First Don

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…

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…