Illinois Jacquet – Swing’s The Thing (Mono Version) 180g 45rpm Verve Re-Issue Vinyl
Illinois Jacquet's 1956 album Swing's The Thing features Roy Eldridge, Jimmy Jones, Herb Ellis, Ray Brown and Jo Jones.
"...these are all truly classic Verve titles that you simply don't want to miss...most importantly, the sound of these reissues is nothing short of astounding. Particularly the early Billie and Ella mono records are incredible treasures of sonic beauty. I'd definitely ask Santa for the whole set, or, if you want to cherry pick, the most classic titles. Whatever you decide, you owe yourself at least a half dozen!" Winner of a 2012 Positive Feedback Online Writers' Choice Award - Danny Kaey, Positive Feedback Online, November/December 2011
Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson Verve 180g Vinyl
Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson is a brilliant undertaking in which Verve's legendary "house pianist" encountered one of jazz's most revered giants. A significant part of Peterson's genius was his ability to be an exceptional pianist and leader, while also being a perfect accompanist when the circumstance demands... and in a situation like this, to be both. Armstrong is not only recognized as one of the most innovative, singular, fascinating and beloved artists of the 20th century, but also one of the most generous in the way he embraced and stimulated his collaborators. Backed by the Oscar Peterson Trio — bassist Ray Brown and guitarist Herb Ellis, and augmented by frequent fourth member Louis Bellson on drums — these peerless heavyweights created an album that is utterly compelling, radiantly jubilant and consummate in artistry.
Oscar Peterson Trio: Very Tall – Verve Acoustic Sounds Series 180g Vinyl
Very Tall, released in 1961, features the first partnership between Oscar Peterson and vibraphonist Milt Jackson. The quartet set (which also includes bassist Ray Brown and drummer Ed Thigpen) swings as hard as one might expect. Highlights include “On Green Dolphin Street,” "John Brown's Body" (a jam on "Battle Hymn of the Republic") and "Reunion Blues." Verve’s Acoustic Sounds Series features transfers from analog tapes and remastered 180-gram vinyl in deluxe gatefold packaging.
The Gil Evans Orchestra – Out Of The Cool 180g – Acoustic Sounds Verve Re-Issue
“The album is worth getting for the 15 minutes of ‘La Nevada’ alone but the rest is equally great including the cinematic side closer ‘Where Flamingoes Fly.’ … The sonics here with a cut from the master tape by Ryan K. Smith (yes, the master tape- I have a current photo that for some reason I can’t share with you) are incredibly transparent, spacious and flat-out thrilling … and somewhat brighter and less mid-band rich than the long out of print Alto-Analogue edition Bernie Grundman cut in 1997. Both are worth having for different sonic reasons and if you have a clean original Rudy Van Gelder cut (A-4) you may think you are set, but that cut is less spacious, somewhat dynamically compressed, has the RVG lower bass roll-off and is definitely less transparent — not that it’s bad and some people do like the more ‘in your face’ excitement. This one’s here now though! Do not miss it!” — Music = 10/11; Sound = 10/11 – Michael Fremer, AnalogPlanet.com.
