Cannonball ADDERLEY / Bill EVANS - Know What I Mean: rec 1961  CD  ∫ Cannonball Adderley as; Bill Evans p; Percy Heath b; Connie Kay dr ∫ Waltz for Debby / Goodbye / Who Cars / Venice / Toy / Elsa / Nancy With The Laughing Face / Know What I Mean?
Cannonball ADDERLEY - African Waltz: rec 1961  CD  OJC ∫ Cannonball Adderley as; Bob Brookmeyer, Melba Liston, Jimmy Cleveland, Paul Faulise, George Matthews, Arnett Sparrow tp; Nat Adderley, Clark Terry, Ernie Royal, Nick Travis, Joe Newman tp; George Dorsey as, fl; Arthur Clarke bs; Jerome Richardson, Oliver Nelson trs; Don Butterfield tu; Wynton Kelly p; Sam Jones b; Charlie Persip or Louis Hayes dr; Ray Barretto cga; Miechal Olatuni afr. dr ∫ Something Different / West Coast Blues / Smoke Gets In Your Eyes / The Uptown / Stockholm Sweetnin' / African Waltz / Blue Brass Groove / Kelly Blue / Letter From Home / I'll Close My Eyes / This Here ∫ reviews – RAJ: eine der heissesten Bigbands; absolut inseltauglich; fantastische Arrangements von Ernie Wilkins, Bob Brookmeyer und Oliver Nelson. Das Album gehört die Sammlung jeden Musikhörers. Hinreissend, fetzig, schmachtend!
Cannonball ADDERLEY - And The Poll Winners: rec 1963 CD  Blue Note ∫ Cannonball Adderley as; Ray Brown b; Wes Montgomery g | & Victor Feldman p, vib; Louis Hayes dr ∫ The Chant / Lolita / Azule Serape / Au Privave / Yours Is My Heart Alone / Never Will I Marry ∫ reviews - JazzThetik 02.00 ***°
Cannonball ADDERLEY - Julian "Cannonball" Adderley: rec 1955 CD  EmArCy ∫ Cannonball Adderley as; Nat Adderley co;  John Williams p; Paul Chambers b; Max Roach, Kenny Clarke dr; Guests: J.J. Johnson, Jimmy Cleveland tb; Jerome Richardson ts, fl; Cecil Payne bs; Quincy Jones arr. ∫ reviews - JazzThetik 09.03 ****
Cannonball ADDERLEY - Somethin’ Else: rec 1958  CD  Blue Note ∫ Cannonball Adderley as; Miles Davis tp; Hank Jones p; Sam Jones b; Art Blakey dr ∫ Autumn Leaves / Love For Sale / Somethin' Else / One For Daddy-O / Dancing In The Dark / Bangoon ∫ reviews - DownBeat 09.99 ****
Cannonball ADDERLEY - The Quintet in Chicago: rec 1959  CD  Verve ∫ Cannonball Adderley as; John Coltrane ts; Wynton Kelly p; Paul Chambers b; Jimmy Cobb dr ∫ Limehouse Blues / Stars Fell On Alabama / Wabash / Grand Cedntral / You're a Weaver Of Dreams / The Sleeper ∫ reviews - DownBeat 02.00 ****
Cannonball ADDERLEY Quintet - Domination: CD  Capitol ∫ Cannonball Adderely as; orchestra arr + cond by Oliver Nelson ∫ reviews - Jazz’N’More 2005 *****
Cannonball ADDERLEY Quintet - Money In The Pocket: rec 1966 live in Chicago  CD  Capitol∫ Cannonball Adderely as; Nat Adderely co;  Joe Zawinul p; Herbie Lewis b; Roy McCurdy dr ∫ reviews - Jazz’N’More 2005 *****

Franco AMBROSETTI - Movies: rec 1986  CD  24 Bit Master Edition  ENJA ∫ Franco Ambrosetti (tp, flh), John Scofield (g), Geri Allen (p), Michael Formanek (b), Daniel Humair (dr)  ∫ 1. Summertime 06:38 | 2. Yellow Submarine 09:01 | 3. Chan's Song 06:30 | 4. That Old Black Magic 03:15 | 5. Good Morning Heartache 08:26 | 6. The Magnificent Seven 08:10 | 7. Ich Bin Von Kopf Bis Fuss Auf Liebe Eingestellt 04:08 | 8. Be A Brave Utopist 04:57 ∫ reviews -  Franco Ambrosetti wurde 1941 in Lugano (Schweiz) geboren und machte seine ersten Karriereschritte als Sideman seines Saxophon spielenden Vaters Flavio. Er gewann mehrere Trompetenwettbewerbe und wurde in Italien zum "besten Jazzmusiker Europas" gewählt. Sein Album "Movies", das bekannten Filmmelodien einen neuen Dreh versetzt und dabei mit berühmten Mitstreitern aufwartet -- u.a. John Scofield an der Gitarre --, war Ambrosettis größter Erfolg in den 80er Jahren. Es erhielt den Preis der deutschen Plattenkritik (Vierteljahresliste 2/87) und war Jazz-CD des Monats in Audio: "Die Titel faszinieren durch ihre kühle, auf überflüssige Töne verzichtende Rationalität." Das FAZ-Magazin schrieb: "Der Schweizer Franco Ambrosetti ist der eleganteste Hardbop-Trompeter, den Europa je gekannt hat. Die Musik ist exzellent." / Label: Born in 1941 in Lugano (Switzerland), Franco Ambrosetti started his recording career in 1964 as a sideman with his father Flavio, then a famous alto sax player. In years to follow he received several trumpet awards, was voted "Best European Jazz Musician" in Italy and was called "the most elegant hard bop trumpeter Europe has ever known."
Dedicated to famous film melodies (by Gershwin, Lennon/McCartney, Hancock a.o.) and featuring American star players John Scofield and Geri Allen, "Movies" was Ambrosetti's most successful album in the eighties. Its re-definings of some well-known songs received top ratings, among them the prestigious German Critics Award. British Jazz Journal reads: "Comparisons could be drawn between Ambrosetti and Lester Bowie, in that both have blended gentle satire and serious blowing, but the Italo-Swiss has pulled off the idea with flair and taste." All Music Guide adds: "A superb album.".

