Your_SACD, Author at Lossless Music Archives

Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, Milt Jackson – The Very Tall Band (1999) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, Milt Jackson - The Very Tall Band (1999) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]

This is one of the best post-stroke Oscar Peterson sessions in the catalog, thanks in great part to the distinguished company he keeps (Ray Brown and Milt Jackson) and the stimulating atmosphere of the live setting (New York’s Blue Note club). Right from the first track, “Ja-Da,” you can tell that this is going to be a fun session, as the slippery, swinging, totally interlocked, totally assured way in which these vets react to each other kicks in immediately. Continue reading “Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, Milt Jackson – The Very Tall Band (1999) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Oscar Peterson Trio – West Side Story (1962) [2014, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Oscar Peterson Trio - West Side Story (1962) [2014, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

West Side Story was a bit of an unusual session for several reasons. First, the popularity of both the Broadway musical and the film version that followed meant that there were many records being made of its music. Second, rather than woodshed on the selections prior to entering the studio, the Oscar Peterson Trio spontaneously created impressions of the musical’s themes on the spot. “Something’s Coming” seems like a series of vignettes, constantly shifting its mood, as if moving from one scene to the next. Continue reading “Oscar Peterson Trio – West Side Story (1962) [2014, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Oscar Peterson – Vol. VI – Travelin’ On (1968) [2003, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Oscar Peterson - Vol. VI - Travelin' On (1968) [2003, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

This is yet another memorable concert by the Oscar Peterson Trio recorded in Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer’s excellent studio. With bassist Sam Jones and drummer Bobby Durham, Peterson tears into the old gospel favorite “Travelin’ On” with a passion second to none. Following it is a beautiful treatment of Johnny Mandel’s timeless ballad “Emily,” which runs for over ten minutes but never loses its impact. Continue reading “Oscar Peterson – Vol. VI – Travelin’ On (1968) [2003, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Oscar Peterson – Vol. III – The Way I Really Play (1968) [2003, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Oscar Peterson - Vol. III - The Way I Really Play (1968) [2003, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

The third volume of Oscar Peterson’s Exclusively for My Friends series, all recorded with an invited audience in the warm studio of producer Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer, features live trio sessions with bassist Sam Jones and drummer Bobby Durham. Continue reading “Oscar Peterson – Vol. III – The Way I Really Play (1968) [2003, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Oscar Peterson – Vol. II – Girl Talk (1968) [2003, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Oscar Peterson - Vol. II - Girl Talk (1968) [2003, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

One of a number of memorable albums recorded by Oscar Peterson for MPS during the mid-’60s, Girl Talk was compiled from several live studio sessions taped between 1964 and 1966, with bassist Sam Jones and either Bobby Durham or Louis Hayes on drums. Peterson’s romping right hand helps this normally bland show tune. Continue reading “Oscar Peterson – Vol. II – Girl Talk (1968) [2003, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Oscar Peterson – Vol.1 – Action (1968) [2003, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Oscar Peterson - Vol.1 - Action (1968) [2003, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Oscar Peterson developed a friendship with Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer, who proceeded to record the pianist in his first-rate studio beginning in the early ’60s, even though Peterson was under an exclusive contract to Verve at the time. Continue reading “Oscar Peterson – Vol.1 – Action (1968) [2003, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Count Basie – Count Basie And The Kansas City 7 (1962) [2010, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Count Basie - Count Basie And The Kansas City 7 (1962) [2010, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

One of Count Basie’s few small-group sessions of the ’60s was his best. With trumpeter Thad Jones and tenors Frank Foster and Eric Dixon filling in the septet, Basie is in superlative form on a variety of blues, standards and two originals apiece from Thad Jones and Frank Wess. Small-group swing at its best. Continue reading “Count Basie – Count Basie And The Kansas City 7 (1962) [2010, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Duke Ellington And Count Basie – First Time! The Count Meets The Duke (1961) [1999, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Duke Ellington And Count Basie - First Time! The Count Meets The Duke (1961) [1999, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

