Doug Mcloud

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.

The best-of compilation from Audiophile Blues and Jazz label - AudioQuest Music, featuring Terry Evans, Doug MacLeod, Joe Beard, Mighty Sam McClain, Ronnie Earl, Pinetop Perkins, Calvin "Fuzz" Jones, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Bruce Katz Band and Sherman Robertson… the crème of the crop from the last three years of blues releases from AudioQuest Music.

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.

"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.

BLUE BASSO by the Charlie Wooton Project establishes the New Orleans bassist as a master of his craft. Fans of Royal Southern Brotherhood and the New Orleans Suspects already recognize Wooton as a world class instrumentalist, but BLUE BASSO shows that Wooton has much more to offer.

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.

This was McLean's third album as leader and second for Prestige. The LP at the time helped to establish McLean on the jazz scene. This album of ballads and burners features sax man Jackie McLean in various small-group combinations. He is joined on three numbers by Hank Mobley and on two numbers by Donald Byrd (one of those numbers also including Mobley). The other three cuts are jazz quartets. Thus, the album title refers to the three personnel configurations used over the two recording dates.

"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'”.

Hank Mobley Quartet is the debut album by jazz saxophonist Hank Mobley released on the Blue Note label. It was recorded on March 27, 1955 and features Mobley, Horace Silver, Doug Watkins and Art Blakey.

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.