"Freedom Suite" by Sonny Rollins on Riverside RLP 12-258

April 3, 2024

I love Sonny Rollins, both for his great playing and compositions, but also because he was the one who got me really hooked on jazz. The band he had that hooked me was also a trio; him, Henry Grimes and Joe Harris. Just like on this album, but here it is Oscar Pettiford and Max Roach on double bass and drums. I absolutely love the concept of a sax trio. It’s so naked and exposed, so primitive, in a good way. Rollins’ sax really takes center stage in this format and is really in your face. I love “Way Out West” as well, also a trio format.

This album consists of the brilliant Rollins-penned “The Freedom Suite”, taking up the whole of Side 1 and four other tunes on the second side that are beautiful as well. This is a lovely album, one of his best, that I’ve been after for a long time. Not entierly easy to find with the large blue labels (no INC). Happy to finally be able to file this great title. Have plenty of other Sonny Rollins titles that I’m still looking for, so the search goes on for those.

Any thoughts on this album? Please share. Cheers!

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"Homecoming!" by the Elmo Hope Sextet and Trio on Riverside RLP 381

October 22, 2023

Helt otroligt (absolutely amazing, in Swedish). That’s what I said to myself after playing this album that I just got in. Listened to it a few times digitally before I acquired it and put it on the turntable for the first time today and listened to it, and it’s already one of my favorite albums in the Riverside catalogue, and favorite albums overall in my collection.

Elmo Hope had an extended stay in Los Angeles before he was welcomed back to New York a refreshed man, after personal problems and a withdrawn New York City Cabaret Card. This album is a testament to what a lovely musician and composer Hope was. He composed all the tunes here except for one. Truly beautiful, smoothly performed tunes which sounds absolutely immense on this original mono pressing. On the slow paced tunes he plays so profoundly engaging with such lyricism and the lightest of touches, and always some interesting choices of notes. Like the somber “Imagination” and the moody “Eyes So Beautiful As Yours”.

Four of the tunes are played in a trio format and three in a sextet, which I absolutely love. The personnel on this are Hope on piano, Blue Mitchell on trumpet, Jimmy Heath and Frank Foster on tenor sax, Percy Heath on double bass and Philly Joe Jones on drums. Lovely band. I really dig the sound of the bass and drums on this recording. Philly Joe is one of the best drummers in jazz, no doubt. His touch on the drums is very special. No wonder Bill Evans and Miles Davis held him in such high regard.

This title maybe flies a bit under the radar. It shouldn’t. It’s wonderful jazz that is so enjoyable. And an original can be had for a very reasonable price.

Cheers!

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"5 by Monk by 5" by the Thelonious Monk Quintet on Riverside RLP 12-305

September 17, 2023

Monk’s Riverside titles are a joy to explore.

There are so many Monk albums I’m after. Several are on Riverside like this one on display. He is criminally under-represented on my shelves. I’ve dived into his Riverside discography more in depth as of late. There are some brilliant albums there to enjoy. I’ve always been fond of his unique playing style, so exploring his discography should have been a top priority throughout the years. I’ve focused on other artists I guess. But I’m making up for lost time by trying to zoom in on his Riverside stuff to begin with, and I’ve found plenty of great titles that I’m aiming to find. I have the iconic “Brilliant Corners” which I acquired several years ago. Now that’s a wonderful album.

“5 by Monk by 5” is a lovely outing which features the legendary pianist playing together with some great cats; Thad Jones on the cornet, Charlie Rouse on tenor, Sam Jones on double bass and Art Taylor on drums. Pretty stellar line-up. Love the cornet sound of Thad Jones and nice to hear him together with Monk as a sideman. Charlie Rouse is another cat I enjoy a lot and will explore more in depth. He released a title on the Epic label for example which I’ve been after for a long time.

Favorite picks from this session will be “Jackie-ing”, “Straight, No Chaser” and “Ask Me Now”, which features a beautiful solo by Rouse. Highly recommended album.

Have a great Sunday!

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This Here is Bobby Timmons on Riverside 12-317

May 4, 2022

Timmons debut as a leader is a wonderful one.

It’s been forever since I posted a Riverside title, so I figured it was about time. This is a great, soulful piano trio album featuring Bobby Timmons on piano, Sam Jones on the double bass and Jimmy Cobb on the drums. I love piano trios and this is one of my favorites. It contains several wonderful tunes and among them is the classic “Moanin”, first recorded by the Jazz Messengers. Favorite tune is probably “Dat Dere”. This is Timmons first album as the sole leader. The sound is great on this 1st pressing, tight and nice. The piano takes center stage and sounds lovely. I’m really enjoying the double bass and drum sound as well. Overall a pleasant mix.