A battle of the bands? Not quite — more like a mutual admiration society, with the orchestras of both jazz titans playing together. (The Duke is heard on the right side of your stereo/headphones, the Count on the left.) Ellington’s elegance and unique voicings meet Basie’s rollicking, blues-based Kansas City swing, and it works gloriously. Continue reading “Duke Ellington And Count Basie – First Time! The Count Meets The Duke (1961) [1999, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Oscar Peterson / Michel Legrand – Trail Of Dreams: A Canadian Suite (2000) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]

The Trail of Dreams suite, composed by the country’s most famous jazz musician, was commissioned to commemorate the trail. Oscar Peterson has explored nationalistic themes before, and, like his 1964 Canadiana suite, this one is inspired by the changing landscape and shifting cultures encountered in crossing so vast a country, from the Celtic reel of “Dancetron” to a minuet. Michel LeGrand provides string arrangements for Peterson’s themes, expanding and supporting the work of Peterson’s quartet: guitarist Ulf Wakenius, bassist Niels Henning-Orsted Pedersen, and drummer Martin Drew. Continue reading “Oscar Peterson / Michel Legrand – Trail Of Dreams: A Canadian Suite (2000) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Nicki Parrott – Stompin At The Savoy – A Tribute To Ella & Louis (2018) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Nicki Parrott - Stompin At The Savoy - A Tribute To Ella & Louis (2018) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Continue reading “Nicki Parrott – Stompin At The Savoy – A Tribute To Ella & Louis (2018) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Phil Woods / Donald Byrd – The Young Bloods (1956) [2013, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Phil Woods / Donald Byrd - The Young Bloods (1956) [2013, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

For this early hard bop date, altoist Phil Woods and trumpeter Donald Byrd were co-leaders. In fact, the music had at one point earlier on been released with Byrd getting first billing. Since the spirited altoist contributed four of the six tunes (including “House of Chan” and “In Walked George”) and consistently takes solo honors, it is only right that the date finally appeared under Woods’ name. Continue reading “Phil Woods / Donald Byrd – The Young Bloods (1956) [2013, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Sonny Stitt – Blows The Blues (1960) [2012, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Sonny Stitt - Blows The Blues (1960) [2012, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Sonny Stitt led a number of excellent record dates in 1959, especially at the end of the year when he produced three LPs for Verve over a span of three sessions with pianist Lou Levy, bassist Leroy Vinnegar, and drummer Mel Lewis. Continue reading “Sonny Stitt – Blows The Blues (1960) [2012, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Elvin Jones – Dear John C. (1965) [2011, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Elvin Jones - Dear John C. (1965) [2011, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

The second album by Elvin Jones as sole title rights leader (excluding the co-op ensemble that recorded the stunning and essential progressive jazz icon Illumination!) has the drummer sounding more like a backup musician, as he claims no compositional duties or noticeable solo space. In fact, this is one of the very best albums in the career of alto saxophonist Charlie Mariano, who occupies the bulk of lead lines and improvising responsibilities. Continue reading “Elvin Jones – Dear John C. (1965) [2011, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Wynton Kelly Trio / Wes Montgomery – Smokin’ At The Half Note (1965) [2013, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Wynton Kelly Trio / Wes Montgomery - Smokin' At The Half Note (1965) [2013, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Smokin’ at the Half Note is essential listening for anyone who wants to hear why Montgomery’s dynamic live shows were considered the pinnacle of his brilliant and incredibly influential guitar playing. Pat Metheny calls this “the absolute greatest jazz guitar album ever made,” and with performances of this caliber (“Unit 7” boasts one of the greatest guitar solos ever recorded) his statement is easily validated. Continue reading “Wynton Kelly Trio / Wes Montgomery – Smokin’ At The Half Note (1965) [2013, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

The Ben Webster Quintet – Soulville (1958) [2013, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

The Ben Webster Quintet - Soulville (1958) [2013, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

The by turns grizzled and vaporous-toned Webster really hit his stride on the Verve label. During a stretch from roughly 1953-1959, the Ellington alumnus showcased his supreme playing with both combos and string sections, swingers and ballads — and lurking beneath his blustery and hulking sound were solo lines brimming with sophistication and wit. Continue reading “The Ben Webster Quintet – Soulville (1958) [2013, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]”