Harry Edison and his Orchestra – Sweets (1957)

Clef – MGC 717Rec. Date : UnknownStream this Album Trumpet : Harry EdisonBass : Joe MondragonDrums : Alvin StollerGuitar : Barney KesselPiano : Jimmy RowlesTenor Sax : Ben Webster Army TimesTom Scanlan : 03/16/1957 There is much talk and a good many theories concerning just where jazz is heading. Meanwhile back at the ranch down home for a stimulating reminder of

Modern Jazz Sextet – The Modern Jazz Sextet (1956)

Norgran – MGN 1076Rec. Date : April 25, 1955, April 27, 1955Stream this Album Alto Sax : Sonny StittBass : Percy HeathDrums : Charlie PersipGuitar : Skeeter BestPiano : John LewisTrumpet : Dizzy Gillespie Army TimesTom Scanlan : 07/14/1956 Dizzy Gillespie, alto saxophonist Sonny Stitt, and a rhythm section including John Lewis make up the “Modern Jazz Sextet” on a 12-inch LP that will

Various Artists – The Jazz Giants ’56 (1956)

Norgran – MGN 1056Rec. Date : January 12, 1956Stream this Album Bass : Gene RameyDrums : Jo JonesGuitar : Freddie GreenPiano : Teddy WilsonTenor Sax : Lester YoungTrombone : Vic DickensonTrumpet : Roy Eldridge Billboard : 04/28/1956Spotlight on… selection A formidable collection of jazz talent was assembled for this recent date. Despite the long careers of all concerned, some rather surprising “first”

Lester Young – The President Plays With the Oscar Peterson Trio (1956)

Norgran – MGN 1054Rec. Date : August 4, 1952Stream this Album (YT only) Tenor Sax : Lester YoungPiano : Oscar PetersonBass : Ray BrownDrums : J.C. HeardGuitar : Barney Kessel Billboard : 05/05/1956Score of 72 Another re-issue on 12-inch $3.98 vinyl of two complete previously listed 10-inch LPs. The President, of course, is tenor saxman Lester Young, featured here in some of

Lester Young and Harry Edison – Pres and Sweets (1956)

Norgran – MGN 1043Rec. Date : November 1, 1955Stream this Album Tenor Sax : Lester YoungTrumpet : Harry EdisonBass : Ray BrownDrums : Buddy RichGuitar : Herb EllisPiano : Oscar Peterson Billboard : 09/29/1956Score of 72 Lester (Pres) Young is less than a ghost of his once great self in this spotty set. Poor tone and feeble invention will scare off all

Sonny Criss – Go Man! (1956)

Imperial – LP-9020Rec. Dates : July 10, 1956, July 31, 1956Stream this Album Alto Sax : Sonny CrissBass : Leroy VinnegarDrums : Lawrence MarablePiano : Sonny Clark Down Beat : 11/28/1956Nat Hentoff : 3 stars Criss‘ second LP for Imperial also involves Leroy Vinnegar, Lawrence Marable, and Sonny Clark. The rhythm section moves forcefully, and Sonny’s solos are pulsatingly pointed. The troubles

Ahmad Jamal – The Ahmad Jamal Trio (1956)

Epic – LN 3212Rec. Date : October 1955Stream this Album Piano : Ahmad JamalBass : Israel CrosbyGuitar : Ray Crawford Down Beat : 05/30/1956Nat Hentoff : 2.5 stars On his first 12″ LP, pianist Jamal is assisted strongly by guitarist Ray Crawford and veteran bassist Israel Crosby. Potentially this could be a uniquely rewarding trio, but in actuality, it’s a frequently

Cannonball Adderley – In the Land of Hi-Fi (1956)

EmArcy – MG 36077Rec. Dates : June 8, 1956, June 18, 1956Stream this Album Alto Sax : Cannonball AdderleyBaritone Sax : Danny BankBass : Keter BettsCornet : Nat AdderleyDrums : Charles “Specs” WrightFlute : Jerome RichardsonPiano : Junior ManceTrombone : Bobby Byrne, Jimmy ClevelandTenor Sax : Jerome RichardsonTrumpet : Ernie Royal Billboard : 10/06/56Score of 74 The hard-swinging alto man, while in the “land of

Clifford Brown and Max Roach – At Basin Street (1956)

EmArcy – MG 36070Rec. Date : January 4, 1956Stream this Album Trumpet : Clifford BrownDrums : Max RoachBass : George MorrowPiano : Richie PowellTenor Sax : Sonny Rollins Billboard : 08/11/1956Spotlight on… selection The erstwhile team has made the best-selling list before, and this new issue could be the best of all their disk efforts. Here one may realize the