Tommy Runfola

Two full albums from the man who was an important influence on California country giants Merle Haggard and Buck Owens! The first album is pure genius from the young Tommy Collins – an early figure on the Bakersfield scene, and an artist who almost single-handedly shaped the sound of the west coast scene with his Capitol Records material included here! Collins had a wonderful way of updating older hillbilly modes – traces of Texas and Arkansas, moved over to postwar Cali – where things got tightened up, became a bit more confident, and were given a razor-sharp sound by the excellent Capitol production. Every tune here is a classic – and many have a sense of double-entendre that rivals the hippest R&B work of the period, but with a very different sound overall – on titles that include "You Better Not Do That", "How Do I Say Goodbye", "It Tickles", "You Gotta Have A License", "Smooth Sailin", and "Whatcha Gonna Do Now".

Accomplice Two shares the same exuberance, diversity, and sense of adventure as the first album, with a great range of artists. This album features rock legends Michael McDonald, Jorma Kaukonen, and Little Feat; bluegrass superstars such as Billy Strings, The Del McCoury Band, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Sierra Hull, and David Grisman; country icons such as Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jamey Johnson, and Raul Malo; and guitar heavyweights like Yasmin Williams, Larry Campbell, and Richard Smith.

Avid Jazz here presents three classic Dorsey Brothers albums plus, including original LP liner notes on a finely re-mastered double CD. 'The Fabulous Dorseys In Hi-Fi Vols 1 & 2', 'Sentimental & Swinging', plus unreleased CBS Radio Network recordings. Columbia’s double set 'The Fabulous Dorseys In Hi-Fi Vols 1 & 2' and 'Sentimental & Swinging' make up the thirty six recordings made by Tommy Dorsey in early 1955. Sadly they also constitute the last recordings the Dorsey Brothers made together! These classic big band sessions together with the previously unreleased CBS Radio Network recordings (which were cancelled when Tommy tragically and unexpectedly died) make this latest release from Avid Jazz a truly essential addition to our fine and highly regarded catalogue.

Swing-era bandleader with the most overall popularity, driven by his remarkably melodic trombone playing.
Though he might have been ranked second at any given moment to Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Glenn Miller, or Harry James, Tommy Dorsey was overall the most popular bandleader of the swing era that lasted from 1935 to 1945. His remarkably melodic trombone playing was the signature sound of his orchestra, but he successfully straddled the hot and sweet styles of swing with a mix of ballads and novelty songs. He provided showcases to vocalists like Frank Sinatra, Dick Haymes, and Jo Stafford, and he employed inventive arrangers such as Sy Oliver and Bill Finegan. He was the biggest-selling artist in the history of RCA Victor Records, one of the major labels, until the arrival of Elvis Presley, who was first given national exposure on the 1950s television show he hosted with his brother Jimmy.

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…

It's easy to understand why Tommy Flanagan has been one of the most praised pianists over the '80s and '90s while listening to an excellent trio date such as this CD. With bassist Peter Washington and drummer Lewis Nash, he features a number of songs with oceanic themes, including a tantalizing "How Deep Is the Ocean?," "I Cover the Waterfront," and his own snappy title track. Flanagan also delivers a thunderous take of "Relaxin' at Camarillo" and the smoldering, savory blues "C.C. Rider."

When Frank Sinatra joined the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, it was as replacement for crooner Jack Leonard. The first Dorsey-Sinatra recordings, made for Victor, followed in february 1940. As was the fashion at the time, the Dorsey aggregation also featured a vocal group - the Pied Pipers. Sinatra was no beginner, having launched his professional career in the mid-thirties. His first employer of any renown, however, had been trumpeter Harry James, who signed him on to sing with his new big band in late 1939. But, by the following january, Sinatra had joined Dorsey, staying with the celebrated trombonist's outfit until the end of 1942…