Jim Croce – Photographs and Memories (1974)

Jan 22, 2008 by Mr. Nau For more than three decades, Jim Croce has been remembered as a phenomenally talented singer-songwriter who tragically lost his life just as his music was getting a wide audience. This unforgettable collection of his greatest hits belongs in the library of anybody who claims to be a music fan. […]

Sonny Rollins – Sonny Rollins with the Modern Jazz Quartet (1953)

Dec 05, 2007 by Mr. Nau Sonny Rollins joins varying groups of musicians, including his quartet and, later in the album, the Modern Jazz Quartet, on this early album that features a number of standards, as well as originals. This wonderfully listenable set is just good straight ahead jazz and the solo work is top-notch. […]

Stan Getz – At the Shrine (1955)

Nov 27, 2007 by Mr. Nau Stan Getz joins forces with Bob Brookmeyer (valve trombone) on this early recording from 1954 with a couple of studio tracks tacked onto the end. The music quality is very high on this disk, with the cataclysmic talent of Getz evident throughout, and makes this live set an enjoyable […]

Bill Evans – Eloquence (1982)

Nov 26, 2007 by Mr. Nau While nowhere near the top of the list of his most memorable or innovative recordings, there’s still quite a bit to enjoy in this inessential album. Bill Evans and bassist Eddie Gomez trade solos on a few familiar standards, a couple of short multi-song medleys, and an original composition. […]

Charlie Rouse – Takin’ Care of Business (1960)

Nov 16, 2007 by Mr. Nau After ten years with the legendary Thelonious Monk, tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse leads a quintet for the first time, joining Blue Mitchell (trumpet), Walter Bishop (piano), Art Taylor (drums), and Earl May (bass) in this solid set of obscure tunes. The music is very enjoyable, comfortably in hard bop […]

Lee Morgan – The Sidewinder (1963)

Nov 12, 2007 by Mr. Nau With five original compositions and a very talented rhythm section backing him up, Lee Morgan leads a great session from the early 60s at the tender young age of 25. Joe Henderson joins in on tenor saxophone. Lots of great solos permeate this record — an imminently enjoyable hard […]

Bill Evans – Trio ’65 (1965)

Nov 09, 2007 by Mr. Nau Bill Evans leads his trio in this sophisticated set of diverse standards. The chemistry of the group is strong and the solo work by all the players is first-rate. With standout performances on ‘Round Midnight, Israel, and If You Could See Me Now, this is a beautiful jazz album. […]

Andy LaVerne – Double Standard (1993)

Nov 08, 2007 by Mr. Nau Andy LaVerne leads a quartet, playing half a dozen reharmonized standards and as many contrafactual compositions based on their harmonies. Sounds like a win, right? In this case, the execution is far less interesting than the concept. The music is passable, but this set feels significantly more academic than […]

Gerry Mulligan & Thelonious Monk – Mulligan Meets Monk (1957)

Nov 07, 2007 by Mr. Nau Gerry Mulligan shares the bill with Thelonious Monk in this entertaining set of Monk’s compositions. They play through six tunes (three alternate takes are included on the CD) and complement each other well. A talented rhythm section anchors the ensemble. This beautiful set showcases the talent of two musical […]

Hancock, Brecker, and Hargrove – Directions in Music (2002)

Nov 05, 2007 by Mr. Nau Three modern jazz stars team up to deliver a great live tribute to both Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Herbie Hancock locks it down with his phenomenal piano playing, Michael Brecker displays true virtuosity with every solo (especially on Naima), and Roy Hargrove shows his own mastery with solid […]

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