I really need to get some more Riverside titles into the collection, and this album reminds me how many great titles I’m still missing. Need to try and find some more of Timmons output specifically as well. Do you guys have some favorite Bobby Timmons albums that you would like to share? Would be great to hear what you have in your collections.

I just got a couple of new titles home and I listened to them today and both albums are superb. Great music. Will post them here on the site so stay tuned for those. Spring is kicking into gear for real now here in Stockholm it seems, with a little bit warmer temperatures coming up. Looking foward to the summer and the vacation in California. Can’t wait.

Stay safe, listen to some jazz and most importantly: get outside. Cheers!

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"Brilliant Corners" by Thelonious Monk on Riverside 12-226

June 10, 2020

Upon hearing the first few notes you just know this album is going to be special and not just another hard bop blowing session. Of course Monk was a special musician and he created special music. He’s one that I haven’t explored fully yet. I know I dig him a lot based on the albums I’ve heard. It will be a pleasure to explore his output more in depth. This Riverside album is one of the very best that the label released in my opinion. I think it’s highly enjoyable. One of my favorite albums in jazz to date actually. The compositions are just so interesting, artistic and thoughtful.

The line-up is stellar, with Monk joined by Rollins on tenor, one of my favorite alto players Ernie Henry (who released some real gems on the Riverside label as a leader), Oscar Pettiford on double bass and the always superb Max Roach on drums. On “Bemsha Swing” Clark Terry replaces Henry and Paul Chambers replaces Pettiford.

Favorite tune has got to be the title track. It’s phenomenal. Monk’s sidemen apparently struggled to record it, as it’s quite complex in nature. 25 takes was attempted and the tension between Monk and Henry almost made Henry break down mentally. Producer Orrin Keepnews pieced together the tune for the album from multiple takes as not one completed single take was available. That’s what I’ve read. Very interesting to me, as a musician, I know there’s some pressure in recording a complex tune in one single take. I think it sounds great on the album and it’s not obvious it’s based on multiple takes.

All the other tunes are pretty awesome as well. Aside from the title track I especially like “Pannonica”, on which Monk plays the celeste, and of course “Bemsha Swing” which has a cool feature in Max Roach playing the tympany, which adds a nice flavor to the tune.

This 1st pressing is rare. When searching for a first issue, keep a look out for the correct address on the back cover which should read; 418 West 49th Street. Very happy to have this in my collection, it’s such a classic.

A few questions: your thoughts on this album? Favorite Monk releases? (here I’m looking forward to some great tips from you guys).

Summer is here in Stockholm and vacation time is just around the corner. I’m going on a road trip with the family to the south of Sweden in just over a week. Looking forward to that. I’m working on some deals for some new additions as well. I could be welcoming some superb albums to the shelves before long. I’ll keep you posted.

Have a great day, stay safe and enjoy your collections. Cheers!

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"Blue's Moods" by Blue Mitchell on Riverside RLP 336

April 25, 2020

I love the Riverside label. So many great albums. I like the sound as well. On this album the drums for example sound a bit low-fi at times, but natural and I like that. I was after this Blue Mitchell album for a long time. Had some opportunities to acquire it though but never pulled the trigger. Then I realized that one of my go-to contacts had this and felt the time was right to get it. It’s a great hard bop date with finesse and some superb tunes and wonderful trumpet playing by Blue. It features a great cast of players with Wynton Kelly on piano, Sam Jones on double bass and Roy Brooks on drums. This rhythm section is very interesting and I would very much like to hear them in a trio setting.

It’s a great mix of tunes supplying a lot of what I’m looking for in a hard-bop album. It’s quite relaxed and smooth. All the tunes are highly enjoyable. If I had to choose some favorites it would be the whole of Side 1. Side 2 is also great, but the first side is really doing it for me. I especially love the slow blues “Kinda Vague” which features some interesting stuff on the hi-hat by Roy Brooks. The 1st track on Side 1 is the great “I’ll Close My Eyes” which has been my ring tone on my mobile phone for years.

A lot of questions for my readers: What’s your thoughts on this album? Where do you place Blue Mitchell among all the great trumpet players of jazz? Do you have a favorite Blue Mitchell album? Any tips?

