Gigi

Donald Byrd & Gigi Gryce - Complete Jazz Lab Studio Sessions, Vol. 3 (1957) {2006 Lone Hill Jazz Remaster}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 369 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 170 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (png) -> 43 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1957, 2006 Lone Hill Jazz | LHJ10255
Jazz / Hard Bop / Trumpet / Saxophone

Recorded in February, March, and August 1957, the music on this third volume of the Lone Hill Jazz Complete Jazz Lab Studio Sessions of Donald Byrd and Gigi Gryce is every bit as strong, solid, and inspired as the rest of the evidence generated by these amazing ensembles. The third core member of the Jazz Lab was Art Taylor, a brilliant drummer who facilitated communication among the other members, be they Paul Chambers and Hank Jones or Wendell Marshall and Wade Legge.

Gigi Gryce - Nica's Tempo (1955) {Savoy Jazz Japan, Mini LP, CY-18057 rel 1998}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 207 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 106 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 20 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1955, 1998 Savoy Jazz / Denon Records Japan | CY-18057
Jazz / Bop / Hard Bop / Saxophone

Oh…if these sessions could have only been issued in separate long forms with the bands that are included. Nica's Tempo comprises six tracks with Gigi Gryce's groundbreaking big band, and another four ostensibly as a member of the Thelonious Monk quartet, all from 1955. Each band showcases the estimable compositional and arranging genius of Gryce, as well as his unique sound on the alto saxophone. In this CD format, the music serves a purpose in displaying Gryce's many talents, but ultimately leaves the listener wanting more. What the orchestra tracks offer in terms of an advanced concept paired with extraordinary musicianship is indisputably brilliant.

Gigi Gryce Orch-tette - Reminiscin' (1960) {2013 Japan Jazz The Best Series 24-bit Remaster UCCU-9963}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 173 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 78 Mb
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (png) -> 127 Mb | 5% repair rar | 24-bit remaster
© 1960, 2013 Mercury / Verve / Universal Japan | UCCU-9963
Jazz / Hard Bop / Saxophone

A great lost date from the wonderful Gigi Gryce – a set that features the altoist in an sextet, but often swinging with a looser vibe than on some of his better-known albums from the 50s! There's a mix of soulful and modern here that's not unlike the Art Farmer/Benny Golson Jazztet – both players of Gryce's same postwar generation, and coincidentally recording for Mercury at the same time. Although the groove here is definitely different – less emphasis on the bottom, and more on the top – not just Gryce's wonderfully raspy alto, but also the trumpet of Richard Williams too. All other players are great as well – and Eddie Costa brings in some sweet vibes – in a lineup that also features Richard Wyands on piano, and either Reggie Workman or George Duvivier on bass, and either Walter Perkins or Bob Thomas on drums. Tracks include "Reminiscing", "Gee Blues Gee", "Blue Light", and "Night In Tunisia".

Lambert Wilson has gained international fame for his performances in popular movies such as Matrix or La Boum 2 but is also an accomplished singer and a refined music lover. This irresistible bouquet of musical airs highlights the music of Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Cole Porter or Jerome Kern.