The Bridge (1959)

Avid Jazz here presents four classic and some hard to find or expensive Tommy Flanagan albums including original LP liner notes on a finely re-mastered and low priced double CD.
Never the most high profile or highly regarded jazz pianist, possibly because of his undynamic approach, self effacement and modesty, Tommy Flanagan is however highly regarded amongst his fellow musicians. He has been the pianist of choice for many classic jazz albums including Coltranes “Giant Steps” and Sonny Rollins’ “Saxophone Colossus”.
“For Jazz… It’s Magic”, recorded in 1957 when Tommy was just 27 years old he is joined by a fine group of up and coming musicians. Curtis Fuller on trombone, Sonny Redd on alto, George Tucker on bass and Louis Hayes on drums…

All vibraphonists owe a debt of gratitude to Lionel Hampton for paving the way in traditional and modern jazz, pioneering the instrument as more than in an accompanist role or being heard only in lounges. In his heyday, Teddy Charles was a prime example of taking Hampton's approach to a different level, eventually in hard and post-bop, but here he takes swing era tunes of Hamp's, changing up or editing their melodic structures with a quartet featuring pianist Hank Jones, and a larger ensemble with horn complement. This album as reissued on CD is known as Salute to Hamp and subtitled "The Vibraphone Players of Bethlehem, Vol. 1" as issued originally on the Bethlehem label, reissued by Avenue Jazz. It showcases Charles, not so much in an evolutionary fashion, but as a complete performer and bandleader. He is a singularly unique jazzman who anyone can appreciate, and is quite able to hold interest of listeners beyond conventional wisdom of what well-worn standards can sound like with just a little inspiration and soul.

By the time Columbus Calvin Pearson Jr. arrived in New York in early 1959, he had studied piano, mellophone, baritone, trumpet, and bass. Although best known for his innovative arrangements for Blue Note, he was a pianist at heart, and Profile, recorded within the demanding context of the trio, was his first album as a leader. This is fine, mellow music that makes you feel good. "Like Someone in Love" is a bit up-tempo. "Black Coffee" is a slower composition that captures the need to shake off early-morning cobwebs. "Taboo" is mystical, with the introduction and bridge in different, yet completely complementary tempos. "I'm Glad There Is You" is soft. Mr. Pearson composed "Gate City Blues" and "Two Mile Run": the former is understated elegance; the latter is set in a minor key, with a nice exchange between piano and drums after a bass solo…

This 50 CD Box Set was released in 1996 by BMG Netherland. The set comes with a 94-page-book and a certificate of authenticity which says: " The Original Elvis Presley Collection has been compiled by BMG Nederland BV, authorized by RCA Records, the exclusive worldwide owner of Elvis Presley's sound recordings. - Elvis Presley is the greatest recording artist of all time." The box includes previously released original CD albums, only the cover art is different. This collector item was not sold in music stores. It was only available through a dutch book club.

Rolling Stone Magazine released a list of "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" in November 2004. It represents an eclectic mix of music spanning the past 50 years, and contains a wide variety of artists sharing the spotlight. The Rolling Stone 500 was compiled by 172 voters comprised of rock artists and well-known rock music experts, who submitted ranked lists of their favorite 50 Rock & Roll/Pop music songs. The songs were then tallied to create the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The Magazine is included.