Art Farmer & Benny Golson - Meet the Jazztet (1960)

Although this CD has the same program as the original LP, it gets the highest rating because it is a hard bop classic. Not only does it include superior solos from trumpeter Art Farmer, trombonist Curtis Fuller, tenor saxophonist Benny Golson, and pianist McCoy Tyner (who was making his recording debut) along with fine backup from bassist Addison Farmer and drummer Lex Humphries, but it features the writing of Golson. Highlights include the original version of "Killer Joe" along with early renditions of "I Remember Clifford" and "Blues March." This was Fuller and Tyner's only recording with the original Jazztet, and all ten selections (which also include "Serenata," "It Ain't Necessarily So," "It's All Right With Me," and "Easy Living") are quite memorable.

Scott Yanow

http://www.allmusic.com/album/meet-the-jazztet-r138558

1. Serenata

2. It Ain't Necessarely So

3, Avalon

4. I Remember Clifford

5. Blues March

6. It's All Right With Me

7. Park Avenue Petite

8. Mox Nix

9. Easy Living

10. Killer Joe

Art Farmer (tp), Benny Golson (ts), Curtis Fuller (tb), McCoy Tyner (p), 

Addison Farmer (b), Lex Humphries (d)

Wynton Kelly Trio/Sextet - Kelly Blue (1960)

Originally cut for Riverside, this set mostly features the influential pianist Wynton Kelly in a trio with his fellow rhythm section mates from the Miles Davis bands, bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Jimmy Cobb. "Kelly Blue" and "Keep It Moving" add cornetist Nat Adderley, flutist Bobby Jaspar and the tenor of Benny Golson to the band for some variety. The CD reissue augments the program with a previously unreleased "Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me" and the alternate take of "Keep It Moving." Kelly was renowned as an accompanist, but as he shows on a set including three of his originals and four familiar standards (including "Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise" and "Willow Weep for Me"), he was also a strong bop-based soloist too. A fine example of his talents.

Review by Scott Yanow

http://www.allmusic.com/album/kelly-blue-r142046

1. Kelly Blue

2. Softly, As In The Morning Sunrise

3. Do Nothing Until You Hear From Me

4. On Green Dolphin Street

5. Willow Weep For Me

6. Keep It Moving (take 4)

7. Keep It Moving (take 3) Bonus track

8. Old Clothes

Wynton Kelly (p) Nat Adderley (tp) Benny Golson (ts) Bobby Jaspar (fl) 

Paul Chambers (b)

Jimmy Cobb (d)