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Tyree Glenn / Hank Jones Quintet/Sextet: Complete Recordings
by Joe Alterman
In the history of jazz, few pianists have been as prolific as the recently deceased Hank Jones. His tasteful and subtle playing is documented on literally thousands of recordings. Many of them are today known as jazz classics--benchmarks to the greatness of this music--and Jones' playing and support on all of them were crucial in creating those historic, beautiful and legendary legacies. For whatever reason, many of Jones' recordings have long been either forgotten, out of print, ...
read moreVarious Artists: Christmas With the Jazz Legends, Vol. 2
by Ken Dryden
Lone Hill Jazz is best known for their straight reissues of long unavailable, valuable jazz sessions. But this anthology is a messy hodge-podge of holiday songs, ranging from legitimate jazz instrumentals and vocals, to crossover vocals awash in strings and vocalists who are well outside of jazz.
There are some memorable diamonds mixed in with the obvious coal. Billie Holiday's swinging “I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm, not necessarily a piece one thinks of as a ...
read moreWest Coast Jazz All Stars: Original Jazz Compositions
by David Rickert
You can't judge a CD by its cover. Based on the title and the lineup on the front--Bob Cooper, Bud Shank, Don Fagerquist, Jimmy Rowles, and Shelley Manne--one would think that this would be a classic West Coast blowing session, something recorded on a Sunday afternoon at the Lighthouse, perhaps. However, the music contained on this CD is actually two sessions led by composer Dean Elliott, with the players largely confined to studio roles. One is a soundtrack, the other ...
read moreManny Albam: Jazz Workshop
by David Rickert
Behind the scenes Manny Albam contributed to the books of Charlie Spivak, Count Basie, Woody Herman and Stan Kenton. Like many other arrangers, he was also inspired to strike out on his own and record albums as a leader. This set from Lone Hill Jazz collects his first two sessions as a leader.
The first session, from 1955, collects a large group of prominent musicians--Bob Brookmeyer, Billy Byers, Milt Hinton, Urbie Green, and Thad Jones to name a ...
read moreHelen Merrill: Complete Recordings with Clifford Brown
by David Rickert
Many people are familiar with Clifford Brown's collaboration with Sarah Vaughan, which many consider to be a classic. Far less well-known is his record with singer Helen Merrill for Emarcy from 1954, which features a similar set up and feel. Merrill has always been on the second tier of jazz singers as far as popularity is concerned, but is a reliable performer who can turn out enchanting performances. She's the type of singer whom many would simply put in front ...
read moreBud Shank and Bob Cooper: European Tour '58
by David Rickert
Who wouldn't enjoy a nice trip overseas in Europe? Certainly many jazz musicians enjoyed a sojourn overseas because of the enthusiastic audiences, lack of prejudice, and, of course, the ability to see all the sights. Altoist/flautist Bud Shank and tenorist/oboist Bob Cooper, two West Coast musicians who formed a friendship in the Stan Kenton band that turned into a successful musical partnership, were two who went overseas for several concerts.
These 1958 recordings are part of a series ...
read moreJohn Graas: Jazz Studio 1/2: Complete Sessions
by David Rickert
Why isn't John Graas more well-known as a jazz musician? Partly because he spent his time on the West Coast in and out of studio bands, recording infrequently with jazz bands or leading his own sessions. It could also be that his chosen instrument, the French horn, is the awkward kid standing off to the side at the dance as far as jazz instruments go. Or maybe it's because he died at the age of thirty-seven, before he could really ...
read moreBud Shank and Bob Cooper: European Tour '57
by David Rickert
Bud Shank and Bob Cooper were prolific players on the 1950s West Coast jazz scene, readily available to participate in studio sessions while making a lot of hay as studio musicians. However, they developed a unique chemistry early on as members of Stan Kenton's band, particularly in the area of unusual instrumentation. While the altoist and tenorist were kindred spirits, it was their affinity for the unusual flute and oboe combination that really ignited their relationship, resulting in a series ...
read moreDick Twardzik Trio: Complete Recordings
by David Rickert
Dick Twardzik is one of the great “What Ifs in jazz. After a promising start backing the likes of saxophonists Charlie Parker and Serge Chaloff, showing a penchant for inventive originals and ingenious reworking of melodies, he succumbed to a drug overdose at the age of 24 while on tour with Chet Baker. He is one of several musicians who had yet to reach his full potential before succumbing to a drug addiction, and surely would have been recognized as ...
read moreBob Gordon: Quintet/Sextet with Herbie Harper and Jack Montrose Complete Recordings
by David Rickert
Bob Gordon was a major player on the West Coast scene of the fifties and was on a path to become one of the greatest baritone sax players jazz had ever produced. Unfortunately, he died in an automobile accident in 1955, just as the cool jazz scene was beginning to gather some steam.
Before his untimely death he was a widely sought after session player, easily able to adapt to any leader's idiosyncrasies. He had a particular affinity ...
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