone and lengthy sextet track, a rousing version of Charlie Parker's risk-laden "Confirmation." It's Waldron's haunting ballad "Abstraction," with Byrd and McLean's quick replies, faint and dour, that somewhat illuminates the darker side. As a stand-alone recording, 4, 5 and 6 does not break barriers, but does foreshadow the future of McLean as an innovative musician in an all-too-purist mainstream jazz world. Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist :
1.    Jackie McLean Quartet–    Sentimental Journey    (9:59)
 Les Brown / Bud Green / Ben Homer
2.    Jackie McLean Quartet–    Why Was I Born?    (5:16)
 Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
3.    Jackie McLean Quintet–    Contour    (5:02)
 Kenny Drew
4.    Jackie McLean Sextet–    Confirmation    (11:25)
 Charlie Parker
5.    Jackie McLean Quartet–    When I Fall In Love    (5:35
 Edward Heyman / Victor Young
6.    Jackie McLean Quintet–    Abstraction (8:02)
 Mal Waldron
Credits :
Jackie McLean - Alto Saxophone
Donald Byrd - Trumpet (#3, 4, 6 only)
Hank Mobley - Tenor Saxophone (#4 only)
Mal Waldron - Piano
Doug Watkins - Bass
Arthur Taylor - Drums

HERBIE MANN · BOBBY JASPAR — Flute Soufflé (1957-1992) RM | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

At the time of this Prestige set (reissued on CD), Herbie Mann was a flutist who occasionally played tenor and Bobby Jaspar a tenor-saxophonist who doubled on flute. Two of the four songs find them switching back and forth while the other two are strictly flute features. With pianist Tommy Flanagan, guitarist Joe Puma, bassist Wendell Marshall and drummer Bobby Donaldson contributing quiet support, the two lead voices constantly interact and trade off during this enjoyable performance. Highpoints are the haunting "Tel Aviv" and a delightful version of "Chasing the Bird."  Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
 1    Tel Aviv 14:38    
Herbie Mann
 2    Somewhere Else 5:55    
Joe Puma
 3    Let's March 7:21    
Herbie Mann
 4    Chasin' the Bird 8:13
Charlie Parker
Credits :
Bass – Wendell Marshall
Drums – Bobby Donaldson
Engineer [Recording] – Rudy Van Gelder
Flute & Tenor Saxophones – Bobby Jaspar, Herbie Mann
Guitar – Joe Puma
Piano – Tommy Flanagan

ROY HAYNES · PHINEAS NEWBORN · PAUL CHAMBERS — We Three (1958) Two Version (1986, RM | MONO | Serie : Prestige CD Masterpiece Series – 12) + (2007, RM | RVG Remasters Series) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

We Three, recorded in a single session on November 14, 1958, was the first American studio date as a bandleader for the diminutive and legendary jazz drummer Roy Haynes, although with pianist Phineas Newborn on board (along with bassist Paul Chambers), it really is a set dominated by Newborn, whose busy, two-handed technique here works in tandem balance with Haynes' cool refinement. Newborn was all about amazing and dazzling piano runs that on some dates created simply too much flash and clutter to allow pieces to flow and breathe properly, but Haynes has always been about grace and flow throughout his career (if a drummer's style can said to be elegant, Haynes fits the bill), and here he rubs off on Newborn, who exercises just enough restraint to keep him in the proper orbit, resulting in a fine album. Highlights include the easy, pure swing of the opener, a version of Ray Bryant's "Reflection," a wonderful and bluesy rendition of Avery Parrish's "After Hours" (which finds Newborn in perfect balance between explosive ornamentation and smooth functionality), and a jaunty, fun spin through Newborn's own "Sugar Ray," a tribute to boxer Sugar Ray Robinson. This trio had a brief recording career together, but as this solid set shows, they made the best of it. Steve Leggett
Tracklist  :
1    Reflection 4:23
Written By – Ray Bryant
2    Sugar Ray 6:26
Written By – Phineas Newborn Jr.

3    Solitaire    8:51
Guion-Borek-Nutter
4    After Hours 11:20
Written By – Avery Parrish
5    Sneakin' Around 4:23
Written By – Ray Bryant
6    Our Delight 4:04
Written By – Tadd Dameron
Credits :
Bass – Paul Chambers
Drums – Roy Haynes
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Piano – Phineas Newborn

MILT JACKSON — Milt Jackson Quartet (1955) Two Version (2001, RM | 24 Bit Remastered Series) + (2013, RM | MONO | SHM-CD | 7000 Chronicle Series) FLAC (image+tracks+.cue), lossless

This 1955 date is an intriguing opportunity to hear Milt Jackson accompanied by the MJQ rhythm section, but with hard bopper Horace Silver substituting for John Lewis. Not only that, it's also a chance to hear a hitherto unknown, lushly romantic side of both Jackson and Silver, two blues-oriented players who rarely if ever recorded standards in this sort of style. With its excellent recording quality, it's a perfect album for intimate dinners and other late-night activities. Artie Shaw's exotic "Moonray" is rarely heard in any sort of context, while "My Funny Valentine" and "The Nearness of You" set the mood throughout.  Richard Mortifoglio
Tracklist  :
1 Wonder Why 5:22
Written-By – Brodszky, Cahn
2 My Funny Valentine 4:37
Written-By – Rodgers-Hart
3 Moonray 5:01
Written-By – Quenzer, Shaw, Madison
4 The Nearness Of You 4:01
Written-By – Carmichael, Washington
5 Stonewall 7:42
Written-By – Milt Jackson
6 I Should Care 4:16
Written-By – Stordal, Weston, Cahn
Credits :
Bass – Percy Heath
Drums – Connie Kay
Piano – Horace Silver
Vibraphone [Vibes] – Milt Jackson

