Joe Henderson – So Near, So Far (1992)

Aug 02, 2007 by Mr. Nau Joe Henderson pays wonderful tribute to the late Miles Davis in this introspective set that features John Scofield leading a talented rhythm section. Many of the songs on this set are among the more rarely heard Davis compositions. The familiar tunes sound fresh and new coming from Henderson’s tenor […]

Charlie Parker – Bird: The Original Recordings of Charlie Parker (1988)

Aug 01, 2007 by Mr. Nau This 1988 compilation from Verve serves to introduce new listeners to the stunning talent of Charlie Parker, one of the greatest musicians of all time. A smattering of his best known compositions are presented, along with some standards, including a long Lester Leaps In that features the legendary Lester […]

Modern Jazz Quartet – A 40th Anniversary Celebration (1994)

Jul 30, 2007 by Mr. Nau The Modern Jazz Quartet celebrates their 40th anniversary with a smattering of diverse stars, such as Bobby McFerrin, Take 6, Phil Woods, Illinois Jaquet, Freddie Hubbard, Wynton Marsalis, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Jimmy Heath, and Nino Tempo, in this spectacular set of standards. This was, sadly, one of their last […]

Oscar Peterson – Compact Jazz (1990)

Jul 30, 2007 by Mr. Nau Oscar Peterson features prominently with his friends, including Ray Brown, Clark Terry, and Herb Ellis. This compilation highlights Peterson’s sets in the mid sixties and features two of his composition along with a bunch of familiar standards. This is a great introduction to Oscar Peterson and just a wonderful […]

Lee Konitz – Subconscious-Lee (1950)

Jul 30, 2007 by Mr. Nau Lee Konitz debuts in this 1950 recording in front of pianist Lennie Tristano and a solid rhythm section. His playing here is more reminiscent of Paul Desmond than Charlie Parker. This set is a good taste of the early cool jazz movement, mostly featuring the compositions of Konitz or […]

Ella Fitzgerald – Ella By Starlight (1993)

Jul 27, 2007 by Mr. Nau Yet another record company rereleases another classic jazz icon’s CD after dubbing it straight from original tape recordings. Ella Fitzgerald is probably the greatest singer in recorded music history. She deserves a far better rerelease than this. The sound quality is terrible and betrays the sublime talent on the […]

Teodross Avery – In Other Words (1994)

Jul 27, 2007 by Mr. Nau Teodross Avery debuts as leader on this solid set of original compositions. The music is very straight ahead and it’s very evident that Avery has spent long hours perfecting his technique with an obvious love for Coltrane. Roy Hargrove joins in this impressive debut by a talented young rising […]

Stanley Jordan – Stolen Moments (1991)

Jul 26, 2007 by Mr. Nau Stanley Jordan throws his flawless technique into another diverse set of tunes, including classics like Stairway to Heaven, John Coltrane’s Impressions, Lady in My Life, an amazing Autumn Leaves, and Over the Rainbow. A couple of tunes are too electronic, but otherwise this record is full of great musical […]

Stanley Jordan – Standards, Vol 1 (1986)

Jul 26, 2007 by Mr. Nau Stanley Jordan has justifiably been praised by many for his astonishing tap technique on the electric guitar, which he displays in this set of ten familiar tunes. His interpretations of Georgia on My Mind and My Favorite Things are fresh and beautiful and the other songs deliver the goods, […]

Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane – At Carnegie Hall (2005)

Jul 25, 2007 by Mr. Nau John Coltrane joins forces with Thelonious Monk in this live set from 1957 whose master was lost for almost fifty years. Coltrane plays over Monk’s incredibly complex compositions confidently and Monk plays off him in rare style — two giants of jazz having a riveting conversation, making this recording […]

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