The Norton Jazz Recordings (2009)

Thelonious Monk - The Complete Black Lion and Vogue Recordings (1989) {3CD Set Mosaic MD3-112 rec 1954, 1971}
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© 1954, 1971, 1989 Black Lion / Vogue / Mosaic Records | MD3-112
Jazz / Bop / Modal Jazz / Piano

The recordings gathered in this package have been issued in a multitude of ways and are available in a number of configurations. The audiophile jazz label Mosaic Records issued The Complete Vogue Recordings/The Black Lion Sessions on vinyl initially, later releasing the title as a slightly expanded three-CD package. Chronologically, the earlier of the two sets consists of the Vogue recordings from June 7, 1954. The Black Lion sides are divided between a second batch of solo works as well as a trio session – featuring Al McKibbon (bass) and Art Blakey (drums) – both of which were cut on November 11, 1971.

Lee Konitz - The Complete 1956 Quartets (2010) {2CD Set American Jazz Classics AJC 99017}
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© 1956, 2010 American Jazz Classics | AJC 99017
Jazz / Cool / Saxophone

2 CD set. The complete contents of the original Atlantic label LPs Worthwhile Konitz & Inside Hi Fi, which contain all of Konitz' 1956 quartet recordings. Among the highlights are the sides featuring Konitz, Jimmy Rowles, Leroy Vinnegar and Shelly Manne. This exact formation would never record again. Other tracks feature Sal Mosca, Billy Bauer, Peter Ind, Arnold Fishkin and Dick Scott. The complete 1957 LP The Real Lee Konitz also originally issued by Atlantic has been added as a bonus. It showcases Konitz in a quartet setting again on most of the album.

Anthony Braxton - 19 Standards (Quartet) 2003 (2010) {4CD Set, Leo Records CD LR 572/575}
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© 2003, 2010 Leo Records | CD LR 572/575
Jazz / Modern Jazz / Avant-Garde Jazz / Saxophone

In 2003 Anthony Braxton Quartet went on a European tour which has become legendary. The members of this quartet were Kevin O'Neil on guitar, Kevin Norton on percussion and Andy Eulau on bass. The concept of the tour was to perform jazz standards and during the tour the quartet performed over 60 different ones. The results of the tour were two 4-CD sets entitled 23 Standards (Quartet) 2003 and 20 Standards (Quartet) 2003 released by Leo Records. Both sets received tremendous critical acclaim. Reviewers noted that Braxton performed jazz standards in an entirely new way. Rather than echoing, aping or diminishing the tradition he was reinventing it making both the past and present much richer than it was before. Now we are releasing the remaining 19 standards (no duplication with previous volumes), totalling 4.5 hours of music. The set is a must not only for Braxton's followers but for all jazz fans at large. Limited edition 500 copies.

Anthony Braxton - 20 Standards (Quartet) 2003 (2005) {4CD Set, Leo Records ‎CD LR 431/434}
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© 2005 Leo Records ‎| CD LR 431/434
Jazz / Modern Jazz / Avant-Garde Jazz / Saxophone

Released a year after 23 Standards (Quartet) 2003, this second four-disc set doubles the amount of material released from Braxton's tours of Europe in early and late 2003, with the same lineup (Braxton on saxes, Kevin O'Neil on guitar, bassist Andy Eulau, and drummer Kevin Norton), same focus on jazz standards, and even the same dates in some cases. Together, the two four-CD sets released by Leo Records present recordings from ten different European dates (two in February 2003 and eight in November of that year). This second set continues with the editorial approach used in the first one: each disc consists of tracks from different concerts, brought together to make a balanced record.

This collection of 78 rpm singles, all recorded on June 6, 1950, was originally issued in album format in 1956. Several things distinguish this from numerous other quintet recordings featuring these two bebop pioneers. It was recorded during the period that Parker was working under the aegis of producer Norman Granz, whose preference for large and unusual ensembles was notorious. The end result in this case is a date that sounds very much like those that Parker and Gillespie recorded for Savoy and Dial, except with top-of-the-line production quality. Even more interesting, though, is Parker's choice of Thelonious Monk as pianist.