Anatomy of a Jam Session
Artist: Nat King Cole

Cole is heard on this quintet session purely as a pianist, co-starring with trumpeter Charlie Shavers and tenor saxophonist Herbie Haymer; bassist John Simmons and drummer Buddy Rich play mainly in support. The quintet only actually performs five songs but seven alternate takes fill in the program and it is very interesting hearing the musicians... Read More

1941-1942
Artist: Lucky Millinder

All 20 of the Lucky Millinder Orchestra's valuable 1941-1942 recordings are on this recommended CD. Millinder himself was not a musician and his only vocal here is mostly shouting on "Ride, Red, Ride," but he was an effective bandleader and frontman. Other than a couple of World War II propaganda songs, the music on these sessions emphasizes... Read More

Bloodshot Eyes: The Best of Wynonie Harris
Artist: Wynonie Harris

Rhino's 1994 collection, Bloodshot Eyes: The Best of Wynonie Harris, chronicles his hits for King Records, beginning in 1947 with the seminal "Good Rockin' Tonight" and concluding in 1954 with "Git to Gittin' Baby." Lots of hits come between those two songs, but there were a lot of recordings that appeared before and after, so why choose... Read More

Jamming the Blues
Artist: Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson

For this lesser-known outing (reissued on CD), the great altoist and blues singer Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson is heard in fine form at the 1974 Montreux Jazz Festival. With fine support from a four-piece rhythm section that includes pianist Peter Wingfield and some solo space for tenor-saxophonist Hal Singer, Vinson plays a few of his familiar but... Read More

Groovy Blues, Vol. 2
Artist: Roy Milton & His Solid Senders

The rarities and unissued material begin to pop up on Vol. 2, making it even more of a feast for collectors. Milton's Solid Senders, featuring pianist/singer Camille Howard, guitarist Johnny Rogers, and a crew of roaring saxmen, were one of the tightest and most respected on the Coast. ~ Bill Dahl, All Music Guide Read More

I Want a Little Girl
Artist: Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson

Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, 64 at the time of this Pablo recording, is in superior form on the blues-oriented material. With Art Hillery (on piano and organ) and guitarist Cal Green leading the rhythm section, and trumpeter Martin Banks and the tenor of Rashid Ali offering contrasting solo voices, this is a particularly strong release. It is true... Read More

Eddie Cleanhead Vinson & Roomful of Blues
Artist: Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson

If there were justice in the world, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson would have been able to tour with this type of group throughout much of his career. Roomful of Blues, a popular five-horn nonet, has rarely sounded more exciting than on this musical meeting with the legendary singer/altoist. Vinson himself is exuberant on some of the selections,... Read More

I've Been to Kansas City
Artist: Big Joe Turner

This excellent 1990 CD reissues singer Big Joe Turner's first eight recordings for Decca and the six songs (plus two alternate takes) that he made with the remarkable pianist Art Tatum. Turner is joined by trumpeter Hot Lips Page and a top Kansas City group (including pianist Pete Johnson) for "Piney Brown Blues," has four surprisingly effective... Read More

Jazz Encounters
Artist: Nat King Cole

This CD has many of Cole's most interesting Capitol dates away from his trio. The great jazz pianist is heard with the 1947 Metronome All-Stars, jamming with the all-star Capitol International Jazzmen, backing the straight vocals of Jo Stafford, and collaborating with Nellie Lutcher, Woody Herman (on a remarkable version of "Mule Train"), and... Read More