For me, Blue Mitchell really is a top cat and I’m planning to try and get a lot more albums featuring him. He released quite a few more on Riverside where he also made his debut as a leader in 1958. I will be looking at those for sure as well as his Blue Note output.

The status on getting hold of new arrivals is on hold, due to the corona crisis, which makes getting stuff from overseas tricky and maybe not completely reliable. I will maybe buy some stuff but telling the sellers to wait to send the packages until the worst of this is over. I’m not sure how reliable it is to send parcels right now across the world. Are any of you guys taking the risk or have had any experience of sending/receiving stuff during this period?

I’m hoping you’re staying safe and healthy and that you enjoy your collections. Maybe put a Blue Mitchell album on the turntable, relax and just enjoy the music.

If you’re looking for a section containing all my earlier posts sorted by month and year, click on “Post History” in the top menu. Stay tuned for more vintage treasures coming up. Cheers!

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Bill Evans Trio "Sunday at the Village Vanguard" on RLP 376

November 10, 2018

So, I found a beautiful copy of this masterpiece to replace my white label promo copy in lesser condition sooner than I was expecting. I couldn’t be happier with this copy. It’s in very nice shape, both the vinyl and the jacket. This album, together with “Waltz for Debby” on RLP 399, are my favorite jazz trio albums by far. There are of course other very nice trio sessions, but these two, for me, are a level or two above everything else I’ve come across. The empathic chemistry between Evans, LaFaro and Motian is something I haven’t heard anywhere else. And LaFaro’s double bass work is the best I’ve heard as well. The whole concept of letting the double bass take center stage on these albums is something I absolutely love. And LaFaro makes it so interesting with his technical and lyrical brilliance. I believe his playing is one of the main reasons this trio was so special.

Just put this record on the turntable, lean back and soak in the magic that happened live at the Village Vanguard in New York City on June 25th, 1961. Close your eyes and pretend you’re there in the club, sipping on a drink and just relaxing.

I have quite a few other Bill Evans albums on the want list such as “Explorations” on RLP 351 by the same trio. Also, his later trios with bassists Chuck Israels and Joe Gomez are great. There are many Evans albums worth seeking out.

At the moment I’m looking forward to spending some time with my family over Christmas. We have a vacation overseas coming up then and every penny will go to that, as well as a summer vacation. So, I will find it hard to purchase a lot of expensive albums for a while. Let’s see if any albums that are more moderately priced, like many of the Impulse! titles, shows up and maybe I will be able to squeeze one or two in before the summer.

In the mean time I have my little treasure of superb albums to enjoy. I was thinking of that actually this morning, when I saw an image of a huge collection, that my collection is small compared to many other collectors, but very nice indeed. And the amount of albums I have is enough for me to enjoy at the moment. I won’t ever find the time to listen to a 1000, 2000, 3000+ albums. There are just so many hours in a day. And I believe that keeping a massive collection with thousands of titles, many which are just collecting dust, is not for me. Also, all the albums I puchase has to be top notch music-wise to me, otherwise I don’t buy them. I’m never going to buy albums just to complete a series of a label for example. There are probably several titles in a series that I can do without, you know? I pick the titles I really enjoy and that’s that.

What do you consider a good number of albums in a collection, that you actually listen to and can enjoy? Would you consider to try and complete a series of a label? Maybe collect a whole discography of an artist? How do you collect is the question.. :-)

Enjoy the weekend folks. It’s cold, dark and damp here in Stockholm right now. Maybe I’ll crack open a nice porter or stout this evening… stay tuned for more vintage jazz albums.

Cheers!

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Waltz for Debby by the Bill Evans Trio on Riverside 399

August 31, 2018

In my humble opinion this is the best jazz piano trio album of all time, together with RLP 376.

It's been a while since the last post. Sorry about that. A summer vacation and life in general got in the way. But now I'm back after a long hot summer. Sitting here at home with a sore throat and aching muscles; the first cold of the season. But I'm keeping my spirits up with the album on display here. This has got to be the greatest piano trio album of all time, together with Sunday at the Village Vanguard on Riverside 376, which I've also acquired recently. There are really no other piano trio albums that can match these live sessions from 1961, recorded superbly by Riverside. They are in a league of their own. It feels like you are there in that club, relaxing at a table with a drink, when you listen to these albums. They really captured the live feeling amazingly well.

