By Bob Margolis

A very welcome addition to the crop of re-issue series out on the market is the Verve Master Edition Collection -- that just seems to be bringing to light some beautiful records that need to be heard by all who wish to learn about jazz music. The Verve releases of the Fifties and Sixties were among the first records to be graced by the CD format. Verve, which now incorporates the Mercury/ EmArcy jazz catalog, in addition to reissuing these classic recordings, cornerstones of the jazz cannon, is involved with new recordings by a strong roster of talent and marking their territory within the realm of jazz history with the VME series.

The VME series consists of a who's who of jazz. Recent releases have featured artists from Oscar Peterson to Bird. From Lester to Wes. A featured pick of AAJ, a VME release of "Bird and Diz" is a fine place to start in a quest for an education about jazz. Featuring Charlie Parker's alto mastery along with John Birch "Dizzy" Gillespie's trumpet and Thelonious Monk's piano stylings, how can one go wrong? Like all the VME offerings, "Bird and Diz" has been restored from an audio standpoint to give the listener a much easier time in deciphering the genius that lurks within this date. Also included on "Bird and Diz" are numerous alternate takes which serve to give the listener a much better idea of what was going on in the studio where this magic was occurring.

In listening to another VME release, Oscar Peterson's "We Get Requests," one is treated to an almost telepathic trio at work in what was Peterson's last Verve outing. The work of this group, featuring O.P. on piano, Ray Brown holding sway at the bass and Ed Thigpen behind the drum kit serves as a textbook for improvisational group interplay. Dipping into the Jobim bag with tunes such as Girl From Ipanema and Corcovado, or swinging straight-up via vehicles such as Have You Met Miss Jones?, You Look Good To Me and Days of Wine and Roses, "We Get Requests" is also a definition of what has been called Controlled Swing. This group had been together for five years (Thigpen came on board as a replacement for guitarist Herb Ellis) which in part explains their remarkable abilities to be so rhythmically tight while never sacrificing the spirit of swing found within all of their records, which include a few other VME releases, including "Night Train" and the stunning "Lester Young with the Oscar Peterson Trio."

The previous Peterson group consisting of Ray Brown, Herb Ellis (g) and Alvin Stoller (d) is joined by a tenorman's dream, the combination of Coleman Hawkins and Ben Webster resulting in a great VME reissue, called "Coleman Hawkins encounters Ben Webster." Featuring an unreleased Blues for Yolande in addition to sublime readings of Tangerine and You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To, Webster and "Bean" define and re-define tenor feeling, tenor expression and tenor soul. An education in itself, the listener, especially after the restoring of these tracks is allowed the opportunity to hear two tenor soloists in contrast with each other while not engaging in a cutting contest a la Johnny Griffin and Sonny Stitt, as great as those events were. Not better or worse, just different.

A common theme found within a number of VME efforts has been the presence of blues and swing. An often overlooked gem within this subgenre can be found on the VME release of "Back To Back: Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges Play The Blues." This, as the liner notes say, is truly one of the very best small group records Ellington ever made. The combination of Ellington's sadly overlooked piano style and ability in contrast and conjunction with Hodges' unique and sensual, behind the beat alto musings is a feature that makes this set of swinging the blues so much an indispensable addition to any jazz fan's collection. The economical, elegant yet bold tone of "rabbit", the unmistakable sound of Sweets Edison, the rock steady, in the pocket drumming of Jo Jones and of course the larger than life presence of Ellington make this product simply a joy to listen to. A great choice to reissue.

Next Month: A look at more VME releases featuring: Count Basie, Duke and Ella and Wes Montgomery.

Stay Tuned!