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Cannonball Adderley - Cannonball Adderley's Finest Hour (2001) [Compilation, 1955-1962 Recordings]

Posted By: Designol
Cannonball Adderley - Cannonball Adderley's Finest Hour (2001) [Compilation, 1955-1962 Recordings]

Cannonball Adderley - Cannonball Adderley's Finest Hour (2001)
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 300 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 148 Mb | Scans ~ 87 Mb
Hard Bop, Soul Jazz, Saxophone Jazz | Label: Verve | Time: 01:04:47

One of the great alto saxophonists, Cannonball Adderley had an exuberant and happy sound that communicated immediately to listeners. His intelligent presentation of his music (often explaining what he and his musicians were going to play) helped make him one of the most popular of all jazzmen.

Gerry Mulligan Quartet - Reunion With Chet Baker (1957)

Posted By: Designol
Gerry Mulligan Quartet - Reunion With Chet Baker (1957)

Gerry Mulligan Quartet - Reunion With Chet Baker (1957)
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 403 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 184 Mb | Scans included
Label: EMI-Manhattan | # CDP 7 46857 2 | Time: 01:08:10
Cool, Mainstream Jazz, West Coast

The Gerry Mulligan Quartet of 1952-53 was one of the best-loved jazz groups of the decade and it made stars out of both the leader and trumpeter Chet Baker. Mulligan and Baker had very few reunions after 1953 but this particular CD from 1957 is an exception. Although not quite possessing the magic of the earlier group, the music is quite enjoyable and the interplay between the two horns is still special. With expert backup by bassist Henry Grimes and drummer Dave Bailey, these 13 selections (plus two new alternate takes) should please fans of both Mulligan and Baker.

Art Pepper - Laurie's Choice (1993)

Posted By: Designol
Art Pepper - Laurie's Choice (1993)

Art Pepper - Laurie's Choice (1993)
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 210 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 91 Mb | Scans included
Post-Bop, Bop, Saxophone Jazz | Label: LaserLight, Delta | # 17 012 | Time: 00:37:25

Although it has come out on a budget label, these four performances (taken from concert appearances in 1978, 1980 and 1981) had never previously been released before. With support from either George Cables or Milcho Leviev on piano, David Williams or Bob Magnusson on bass and drummer Carl Burnett, the great altoist Art Pepper is in excellent form on an emotional "Kobe Blues," an intense version of "Patricia" and hard-swinging renditions of "Allen's Alley" and his own "Straight Life".

Stan Getz - Stan Getz in Warsaw (1991)

Posted By: Designol
Stan Getz - Stan Getz in Warsaw (1991)

Stan Getz - Stan Getz in Warsaw (1991)
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 290 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 119 Mb | Scans included
Cool, Saxophone Jazz | Label: Polskie Nagrania | # PNCD 148 | Time: 00:48:28

Stan Getz was invited to perform a concert with a local rhythm section in Warsaw, Poland, in 1960; he was sufficiently impressed with the trio to join them for a brief studio session afterwards. While this five-song set isn't flawless, as Getz has some problems with repeated reed squeaking in the rendition of "Cherokee," the all-standards program is otherwise very enjoyable, with excellent sound. Getz is in total control with the lush take of "Darn That Dream," as he makes a delayed entrance following pianist Andrzej Trzaskowski, who proves himself to be a thoughtful accompanist and soloist. Bassist Roman Dylag and drummer Andrzej Dabrowski also get high marks. This compilation is rounded out with two tracks from a 1974 concert in Warsaw by a working edition of the Stan Getz Quartet, with pianist Albert Dailey, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Billy Hart. The tenor saxophonist again gets a little sloppy with atypical reed squeaks in both tracks, which include an extended, exciting workout of Chick Corea's "La Fiesta" and an old favorite, Jobim's "Desafinado." Getz fans will definitely want to acquire this obscure Polish CD.