Much of the magic bassist Scott LaFaro brings to the table. His playing on these albums is truly one of a kind. Probably the best double bass I've ever heard. So what does that make him, the best jazz double bassist of all time? Despite his very short career? For me, the answer is yes. This trio had such an amazing feeling and flow. LaFaro was given a lot of space and could really express himself. I believe LaFaro made this trio so magical. Bill Evans is superb and Paul Motian plays great and has a sweet touch. But the star is LaFaro. Without him it wouldn't be the same. The concept of this trio though, where the double bass gets so much room and where the interplay between all three members is so profound, is pure genius.

My copy of this masterpiece on RLP 399 is in wonderful shape and sounds excellent. One of my absolute favorite albums for sure. Like I mentioned, I've acquired Sunday at the Village Vanguard on RLP 376 as well. Recorded live the same day as RLP 399. A white label promo copy which should have been in better condition than it was when I received it. I can listen to it, but it has far too much pops and tics for my taste. I couldn't return it, which was a bummer. But my mission now is to not buy another album until I find another copy of RLP 376 in much better, satisfactory condition. I think that's a healthy approach. Very cool though to have a promo copy of that title.

I thought it would be interesting what you guys think of these Vanguard recordings and if you, like me, think they are the best piano trio recordings ever made. Also, in your opinion, is Scott LaFaro one of the best if not THE best jazz double bassists of all time? If not, do you have another favorite? Love to hear what you guys think regarding these matters.

Autumn will soon be here for real and the time for candles, stouts and jazz piano trios that comes with it. And what better jazz piano trio to put on the turntable than the Bill Evans Trio live from the Village Vanguard. Stay tuned for more jazz vinyl from the collection and have a great weekend. Cheers...!

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Ernie Henry "Seven Standards and a Blues" on Riverside 12-248

January 28, 2018

Another Ernie Henry masterpiece... he had a sound of his own.

Delightful album by Ernie Henry on the wonderful Riverside label. As far as Ernie Henry albums go, I have this and his debut as a leader, also on Riverside (12-222). He had a special approach to the alto saxophone. An amazing player in my opinion with a truly personal style of playing. Very melodic and lyrical.

The Riverside label is a great source of superb jazz recordings during the second half of the 1950's. I've found that the quality of the pressings and the sound is very nice. The mixes by recording engineer Jack Higgins are fantastic. Like this one. I really like crisp and smooth sound of his work. It's a pleasure to listen to and it's a very relaxed sound that he created. I really like the drum sound for example on this recording. It's just so organic, relaxed and smooth.

This album is quite rare in it's original form with the large blue label with deep groove and no INC. Both this and the other Henry on Riverside that I own are rare. Both of them are very pleasurable. I always take them off the shelf with a smile on my face. I looked for these records for quite a while and owning them now is a great feeling.

This is the first post of 2018. I've maintained this version of the site since the beginning of 2015. Prior to that I had another site about my jazz vinyl collecting. I started that in the summer of 2012. So, a 3 year anniversary of this version of the site has now passed. I'm hoping to add many more nice collectibles here for many years to come. And I'm hoping to keep getting such distinguished guests visiting as well...

I have already acquired the first LP of 2018 a week ago. I will receive it tomorrow. It's a fabulous album. Very rare and in outstanding condition. I'm thrilled to have been able to find it as it has eluded me for many years. To me, the cover is one of the coolest in modern jazz. Stay tuned for that one. I'm looking forward to the rest of 2018 and to see what other rare pieces will make their way into my collection.

Have a great day/evening folks... and remember to check out Ernie Henry if you haven't already. Cheers!

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Presenting Ernie Henry on Riverside 12-222

July 26, 2017

Ernie Henry's debut as a leader is a real treat...

Ahh, these old white label Riversides are a real treat... there's something truly genuine about them. I still get amazed over how an LP from the 50's can be in such superb shape and sound so good. It's hard to describe the feeling when you put a NM copy of a record from the 50's on the turntable and drop the needle and hear the sounds coming out of the speakers... Oh, I got two words for it; complete bliss.

Ernie Henry was an altoist of great talent and huge potential. His life was cut short by a heroin overdose at the age of only 31. Influenced by Bird he went on to create in his own personal direction. He recorded three albums as a leader for Riverside, and this is the first. When you hear Henry play you can't help but wonder how many other great albums he could have recorded if he didn't die so young. But the first two Riverside dates as a leader, alone, are enough to enjoy for a very long time. These two albums are very high up on my favorite albums list. Both are quite difficult to get your hands on as original 1st pressings. I've been looking for the 12-222 for a long time, and now finally I've been able to add it to the collection. I'm of course delighted to now own this great album.

