James P. was one of the earliest jazz musicians “to command respect.” He played a big role in the transition from ragtime to stride, and … Read More “James P. Johnson: Parlor Piano Solos From Rare Piano Rolls”
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 was caught live by Jerry Newman on his “portable disc recording equipment,” and ears accustomed to the standards on today’s studio recording will have … Read More “Hot Lips Page: After Hours in Harlem, 1940-41”
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”
The Arbors reunion took place after the gathering of the faithful in Clearwater, Florida, in 1997. Such get-togethers clearly bring out something special from the … Read More “Bob Wilber and Kenny Davern: Reunion at Arbors”
The pianists to whom Ray Bryant pays tribute here are Duke Ellington, Ramsey Lewis, Dave Brubeck, Horace Silver, Vince Guaraldi, Count Basie, Thelonious Monk, Bobby … Read More “Ray Bryant: Ray’s Tribute to His Piano Friends”
Among the 17 performances are several not previously issued, such as Billy Kyle’s feature, “When I Grow Too Old to Dream,” Trummy Young’s untypically rambunctious … Read More “Louis Armstrong: Master of Jazz: Louis in Chicago, 1962”
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”
These illustrate three phases of the All Stars and make an excellent supplement to Victor’s splendid, recent four-CD set. The Storyville disc contains two broadcasts, … Read More “Louis Armstrong: Wintergarden, 1947; Blue Note, 1948”
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”
Marian McPartland’s “Piano Jazz” series, on radio and records, has quietly been one of the notable success stories in jazz of recent years. As a … Read More “Marian McPartland: Piano Jazz with Guest Charles Brown”
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”