Gene AMMONS - Swingin' The Jug: rec 1970/73  CD  Groove Hut Records ∫ Gene Ammons (ts), Harold Mabern (p), George Freeman (g), Ron Carter (b), Idris Muhammad (dr), a.o. ∫ Kommentar: This release contains Gene Ammons' complete quartet album Swingin' the Jug, which has never been previously issued on CD! As a bonus, this edition also includes The Black Cat LP in its entirety plus Ammons' rare and outstanding live quartet performance of the classic ballad "Here's that Rainy Day" at the 1973 Watts Jazz Festival.

Albert AYLER - Slug's Saloon - May, 1, 1966: DCD  ESP-DISK' ∫ Albert Ayler ts; Donald Ayler tp; Michel Samson vio; Lewis Worrell b; Ron Jackson dr ∫ reviews - JazzThetik 08.08 *****

Chet BAKER - Chet in Chicago: rec 1986  CD  ENJA ∫ Chet Baker tp, voc; Bradley Young p; Larry Gray b; Rusty James dr ∫ reviews - Label: Trumpeter Chet Baker became known in the 1950s as one of the "cool cats." His lyrical blowing, distinguished by a seemingly endless melodic inventiveness and a dark, calm tone, matured over the years and reached its artistic peak in the 1970s and '80s when he mostly performed in Europe where he was regarded a "living jazz legend." When visiting his home country in May 1986 Baker was invited by Chicagoan pianist Bradley Young to be the main man in a well-recorded studio session. Never released before, "Chet In Chicago" features the great trumpeter in superb form fronting a straight-ahead All-American band.
Starting out with an extraordinary arrangement of "Old Devil Moon", the album climbs to its lyrical height in Chet's touching interpretation of the lovely ballad "We'll Be Together Again." However, the session surprisingly is dominated by uptempo tunes including famous bebop racehorses like Charlie Parker's "Ornithology" and Miles Davis' "Sippin' At Bells." Assisted by a very fine rhythm section (Rusty Jones was George Shearing's drummer from 1972 to 1978, Larry Gray is currently with Ramsey Lewis), the trumpeter displays his admirable skills with relaxation and consummate ease. In three of the fast tunes he is challenged by tenorist Ed Petersen, one of Chicago's best reedplayers and now a jazz professor at the University of New Orleans. For his vocal feature, Chet Baker chose one of his favorites, "My Funny Valentine", his signature tune since his early days with Gerry Mulligan.
Twenty years after Chet Baker's untimely death in Amsterdam (1988), the release of this long-time forgotten studio recording serves as a worthy tribute to one of the great, unmistakable improvisers in jazz. "Chet In Chicago" is released as the fifth volume of the successful CHET BAKER LEGACY series co-produced by CCB (Chet & Carol Baker Productions) and ENJA RECORDS.
Chet BAKER - Peace: rec 1982  CD  24 Bit Master Edition  ENJA ∫ Chet Baker tp, voc; David Friedman vib, mba; Buster Williams b; Joe Chambers dr ∫ The Song Is You / a.o. ∫ reviews - Label: Trumpet player Chet Baker (1929-1988) came to sudden fame as partner of Gerry Mulligan in the early fifties. His clear tone and his subdued, lyrical manner became hallmarks of West Coast cool jazz. However, Baker's seemingly endless melodic inventiveness matured in later years and reached its artistic peak in the 70s and 80s. Recorded in 1982, "Peace" is a lovely example of his intimate combo work. The uncommon instrumentation with marimba and the original, somewhat challenging music by David Friedman inspired Chet Baker to one of his most intense and most thoughtful recordings. "Lament for Thelonious" is the highlight: Written and recorded directly after Thelonious Monk's death, the song cries tears of joy as well as sorrow. "There are many Chet Baker recordings from his final decade and his true fans will want to pick up this one" (Scott Yanow, All Music Guide).
Chet BAKER - The Legacy Vol. 1: rec 1987  CD  ENJA ∫ Chet Baker tp, voc; NDR Big Band: Lennart Axelsson, Herb Geller, Stan Sulzman ts; Walter Norris p; Alex Riel dr  u.a.∫ reviews - JazzThetik 10.95 ***** / DownBeat 01.96 ***
Chet BAKER - The Legacy Vol. 2 / Remember You: rec 1985  CD  ENJA ∫ Chet Baker tp, p, voc; Doug Raney g; Jesper Lundgaard b; Aage Tanggaard dr∫ reviews -  Jazz Podium 02.97: Ein in jeder Weise grossartiger Konzertmitschnitt eines hervorragend harmonisierenden Chet Baker Quartets / JazzHot 07.98 recommandé
Chet BAKER - The Legacy Vol. 3 / Remember You: rec 1979-87  CD  ENJA ∫ Chet Baker tp, p, voc; Wolfgang Lackerschmid vib, gong; Larry Coryell g; Buster Williams b; Tony Williams dr; Lee Konitz as; Günther Lenz b; Nicola Stilo g; Lilias White voc; Donald Johnston p; Ron McClure b; Jeff Hirshfield dr ∫ reviews -  Jazz Podium 10.98 empfohlen
Chet BAKER - The Legacy Vol. 4 / Oh You Crazy Moon: rec 1978 CD  ENJA∫ Chet Baker tp, p, voc; Phil Markowitz p; Scott Lee b; Jeff Brillinger dr The Touch Of Your Lips / Beautiful Black Eyes / Oh You Crazy Moon / Once upon A Sumemrtime / My Funny Valentine ∫ reviews - Rondo: Die legendäre Baker-Melancholie verzaubert auch hier.

