AL COHN & ZOOT SIMS - Easy as Pie "Live" at the Left Bank (1968-2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Over nearly three decades, tenor saxophonists Al Cohn and Zoot Sims made many fine recordings together; this posthumous release originates from a private recording made by the Left Bank Jazz Society in 1968 at Baltimore's Famous Ballroom. The two co-leaders inspire one another throughout the concert. Following an opening "Tickle Toe" (which is unfortunately joined in progress), they dive into Cohn's hard swinging "Mr.George." Other highlights include a masterful medley of "These Foolish Things" and "Willow Weep For Me," plus a lush version of Gary McFarland's tribute to alto sax superstar Johnny Hodges in "Blue Hodge" and the lightly swinging "Expense Account." The capable rhythm section includes pianist Dave Frishberg, bassist Victor Sproles, and drummer Donald McDonald. The terrific liner notes by Ira Gitler give the listener an idea what it was like to catch the two saxophonists in person. Although the sound isn't as crisp as typical live jazz CDs, this CD is highly recommended. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1     Tickle Toe 2:34
Lester Young
2     Mr. George 6:17
Al Cohn
3     Medley: These Foolish Things/Willow Weep For Me 8:12
Harry Link / Holt Marvell / Jack Strachey
4     John's Bunch 5:45
John Bunch    
5     Blue Hodge 8:21
Gary McFarland    
6     Expense Account 7:59
Benny Green / Bud Green / Osie Johnson
7     Come Rain or Come Shine 4:03
Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer
8     Recado Bossa Nova 2:38
Luiz Antonio / Djalma Ferreira
Credits :
Bass – Victor Sproles
Drums – Donald McDonald
Piano – Dave Frishberg
Saxophone – Al Cohn, Zoot Sims

JOHNNY GRIFFIN - Studio Jazz Party (1961-1997) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This CD reissues a studio date that tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin and his quintet (trumpeter Dave Burns, pianist Norman Simmons, bassist Vic Sproles and drummer Ben Riley) performed before an invited and enthusiastic studio audience, who provided atmosphere. Babs Gonzales introduces several of the numbers, but proves to be an unnecessary presence. However, Griffin in particular plays quite well in this loose straight-ahead setting; Burns shows that he was always a very underrated trumpeter; and the five lengthy selections are all worth hearing. The best are "Good Bait" (which is almost 12½ minutes long), "Toe-Tappin'," and "Low Gravy." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Party Time 1'14
Arnett Cobb
2     Good Bait 12'24
Count Basie / Tadd Dameron
3     There Will Never Be Another You 8'20
Mack Gordon / Harry Warren
4     Toe-Tappin' 7'53
David Burns
5     You've Changed 7'37
Bill Carey / Carl Fischer
6     Low Gravy 8'06
Babs Gonzales
Credits :
Bass – Victor Sproles
Drums – Ben Riley
Piano – Norman Simmons
Producer – Orrin Keepnews
Remastered By – Joe Tarantino
Tenor Saxophone – Johnny Griffin
Trumpet – Dave Burns

STAN GETZ / CHET BAKER - Stan Meets Chet (1958-1999) WV (image+.cue), lossless

Tenor saxophonist Stan Getz and trumpeter Chet Baker never particularly liked each other and, even though they had musically compatible styles, they only worked together briefly in three periods. Their mutual hostility can be felt in subtle ways on this session. Getz ignores Baker's attempt to state the melody of "I'll Remember April" and he plays it himself several bars after. The two horns do not meet at all on the ballad medley and, since Baker sits out on "Jordu," they only play together on two of the four performances. Getz battles a squeaky reed on "I'll Remember April" and Baker seems a bit subpar in general although he really digs in on "Half-Breed Apache" (a very fast "Cherokee"). This effort, which also includes pianist Jodie Christian, bassist Victor Sproles, and drummer Marshall Thompson, doesn't really live up to its potential. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     I'll Remember April 12:24
Gene Paul / Don Raye
2     Autumn in New York/Embraceable You/What's New? 14:34
Johnny Burke / Vernon Duke / George Gershwin / Robert Haggart
3     Jordu 8:31
Duke Jordan
4     Half-Breed Apache 14:50
Stan Getz
Credits :
Bass – Victor Sproles
Drums – Marshall Thompson
Piano – Jodie Christian
Tenor Saxophone – Stan Getz
Trumpet – Chet Baker