Art Taylor – Taylor’s Wailers – Analogue Productions (Prestige 7117) 180g Vinyl
In 1956 drummer Art Taylor formed a group called Taylor’s Wailers. Donald Byrd and Charlie Rouse were members of the working group that debuted at The Pad, a Greenwich Village nightclub on Sheridan Square booked by Bob Reisner, the man who had run the legendary Open Door Sessions. In 1957 Taylor recorded the Wailers for Prestige, adding the alto saxophone of Jackie McLean to the front line. Two of the highlights are the Thelonious Monk compositions, “Well, You Needn’t” and “Off Minor,” with arrangements by Thelonious himself. One track, “C.T.A.,” by Jimmy Heath, is from another session featuring John Coltrane backed by Red Garland, Paul Chambers, and Taylor, a potent Prestige studio combination in those days. There have been many distinguished drummer-leaders in jazz. One expects their groups to be rhythmically exciting. Taylor’s Wailers are no exception to this swinging heritage.
Ben Webster – At the Renaissance – Concord Records 180g Vinyl
Ben Webster – Gentle Ben Analogue Productions 200g 45RPM Vinyl
"The soundstage is intimate and inviting, Webster's horn beautifully captured with sweet, rich overtornes, the bass liquid, chugging, and textured, piano and drums easy and natural. As with each title, the music emerges from QRP's beautifully flat and wonderfully silent surfaces with that much more "there-ness." Sonics = 4/5; Music = 3.5/5 — Wayne Garcia, The Absolute Sound, January 2013
Ben Webster – See You at the Fair (Verve Acoustic Sounds) 180g Vinyl LP Gatefold Sleeve
Ben Webster’s final American recording was one of his greatest. At 55, the tenor saxophonist was still very much in his prime but considered out of style in the U.S. He would soon permanently move to Europe where he was better appreciated. Webster’s tone has rarely sounded more beautiful than on “Someone to Watch Over Me” and “Our Love Is Here to Stay.”
Ben Webster Meets Oscar Peterson (Acoustic Sounds) 180g 1LP Gatefold Sleeve
Ben Webster was, without a doubt, one of the most important and influential tenor saxophonists in jazz.
Ben Webster Meets Oscar Peterson features some of his finest collaborations with Oscar Peterson, who Webster often stated was his favourite accompanist.
Verve’s Acoustic Sounds Series features transfers from analog tapes and remastered 180-gram vinyl in deluxe gatefold packaging.
Bill Evans and Jim Hall – Undercurrent Mobile Fidelity Vinyl
Diverse Set Encompasses Ballads, Waltzes, Hard-Swinging Bop
Bill Evans catapulted to the top of the jazz world in June 1961 after reeling off three straight masterpiece sessions at New York's Village Vanguard with his trio. Yet the emotional highs came to a screeching halt shortly thereafter when bassist Scott LaFaro died in a car accident. Devastated, Evans refrained from playing for nearly a year. If not for an inspirational collaboration of tremendous creative outpouring, one wonders what fate may have befallen Evans. Undercurrent, the outcome of two studio sessions with guitarist Jim Hall, is that project.
Billie Holiday – All Or Nothing At All – Analogue Productions – 2 x 180g 45RPM Mono Vinyl
Mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound
“…the third (Billie Holiday album) to receive the two-disc 45 RPM treatment by Analogue Productions. … Billie sounds like she’s at the microphone in your living room. The instruments are spread out between the speakers and there is plenty of depth. A pristine original has a bit more pronounced vocal sibilance and air, and this reissue smooths that out a bit. That aside, this is a fabulous reissue of essential music. Highest recommendation.” — Recording = 9.5/10; Music = 10/10 — Dennis D. Davis, Hi-Fi +, Issue 95
Bob James – Espresso – 180g Chesky Records Vinyl LP
Immerse yourself in the smooth jazz brilliance of Bob James with Espresso, a masterful 180g vinyl LP release from Chesky Records. Showcasing James’ signature blend of jazz fusion, intricate piano melodies, and sophisticated grooves, this album delivers a refined and dynamic listening experience. Pressed on high-quality 180g vinyl, this audiophile edition ensures superior sound clarity, depth, and warmth, allowing every note to shine with precision. A must-have for jazz lovers and vinyl collectors, Espresso is the perfect addition to any high-fidelity music collection, capturing the timeless artistry of one of jazz’s most celebrated pianists.
Bob James – Feel Like Making LIVE! – 180g Chesky Records 2 LP Vinyl
Immerse yourself in the unmatched artistry of Bob James with Feel Like Making LIVE!, a stunning 180g 2LP vinyl release from Chesky Records. Capturing the magic of a live jazz performance, this album features James’ signature smooth piano work, intricate improvisations, and rich, dynamic grooves. Pressed on high-quality 180g vinyl, this audiophile edition ensures superior clarity, warmth, and depth, bringing the energy of the live recording directly to your turntable. A must-have for jazz lovers and vinyl collectors, Feel Like Making LIVE! is the perfect addition to any high-fidelity music collection, celebrating the legacy of one of jazz’s most iconic pianists.
Bob James – Jazz Hands – 180g Chesky Records Vinyl LP
Experience the refined elegance and masterful artistry of Bob James with Jazz Hands, a captivating 180g vinyl LP release from Chesky Records. Blending smooth jazz, intricate piano work, and sophisticated grooves, this album showcases James’ signature style with stunning clarity and depth. Pressed on high-quality 180g vinyl, this audiophile edition delivers a warm, immersive listening experience, ensuring every note and rhythm is beautifully preserved. A must-have for jazz enthusiasts and vinyl collectors, Jazz Hands is a standout addition to any high-fidelity music collection, celebrating the timeless musicianship of one of jazz’s most influential pianists.
Bob James – One – Remastered 2021 – Chesky Records SACD
Rediscover the jazz-fusion brilliance of Bob James with One – Remastered 2021, now available on SACD. Featuring iconic tracks like Nautilus and Valley of the Shadows, this groundbreaking album blends smooth jazz, funk, and orchestral elements, solidifying James as a pioneer in the genre. Remastered in high-resolution audio, this Super Audio CD (SACD) delivers exceptional clarity, depth, and dynamic range, ensuring an immersive listening experience. A must-have for jazz fusion fans and audiophiles, One – Remastered 2021 is the definitive edition of this legendary release.
Bob James & Kirk Whalum – Joined At The Hip – Chesky Records SACD
Immerse yourself in the soulful synergy of Bob James & Kirk Whalum with Joined At The Hip, a superb SACD release from Chesky Records. This remarkable collaboration pairs James’ sophisticated piano melodies with Whalum’s smooth, expressive saxophone, resulting in a dynamic and captivating jazz experience. Recorded with audiophile-grade precision, this Super Audio CD (SACD) offers exceptional sound clarity, depth, and warmth, bringing out every subtle nuance of the performance. A must-have for jazz lovers and high-fidelity enthusiasts, Joined At The Hip is a timeless album that belongs in any audiophile music collection.
