Journey Through The Penguin Jazz Guide

[Zeeba Neighba]

J.J. Johnson - The Eminent Jay Jay Johnson Vol 1 & 2

 

[Zeeba Neighba]

Vic Dickenson - The Essential

Hey! Another collection I discovered during my old Jazz Excursion - good stuff. With J.J. Johnson, lots of good jazz trombone this week.

 

[Zeeba Neighba]

Lars Gullin - Danny's Dream

Compilation from 1953-1955 from the Swedish saxophonist (baritone, also clarinet) - nice mellow cool/West Coast jazz sound

 

[Ojai Sam]

Freddie Randall - Shine On

Not much out there streaming on Randall, a British trumpeter who led Dixieland bands in the UK. Really not even much about this Spotify selection as far as years recorded, band - similar tracks to the Penguin recommendation in the Great Traditional Jazzbands series (which of course isn't available)
The Dixieland revival of the 1940s-1950s was important at keeping classic jazz alive and not letting the artists of the 1920s fade away - that being said, I am surprised how much Penguin is focusing on these lesser known revival bandleaders.

Back in the heyday of music blogs, there was one devoted to British jazz whose name escapes me at the moment. I learned about dozens of fine artists who were new to me. In the process I acquired a deep appreciation for the UK jazz scene, especially in the 50s and 60s.

 

[Zeeba Neighba]

Art Tatum - The Complete Pablo Solo Masterpieces

Over this week, amidst other listening, tackling Penguin's next entry - again they lean on the large compilation, this one 7-CD. Tatum was a master pianist but again would rather had some individual album selections.
And, those who know this release are probably guessing already Penguin's next selection - yep, it's the equally long box set of Tatum's "Group Masterpieces" - so essentially a lot of Art Tatum over the next few weeks

 

[Zeeba Neighba]

Art Tatum - The Complete Pablo Small Masterpieces

After spending last week going through 8 CDs-worth of Tatum's solo material from the early-mid 1950s (he would pass away in 1956), Penguin presents me with the equally voluminous Tatum GROUP masterpieces - I've always enjoyed these a bit more that the Solo release because it showcases the wonderful pianist with diverse cast of fellow artists. Yes this will take some time - gonna post the 8 volumes as I listen.

Volume 1: With Benny Carter and Louis Bellson
Volume 2: With Roy Eldridge, John Simmons, Alvin Stoller

 

[Zeeba Neighba]

Art Tatum - The Complete Pablo Small Masterpiece
Volumes 3 and 4: with Lionel Hampton and Buddy Rich

 

[Zeeba Neighba]

Art Tatum - The Complete Pablo Group Masterpieces
Volume 7 - with Red Callender and Jo Jones
Volume 8 - with Buddy DeFranco, Red Callender, and Bill Douglass
Volume 9 - with Ben Webster, Red Callender, Bill Douglass

Slow going through the 8 CD Tatum Group Masterpieces - finishing up today. IMO volumes 7 and 8 with clarinetist Buddy DeFranco and tenor Ben Webster (love his sound) respectively are arguable the best two of the set.
Long time (2 weeks) getting through the last two Penguin picks - but happily I enjoy Tatum. These have been some good listens

 

[Ojai Sam]

Art Tatum - The Complete Pablo Group Masterpieces
Volume 7 - with Red Callender and Jo Jones
Volume 8 - with Buddy DeFranco, Red Callender, and Bill Douglass
Volume 9 - with Ben Webster, Red Callender, Bill Douglass

Slow going through the 8 CD Tatum Group Masterpieces - finishing up today. IMO volumes 7 and 8 with clarinetist Buddy DeFranco and tenor Ben Webster (love his sound) respectively are arguable the best two of the set.
Long time (2 weeks) getting through the last two Penguin picks - but happily I enjoy Tatum. These have been some good listens

You’re a better man than I am, Gunga Din!

 

[Zeeba Neighba]

Mel Powell - It's Been So Long and The Best Things In Life

Two Vanguard discs covering the work of the pianist/composer during the mid to late 1950s

 

[Zeeba Neighba]

James Moody - Moody's Mood for Blues (comp)

 

[Zeeba Neighba]

Art Blakey - A Night at Birdland, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 (1954)

Great line up with Clifford Brown on trumpet, Lou Donaldson on sax, and Horace Silver on piano

 

[axolotl]

Art Blakey - A Night at Birdland, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 (1954)

Great line up with Clifford Brown on trumpet, Lou Donaldson on sax, and Horace Silver on piano

An insanely great lineup!

ETA: These guys could flat-out cook.

 

[Zeeba Neighba]

Blue Mitchell - The Thing You Do (1964)



The book actually has this here next in the mid-1950s - it was actually from 1964. Still…great album.

 

[axolotl]

Blue Mitchell - The Thing You Do (1964)

The book actually has this here next in the mid-1950s - it was actually from 1964. Still…great album.

I was thinking Chick would have been a bit young in the mid-50s.

Not impossible, but still...

...it would have been early in his corea.

 

[Zeeba Neighba]

Lenny Tristano - Lenny Tristano/The New Tristano (comp 1955-62)

 

[Zeeba Neighba]

June Christy - Something Cool (1954)

 

[Zeeba Neighba]

Al Haig Trio - Al Haig Trio (1954)

 

[axolotl]

^ General Alexander Haig? He could do everything.

 

[Zeeba Neighba]

^ General Alexander Haig? He could do everything.

He’s in control here….of the ivories