Sonny Rollins – Saxophone Colossus (1956)

Sep 24, 2007 by Mr. Nau Sonny Rollins thrown the gauntlet with a legendary set of five tunes that lives up to its title. He is in peak form, playing three original tunes and a pair of standards. His rhythm section — including the incomparable Max Roach, Tommy Flanagan, and Doug Watkins — complements Sonny’s […]

Thelonious Monk – Monk, Alone in Paris (2007)

Sep 24, 2007 by Mr. Nau This beautiful live set of solo tunes displays Thelonious Monk at his finest, unaccompanied on piano in Paris. Information about this new release is pretty difficult to find, but the music is top shelf. All of the tunes except the opener are Monk’s original compositions, making this obscure album […]

McCoy Tyner – Live at the Musicians Exchange Cafe (1987)

Sep 24, 2007 by Mr. Nau McCoy Tyner is in fine form on this live set of mostly original compositions. Mislabeled as The Real McCoy, the 1987 recording featured here is always enjoyable, from the opening latin tune to the last note, including unforgettable standards like You Taught My Heart to Sing and What’s New?. […]

John Coltrane – Live Trane: The European Tours (2001)

Sep 22, 2007 by Mr. Nau A huge collection of selections from John Coltrane’s European tours from the early sixties, this seven disk treasure chest puts Coltrane alongside some brilliant sidemen — Eric Dolphy, McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, and Jimmy Garrison. Multiple takes of favorite tunes are here, as well as innumerable fantastic solos from […]

Miles Davis – Miles Ahead (1957)

Sep 17, 2007 by Mr. Nau Miles Davis fronts a nineteen-piece orchestra in this astonishing collection of songs, featuring Davis himself as the only soloist. His wistful, mellow, stunning sound complements the large horn accompaniment perfectly. This groundbreaking album belongs in the collection of any serious music fan, even those who are new to jazz. […]

Dexter Gordon – Our Man in Paris (1963)

Sep 17, 2007 by Mr. Nau Dexter Gordon joins forces with Bud Powell, Kenny Clarke, and Pierre Michelot during their years as ex-patriates in Paris. Dexter’s huge iconic sound fills up this amazing disk from start to finish. Powell’s piano complements Long Tall Dexter perfectly. Great solo work on familiar standards permeates this beautiful work. […]

Dave Brubeck – Time Out (1959)

Sep 17, 2007 by Mr. Nau This groundbreaking masterpiece features seven signature tracks in odd keys, the compositions of Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond. Desmond’s alto is light, lyrical, and laid-back, in stark contrast to other saxophone players. Full of astonishing solo work, particularly given the rhythms and harmonies, this incredible album is absolutely essential. […]

Charlie Parker – Congo Blues (1993)

Sep 12, 2007 by Mr. Nau This ten-track CD features Charlie Parker playing some of the best-known bebop compositions. This compilation is a good introduction to Parker’s staggering improvisational ability and interpretation, but the low-budget release lacks any explanatory liner notes. There are much better recordings of these songs on significantly superior albums. Grade: C+. […]

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

Aug 31, 2007 by Mr. Nau This magnificent work of sheer musical virtuosity is a crowd pleaser from the very first note. Miles Davis plays his signature introspective muted trumpet beside John Coltrane with his powerful tenor saxophone. Group and individual solos are first rate and the renditions of bebop tunes and standards are marvelously […]

Sonny Rollins – Sonny Rollins Plus Four (1956)

Aug 31, 2007 by Mr. Nau Sonny Rollins fronts the Clifford Brown / Max Roach Quintet in this short set from 1956. Clifford Brown and Sonny Rollins are both on fire in this blistering collection of songs anchored by a solid rhythm section. Two of Rollins’ original compositions, Valse Hot and Pent-Up House, are particularly […]

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