BOBBY HUTCHERSON — Four Seasons (1983-2015) RM | Serie Timeless Jazz Master Collection – 24 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This set by vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson is a bit unusual in that, rather than playing complex originals, he interprets seven jazz standards. With the assistance of pianist George Cables, bassist Herbie Lewis and drummer Philly Joe Jones, Hutcherson sounds in top form on such numbers as Thelonious Monk's "I Mean You," "Star Eyes" and "If I Were A Bell." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    I Mean You 5:49
Composed By – T. Monk
2    All Of You 5:54
Composed By – Cole Porter
3    Spring Is Here 7:03
Composed By – Rodgers/Hart
4    Star Eyes 7:47
Composed By – Raye, De Paul
5    If I Were A Bell 5:37
Composed By – Loesser
6    Summertime 6:50
Composed By – Heyward, Gershwin
7    Autumn Leaves 6:36
Composed By – Prevert
Credits :
Bass – Herbie Lewis
Drums – Philly Joe Jones
Piano – George Cables
Vibraphone [Vibes] – Bobby Hutcherson

CHET BAKER — Mr. B (1983-2015) RM | Serie Timeless Jazz Master Collection – 10 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The quality of Chet Baker's product was so varied during the last decade or more of his life that recording sessions varied markedly. For this "remixed version" of Mr. B Baker sounds a tad tired, though his chops are in fine form. The studio recording captures the trumpeter with highly sympathetic and self-effacing pianist Michel Grallier and bassist Ricardo Del Fra, both of whom engage in the leader's brand of sensitivity. There are no vocals by the trumpeter, but plenty of improvising. The interesting tune selection features a few songs played often by Baker (such as Wayne Shorter's "Dolphin Dance" and Horace Silver's "Strollin'"), but several that are not associated with him at all (Grallier's "White Blues" and his gorgeous "Father X-mas," to name a couple). There is a sadness permeating the trumpeter's sound throughout, exacerbated by the lazy, sometimes sluggish, tempos. A deep and touching beauty can be felt, marking this as one of Chet's best from the period. Steve Loewy
Tracklist :
1    Dolphin Dance 6:22
Written-By – H. Hancock
2    Ellen And David 6:16
Written-By – C. Haden
3    Strollin' 7:20
Written-By – H. Silver
4    In Your Own Sweet Way 7:14
Written-By – D. Brubeck
5    Mister B. 4:05
Written-By – H. Galper
6    Beatrice 4:45
Written-By – S. Rivers
7    Ray's Ideas 4:52
Written-By – R. Brown
8    Everything Happens To Me 5:50
Standart / Written-By [Uncredited] – Matt Dennis, Tom Adair
Credits :
Bass – David Eubanks (tracks: 7, 8), Ricardo Del Fra (tracks: 1 to 6)
Drums – Eddie Gladden (tracks: 7, 8)
Piano – Kirk Lightsey (tracks: 7, 8), Michel Graillier (tracks: 1 to 6)
Trumpet, Vocals – Chet Baker

TETE MONTOLIU TRIO — Secret Love (1977- 2015) RM | Serie Timeless Jazz Master Collection – 64 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Secret Love 10:45
Written-By – Mercer, Fain
2    Airegin 5:31
Written-By – Sonny Rollins
3    Confirmation 7:30
Written-By – Charlie Parker
4    Four 8:45
Written-By – Miles Davis
5    Stella By Starlight 16:41
Written-By – Washington, Young
Credits :
Bass – Sam Jones
Drums – Billy Higgins
Piano – Tete Montoliu

CHET BAKER | PHILIP CATHERINE — There'll Never Be Another You (1985-2015) RM | Seie Timeless Jazz Master Collection – 80 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

There may never be another Chet Baker, but on this particular night in Zagreb, poor Baker was not playing his best: His chops are weak, and his voice is strained and shallow. Still, these four duos, with longtime collaborator, guitarist Philip Catherine, have their rewards, such as the lengthy, substantial, and melodic solos by the guitarist. There is also the opportunity to hear Baker's piano playing at length. On piano, Chet Baker was even sparser than on trumpet, perhaps due to his weaker technique on the former. As with the trumpet, though, his choice of notes was always immaculate, and Baker fans will want this disc for the novelty of his piano playing. As far as his trumpet playing goes, there are much better examples of these tunes elsewhere, particularly of "My Foolish Heart" and "There'll Never Be Another You."  Steve Loewy
Tracklist :
1    Beatrice    13:55
 Sam Rivers
2    There'll Never Be Another You    9:16
 Mack Gordon / Harry Warren
3    Leaving    16:55
 Richie Beirach
4    My Foolish Heart    15:36
 Ned Washington / Victor Young
Credits :
Guitar – Philip Catherine
Trumpet, Vocals, Piano – Chet Baker

CURTIS FULLER — Four On The Outside (1978-2015) RM | Serie Timeless Jazz Master Collection – 55 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

While Curtis Fuller may have reached his peak in the 1960s, he continued to be an important voice well into the 1970s and beyond. This delightful set features him in a front line with Pepper Adams, and the trombone-baritone saxophone combination was a natural. (Curiously, few others have followed this intriguing coupling.) While there is no new ground broken, Adams and Fuller negotiate tunes mostly written by Fuller, with simple, yet elegant heads. The version of "Hello Young Lovers" is characteristically conservative, yet sharp and well rehearsed. Fuller's nasal tone, machine gun-like spurts, and focus on the middle range on his horn complements Adams' angular, boppish lines. The fine rhythm section of pianist James Williams, bassist Dennis Irwin, and drummer John Yarling never gets in the way, but lets the horns spread their wings. Steve Loewy
Tracklist & Credits :