Count BASIE Orchestra - Mustermesse Basel 1956: rec 1956, released 2008 CD TCB ∫ Count Basie p, ld; Wendell Culley, Reunald Jones Sr., Thad Jones, Joe Newman tp; Henry Coker, Bill Hughes, Benny Powell tb; Marshal Royal, Bill Graham, Frank Foster, Frank Wess, Charlie Fowlkes reeds; Freddie Green g; Eddie Jones b; Sonny Payne dr ∫ Your For Me / Shiny Stockings / Cherry Point / Sixteen Men Swingin' / Eventide / Mambo Inn / Backstage Blues / Flute Juice / Unknown Title / Blee Blop Bues / Yesterdays / Eddie Jones' Blues ∫

Ray BROWN - Seven Steps To Heaven: rec 1994  CD  Telarc Discover Jazz ∫ Ray Brown b; Benny Green p; Ulf Wakenius g; Gregory Hutchinson dr

Kenny CLARKE - Telefunken Blues: rec 1954/55  CD /Digipak-Edition  Jazz Track ∫ Kenny Clarke (dr), Frank Morgan (as), Milt Jackson (vib, p), Gerald Wiggins (p), Percy Heath (b), a.o.∫  Ed Thigpen: "Every drummer owes Kenny Clarke a debt of gratitude."

CODONA - The Codona Trilogy: rec 1978-1982, released 2008  3 CD-Box  ECM ∫ Don Cherry tp, melodica, Doussn'Gouni,org, voice; Collin Walcott sitar, tabla, sanza, hammered dulcimer, timpani, voice; Nana Vasconcelos berimbau, talking drum, cuica, perc, voice

Sonny CRISS - This Is Criss!: rec 1966  CD  Prestige ∫ Sonny Criss as; Walter Davis p; Paul Chambers b; Alan Dawson dr ∫ Soul Junction / Woody'n You / Birks' Works / I've Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good) / Hallelujah ∫ Kommentar: 1966 holte der Produzent Don Schlitten den Altsaxophonisten Sonny Criss von Los Angeles für eine Aufnahmesession nach New York. Zusammengebracht wurde der West-Coast-Jazzer dort mit einer handverlesenen Rhythmusgruppe (Pianist Walter Davis, Bassist Paul Chambers und Drummer Alan Dawson), die im Swing ebenso zuhause war wie im Bebop. Mit "This Is Criss!" gelang dem häufig unterschätzten Saxophonisten damals sein vielleicht bestes Album, das von vielen Hörern und Kritikern als eine wahre Offenbarung gefeiert wurde. Seine früher etwas unausgegorenen Konzepte und sein Problem mit der Time hatte der damals 29jährige Criss endlich überwunden und konnte sich so auf diesem Album als gereifter Solist präsentieren

Art FARMER - The Brass Sessions (Brass Shout / The Aztec Suite): rec 1959  CD  Gambit∫ Art Farmer (tp, flh), Lee Morgan (tp), Curtis Fuller (tb), Jimmy Cleveland (tb), Bob Northern (fr-horn), Don Butterfield (tu), Bobby Timmons (p), Percy Heath (b), Elvin Jones (dr), a.o. ∫ reviews - DownBeat 11.08 ***°

Red GARLAND Trio - Groovy: rec 1956+57  CD  Prestige ∫ Red Garland p; Paul Chambers b; Arthur Taylor dr ∫ C-Jam Blues / Gone Again / Will You Still Be Mine / Willow Weep For Me / What Can I Say After I Say I'm Sorry / Hey Now/ ∫ DownBeat ***** / Kommentar: Red Garland und Miles Davis hatten Mitte der 50er Jahre eine geradezu symbiotische Beziehung. Der Pianist spielte im Quintett des Trompeters eine enorm wichtige Rolle als Solist, interaktiver Begleiter und Repertoirebetreuer. Durch seine hervorgehobene Position in Miles' Quintett gelang es Garland wiederum, auch mit seinen eigenen Aufnahmen gleich im Rampenlicht zu stehen. "Groovy" war das dritte Album, das Red Garland mit seinem Trio für Prestige aufnahm. Wie Garland gehörten auch seine beiden Begleiter, Bassist Paul Chambers und Schlagzeuger Art Taylor, damals dem Miles Davis Quintet an. Das Repertoire bestand aus einer gewohnt ausgewogenen Mischung von Jazzstandards, Balladen und Bluesnummern.

