A Unique Collection of Cool Covers

Special FOUR disc collection of some of NEA Jazz Master Lee Konitz's finest recordings. Among the most creative and prolific saxophonists of his generation, Lee Konitz was one of few altoists working in the early fifties who retained a unique style, in an era when Charlie Parker extended a huge influence. An early sideman for Miles Davis, Konitz participated in the legendary Birth Of Cool sessions, while his work with jazz pianist and teacher Lennie Tristano - Lee was a former pupil - remains highly sought. Comprising the musician's eight original albums made for Verve and Atlantic in the late 1950s, this four-disc set features the finest work this estimable sax-man ever produced. With over five hours of extraordinary music, this collection documents the most pivotal phase of what was both a widely celebrated and long standing career. Working as both an ideal introduction to Lee Konitz's best music, and a welcome reminder of his musical prowess, this delightful set will thrill newcomers and seasoned fans alike.

While not the first male or female jazz harp player (Casper Reardon of Jack Teagarden's bands, Adele Girard performing with her husband Joe Marsala, or Corky Hale set precedents), Dorothy Ashby was the very best and most swinging performer on the multi-stringed instrument associated with the gates of heaven. Here on Earth, Ashby adeptly plucked and strummed the harp like nobody else, as evidenced on a single reissue containing her two best LPs for the Prestige and Prestige/New Jazz labels from 1958 - Hip Harp and In a Minor Groove. Alongside her prior efforts for the Savoy label, they collectively represent a small but substantive discography for the Detroit native in small group settings. With the exceptional flute sounds produced by Frank Wess, the combo plays music that is oriented via a unique sonic palate, further enhanced by the principals in the standards and originals they have chosen…

Ultra-Lounge is a series of compilation CDs released by Capitol Records, featuring music predominantly from the 1950s and 1960s in genres such as exotica, space age pop, mambo, television theme songs, and lounge. Many of the volumes have since been made available for purchase via digital download. Each CD featured detailed liner notes along with two related drink recipes, tips on how to serve drinks to guests, and often photographs of sculptures made out of bartender items and other objects.

Many of Gerry Mulligan's finest outings for the Verve label featured the great baritone saxophonist in unique meetings with other star saxophonists. On these recordings, Mulligan's playful, adventurous style both complemented and challenged the other players and their work similarly affected him. This collection features ten tracks from these brilliant collaborations - with Ben Webster, Johnny Hodges, Stan Getz, Paul Desmond, and Zoot Sims.

This 20-song compilation documents the early development of tenor Stan Getz from a Lester Young disciple into a unique and compelling voice. The set kicks off with three 1945 recordings from Kai Winding's sextet, when Getz, a mere 18 years old, still seemed to be under Young's spell. The four cuts from July 1946 mark Getz's first session as a leader; on one, he brought in bebop heavies Hank Jones, Curley Russell, and Max Roach. It's clear from his choice of sidemen and the increased fire in his playing that Getz was falling under the influence of Charlie Parker. The collection wends through three cuts featuring Getz with the Woody Herman Orchestra - two uptempos and an exquisite ballad, "Early Autumn," which offers supremely delicate solos from both Herman (on Johnny Hodges-inspired alto) and Getz…