Xrcd 20 Bits k2

The first solo album K2 - THE TALES OF TRIUMPH AND TRAGEDY. It's not easy to describe Airey’s musical style, but the best approximation is a mix of 70’s hard rock and symphonic progressive rock. The album is proof that Airey is one of the best keyboard players around. Don Airey quit the band Whitesnake to record the solo album K2 - Tales of Triumph and Tragedy. In it he plays with Gary Moore, Cozy Powell, Chris Thompson and Colin Blunstone.

One of Duke Ellington's finest small group sessions from his final decade was this frequently exciting quartet date with guitarist Joe Pass, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Louie Bellson. Ellington's percussive style always sounded modern and he comes up with consistently strong solos on such numbers as "Love You Madly," "The Hawk Talks" and especially "Cotton Tail," easily keeping up with his younger sidemen. Highly recommended. ~ AllMusic

This is a classic Riverside set that has been reissued on CD in the Original Jazz Classics series. Pianist Bobby Timmons by early 1960 had already had successful stints with Art Blakey (where he contributed "Moanin'") and Canonball Adderley (writing "This Here" and "Date Dere"). For his first recording as a leader, Timmons (whose "funky" style was beginning to become very influential) performs those three hits along with his own "Joy Ride" and five standards in a trio with bassist Sam Jones and drummer Jimmy Cobb. Always more than just a soul-jazz pianist, Timmons (who effectively takes "Lush Life" unaccompanied) became a bit stereotyped later in his career but at this early stage was at the peak of his creativity. Essential music. ~ Scott Yanow

Of trumpeter Blue Mitchell's seven Riverside recordings (all of which have been reissued as CDs in the Original Jazz Classics series), only this set (along with three numbers on Blue Soul) feature Mitchell as the only horn. Joined by pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Sam Jones, and drummer Roy Brooks, the trumpeter is typically distinctive, swinging and inventive within the hard bop genre. He performs four standards, Ronnell Bright's "Sweet Pumpkin," and the obscure "Avars," and a pair of originals in fine fashion. ~ Scott Yanow

Thelonious Monk & Gerry Mulligan - Mulligan meets Monk
EAC+LOG+CUE | WV: 298 MB | Full Artwork | 5% Recovery Info
Label/Cat#: JVC # JVCXR-0032 | Country/Year: Japan 1997, 1957
Genre: Jazz | Style: West Coast, Post Bop

In the late 1950s/early '60s, baritonist Gerry Mulligan participated in several recorded "meetings" with jazz musicians whom he admired. For this set (reissued on CD in the OJC series), Mulligan teams up with pianist Thelonious Monk (who shares co-leadership), bassist Wilbur Ware, and drummer Shadow Wilson on a surprisingly successful date…