Paul GONSALVES / Clark TERRY Quintet - Complete Recordings: rec 1956-59  CD  Lone Hill Jazz ∫ Paul Gonsalves ts; Clark Terry tp; Willie Jones p; Jimmy Woode b; Sam Woodyard dr; a.o. ∫ reviews – Label: Our collection includes three isolated quintet albums made by Gonsalves and Terry with the aid of Jimmy Woode and San Woodyard, both longtime Duke associates. The first album dates back to 1957, shortly after Gonsalves' gained fame for his long improvisation on “Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue” at the 1956 Newport Jazz Festival. Hints of this performance are heard twice on this set, both on a new version of the aforementioned title recorded in Germany in 1958, and on “Festival”, from the 1957 LP. The second and the third quintet albums were recorded abroad while the Ellington orchestra was touring Europe. One album was made in Germany and the other in France. As a bonus to the three quintet albums, we have added a complete sextet session that also features Terry and Gonsalves. It was originally issued on an LP titled The Jazz School.

Johnny GRIFFIN Orchestra -  The Big Soul Band: rec 1960  CD  OJC ∫ Johnny Griffin ts; Clark Terry, Bob Bryant, Juliian Priester, Matthew Gee, Pat Patrick, Frank Strozier, Edwin Williams, Charlie Davis, Bobby Timmons, Harold Mabern, Bob Cranshaw, Vic Sproles, Charlie Persip / RAJ: ein heisser Tip!

Henry GRIMES Trio - The Call: rec 1965  CD  ESP-DISK' ∫ Henry Grimes b; Perry Robinson cl; Tom Price dr ∫ reviews - JazzThetik 09.08 ****°

Jim HALL Trio Feat. Tom HARRELL - These Rooms: rec 1988  CD  Denon ∫ Jim Hall g; Steve LaSpina b; Joey Baron dr; Tom Harrell tp, flh ∫ Kommentar: This 1988 studio date is one of the overlooked treasures in the considerable discography of Jim Hall. It is easy to understand why artists like Art Farmer and Paul Desmond omitted a pianist after hearing a release such as this one, because it would only clutter Hall’s soft yet complete accompaniment. Joined by Tom Harrell (heard mostly on flugelhorn), bassist Steve LaSpina, and drummer Joey Baron, this CD is a delight from start to finish. The interaction of the musicians in the opener, a lively, waltzing With a Song in My Heart, makes it sound like they have been a working unit for years. The well-conceived arrangement of Where or When, which Hall dedicated to Basie guitarist Freddie Green (who died the year prior to the sessions), proves to be the most captivating track, with its understated yet consummately swinging air.

Coleman HAWKINS - In Europe: filmed 1961-65  DVD  Ovation ∫ Coleman Hawkins ts; Oscar Peterson p; Sam Jones b; Louis Hayes dr; Benny Carter as; a.o.

Woody HERMAN - Four Brothers; Definitive Collection: rec 1945-47  DCD  Definitive Records ∫ Woody Herman (cl, as), Shorty Rogers (tp), Stan Getz (ts), Zoot Sims (ts), Flip Philipps (as), Jimmy Rowles (tp), Rerd Norvo (vib), Billy Bauer (g), Chubby Jackson (b), Buddy Rich (dr), a.o. ∫ Komentar: The Woody Herman band was one of the most popular groups in the world in the 1940s. It combined the beautiful sound of the leader on clarinet and vocals with the innumerable talents playing and arranging for it, many of which went on to become big names in jazz. Born Woodrow Charles Thomas Herrmann in Milwaukee on May 16, 1913, Woody was introduced to show business by his father, who played the piano and sang in barbershop groups. The first well known band conducted by Woody Herman in the late thirties was given the sobriquet "The Band That Plays the Blues". The title of "First Herd" is usually given to the celebrated orchestra from the period 1944-46, which included such outstanding musicians as Sonny Berman, Pete Candoli, Flip Phillips, Billy Bauer, Chubby Jackson, Ralph Burns (pianist and arranger) andDave Tough, among others.
By the end of 1946, the First Herd was one of the highest paid bands in history, obtaining high marks in the Metronome, Esquire and Down Beat polls. However, due to family problems, Herman was forced to disband the First Herd in December 1946. After some months away from music (helping his wife to recuperate from her alcoholism), he formed his Second Herd, which included such stars as Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, Serge Chaloff and Al Cohn. The recordings of "Four Brothers" and "The Goof and I" were among their greatest hits. This CD compiles a number of the bands' greatest highlights.

