Donal Byrd Doug Watkins

Known for defying boundaries, "Oh Yeah" is a testament to Mingus’ unparalleled versatility. The commanding record delivers Mingus’ distinctive and unique approach to musical composition. His blues-tinged vocals are soaked with stellar piano playing. The album finds Mingus collaborating with an all-star cast of musicians including trombonist Jimmy Knepper, multi-instrumentalist Rahsaan Roland Kirk and more. A strikingly energetic album that is sure to please all ears.

"Horace Silver And The Jazz Messengers" is the influential 1955 classic by the ensemble. This milestone album established the hard bop style. It is the first under the quintet’s name and features a smoothing blend of bebop influences with blues and gospel undertones. Standouts include “The Preacher” and “Doodlin'”.

"Newk's Time" is Sonny Rollins' third album for Blue Note Records and was released in March 1959. This lesser-known album contains some great renditions of tunes by Miles Davis ("Tune Up"), Kenny Dorham ("Asiatic Raes"), and a couple Tin Pan Alley song interpretations. For fans of hard bop, and especially Sonny Rollins, this album is a 'must listen'.

"Dakar" was one of the early albums from Prestige on which John Coltrane played. While not the lead musician on the recording, Prestige marketed the album as such due to Coltrane's rapidly-rising fame as a soloist.

Maybe not exactly the first Dizzy that comes to mind when discussing jazz, this Jamaican-born, British-raised trumpeter overcame whatever burdens that nickname may have wrought to become a highly respected player in the New York scene. He enhanced that rep by recording some truly excellent albums for the Savoy, Blue Note and Prestige labels among others. His robust and passionate playing styles always seemed to inspire other musicians in his company. The contributions of the esteemed trio invited; pianist Walter Bishop, Jr., bassist Doug Watkins and drummer Art Taylor unilaterally match the front man's fire and bold approach to each tune.

"Candy" was recorded by Lee Morgan in 1958 and was produced by Alfred Lion. Recorded at Van Gelder Studio in Hackensack, NJ, the album features performances by Morgan, Sonny Clark, Doug Watkins and Art Taylor.

One of the all-time greatest jazz albums, "Saxophone Colossus" is a true benchmark of jazz improvisation. Rollins’ lyrical lines and rich tone influenced nearly every jazz player who followed (including John Coltrane) and this album illuminates the master at a creative peak.

"Newk's Time" is Sonny Rollins' third album for Blue Note Records and was released in March 1959. This lesser-known album contains some great renditions of tunes by Miles Davis ("Tune Up"), Kenny Dorham ("Asiatic Raes"), and a couple Tin Pan Alley song interpretations. For fans of hard bop, and especially Sonny Rollins, this album is a 'must listen'.

Maybe not exactly the first Dizzy that comes to mind when discussing jazz, this Jamaican-born, British-raised trumpeter overcame whatever burdens that nickname may have wrought to become a highly respected player in the New York scene. He enhanced that rep by recording some truly excellent albums for the Savoy, Blue Note and Prestige labels among others. His robust and passionate playing styles always seemed to inspire other musicians in his company. The contributions of the esteemed trio invited; pianist Walter Bishop, Jr., bassist Doug Watkins and drummer Art Taylor unilaterally match the front man's fire and bold approach to each tune.

Known for defying boundaries, "Oh Yeah" is a testament to Mingus’ unparalleled versatility. The commanding record delivers Mingus’ distinctive and unique approach to musical composition. His blues-tinged vocals are soaked with stellar piano playing. The album finds Mingus collaborating with an all-star cast of musicians including trombonist Jimmy Knepper, multi-instrumentalist Rahsaan Roland Kirk and more. A strikingly energetic album that is sure to please all ears.