Standards of Excellence
Artist: Al Cohn

This was tenor saxophonist Al Cohn's last Concord recording, and despite how well he was playing during this era, he would not record as a leader again until three final efforts in 1987. Joined by a pianoless trio comprised of guitarist Herb Ellis, bassist Monty Budwig, and drummer Jimmie Smith, Cohn performs eight standards with his usual... Read More

Steve Allen Plays Jazz Tonight
Artist: Steve Allen

One of Steve Allen's last jazz recordings was made in 1992, some eight years prior to his death on October 30, 2000. Allen's piano playing was only one of the many talents that he shared with his audiences over his decades-long career, but he never made a big deal about his playing; it was just another way of entertaining. On this date he is the... Read More

Two For The Blues
Artist: Frank Wess

The two veteran Count Basie tenors Frank Wess (who doubles here on alto) and Frank Foster co-led this 1983 Pablo session (which is sometimes also listed under Foster's name). With fine backup from pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith, both Wess and Foster have opportunities to show how they have grown as... Read More

Dream Comes True
Artist: Lilian Terry
Ron McCroby Plays Puccolo
Artist: Ron McCroby

The famous Cincinnati whistler does standards. Recommended. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide Read More

Juggernaut Strikes Again
Artist: Frank Capp

The 1981 edition of the Frank Capp/Nat Pierce Juggernaut sticks to its vision of being a Count Basie soundalike big band. The repertoire is a bit farther reaching than on its previous releases including Pierce's "One for Marshal" (featuring altoist Marshall Royal), "I Remember Clifford," Buck Clayton's then-recent "Chops, Fingers and Sticks" and... Read More

Flute Juice
Artist: Frank Wess

Frank Wess' first set as a leader in eight years finds the multireedist sticking to flute (his most distinctive ax) in a quintet with guitarist Chuck Wayne, pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist George Mraz and drummer Ben Riley. The music is predictably excellent, lightly swinging and a bit more sophisticated than it might sound at first listen. Wess... Read More

Yes, the Blues
Artist: Clark Terry

This blues-oriented Pablo recording has an ideal matchup: flugelhornist Clark Terry and altoist Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson. Both musicians take a good-humored vocal apiece, but the emphasis is on their playing. The complementary stylists, backed by pianist Art Hillery, bassist John Heard and drummer Roy McCurdy, work together very well on their... Read More

The Other Whistler
Artist: Ron McCroby
Tour De Force
Artist: Al Cohn

Al Cohn gets top billing on this CD (formerly a double-LP) but that was because among the three tenors his name comes first alphabetically. This is a jam session set featuring the tenors of Cohn, Scott Hamilton and Buddy Tate. They battle it out to a draw, mostly jamming on fairly basic material such as "Blues Up and Down," "Tickle Toe," "Soft... Read More

On the Korner
Artist: Zoot Sims

Just two years and three days away from his death at age 59, the great tenor Zoot Sims is heard in prime form on this live session from San Francisco's legendary club Keystone Korner. The music was not initially released until this 1994 CD but it was worth the wait. The hard-swinging tenor (who plays equally effective soprano on Duke Ellington's... Read More