Bobby HUTCHERSON - Head On: CD  Blue Note ∫ Bobby Hutcherson vib; William Henderson p; Oscar Brashear tp; Harold Land ts; Originals ∫ reviews - DownBeat 09.08 ****

Wynton KELLY Trio & Sextet - Kelly Blue: rec 1959  CD  Concord Jazz ∫ Wynton Kelly p; Paul Chambers b; Jimmy Cobb dr + Nat Adderley co; Benny Golson ts; Bobby Jaspar fl ∫ Kelly Blue / Softly As In A Morning Sunrise / Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me / On Green Dolphin Street / Willow Weep For Me / Keep It Moving / Old Clothes ∫ DownBeat **** / JazzPodium 03,00 empfohlen! / JazzThetik 07.04 ****

Chris McGREGOR's Brotherhood Of Breath - Eclipse At Dawn: rec at the Berliner Jazztage in 1971  CD  cuneiform ∫ Chis McGregor p, cond; ∫ reviews - DownBeat 09.08 ****

John McLAUGHLIN - Remember Shakti - The Way Of Beauty: rec 2008  DVD  Sunnyside ∫ John McLaughlin g, ∫ reviews - DownBeat 07.08 ****°

The MODERN JAZZ QUARTET - Concorde: rec 1955  CD  Concord ∫ Milt Jackson vib; John Lewis p; Percy Heath b; Connie Kay dr ∫ Kommentar: Den Weggang eines Musikers vom Kaliber des Schlagzeugers Kenny Clarke zu verkraften, ist keine leichte Angelegenheit. Das Modern Jazz Quartet meisterte diesen Verlust seines Mitbegründers 1955 allerdings mit bewundernswerter Bravour. Clarkes Nachfolger Connie Kay, der auf diesem Album seinen Einstand gab, blieb dem MJQ bis zu seinem Tod 1995 treu. Mit "Concorde" setzte das Quartett die Reihe seiner grandios swingenden Aufnahmen nahtlos fort. Neben einem Gershwin-Medley und anderen Jazzstandards gibt es auf "Concorde" auch je eine Komposition von Vibraphonist Milt Jackson und Pianist John Lewis zu hören.

J.R. MONTROSE - Complete Studio Recordings: rec 1959-64  CD  Gambit ∫ J.R. Montrose ts; Tommy Flanagan p; Jimmy Garrison b; Peter La Roca dr; a.o.

James MOODY - Moody's Party; Live At The Blue Note: rec 1994  CD  Telarc Discover Jazz ∫ James Moody (as, ts), Mulgrew Miller (p), Todd Coleman (b), Terri Lyne Carrington (dr), Chris Potter (ts), Roy Ayers (vib)

Lee MORGAN Septet - Dizzy Atmosphere: rec 1957-60  CD  Jazz Beat ∫ Lee Morgan tp; Al Grey tb; Billy Mitchell ts; Billy Root bs; Wynton Kelly p; Paul West b; Charlie Persip dr ∫ Kommentar: This release contains Lee Morgan's complete Dizzy Atmosphere LP, recorded on February 18, 1957. As a bonus, this CD also includes both of the quintet tracks from Morgan's February 27, 1957 session with Charlie Persip's Jazz Statesmen, and all three tracks from the trumpeter's July 1960 quintet date with Wayne Shorter!

Jaco PASTORIOUS - The Early Years Recordings: rec 1969-1974  CD  EGEA ∫ Jaco Pastorius el-b; Pat Metheny g; Bob Moses dr; a.m.o. ∫ reviews: DRS2 Jazz aktuell 11.11.08, Empfehlung Peter Bürli / Vertrieb: Since Jaco's untimely death the market, and yes black market, has been glutted with countless live recordings that supposedly provide the last opportunities to hear great performances by a legendary musician. However, these substandard bootlegs capture nothing more than the fading light of a once proud champion in his decline. Usually restricted to collectors and traders these kinds of recordings exist in every legends subculture, but what's really disappointing is that somehow these mono cassette jam sessions are somehow finding their way into Jaco's essential releases in music stores. At this time we are happy to say that finally there exists the definitive anthology that Jaco Pastorius' legacy truly deserves: The Early Years Recordings.
This multimedia experience takes you all the way back to the beginning when Jaco was developing his sound, his chops, his style, and his writing skills...back to when he was brazenly ignoring all the rules and well on his way to re-defining the role and sound of the electric bass. Within this musical adventure you will hear all of Jaco's historical 'firsts' including his first experimental home recordings, his first studio session, his earliest bands, his very beginnings as a soloist, and most importantly his never-before-heard first original compositions. Highlighting all of the significant developments and various influences along the way, this rare collection of materials is the complete story of Jaco's early formative years. You'll also hear Jaco's "Original Demos" recorded at Criteria recording studios in 1974, and classic recordings with Pat Metheny, Ira Sullivan, Peter Graves, Wayne Cochran and others.

Art PEPPER & Blue MITCHELL - The Dolo Coker Sessions: rec 1976  CD  Definitive Records∫ Art Pepper (as), Blue Mitchell (tp, flh), Dolo Coker (p), Leroy Vinnegar (b), Frank Butler (dr) ∫ Label: Compiles all quintet recordings from Art Pepper & Blue Mitchell's December 27, 1976 studio session accompanied by the Dolo Coker Trio. Also contains all the quintet material from the studio date of the previous day – featuring the same lineup with Harold Land instead of Pepper.

