This superb 1961 date matches Dexter Gordon’s booming tenor sax with a dynamite rhythm section of Kenny Drew on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums. Like all his early ’60s Blue Note recordings, this is Gordon at his absolute best. It’s a nice mix of originals and standards, including an up-tempo take on Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile.” There are no surprises here, just straight-ahead bluesy bebop by some of the masters of the genre. (cduniverse)

Personnel: Dexter Gordon (tenor saxophone); Kenny Drew (piano); Paul Chambers (bass instrument); Philly Joe Jones (drums).

Tracklist

01. Soul Sister
02. Modal Mood
03. I Want More
04. End of a Love Affair
05. Clear the Dex
06. Ernie’s Tune
07. Smile
08. Landslide

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Straight Ahead was recorded in 1961 and was Abbey Lincoln’s fifth album in as many years. Though she was only 31 when this set was recorded, Lincoln already possessed great confidence and a powerfully emotive voice. She’s surrounded by a superlative cast of players, including Max Roach, Eric Dolphy, Coleman Hawkins, Booker Little, Mal Waldron, and Julian Priester. As Lincoln shifts from playfulness to melancholy, and anger to romance, the band is right with her. The rhythmic support is supple and the soloing is full of emotional resonance and invention, free of needless filigree. One highlight takes place in “When Malindy Sings” (a song based on a poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar), as Dolphy’s flute flies in after the conclusion of Little’s trumpet solo. Though Abbey Lincoln’s entire catalog is particularly strong, this album deserves special attention. (cduniverse)

Personnel: Abbey Lincoln (vocals); Coleman Hawkins, Walter Benton (tenor saxophone); Booker Little (trumpet); Julian Priester (trombone); Eric Dolphy (reeds); Mal Waldron (piano); Art Davis (bass); Max Roach (drums); Roger Sanders, Robert Whitley (congas).

Tracklist

01. Straight Ahead
02. When Malindy Sings
03. In the Red
04. Blue Monk
05. Left Alone
06. African Lady
07. Retribution

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Alto saxist Cannonball Adderly and pianist Bill Evans, bandmates on Miles Davis’s epochal Kind of Blue, were band leaders by the time they teamed up in 1961 for this moody, yet lyrical, date. Though remastered with state-of-the-art digital technology, Riverside has kept the original artwork and liner notes, maintaining the flavor of this classic jazz LP. Adderly’s robust, bluesy tone and buoyant phrasing make for an interesting contrast to Evans’s rainy-day introspection. Coupled with the light touch of drummer Connie Kay and the gentle probing of bassist Percy Heath, the music projects a sophisticated and relaxed mood. On the sensitive ballads, such as “Goodbye” and “Elsa,” Adderly reveals his after-hours side, reveling in the fullness of his rich sound. –Wally Shoup

Tracklist

01. Waltz for Debby
02. Goodbye
03. Who Cares? (Take 5)
04. Who Cares? (Take 4)
05. Venice
06. Toy
07. Elsa
08. Nancy (With the Laughing Face)
09. Know What I Mean? (Re-Take 7)
10. Know What I Mean? (Take 12)

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A much admired and loved man, of all the many brilliant orchestration projects this was his finest in his own right. He teases us with the opening of ‘La Nevada’ until the gorgeous repeated four-bar riff finally bursts on our ears with orgasmic delight. There are wonderful brass solos from John Coles, Tony Studd and Budd Johnson and a bass showcase for Ron Carter. As the opening track peters out after 15 minutes the listener enjoys the smug realization that there are a further four outstanding pieces to come.

Gil Evans Orchestra: Gil Evans (arranger, conductor, piano); Budd Johnson (soprano & tenor saxophones); Eddie Caine, Ray Beckenstein (alto saxophone, flute, piccolo); Johnny Coles, Phil Sunkel (trumpet); Keg Johnson, Jimmy Knepper (trombone); Tony Studd (bass trombone); Bill Barber (tuba); Bob Tricarico (flute, piccolo, bassoon); Ray Crawford (guitar); Ron Carter (bass); Charlie Persip, Elvin Jones (drums, percussion).

Tracklist

01. La Nevada
02. Where Flamingos Fly
03. Bilbao Song
04. Stratusphink
05. Sunken Treasure
06. Sister Sadie

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This live recording by the Bill Evans Trio at the Village Vanguard on June 25, 1961, marked the end of one of the most sublime instrumental combinations in jazz history when bassist Scott LaFaro died in a car accident 10 days later. This unit is underdocumented because Evans, a notorious perfectionist, was reluctant to record. The interchange between Evans on piano, LaFaro on bass and Paul Motian on drums is balletic in its balance of emotional beauty and technical precision. Multiple takes of “Gloria’s Step,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “All of You,” and “Jade Visions” show how the invention these players brought to each performance makes repeated material sound like movements in a suite. –John Swenson

Tracklist

01. Gloria’s Step (Take 2)
02. My Man’s Gone Now
03. Solar
04. Alice in Wonderland (Take 2)
05. All of You (Take 2)
06. Jade Visions (Take 2)
07. Gloria’s Step (Take 3)
08. Alice in Wonderland (Take 1)
09. All of You (Take 3)
10. Jade Visions (Take 1)

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In 1961 John Coltrane’s explorations of different modes and rhythms led to several powerful works that invoked other cultures, like “Olé,” “India,” and “Brazilia.” While those pieces were all recorded with expanded versions of his quartet, “Africa” was a unique opportunity, with Eric Dolphy’s arrangements for up to 13 brass and reed instruments providing a setting of volcanic energy for Coltrane’s majestic, declamatory tenor and the surging drumming of Elvin Jones. The orchestrations, as well as the solos, vary on the two sessions heard here, and there are also thoughtful adaptations of traditional material like “Greensleeves,” a lilting feature for Coltrane’s soprano saxophone that recalls the earlier treatment of “My Favorite Things,” and “Song of the Underground Railroad.” The two-CD complete collection expands on the original release with alternate takes of “Africa” and “Greensleeves” as well as a previously unissued recording of “The Damned Don’t Cry.”

