Roy Hargrove – Of Kindred Souls (1993)

Nov 02, 2007 by Mr. Nau Roy Hargrove fronts his quintet in this live album. Most of the tunes are the original compositions of members of the ensemble, with a smattering of standards thrown in. The solo work here is solid, with lots of enjoyable interplay between Hargrove, Ron Blake (tenor saxophone), and Cyrus Chestnut […]

Bill Evans – Cross-Currents (1977)

Nov 02, 2007 by Mr. Nau Bill Evans welcomes Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh to this session that features a couple of obscure songs and four familiar standards. The saxophonists show off their cool jazz chops and Bill Evans shines along with them. This beautiful album is always enjoyable and treats us to three bonus […]

Chet Baker – ‘Round Midnight (1998)

Nov 01, 2007 by Mr. Nau This collection of standards was released 20 years after it was recorded. Chet Baker plays with a small group of musicians, welcomes vocalist Rachel Gould, and sings a version of the title track. This mellow set is relaxed and beautiful and the excellent playing makes this one well worth […]

Wallace Roney – The Standard Bearer (1992)

Oct 31, 2007 by Mr. Nau Wallace Roney leads a talented group of musicians in a solid collection of standards. The solo work is pretty good and the tunes are choice. Mulgrew Miller, Gary Thomas, and Charnett Moffett lend their considerable talent. This is a good showcase of the talent of the young lions of […]

Gerry Mulligan – Re-Birth of the Cool (1992)

Oct 30, 2007 by Mr. Nau Gerry Mulligan leads a large group in a revisit of Miles Davis’ groundbreaking Birth of the Cool, with mostly different stars and all the same charts. The tracks are longer and the musicians get more time to solo. With great substitutes and the original players, this is a great […]

Bill Evans – Complete February 1972 Paris ORTF Performance (2006)

Oct 26, 2007 by Mr. Nau Bill Evans leads his famous trio in a live performance from 1972 of unparalleled beauty. Many of his original compositions are featured, along with some great standards, and the playing is fluent, easy, and virtuosic. This is a great introduction to the genius of Bill Evans and jazz in […]

Herbie Hancock & Wayne Shorter – 1+1 (1997)

Oct 15, 2007 by Mr. Nau This interesting album features Herbie Hancock on piano and Wayne Shorter on soprano saxophone in a collection of ten original compositions. The music is primarily free improvisation. Each musician plays well off the other and the talent behind the notes is obvious. However, the tracks might lose easily novice […]

John Coltrane – Giant Steps (1959)

Oct 12, 2007 by Mr. Nau In an indisputably spectacular album, John Coltrane leads a group of musicians in one of the finest collections of instrumental improvisation ever recorded. With seven original compositions and several alternate takes, these incredible tracks require multiple spins. The solo work is exquisite and the ensemble is nothing short of […]

Lionel Hampton – Vintage Hampton (1993)

Oct 09, 2007 by Mr. Nau This compilation of tracks from Lionel Hampton’s sessions with other greats, like Gerry Mulligan, Dexter Gordon, Woody Shaw, Charles Mingus, and Teddy Wilson, is a solid introduction to the genius of Hamp’s virtuosity and flexibility, maintaining his swing style even with bebop players. Great solo work fills this sweet […]

Sonny Stitt – Sits In With the Oscar Peterson Trio (1991)

Oct 08, 2007 by Mr. Nau Sonny Stitt joins the Oscar Peterson trio in this scorching set of standards. Stitt’s alto is absolutely on fire in these sessions, dating from late 50s. Oscar Peterson gives a good run for his money on piano. Great artists inspire exceptional performances from each other and the music never […]

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