Art PEPPER & Conte CANDOLI - Mucho Calor: rec 1957  CD -Digipak  Jazz Track ∫  Art Pepper as; Conte Candoli tp; Bill Perkins ts; Russ Freeman p; Ben Tucker b; Chuck Flores dr; Jack Constanzo bgo; a.o. ∫ reviews -  Label: This release contains Art Pepper and Conte Candoli’s octet album Mucho Calor in its entirety, as well as Pepper’s complete August 12, 1957 nonet session, included here as a bonus. Includes 12-page comprehensive booklet!
"Art Pepper gave his all, all the time. I never heard him lay back at any time. And that is an honest musician." – Marty Paich

Enrico PIERANUNZI & Chet BAKER - Soft Journey: rec 1979  CD  EGEA ∫ Enrico Pieranunzi p; Chet Baker tp, voc; Maurizio Giammaco ts; Riccardo Del Fra b; Roberto Gatto dr ∫ reviews - Vertrieb: ... Now, after thirty long and tormented years, EGEA Records, in the year of the 20th anniversary of Chet’s death, releases this album which according to both critics and musicians is the most memorable of Chet’s late career.

Bud POWELL - Jazz Giant: rec 1949-54  CD Essential Jazz ∫ Bud Powell p; Curly Russell b; Max Roach dr; a.o. ∫ reviews - Label: The complete album Jazz Giant, widely regarded as one of the best of Bud Powell’s career.
As a bonus, a complete 1951 piano solo session featuring two of the Powell’s best known compositions: “Hallucinations” and “Parisian Thoroughfare”, plus some more extra numbers. Our compilation presents the Jazz Giant album in its entirety, plus, as a bonus, the two master takes from the July 1, 1950 trio session with Ray Brown and Buddy Rich; the complete and extraordinary February 1951 solo piano session and, as a corollary, the two Rodgers & Hart ballads from the June 8, 1954 trio session.

Bud POWELL - Piano Interpretations + Blues In The Closet: rec 1956  CD Lone Hill Jazz∫ Bud Powell p; George Duvivier p; Art Taylor dr; Ray Brown b; Osie Johnson dr ∫ Kommentar: This release contains two of the last LPs Bud Powell would record before departing for Europe. Although it was originally scheduled to be a short tour, Powell would remain for an extended period in the Old Continent, interrupted briefly in 1964, when he returned to the States for his final trip. The pianist was suffering from numerous problems at the time these albums were made. He was commited to a mental hospital from late 1951 to early 1953, following an arrest for possession of marijuana. He would be released into the guardianship of Oscar Goodstein, the owner of the Birdland nightclub. A 1953 trio session (with George Duvivier and Art Taylor) included Powell's composition "Glass Enclosure", inspired by his near-imprisonment in Goodstein's apartment.
Following his release from the hospital, Powell’s playing began to be seriously affected by Largactil, a drug prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia, and by the late fifties his talent was clearly in eclipse. To add to his misfortunes, his brother Richie – the pianist in the celebrated Max Roach-Clifford Brown quintet – was killed in a 1956 car crash that also took the life of Brown. The accident took place on June 26, less than three months before the recording that produced the second album included here.
Musically speaking, Powell’s problems were reflected in his playing, which became slower and more imperfect than his amazing work of the preceding years. However, even if the “deterioration” of his technical skills led to negative reviews at the time, it is clear that Bud Powell’s music remained extremely interesting and that the pianist’s genius was still present.

Jimmy RANEY Trio - Live In Tokyo 1976: rec 1976  CD  Jazz Collectors ∫ Jimmy Raney g; Sam Jones b; Leroy Williams dr ∫ "Jimmy Raney was sort of perfect and stayed that way. He could find his way through the most outrageous chord changes with a beautiful line. He was a combination of intellect and musicality that I think is very rare. Of course, he loved Charlie Parker, but he also loved Bela Bartok. Jimmy's playing reminded me of somewhere between Charlie Parker and Bela Bartok." – Jim Hall

Pee Wee RUSSELL - Plays With Buck CLAYTON, Vic DICKENSON And Bud FREEMAN: rec 1959/58  CD  Lone Hill Jazz ∫ Pee Wee Russell (cl), Buck Clayton (tp), Vic Dickenson (tb), Bud Freeman (ts), Eddie Condon (g), a.o. ∫ reviews - A unique and distinctive voice in jazz clarinet, Charles Ellsworth Russell (March 27, 1906-February 15, 1969) was much better known by his nickname Pee Wee. His recording career began in 1924 and continued until the year of his death. Our collection compiles two of the best albums made by Pee Wee Russell in the late fifties. Pee Wee Russell Plays, which appears here on CD for the first time ever, has the additional value of presenting only Russell’s own compositions. These were Pee Wee’s first studio recordings with trumpet star Buck Clayton, although both had played together before. As a bonus, we offer another complete album, Portrait of Pee Wee, featuring the great Ruby Braff and, once again, Bud Freeman and Vic Dickenson. In fact, this album was the immediate predecessor to Pee Wee Russell Plays in the clarinettist’s discography. It was made almost exactly a year earlier. Its repertoire consists primarily of standard tunes, as well as two of the compositions by Pee Wee that would be recorded again for Pee Wee Russell Plays, “Pee Wee’s Blues” and “Oh No!” (It’s delightful to compare the two different versions of Russell’s delicate blues). Maybe this album with its two lonely Russell melodies served as an inspiration for the later project. As a bonus, the complete LP Portrait of Pee Wee, selected as one of 100 best jazz albums of all time, and also featuring Vic Dickenson and Bud Freeman, plus the great Ruby Braff.