Tracklist

CD1
01. Greensleeves
02. Song Of The Underground
03. Greensleeves (Alternate Take)
04. The Damned Don’t Cry
05. Africa (First Version)

CD2
01. Blues Minor
02. Africa (Alternate Take)
03. Africa

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When Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers expanded to a sextet with the addition of Curtis Fuller on trombone, the group took on the character of a small big band propelled by Blakey’s forceful drumming. Buhaina’s Delight, another session in the long line of great Blue Note dates from this period, displays that classic line-up in pristine form. With Freddie Hubbard replacing Lee Morgan, Cedar Walton replacing Bobby Timmons and musical director Wayne Shorter, the Messengers were full of fresh sounds and vibrant with energy.

Uncharacteristically for a Messengers session, the relaxed shuffle “Backstage Sally” opens the disc in a laid back groove. Shorter’s brilliant playing is featured prominently on this session on the delicate ballad “Contemplation” and many stunning solo spots. The title track (dubbed for Blakey’s Islamic name, Buhaina) and a dynamic arrangement of the standard “Moon River” are excellent examples of the classic Messengers sound: challenging horn arrangements, expressive soloing and assertive drumming by the leader. Also included on this set are bonus takes of all but two of the original tunes. For any Messengers fan, this is a delightful package, indeed.

Personnel: Art Blakey (drums); Jymie Merritt (bass instrument); Wayne Shorter (tenor saxophone); Freddie Hubbard (trumpet); Curtis Fuller (trombone); Cedar Walton (piano).

Tracklist

01. Backstage Sally
02. Contemplation
03. Bu’s Delight
04. Reincarnation Blues
05. Shaky Jake
06. Moon River
07. Backstage Sally (Alternate Version)
08. Bu’s Delight (Alternate Version)
09. Reincarnation Blues (Alternate Version)
10. Moon River (Alternate Take)

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Many regard this as the greatest album of Jackie McLean’s career, and while there is a lot of competition for that honor, this is one of his most intriguing and satisfying works. McLean, Freddie Hubbard, and Kenny Drew all contribute tunes, and each is a unique and fascinating take of the blues. This album is a testament to infinite variety that this resilient music form has in the hands of true masters. This Rudy Van Gelder remaster has two alternate takes added to the original album.

Personnel: Jackie McLean (alto saxophone); Freddie Hubbard (trumpet); Kenny Drew (piano); Doug Watkins (bass instrument, bass guitar); Pete La Roca (drums).

Tracklist

01. Bluesnik
02. Goin’ Way Blues
03. Drew’s Blues
04. Cool Green
05. Blues Function
06. Torchin
07. Goin’ Way Blues (Alternate Take)
08. Torchin’ (Alternate Take)

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After spending most of the ’50s away from the scene, saxophonist Dexter Gordon entered the recording studio in 1961 to create what became the first in a series of seven incredible albums for Blue Note. On Doin’ Allright he proved why the world needed him back. Gordon assuredly embraced the inventive melodicism of Lester Young with the striking harmonies of Charlie Parker. He also mastered the art of quoting other musical passages within a cogent solo. As the reissue proves, the results are timeless, especially on such achingly beautiful ballads as “You’ve Changed.” Although Gordon used a group of studio musicians—rather than his own band—on this date everybody sounds remarkably cohesive. This session also featured then 23-year-old whiz-kid trumpeter Freddie Hubbard.

Personnel: Dexter Gordon (tenor saxophone); Dexter Gordon; George Tucker (bass instrument); Freddie Hubbard (trumpet); Horace Parlan (piano); Al Harewood (drums).

Tracklist

01. I Was Doing All Right
02. You’ve Changed
03. For Regulars Only
04. Society Red
05. It’s You Or No One
06. I Want More
07. For Regulars Only (Alternate Take)

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Workout teams tenorman Hank Mobley with guitarist Grant Green for a rousing session that befits the title. Also in attendance are rhythm section aces Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, and Philly Joe Jones, who provide swinging support. Muscular tunes like the title track and the aptly titled “Smokin’” are the focus here as the two expertly blow and wail through the changes like frenzied boxers in a title bout. Also included are Mobley’s catchy blues number “Uh Huh” and masterful takes on the standards “The Best Things in Life Are Free” and “Three Coins in the Fountain.” In all, it is easy to hear why Workout is one of Mobley’s quintessential recordings.

Personnel: Hank Mobley (tenor saxophone); Wynton Kelly (piano); Grant Green (guitar); Paul Chambers (bass); Philly Joe Jones (drums).

Tracklist

01. Workout
02. Uh Huh
03. Smokin’
04. The Best Things In Life Are Free
05. Greasin’ Easy
06. Three Coins In A Fountain

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