Some of the most exciting piano jazz ever recorded – featured here on all of the Blue Note and Bethlehem recordings by the Herbie Nichols Trio! Nichols' heavy handed style is amazing throughout, and the record explodes with energy unheard of on other trio sessions from the time! The first 2/3 of the CD feature material from Nichols' Prophetic Herbie Nichols 10" albums on Blue Note – recorded in 1955, and featuring either Max Roach or Art Blakey backing Herbie up – on titles that include "Chit Chatting", "The Gig", "Terpsichore", "Spinning Song", "Mine", "House Party Starting", "Hangover Triangle", and "Query".
The 43 tracks that make up the first part of the The Complete Decca Studio Master Takes 1940-1949 of Louis Armstrong are remarkable not only for the outstanding performances they reflect, but for the many settings Armstrong recorded in during the era. While none of this material will come as a surprise to collectors, those who are starting to check out Armstrong's post-New Orleans period would do themselves a favor in scoping this collection because the Decca years, even more so than his long tenure with Verve, showcase Armstrong at the pinnacle of American popular music, and that that music happens to be jazz is even more revelatory.