I'm pretty sure this one and the other one on Riverside 12-248, are quite underrated and maybe not so well known to many jazz collectors. I could be wrong, but nevertheless, they are superb and should be found in every jazz collection. I strongly recommend you seek out these gems and find out for yourselves how great they are.

Apart from Henry, this session is also graced by some other top notch players, such as Kenny Dorham, Kenny Drew, Wilbur Ware and Art Taylor. Pretty much a dream line-up for me. All tunes except two are penned by Ernie Henry. They are all truly great.

There, now go and seek out some Ernie Henry... Cheers guys!

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"Portrait in Jazz" by the Bill Evans Trio on Riverside 315

July 23, 2016

A top jazz piano trio album, perhaps my favorite to date.

I started this morning with a dose of Art Pepper. Side 2 of Modern Art on Intro. A nice way to get this beautiful Saturday afternoon on track. A bit of interesting information; the alto intro on the tune "Stompin' at the Savoy" is a bit longer on this original 1st pressing than on other issues or formats I believe. Don't know about the Score issue. On other issues, it seems that the unaccompanied alto solo in the beginning of "Stompin'..." has been cut shorter. That's pretty cool, to think that you actually need the original pressing to get to hear that, as it was supposed to be. Just another reason to stick to 1st pressings.

It's been a while since I posted last. I've been on vacation to California with the family. But let's get things going here again...

My relation to piano trios in jazz has grown very strong in the last couple of years. I truly dig that format, even though if I would choose one record to take with me to a desert island, it would probably have a horn or two on it. One of the best jazz piano trio albums I've heard to date is the one on display, Bill Evan's "Portrait in Jazz" on Riverside 315. It's a 1st pressing in nice shape. The cover is a bit worn but the vinyl is in M- condition. Sounds phenomenal. The drum sound for example is some of the best I've heard. Every detail is clear. You really need these kind of delicate, quieter albums to have the vinyl in top condition, so nothing distracts from the smooth tones of, in this case, the piano master Bill Evans. To be honest I haven't dug deep into his catalogue as of yet, but this album is a perfect way to start. I've listened to some other early stuff as well, and it's very good indeed.

This is just the first of many Bill Evans records to find their way into my collection I would think. The rhythm section is one of the best I've heard with Scott LaFaro on double bass and Paul Motian on drums. They gel unbelievably well together and also gel and compliments Bill Evans with 100% feeling and accuracy. I would say, if you're just starting to appreciate jazz piano in trio form, then this is the album to pick up. It's so smooth and flowing, and with a superb sound mix. Jack Higgins was the engineer on this. What a great job he did, flawless. Right now, as I write this, I've just put on Side 2, and what a smokin' tune, it's "What is This Thing Called Love?". I really feel that I want to invest in some other piano trio albums. This LP just makes you forget about horns of all kinds. It's that good. I have a few on the list that comes to mind, for example Tommy Flanagan's "Overseas" on Prestige and the Sonny Clark Trio on Blue Note. Also, some more early Bill Evans on Riverside is really appealing.

I'll look forward to the autumn with great joy, cause I have some real gems waiting for me. I will soon be able to purchase the first one. It's a wonderful, rare album. Tune in for that. But I will put up some other stuff from the collection in the mean time. Stay cool in the shade, sip on a cold one and listen to some jazz. Enjoy your weekend. Cheers.

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Afternoon listening: The Sound of Sonny

January 31, 2016

My son took an afternoon nap today, so I decided to seize the moment and listen to some jazz vinyl. I flipped through the collection, and in the end picked Sonny Rollins - The Sound of Sonny on Riverside. I haven't listened to this in a while, and boy is it good. My original 1st pressing sounds absolutely superb. It's quite a relaxing album. I only listened to Side 1, and I enjoyed it very much. A great choice for a lazy Sunday afternoon. I love Sonny Rollins, and he is one of the main reasons I started listening to jazz for real. I have some very nice albums with him, but there's an ocean of stuff I'm missing still. I need to try and secure some more great Rollins LP's soon. It's just that those albums need to become available at the right time, when the funds are there. Also, there are so many albums that I want, I don't always go for a particular artist next, it's more like; I check what's available and go with something I can't resist at that moment. Anyway, a new Rollins album will surely be high on the wishlist after being reminded once more, that he's one of the very best.

Have a great Sunday!

