Don Toliver Hardstone Psycho

Bookended by several pleasant yet minor blues and pop vocals by Albina Jones and Ruble Blakey, this Classics Don Byas disc finds the unsung tenor great on the eve of his indefinite stay in Europe. Having cut his teeth in the bands of Lionel Hampton, Andy Kirk, and Count Basie, among others, Byas marked the end of the war with several fine combo recordings spotlighting his boppish swing blowing style. Here is a generous chunk from 1945, featuring a few different lineups and the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Buck Clayton, Errol Garner, Slam Stewart, and Sid Catlett. Byas is in top form throughout, plying his smoky and slightly tart tone on ballads like "Laura," while showing off a lithe brand of swing on an up-tempo "The Sheik of Araby." Not as solid as Classics' 1944-1945 volume, but still a fine selection for Byas completists.

His recording career as a leader in the United States lasted for about two years, from 1944-46. In the autumn of 1946 Don Byas left for Europe touring with the Don Redman Band; essentially, from that point on he simply stayed in Europe until his death in 1972. Considering the time period, and the extent of his talent, expatriation was a doubtful career move if he was concerned with his place in the contemporary jazz scene and ultimately his place in jazz history.
This four disc set, Don Byas: Complete American Small Group Recordings, documents Byas’ recordings as a leader prior to his emigration, with one disc documenting his work as a sideman in a variety of bands. Although he was later to record extensively in Europe, Byas should be established as a major tenor saxophonist based on this four disc set alone.

Don Byas was one of the great tenor saxophonists of the 1940s, a Coleman Hawkins-influenced improviser who developed a complex style of his own. His permanent move to Europe in 1946 cut short any chance he had of fame, but Byas recorded many worthy performances during the two years before his departure. On Classics' first Don Byas CD (which contains his first 21 numbers as a leader), Byas matches wits and power with trumpeter Charlie Shavers on two heated sessions that include pianist Clyde Hart and bassist Slam Stewart. He also plays swing with trumpeter Joe Thomas and pianist Johnny Guarnieri in a 1945 quintet and leads a quartet that, on four of its eight numbers, welcomes the great blues guitarist/singer Big Bill Broonzy…

Don Byas was a giant of the tenor sax, though his accomplishments were all but overlooked in his native land once he moved to Europe for good. This CD from Universal Music's Jazz in Paris series compiles three separate studio sessions from the early '50s, all with different rhythm sections. Most of the tracks are standard ballads, featuring the leader throughout. His expressive take of "Laura" shows off a big tone with a bit of vibrato much like Ben Webster in his later years. The one original is his snappy "Riviera Blues," a lively number likely improvised on the spot. Had he remained in the U.S., it is possible that Don Byas might have been ranked along with Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, and Ben Webster in the top echelon of tenor saxophonists, so anyone unfamiliar with his work should seek out this very affordable collection.

The Appointment was a 1969 drama starring Omar Sharif as a lonely Italian attorney who romances and weds a beautiful model (Anouk Aimee)—all the while suspecting that she is a highly priced prostitute. Although directed by Sidney Lumet, The Appointment was a troubled production that led to its receiving three fully recorded scores by four composers. FSM's premiere release of the original soundtrack features selections from each—making for a rare and fascinating look at three different approaches for a single film.

Avid Jazz continues its occasional Three Classic album plus series with a re-mastered 2CD release from Don Ellis complete with original artwork, liner notes and personnel details.
“How Time Passes”; “New Ideas”; “Essence”; plus 4 tracks featuring Don Ellis from the Charles Mingus album “Dynasty”
Three early albums from vastly under-rated trumpeter, composer and bandleader Don Ellis showing the direction he was to follow over the next fifteen years or so before his tragically early death at age, just 44! If you check out the names of the guys Don was playing with in the early sixties it will give you a clue as to where his music was heading. In New York, Don had met fellow jazz searchers like Charles Mingus, Eric Dolphy and George Russell. On our three selections you will hear him playing with a new breed of upcoming jazz men like Jaki Byard, Ron Carter…

Temples With Prophets (1969). Sunbeam Records present the first official reissue of Don Shinn's Temples With Prophets, originally released in 1969. Having made several classic 45 with The Soul Agents (whose singer was briefly Rod Stewart), Don Shinn taped his remarkable debut album in London's Lansdowne Studios in December 1967. Featuring his explosive organ (a clear influence on the young Keith Emerson) and outstanding guitar from Paul Hodgeson, it's one of the first progressive albums ever recorded. Includes a 12-page booklet with detailed background notes and rare images. Includes two jaw-dropping bonus tracks from 1966…

This album is Don Airey's debut solo album, released in 1989 and paying tribute to the dramatic 1986 K2 expedition that took the lives of 13 extraordinarily experienced climbers. Featuring beautifully orchestrated keyboard, guitar and drum parts all of which are played by friends from bands from Airey's past: Gary Moore, Cozy Powell and Colin Blunstone on vocals complete this Prog-Rock anthem of an album. 'K2 - Tales of Triumph and Tragedy' is a story told by music; intriguing and breathtaking.