Archie SHEPP / Dollar BRAND (Abdullah Ibrahim) - Duet: rec 1978  CD  Denon ∫ Archie Shepp ts; Dollar Brand p ∫ Kommentar: A somewhat surprising pairing at the time, the former firebrand of the tenor sax and the wonderful South African pianist found a pleasant and relaxed meeting point. By 1978, Shepp had largely abandoned the ferocious attack that gained him renown in the ‘60s, settling on a rich, Ben Webster-ishtone and playing a repertoire consisting of modern standards and bluesy originals. Two such pieces, the lovely Dave Burrell/Marion Brown composition Fortunato and Mal Waldron’s Left Alone, are highlights of this session, Shepp’s burnished tone as soft as an old shoe. Ibrahim is a fairly deferential partner here, generally preferring to play the role of accompanist, although certainly one sprinkling his work with plenty of ideas for Shepp to work off. Much good listening here!

Horace  SILVER - Live At Newport '58: rec 1958 CD  Blue Note ∫ Horace Silver p; Louis Smith tp; Junior Cook ts; Gene Taylor b; Louis Hayes dr ∫ reviews - DownBeat 03.08 ****
Horace SILVER Quintet - Song For My Father: filmed 1962/68  DVD  Impro Jazz ∫ Horace Silver (p), Bill Hardman (tp), Bennie Maupin (ts), Johnny Williams (b), Billy Cobham (dr), a.o. ∫ Kommentar: For the first time ever on DVD, this long release presents one of the very few opportunities to see Horace Silver on film, and the rare possibility of seeing him play an extended version of his most acclaimed composition, “Song for my Father”. Another Silver tune, “Nutville”, was also performed at this concert. One of the most influential pianists of hard bop, Silver is well known for his poignant funky playing style. Born in 1928, the 79-year old pianist is still alive at this writing. He is backed here by equally celebrated musicians like Bill Hardman, Bennie Maupin and Billy Cobham. Two long unavailable performances recorded for TV shows in Los Angeles in 1962 have been added here to complete the program. One of them features Shelly Manne (1920-1984) with an outstanding quintet including Conte Candoli, Richie Kamuca and Russ Freeman. Manne is well known both for his skills on the drums and as the owner of his own jazz club. The other presents Teddy Edwards (1924-2003), a slightly underrated tenor saxophonist who, nevertheless, worked with such important and varied stars as the Max Roach-Clifford Brown Quintet, Earl Bostic, Jimmy Whitherspoon, Gerald Wilson, Mel Tormé and Benny Goodman. Edwards is showcased here leading his own group with a repertoire consisting solely of his own compositions.

Jimmy SMITH - The Champ: filmed 1961/1999  DVD  Jazz Shots ∫ Jimmy Smith (org), Quentin Warren (g), Donald Bailey (dr), a.o. ∫ Kommentar: Although he began as a pianist, the great Jimmy Smith (1925-2005) switched to organ after hearing Wild Bill Davis in 1953. Smith’s unparalleled skills with the Hammond helped to popularize the electric organ as a jazz and blues instrument, and he recorded prolifically during his long career. Since the release of his first album as a leader in 1956, A New Sound...A New Star ... Jimmy Smith at the Organ, Vol. 1, few organists received as much attention. A perennial poll winner since the late '50s, Smith redefined the instrument. As Leonard Feather wrote in his Encyclopaedia of Jazz: “The first attempt to bring the organ into the orbit of contemporary jazz was undertaken by Jimmy Smith, an extraordinary musician who makes fuller use than other jazz organists of the variety of stops at his disposal. Smith plays fast tempo jazz improvisations in a style that would have blended perfectly with Charlie Parker's combo, had Smith risen to prominence during Parker's lifetime.” Smith's new sound utilized the first three draw bars and the percussion feature of the Hammond B-3. He also cut the tremolo off and began playing fluid horn-like lines with his right hand, inspired by players like Coleman Hawkins, Don Byas and Arnett Cobb. He once explained: “I copped my solos from horn players. I don't listen to keyboard players. I can't get what I want from keyboard players”. At the same time, he also admitted that Bud Powell, Art Tatum and Erroll Garner were important influences.
This amazing DVD presents the talents of Jimmy Smith in two different periods and contexts. The first item consists of footage from a Los Angeles TV Show in 1962, which captured Smith in a trio format at the height of his powers. The second item showcases Smith at an outstanding 1999 concert with a bigger band including noted Puerto Rican flutist Néstor Torres. It was filmed after Smith had already become a jazz legend.
Jimmy SMITH -  Midnight Special / The Incredible J.S.: rec 1960  CD  Blue Note ∫ Jimmy Smith org; Stanley Turrentine ts; Kenny Burrell g; Donald Bailey ∫ Midnight Special / A Subtle One / Jumpin' The Blues / Why Was I Born / One O'Clock Jump ∫ reviews - DownBeat 01.08 ****

