Jazz for aficionados

frogman - wow, that list of Paul Chambers work is impressive, and as you've said, a lot of them are classics.  It made me think back and to the fact that I often used Paul Chambers as sort of a "Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval."  If there was a record or CD that I was uncertain about purchasing, his presence was often the deciding influence on my "vote."

Thanks acman and pjw81563.  I've known him through his music and bands but books about these guys are always informative and increase appreciation for the times ... I'll add this one to my list.

Currently reading Ricci Ricardi's latest book on Louis Armstrong on the middle years wherein he transcended jazz and became an American pop icon.  A good read, as well as a well-documented piece of history.

Here are a couple of offbeat but in my opinion great jazz discs, made of of unusual duo's.

*  The first, which from a search of threads appears not to have appeared here yet is a SACD/CD called "Superbass 2".  It is a sequel to any earlier 2006 release entitled "Superbass".  It is a trio consisting of three bassists - Ray Brown, Christian McBride, and John Clayton.  On two tracks they are aided by a bit, but just a bit, of percussion.  The album covers standards and some really neat originals, which cover the gamut from ballads to swinging tour-de'forces.  Sound boring?  It's not .... try it.  Telarc SACD 63483.

*  The second is an album featuring saxophonist Houston Person and bassist Ron Carter.  They have played together off and on for years, and cover everything from standards to a couple of originals.  As much as Superbass swings, these two are modern cool .... but extremely musical.  Houston is a superb solist and Ron Carter an accomplished bassist, and they clearly are on the same musical wavelinks.  HighNote HCD 7315,

If you want a break from the usual, give these two a whirl!

pjw81563 , you are welcome.  Hope you can hear and enjoy.

Since Christmas is upon us, thought I would mention three Christmas jazz recordings that I turn to every year.

Jingle Bell Jazz - A Columbia Records collection of jazz tunes recorded over a year's time by such luminaries as Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Chico Hamilton, Dave Brubeck, Herbie Hancock, and Miles Davis.  Teo Macero produced jazz recordings by these and a few other folks during 1978-79 and insisted that each produce one jazz number that was holiday related on each release.  These were then collected on this record in 1980, released in stereo.  Wonderful stuff here.

A Swinging Christmas - An Ella Fitgerald compilation of non-religious music popular during the 50's, released in mono in 1960.  I bought this last year from Barnes & Noble online, who were featuring these old original pressings (wonderful vinyl quality).  Don't know whether the same holds true this year.  Nothing revolutionary here, but just good swing and ballad vocalizing of some seasonal classics backed by the Frank DeVol orchestra.

A Charlie Brown Christmas - Yes, it is easy to forget that the soundtrack for this ever-popular tv program is original jazz, partly composed and partly improvised by the Vince Guaraldi Trio.  And if you just sit and listen to it, it is decent jazz (apart from the now universal story-line.)

Forgive me if this has been discussed here, but I’ve searched the thread and not turned this up ...... Jammin’ at Condon’s ..... a jazz "(semi-) jam session" put together by George Avakian featuring Eddie Condon’s Club’s house band, along with guests Billy Butterfield (tp); Lou McGarity (tb); Peanuts Hucko (cl), Bud Freeman (ts), and Dick Cary (as). Condon’s house band at the time consistented of Condon on guitar, Wild Bill Daviso on trumpet, Cutty Cutshall on trombone, Ed Hall on clarinet, Gene Schroeder on Piano, Al Hall on Bass, and Cliff Leeman on drums. It was recorded in two sessions in 1953 and 1954. The album features five extended length "jams" with each musician having a chance to solo along the way. The "jams" are from 5 to 13 minutes long, and feature mostly 11-13 choruses handled both by soloists and ensembles, and one 20 chorus set ("How Come You Do Me Like You Do").

The original Columbia mono recording is very well done and if the LP has been treated well, can be exceptional. I have not heard the CD, but it was issued on the Collectables label back in 2000 or earlier. Pure pleasure. You will never be unhappy with this one.