Sonny Rollins - Three Classic Albums (2012) 2CD

Posted By: Designol
Sonny Rollins - Three Classic Albums (2012) 2CD

Sonny Rollins - Three Classic Albums (2012) 2CD
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 635 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 262 Mb | Scans ~ 30 Mb
Jazz, Hard Bop, Post-Bop | Label: Real Gone Jazz | # RGJCD219 | Time: 01:55:09

Two CD set containing three remastered albums from the legendary American jazz tenor saxophonist who is widely recognized as one of the most important and influential jazz musicians. Includes the albums: 'Freedom Suite' (1958), 'A Night at the Village Vanguard' (1957), 'Newk's Time' (1957).

Stanley Turrentine - Six Classic Albums (2012) 4CD Box Set

Posted By: Designol
Stanley Turrentine - Six Classic Albums (2012) 4CD Box Set

Stanley Turrentine - Six Classic Albums (2012) 4CD Box Set
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 1.32 Gb | Covers ~ 15 Mb | 03:58:33
Hard Bop, Soul Jazz, Saxophone Jazz | Label: Real Gone Jazz | # RGJCD337

This collection provides a great value, especially if you total up the costs of each album separately. There are a few issues of which you should be aware. Sound quality is acceptable, but not spectacular. Audiophiles will hate these discs, but I assure you that they are listenable. More importantly, these are not cheesy 'needle drop' transfers from scratchy LPs. Plus these are from albums recorded in the late 1950s/early 1960s during an era when recording technology was rapidly improving. If you compare these to some of the albums to which I've linked below you will see that the ones in this collection do not have bonus tracks. In all cases you are getting tracks that were released on the original album. The six albums span four discs.

Doug Webb - Bright Side (2016)

Posted By: Designol
Doug Webb - Bright Side (2016)

Doug Webb - Bright Side (2016)
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 424 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 185 Mb
Label: Posi-Tone | # PR8155 | Time: 01:02:44 | Scans included
Contemporary Jazz, Post-Bop, Saxophone Jazz

The sky is the limit when tenor saxophone virtuoso Doug Webb turns his attention toward the "Bright Side" on his seventh release for Posi-Tone. Everything swings steadily as Webb plays with remarkable technical precision and a manifest knowledge of his materials. His tone is robust and extraordinarily well-centered, his articulation sharp, and his command of the tenor saxophone complete. Nevertheless, he is more than a mere technician, for his artistry is also considerable and this album is a crowning achievement for an artist who is as substantial a musician as jazz has ever produced. Along with the able assistance of an all-star group of label mates – who are of course all leaders in their own right – including organist Brian Charette, guitarist Ed Cherry, drummer Steve Fidyk, and special guest trumpet sensation Joe Magnarelli, Webb has fashioned a shining diadem of melodic jewels across a wide spectrum of styles and sounds! Critical listeners and casual fanatics everywhere will shine with intense delight as Webb soars onward and upward to new heights with "Bright Side".

Billy Harper Quintet - Live On Tour In The Far East, Vol. 3 (1995)

Posted By: Designol
Billy Harper Quintet - Live On Tour In The Far East, Vol. 3 (1995)

Billy Harper Quintet - Live On Tour In The Far East, Vol. 3 (1995)
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 415 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 177 Mb
Label: SteepleChase | # SCCD 31366 | Time: 01:16:14 | Scans included
Hard Bop, Post-Bop, Saxophone Jazz

The third and final stop on the Billy Harper Quintet's Far Eastern recording road show brings them to Kuala Lampur, Malaysia and…well, maybe this one is the best single disc of the three. It's got the best sound, bright and well-balanced, and fans of extended jazz blowing will appreciate hearing three pieces (the shortest clocks in at just under 21 minutes) on a night when the musicians are really on and totally in synch with one another.

Billy Harper Quintet - Live On Tour In The Far East, Vol. 1 (1992)

Posted By: Designol
Billy Harper Quintet - Live On Tour In The Far East, Vol. 1 (1992)

Billy Harper Quintet - Live On Tour In The Far East, Vol. 1 (1992)
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 322 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 154 Mb | Scans included
Hard Bop, Post-Bop, Saxophone Jazz | Label: SteepleChase | # SCCD 31311 | 01:05:35

This series of live discs mark the first recordings of what became the regular working quintet of the criminally underrated saxophonist, composer and bandleader Billy Harper. With bassist Louie Spears the new addition to the line-up, three distinct concerts were recorded on Harper's spring, 1991 tour of the Far East and released separately without any duplication of material. Volume One comes from Pusan, Korea on April 27 and while the sound isn't the best – the bass and drums are muted and lack crispness – the extremely high quality of the music and interaction between the players more than compensates.

