This is a delightful collection of 60 recordings made between 1946 and 1954 and drawn from no less than ten different record labels. The selection … Read More “Louis Armstrong: An American Icon”
This performance was caught live by Jerry Newman on his “portable disc recording equipment,” and ears accustomed to the standards on today’s studio recording will … Read More “Art Tatum: God Is in the House”
At Laserlight’s modest prices, these two anthologies are wonderful values for beginners anxious to experience the broad scope of the piano and saxophone in jazz. … Read More “Various Artists: Jazz Piano Anthology”
Here’s the Grand Master in six 1962 sessions that provided material for more than three LPs. He is not perhaps in peak form, because of … Read More “Coleman Hawkins: On Broadway”
The Impulse CD contains the music formerly on two LPs recorded in 1961 and 1966. They were made in recognition of the classic 1937 Paris … Read More “Benny Carter: Further Definitions”
“April in Paris” was one of the biggest hits by Basie’s New Testament band-so big that he got tired of answering requests for it, just … Read More “Count Basie: April in Paris”
This is Ray Bryant of 1960 vintage with Mickey Roker on drums and Jimmy Rowser on bass in a good program that includes titles by … Read More “Ray Bryant: Potpourri”
Jimmy Rushing sang the blues superbly, of course, but he was rather more than “a blues singer,” as he was customarily described. He was a … Read More “Jimmy Rushing: Rushing Lullabies”
This seems like a good serious project: the contents of three LPs made under the leadership of different trumpet players on two CDs. The first, … Read More “Various Artists: Swing Trumpet Kings”
On this 1944 transcription session for World Broadcasting, Milt Gabler caught Mary Lou Williams at her marvelous best, just before she was seduced by the … Read More “Mary Lou Williams: Roll ‘Em”
The 39 performances in this set were informally recorded on two occasions at Ray Heindorf’s Beverly Hills home in 1950 and 1955. There is some … Read More “Art Tatum: 20th Century Piano Genius”
This is the sixth in Classics’ “chronogical” (sic) series devoted to James P. On a dozen sides from three sessions (June, August and September), the … Read More “James P. Johnson: 1944, Volume 2”
the Pablo recordings in this attractive four-CD set were made between 1972-1983, the final phase of Basie’s long career. They were “golden years,” too, in … Read More “Count Basie: The Golden Years”