Jeremy STEIG / Eddie GOMEZ - Outlaws: rec 1977 CD  ENJA ∫ Jeremy Steig fl; Eddie Gomez b ∫ reviews - Label: Jeremy Steig profilierte sich Ende der 60er-Jahre mit seiner Band Jeremy & The Satyrs als ein Pionier der Jazz-Rock-Bewegung. Er gehört zur Hand voll der besten Jazzflötisten aller Zeiten und hat ein großes Arsenal an Spieltechniken entwickelt. In den 70er-Jahren arbeitete er häufig mit dem Bassisten Eddie Gomez zusammen, der vor allem durch seine Auftritte mit Bill Evans, Jim Hall und Paul Bley bekannt wurde. Gomez gehört zu den Virtuosen am Kontrabass, seine flinke Technik macht ihn zum idealen Begleiter in kleinsten Formationen. "Outlaws" entstand während einer Europatournee 1976 und zählt zu den Meilensteinen des Duo-Jazz. "Die Session fängt die spezielle Magie jenes vibrierenden Feedbacks ein, das entsteht, wenn überragende Musiker und ein empfängliches Publikum mit Emphase interagieren", war einst in Downbeat zu lesen. Das Album wurde zum legendären Beginn einer ganzen Serie von Duett-Platten des Teams Steig & Gomez. / Vertrieb: Jeremy Steig came to fame as leader of his band Jeremy & The Satyrs who were pioneers in the jazz-rock movement. An outstanding jazz flutist, Steig exploited a wide range of performance techniques. In the seventies, he frequently collaborated with bassist Eddie Gomez, best known for his work with Bill Evans, Jim Hall and Paul Bley. Gomez is a virtuoso performer whose swiftness makes him an ideal bassist in small groups. Recorded during a European tour in 1976, "Outlaws" is considered a milestone album in jazz duets. "The session catches the special magic of that oscillating feedback loop created by emphatic interaction between superb performers and a sensitive audience," Downbeat magazine read. It was the now legendary start of a string of duet albums by the flute & bass team of Steig & Gomez.

Billy TAYLOR & Gerry MULLIGAN - Live At MCG: rec 1993, release date 31.08.07  CD  Salt Peanuts ∫ Billy Taylor p; Gerry Mulligan bs; Chip Jackson b; Carl Allen dr ∫ Corcovado / Desafinado / Snow Samba sowie unbekanntere Jobim-Titel ∫ reviews - coda 01.08, Ken Dryden: ... these 1993 performances, drawn from a weekend of shows by pianist Billy Taylor's Trio with special guest Gerry Mulligan on bariton saxophone, finds the musicians at the top of their game ... this well-recorded live CD merely hints at the potential of what's to come / Label: In late 1993 jazz masters Billy Taylor and Gerry Mulligan performed a series of concerts at Manchester Craftsmen's Guild (MCG) in Pittsburgh, PA for the first time together. The result of those performances is Billy Taylor and Gerry Mulligan, Live at MCG. During the concert weekend MCG also taped the pilot program for what became "Billy Taylor's Jazz from the Kennedy Center." That NPR series went on to become one of the most successful national radio series of all time. Dr. Taylor played for the Grand Opening of the MCG Music Hall in 1987 and has presented a colorful palette of programs at MCG over the past 20 years.  Billy Taylor and Gerry Mulligan, Live at MCG represents one of those very special moments.  Billy Taylor and Gerry Mulligan were the best of friends on and off the bandstand - which can genuinely be heard throughout this entire performance.  You will hear them finishing each others phrases and laughing at each other's musical jokes.  Their duet on "All The Things You Are" is a glowing example of their shared musical heritage and life-long bond.

Chucho VALDES & IRAKERE - 1978 World Tour: CD-Digipak  Malanga Music ∫ Chucho Valdés p, kb; Arturo Sandoval tp; Jorge Varona tp, flh; Paquito D'Rivera as; Enrique Pla dr; Oscar Valdes perc; a.o. ∫ reviews - Label: This CD compiles all of the live 1978 recirdings of one of the finest formations in the history of Chucho Valdés’ celebrated band Irakere. The lineup included such superlative musicians as Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D’Rivera, Carlos Averhoff, Carlos Emilio Morales, Carlos del Puerto and Enrique Plá to name a few. The band can be heard in a concert at Havana’s Teatro 23 y 12, as wel as performances at the Newport and Montreux jazz festivals.

Nancy WILSON / Cannonball ADDERLEY Quintet - Nancy & Cannonball: rec 1967  CD  Blue Note ∫ Cannonball Adderley as; Nancy Wilson voc; Cannonball as; Nat Adderley co; Joe Zawinul p; Sam Jones b; Louis Hayes dr ∫ Save Your Love For Me / Never Will I Marry / The Old Country / Happy Talk / The Masquerade Is Over / A Sleepin' Bee / I Can't Get Started / Unit 7  a.o. ∫ reviews - JazzLinks 08.08, Chan ****° Nur die Tatsache, dass keine eigentliche Jazzsängerin am Werk ist und das Element der Improvisation eben fehlt, gab einen halben Stern Abzug.  Nancy Wilson unterstreicht hier nichtsdestotrotz ihre grosse Klasse. Zusammen mit einer Adderley-Formation in Höchstform entstand ein genre-übergreifendes Meisterwerk.