Feelin's
Artist: Teddy Edwards

Teddy Edwards had not made a recording as a leader for quite a while at the time of this 1974 studio session for Muse, though after hearing this recording, one wonders why it took so long for someone to sign him. Focusing primarily on originals that mix hard bop and soul-jazz with a slight Latin flavor, the tenor saxophonist leads a fine sextet... Read More

Body and Soul - BLACK LION
Artist: Tete Montoliu
That's All
Artist: Tete Montoliu

The virtuosic Spanish pianist Tete Montoliu is usually heard from in trio settings, making this rare solo outing particularly special. Montoliu digs into eight familiar standards (including "You Go to My Head," "'Round Midnight," "A Child Is Born" and "Giant Steps") and to his credit comes up with fresh new variations. Montoliu's style has Bud... Read More

The Apartment
Artist: Dexter Gordon

While in Europe, tenor-sax-great Dexter Gordon recorded many sessions with pianist Kenny Drew, bassist Niels Pedersen and drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath. All are worth acquiring and this one is no exception. In addition to three of his originals (including the title tune), the quartet performs the old bop line "Wee-Dot" and Horace Silver's... Read More

The Chase!
Artist: Gene Ammons

Although Gene Ammons received first billing, his fellow tenor Dexter Gordon is an equal partner on this exciting live bebop set. Expanded from the original LP with a previously unissued ballad medley and a full-length 17-minute rendition of "Wee Dot," and this CD is highly recommended to fans of tenor battles and straight-ahead jazz. "Wee Dot"... Read More

The Best of John Coltrane - ATLANTIC
Artist: John Coltrane

I can't imagine not owning lots of Coltrane, but here is an excellent one-disc selection of some of the best of the Coltrane material (on Atlantic) with a the accent on the slower tunes. The disc is very easy to listen to. Favorites on the slow side include include "Naima" and the much-loved "My Favorite Things." The only more up-tempo pieces... Read More

Catalonian Fire
Artist: Tete Montoliu

Tete Montoliu spent most of his career recording for various European-based record labels, with some of his best work appearing on Steeplechase, such as this trio session with bassist Niels Pedersen and drummer Tootie Heath. Montoliu chose his rhythm section well, because both of these musicians respond well to an aggressive pianist like their... Read More

Bird Lives!
Artist: Red Rodney

This was trumpeter Red Rodney's first jazz date as a leader in 14 years. In the interim, he had spent a lot of time playing in show bands in Las Vegas, and both his chops and his jazz abilities were a bit out of practice, but making a gradual comeback. Before he would begin teaming up with Ira Sullivan in 1980, Rodney was mostly cast as a bebop... Read More

Tete!
Artist: Tete Montoliu

The great Spanish pianist Tete Montoliu has recorded many rewarding sessions for SteepleChase. This trio outing (with bassist Niels Pedersen and drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath) is a typically excellent date. In addition to the lesser-known "Theme for Ernie," Montoliu performs five well-known jazz standards in his own modern jazz style, combining... Read More

Live at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago, Vol. 1
Artist: Hampton Hawes

Although some of Hampton Hawes' early-'70s recordings found him using electric piano (and sounding less distinctive than usual), this live set is purely acoustic. Hawes teams up with bassist Cecil McBee and drummer Roy Haynes for lengthy renditions of "Stella by Starlight," Charlie Parker's "Bluebird," the pianist's "Spanish Moods" and "St.... Read More

The Panther!
Artist: Dexter Gordon

Although Dexter Gordon contributed three originals to this American session, it is his rendition of the three standards that are most memorable. The great tenor romps on the familiar line "The Blues Walk," digs into "Body and Soul" (giving this warhorse a fresh new interpretation) and makes a classic statement on "The Christmas Song." With the... Read More

Dexter Gordon at Montreux (With Junior Mance)
Artist: Dexter Gordon

Dexter Gordon's set at the 1970 Montreux Jazz Festival is typically exciting with long tenor solos, fine backup (from pianist Junior Mance, bassist Martin Rivera and drummer Oliver Jackson) and a well-rounded repertoire: Gordon's "Fried Bananas," "Sophisticated Lady," Thelonious Monk's "Rhythm-A-Ning," an explorative "Body and Soul," "Blue Monk"... Read More

The Diverse Yusef Lateef/Suite 16
Artist: Yusef Lateef

Yusef Lateef became a controversial figure within the jazz world during the 1960s, as he moved heavily into African and Asian music, and away from hard bop, mainstream, and soul-jazz. These two albums tried to forge a middle ground; The Diverse had four compositions (three by Lateef) with Lateef primarily on flute, playing soothing, often... Read More