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Chet Baker in New York on Riverside 281

July 19, 2015

Back from a great vacation to Mexico and Florida. Back to posting nice jazz vinyl rarities. I think I promised to post some stuff when I was away, but I never got around to it. But now I'm back. Sorry for the delay, but I guess I needed a total vacation away from everything.

A quite pleasing Chet album here where he is flanked by some great sidemen, namely Johnny Griffin on tenor, Al Haig on piano, Paul Chambers on double bass and Philly Joe Jones on drums. The album comes with some relaxed and smooth soundin' trumpet playing as you'd expect of a Chet album. This really is a must if you're a Chet fan, like I am. I love Chet and he was one of my first loves when I started listening to jazz for real. I named my baby boy Chesney after him as well. There is a extremely nice mix of tunes here. All you want really, slow to medium, medium to up-tempo. Favorites at this moment are perhaps "Hotel 49" and "Solar". The ballad "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" is a sweet tune as well. There are quite a few early Chet albums I haven't got, especially on Pacific Jazz. I'm going to try and get a few of those soon. From Chet's golden era.

I don't have that many Riverside albums to date, but I have my eye on a few that would make nice additions to the collection. There's a lot on the label that's really worth having. I tend to build my collection slowly but surely. I'm trying to get a lot of high-end stuff as soon as possible, cause the way prices are going they are only going to get more expensive in the coming years I believe. So that means some hefty price tags which in turn means not so many albums per year. I have a couple of really nice albums which I'm going to finalize deals for in the coming days.

Stay tuned everyone for more selections from the collection, and thanks for hanging in there while I was away. Cheers!

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The Sound of Sonny on Riverside 241

April 6, 2015

A great Sonny Rollins album. Nice laid back mood throughout. And the sound of this original, 1st pressing Sonny LP is superb. Jack Higgins is the engineer. Very nice recording by him. This is truly a must in any jazz collection. One of my favorite Rollins albums so far. I have far too few Riverside albums to date. There's so many great albums on this label. Can't wait to acquire another one. I love these early, white label pressings. They always seem well recorded and well presented.

The personnel on this album are: Rollins (tenor sax), Sonny Clark (piano), Percy Heath and Paul Chambers (double bass) and Roy Haynes (drums). Being a drummer myself, I always listen careful to the drums, and I think Roy Haynes is great. Not my absolute favorite, but he has a nice approach to the drums. Actually, the way jazz drummers play, and the raw acoustic sound of the drums on these recordings from the 50's was one of the reasons I really got into jazz for real. And Sonny Rollins was one of the main reasons I got hooked on jazz. When I saw a concert on Swedish television with him, Henry Grimes and Joe Harris from 1959 recorded in Sweden, I thought it was superb and then I started listening to jazz more and more, to the point where I only listened to jazz. And here I am now, collecting jazz vinyl and loving every minute of it.

If you haven't got this LP in your collection, make amends. It should have it's rightful place on your shelves. Preferably the 1st pressing of course. Stay tuned for more nice stuff!

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Chet - ballads by Chet Baker on Riverside 299

March 22, 2015

A relaxing, moody and romantic Chet album.

Very relaxing LP by Chet Baker. Chet is one of my first loves in jazz. This record is one of his best. It consists of nice ballads played beautifully by the following personnel: Baker (trumpet), Pepper Adams (baritone sax), Herbie Mann (flute), Bill Evans (piano), Kenny Burrell (guitar), Paul Chambers (double bass), Connie Kay and Philly Joe Jones (drums).

Chet's lyrical, smooth, romantic approach to the trumpet is flourishing here. He's a ballad master, and really captures a nice feeling on all the tunes. I love his style of playing, all the way through his entire career. He plays with feeling. Pepper Adams on the baritone sax is truly great on this LP. I absolutely love his playing as well. I have far too little material by him in the collection. His playing is robust, yet lyrical. His tone is warm and takes a lot of space. I have some other records which he's on, but I need to explore him further for sure. He's really enjoyable and makes the baritone a really pleasant instrument to listen to.

The other cats are top notch as well, of course, with such names as Bill Evans, Paul Chambers, Philly Joe Jones and Kenny Burrell, how could you go wrong? Even the concept of jazz flute, which I haven't been the greatest fan of, Herbie Mann makes me a believer of. At least on this album.

If you're looking to collect a few Baker albums and want to pin point some of the very best material, this album is a very nice start. It's Baker at his best, playing lyrical, with a lot of feeling and it puts you in a very relaxing mood, perfect for a late, lazy Sunday afternoon.

Stay tuned for more nice jazz...

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