Jutta Hipp With Zoot Sims (1956) [flac] {classic Records 200g Lp; Dmr}

This 2-CD set presents the legendary valve trombonist acting as co-leader with Zoot Sims on the January 1956 album "Tonite's Music Today" and as leader of three separate studio groups on the self-titled "Brookmeyer" from October of the same year. He's leader of the BB Quartet on "The Blues - Hot and Cold" from June 1960, and finally shares leadership on "Stan Getz/Bob Brookmeyer" from September 1961.

Zoot Sims - Choice (1954, 1959) {Japan Mini LP TOCP-9422}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 177 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 82 Mb
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (jpg) -> 164 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1954, 1959, 2002 Pacific Jazz / Toshiba-EMI Japan | TOCP-9422 | Mini LP | 24bit remaster | Mono
Jazz / Cool / Bop / Saxophone

A few great slices of work by Zoot Sims – material recorded over a variety of sessions for Pacific Jazz – but all of it pretty darn great! Sims wasn't as much of a west coast hornman as some of the other leaders on Pacific Jazz – so the array of tracks makes for some surprising moments, both in Zoot's career, and for the label. Side one of the album has Zoot playing with a Gerry Mulligan ensemble on titles that include "I'll Remember April", "Red Door", and "Flamingo". Side two features Zoot playing instrumentals that were cut at the same time as an Annie Ross vocal session – with a group that includes Russ Freeman on piano, Jim Hall on guitar, and Mel Lewis on drums. Titles on that one are "You're Driving Me Crazy", "Brushes", and "Choice Blues".

Zoot Sims, who was in his Pablo period, is heard throughout at the peak of his powers. Joined by a superb rhythm section, Sims plays six familiar standards, the obscure "In the Middle of a Kiss," Gary McFarland's "Blue Hodge," and his closing blues "Morning Fun." Zoot, who switches to soprano on "The Very Thought of You," swings up a storm as usual without playing a single dull or frivolous chorus. Kenny Drew and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen also have their spots but the focus is mostly on the saxophonist. This set holds its own with Zoot Sims' classic studio performances of the era.