Hank Crawford - After Dark (1998)

Posted By: Designol
Hank Crawford - After Dark (1998)

Hank Crawford - After Dark (1998)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 383 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 143 Mb | Scans ~ 48 Mb
Label: Milestone/Universal | # 0025218927925 | Time: 01:02:40
Hard Bop, Soul Jazz, Saxophone Jazz

Recorded when he was 63, After Dark finds Hank Crawford excelling by sticking to what he does so well: uncomplicated, blues-drenched, gospel-minded soul-jazz. Warmth and accessibility continued to define the veteran alto saxophonist, who sounds like he's still very much in his prime on everything from "Amazing Grace" to W.C. Handy's "St. Louis Blues" and the standard "T'aint Nobody's Business If I Do." Crawford reminds us how appealing and sentimental a ballad player can be on "That's All," and he demonstrates that Ruby & The Romantics' early-1960s soul-pop gem "Our Day Will Come" can work quite well in a jazz setting. The saxman's noteworthy support includes producer Bob Porter (who, true to form, is smart enough to step aside and let Crawford do his thing), guitarist Melvin Sparks and drummer Bernard "Pretty" Purdie. It's been said that Crawford is jazz's equivalent of a charismatic soul singer like Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye or his former employer Ray Charles, and After Dark makes it very hard to disagree with that assertion.

Hank Mobley, Al Cohn, John Coltrane, Zoot Sims - Tenor Conclave (1956) [Analogue Productions Remastered 2014]

Posted By: Designol
Hank Mobley, Al Cohn, John Coltrane, Zoot Sims - Tenor Conclave (1956) [Analogue Productions Remastered 2014]

Hank Mobley, Al Cohn, John Coltrane, Zoot Sims - Tenor Conclave (1956)
The Prestige Mono Series, Remastered 2014, Audio CD Layer
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 231 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 110 Mb | Scans included
Cool, Hard Bop, Saxophone Jazz | Label: Analogue Productions | # CPRJ 7074 SA | 00:44:01

These SACD jackets feature printed wraps mounted to chipboard shells, producing an authentic, "old school" look and feel. Some people call these "mini LP" jackets. This unusual meeting of four tenor saxophone players from different "schools" was part of the Prestige Friday afternoon jam session series but far from a typical outing. The giant forebears of Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, and Charlie Parker inform the backgrounds of the performers on this LP — Hank Mobley, Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, and John Coltrane — and other influences such as Ben Webster, Dexter Gordon, and the Sonnys (Stitt and Rollins) show up, too, depending on which of the four protagonists you’re talking about.

Charlie Parker - Charlie Parker: 1947 (1998) [The Chronological Classics, 1000]

Posted By: Designol
Charlie Parker - Charlie Parker: 1947 (1998) [The Chronological Classics, 1000]

Charlie Parker - Charlie Parker: 1947 (1998)
with Miles Davis, Max Roach, Duke Jordan, Tommy Potter, and J.J. Johnson

EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 164 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 154 Mb | Scans included
Genre: Bop, Big Band, Saxophone Jazz | Label: Classics | # 1000 | Time: 01:05:33

This second installment in the Classics Charlie Parker chronology contains quite a number of Bird's best-loved and most respected recordings. The first 12 tracks, recorded in New York for the Dial label in October and November of 1947, are all masterpieces of modern music, with the ballads, especially "Embraceable You," constituting some of Parker's very best recorded work. This is the classic 1947 quintet with Miles Davis, Duke Jordan, Tommy Potter, and Max Roach. Even if his personal life was characteristically chaotic, 1947 was a good year for Charlie Parker's music. It was in November 1947 that this band hit the road to play the El Sino Club on St. Antoine Boulevard in Detroit. Unfortunately, Bird got really snockered and couldn't perform, so the El Sino management canceled the gig. Bird ultimately destroyed his saxophone by throwing it out of a hotel window onto the street below. (A tragic and disturbing image!) Back in New York, the band – now a sextet with the addition of trombonist J.J. Johnson – made six more sides for Dial on December 17, 1947.