PHIL WOODS · GENE QUILL · JACKIE McLEAN · JOHN JENKINS · HAL McKUSICK — Bird Feathers (1957-2013) RM | MONO | SHM-CD | New Jazz Chronicle Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Bird Feathers features Woods with the McLean/Jenkins/McKusick lineup in a high-flying blowing/jam session from the '50s. Ron Wynn

Tracklist :
1    Solar    5:49
 Miles Davis
2    Bird Feathers    10:22
 Charlie Parker
3    Interim    5:48
 Hal McKusick
4    Airegin    6:23
 Sonny Rollins
5    Don't Worry 'Bout Me    8:06
 Rube Bloom / Ted Koehler
6    Con Alma    7:40
 Dizzy Gillespie
Credits :
(tracks: 1, 4)
Phil Woods, Gene Quill – Alto Saxophone  
George Syran - Piano
Teddy Kotick - Bass
Nick Stabulas Drums

(tracks: 2)
Jackie McLean, John Jenkins – Alto Saxophone
Wade Legge - Piano
Doug Watkins - Bass
Art Taylor - Drums

(tracks: 3, 5, 6),
Hal McKusick – Alto Saxophone  
Billy Byers - Trombone
Paul Chambers - Bass
Charlie Persip - Drums
Eddie Costa - Piano

KENNY BURRELL · JIMMY RANEY — Two Guitars (1957-1992) RM | Two Version | APE + FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

For this 1957 studio session, the two distinctive but complementary guitarists Kenny Burrell and Jimmy Raney are teamed up in a septet with trumpeter Donald Byrd, altoist Jackie McLean, pianist Mal Waldron, bassist Doug Watkins, and drummer Art Taylor. The full group gets to stretch out on one original each by Watkins and McLean ("Little Melonae") and three from Waldron, while the two standards ("Close Your Eyes" and "Out of Nowhere") are individual features for Burrell and Raney. This is a well-rounded set that may not contain any real surprises, but will be enjoyed by collectors of hard bop. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Blue Duke 8:46
Written-By – Mal Waldron
2 Dead Heat 4:05
Written-By – Waldron 
3 Pivot 5:12
Written-By – Waldron
4 Close Your Eyes 4:46
Written-By – Bernice Petkere
5 Little Melonae 9:27
Written-By – Jackie McLean
6 This Way 11:20
Written-By – Doug Watkins
7 Out Of Nowhere 4:31
Written-By – Hyman, Green
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Jackie Mclean
Bass – Doug Watkins
Drums – Arthur Taylor
Guitar – Jimmy Raney, Kenny Burrell
Piano – Mal Waldron
Trumpet – Donald Byrd

BENNIE GREEN — Blows His Horn (1955-1989) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Bennie Green, one of the few trombonists of the 1950s not to sound somewhat like a J.J. Johnson clone, always had a likable and humorous style. He blends in well with tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse on these standards, blues, and jump tunes, two of which have group vocals. With a fine rhythm section (pianist Cliff Smalls, bassist Paul Chambers, drummer Osie Johnson, and Candido on congas), Green and his band show that there is no reason that swinging jazz has to be viewed as overly intellectual and esoteric. This CD (a reissue of the original LP) is a fine example of Bennie Green's talents and winning musical personality. Scott Yanow

Tracklist :
1. Sometimes I'm Happy 3:53
 Irving Caesar / Clifford Grey / Vincent Youmans
2. Laura 6:13
 Johnny Mercer / David Raksin
3. Body And Soul 6:58
 Frank Eyton / Johnny Green / Edward Heyman / Robert Sour
4. Say Jack 3:36
 Bennie Green / Osie Johnson
5. One Track 3:15
Bennie Green / Osie Johnson
6. Groovin' The Blues (Take 1) 5:31
 Bennie Green
7. Groovin' The Blues (Take 2)
Bennie Green
8. Travelin' Light 3:07
 Harry Akst / Sidney Clare
9. Hi Yo Silver 3:21
 Bennie Green / Osie Johnson
Credits:

Bennie Green - Trombone

Paul Chambers - Bass

Candido - Congas

Osie Johnson - Drums

Cliff Smalls - Piano

Charlie Rouse - Tenor Saxophone

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

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

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

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).

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

ARNETT COBB AND EDDIE "LOCKJAW" DAVIS — Blow Arnett Blow (1959-1993) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Arnett Cobb's debut for Prestige and his first recording as a leader in three years (due to a serious car accident in 1956) is an explosive affair. Cobb is matched up with fellow tough tenor Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, and there are plenty of sparks set off by their encounter. With organist Wild Bill Davis, bassist George Duvivier, and drummer Arthur Edgehill keeping the proceedings heated, Cobb and Davis tangle on a variety of basic material, alternating uptempo romps such as "Go Power" and "Go Red Go" with slightly more sober pieces highlighted by "When I Grow Too Old to Dream." This is a great matchup (reissued on CD through the OJC imprint) that lives up to its potential. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    When I Grow Too Old To Dream 6:41
Written-By – Hammerstein, Romberg
2    Go Power 5:05
Written-By – Duvivier
3    Dutch Kitchen Bounce 7:00
Written-By – Cobb, Woods
4    Go Red, Go 5:39
Written-By – Arnett Cobb
5    The Eely One 8:16
Written By – Jordan / Cobb
6    The Fluke 5:30
Written-By – Strethen Davis
Credits :
Bass – George Duvivier
Drums – Arthur Edgehill
Organ – Wild Bill Davis
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – Arnett Cobb, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis