Back catalogue: Jazz

Review: Renowned bassist Ron Carter's inaugural album, 'Where?' introduced a stellar lineup of talent alongside the main man including Eric Dolphy on clarinet, saxophone, and flute, and pianist Mal Waldron. Originally recorded at Rudy Van Gelder Studios in New Jersey in 1961, the record showcases the early brilliance of Carter's musical vision. Now reissued as part of the Original Jazz Classics Series, this edition is pressed on high-quality 180-gram vinyl by RTI. Mastered with meticulous care by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, using analogue techniques from the original tapes, this release offers a pristine listening experience and is a great chance to rediscover the timeless allure of Carter's debut masterpiece.

Review: The Black Hawk Vol. 1 by Shelly Manne & His Men is a classic hard bop album that captures the energy and excitement of a live performance. Originally released in 1960 and now in 2024 with stunning sound quality. The album features a dynamic band led by the legendary drummer Shelly Manne, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz drummers of all time. The group also includes tenor saxophonist Richie Kamuca, trumpeter Joe Gordon, pianist Victor Feldman, and bassist Monty Budwig. The album opens with a laid-back rendition of "Summertime," which sets the stage for the more up-tempo bop tunes that follow. The band swings with effortless precision, and the solos are all top-notch. At The Black Hawk Vol. 1" is a must-listen for any fan of hard bop or jazz in general.

Review: A striking album of the bop era that was highlighted by his undying conviction and ability to reclaim his status as a primary architect of the genre. The album is built around two exceptional groups: a sextet and a quintet, both anchored by Davis' blue-chip rhythm section of Horace Silver (piano), Percy Heath (bass) and Kenny Clarke (drums). The sextet features trombonist J.J. Johnson and tenor saxophonist Lucky Thompson, while the quintet adds Dave Schildkraut (alto sax), whose contributions, though lesser-known, are memorable. The title track, an extended 12-bar blues, shows Davis' ability to exude an air of detachment from the music, making it feel like an extension of his solo rather than the other way around. 'Blue 'n' Boogie', in contrast, is a lively, energetic tune where Davis and Johnson engage in spirited improvisation, with Johnson even quoting from Thelonious Monk's 'Rhythm-A-Ning'. 'Solar' introduces a delicate interplay, with Silver's piano solo displaying an Ellington-esque elegance. The album's final track, 'Love Me or Leave Me', foreshadows Davis' later breakthrough, with his swift and decisive trumpet solo hinting at the bold innovations to come. Walkin' stands as an essential bop-era classic, with Davis' brilliant command over his instruments and his bandmates, with pieces like 'Walkin'' and 'Solar' cementing its place as a foundational jazz work.

Review: As part of the newly relaunched Original Jazz Classics Series, Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio has remastered this seminal jazz record from Thelonius Monk and John Coltrane from the original tapes and in all analog fashion. It's a deserving treatment for what many believe to be one of the great ever collaborative jazz records. As well as those two legendary players and jazz innovators, further greats joined in the recording sessions including Art Blakey on the drums, Wilbur Ware on bass, and alto sax from Gigi Gryce. What a piece of history it is too.