James Moody - The Chronological James Moody 1951-1954 (2006) [Classics 1410]

Posted By: Designol
James Moody - The Chronological James Moody 1951-1954 (2006) [Classics 1410]

James Moody - The Chronological James Moody 1951-1954 (2006)
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 328 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 166 Mb | Scans included
Bop, Hard Bop, Saxophone Jazz | Label: Classics | # 1410 | Time: 01:10:53

Back in New York after three years spent gigging and recording in Europe, a mature and rejuvenated James Moody resumed the endless North American scuffle to get by as a contemporary jazz musician. Volume five in the Classics James Moody chronology presents 16 rare Mercury recordings made between October 1951 and June 1953, followed by eight Prestige titles from January and April, 1954. The first four tracks feature baritone saxophonist Cecil Payne; high points include the rowdy, bristling "Moody's Home" and "Wiggle Waggle," an R&B rocker that sounds like something right up out of the King record catalog. Beginning with the material recorded on May 21, 1952, Moody is heard leading a group largely composed of players who, like him, had worked in Dizzy Gillespie's big band. Two of these individuals – trumpeter Dave Burns and baritone saxophonist Numa "Pee Wee" Moore – show up regularly in the front line of Moody's excellent recording ensembles between 1952 and 1955.

Jens Sondergaard Quartet & Bob Rockwell - More Golson (2012)

Posted By: Designol
Jens Sondergaard Quartet & Bob Rockwell - More Golson (2012)

Jens Søndergaard Quartet & Bob Rockwell - More Golson (2012)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 359 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 153 Mb | Scans included
Post-Bop, Saxophone Jazz | Label: Stunt | # STUCD 12042 | Time: 01:02:56

82-year old tenor saxophonist Benny Golson has been an active musician all his life, but he has also written numerous jazz classics of the kind you can hum, sing or whistle after hearing them only a couple of times. And one can return to them after 10 – 20 – 30 years only to discover that they sound as fresh and catchy as ever. But what is it in Golson’s music that attracts Jens Søndergaard and Bob Rockwell? Jens explains: “I’ve played with Benny on many occasions over the past 20 years, and I always enjoyed his tunes for their enduring melodic substance. Some years ago I wrote arrangements of some of his tunes for alto, tenor and rhythm section, and it seemed natural to call Bob. We’ve tried to give the compositions a twist. For instance, Along Came Betty turned into a Bossa Nova, Uptown Afterburn went funky, we changed the time signature of Killer Joe to a suggestive 6/4, and Blues March is more Mingus than the usual classic Blakey version”. The two horns sound good together.

Ben Webster - Centennial Celebration (2009)

Posted By: Designol
Ben Webster - Centennial Celebration (2009)

Ben Webster - Centennial Celebration (2009)
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 351 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 151 Mb | Scans included
Mainstream Jazz | Label: Concord Music Group | # OJC-31276 | Time: 00:59:56

The centennial of Ben Webster's birth occurred in 2009 and producer Nick Phillips mined the vaults of various Concord-owned labels, including Pablo, Riverside, Contemporary, and Prestige/Swingville, to create this compilation featuring the late tenor saxophonist. One of the three giants of his instrument during the 1930s and 1940s (along with Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young), Webster was still very much at the top of his game when these sessions were recorded. When he took part in the series of small-group dates with Art Tatum, he refused to be intimidated by the pianist's intricate flourishes, simply delivering majestic solos in "My One and Only Love," "All the Things You Are," and "Have You Met Miss Jones." He's very comfortable with old friends Benny Carter and Barney Bigard in an easygoing setting of Carter's "Lula." The two live tracks, "Caravan" and "Georgia on My Mind" taken from At the Renaissance, also find Webster in an inspired mood, supported by a rhythm section including pianist Jimmy Rowles and guitarist Jim Hall.