Bud Powell – Time Waits (1958)

Oct 08, 2007 by Mr. Nau Bud Powell shines on this nice set of his original compositions from a single recording session in 1958. His sound is unique and he lays back on the tempo, giving ample time to show off his talented rhythm section. His improvisational chops are amazing and so are his compositional […]

Antonio Carlos Jobim – The Girl from Ipanema (1995)

Oct 03, 2007 by Mr. Nau A magnificent compilation packed full of some of the greatest names in jazz history, this set of classic recordings from the early 60s pays tribute to the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim, the father of the bossa nova. Every song here is a beautiful revelation, perfectly played by incredible […]

Spike & Co: Do It A Cappella (1988)

Oct 02, 2007 by Mr. Nau This soundtrack for a documentary about a cappella vocal groups has a few tracks from choice artists, like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, The Persuasions, Take 6, True Image and the Mint Juleps. Some of the tunes have limited appeal, but most of them are nice renditions of unaccompanied blues and […]

John Coltrane – Stardust (1997)

Sep 27, 2007 by Mr. Nau John Coltrane leads two quintets in this compilation from a pair of recording sessions in the late 50s, joined by personnel like Freddie Hubbard, Red Garland, Wilbur Harden, and others. The four tracks here are enjoyable hard bop renditions of standards, featuring great solos and ensemble chemistry from all […]

Paul Desmond Quartet with Jim Hall – First Place Again (2005)

Sep 27, 2007 by Mr. Nau This reissue of a 1959 album entitled East of the Sun features a tight, mellow quartet helmed by Paul Desmond’s unmistakable alto saxophone. Jim Hall joins in on guitar, along with a talented rhythm section anchored by Percy Heath and Connie Kay. Beautiful renditions of familiar standards make this […]

Tito Puente – Master Timbalero (1993)

Sep 25, 2007 by Mr. Nau The legendary Tito Puente fronts a talented Latin jazz band in this wonderfully enjoyable set of tunes from various sources. The mambo feel permeates every track, the solo work by the horn players and percussionists alike is superb, and the tropical rhythms make this album a pleasurable head-nodding experience. […]

Lee Morgan – The Rumproller (1965)

Sep 25, 2007 by Mr. Nau Lee Morgan joins forces with Joe Henderson, Billy Higgins, Ronnie Mathews, and Victor Sproles on this fine date from the mid-60s. The music is good, as one might expect, and the musicians play well off each other. While satisfying, there are more important sides from both Morgan and Henderson. […]

Thelonious Monk & Sonny Rollins – Thelonious Monk with Sonny Rollins (1954)

Sep 25, 2007 by Mr. Nau Sonny Rollins teams up with Thelonious Monk on this compilation of select tracks from three recording sessions in the early 50s. A rotating rhythm section keeps the tunes fresh. Monk’s signature harmonic eccentricity accents Rollins’ huge tenor sound perfectly and this disk shows what can happen between two masterful […]

Dave Brubeck – Stardust (1955)

Sep 25, 2007 by Mr. Nau The Dave Brubeck Quartet play a beautiful set of songs, comprised mostly of standards, from the early 50s, a mellow laid-back collection. Brubeck anchors the ensemble on piano and Paul Desmond’s introspective alto saxophone playing lends a lightness to the music that is unique in the history of jazz. […]

Miles Davis – Cookin’ With the Miles Davis Quintet (1956)

Sep 24, 2007 by Mr. Nau Miles Davis leads his all-star quintet, which includes John Coltrane and Red Garland, in this terrific set of four familiar tracks. The ensemble is tight and the musicians have remarkable chemistry. This sublime album has a relaxed groove and the solo work is excellent, deliciously melodic, and explores modal […]

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