John Dennis with Charles Mingus & Max Roach - New Piano Expressions (1955) {Debut OJCCD-1843-2 rel 1994}

One of the few albums as a leader cut by pianist John Dennis – noteworthy not only for his own great work on the keys, but also for the presence of Charles Mingus and Max Roach in his trio! Their presence is a bit less surprising when you realize that the album was issued on the pair's Debut label, as part of its strong commitment to finding the best young jazz talent of the 50s – but it's still noteworthy nonetheless, as 1955 is a relatively late date for either player to be working as a sideman, especially in a trio record!

Kenny Dorham - Jazz Contrasts (1957) {2007 Riverside} [Keepnews Collection Complete Series] (Item #5)

Kenny Dorham - Jazz Contrasts (1957) {2007 Riverside} [Keepnews Collection Complete Series] (Item #5)

EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 201 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 98 Mb

Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (png) -> 285 Mb | 5% repair rar | 24-bit remastering

© 2007 Concord / Riverside | RCD-30132-2

Jazz / Hard Bop / Trumpet

Remastered in 24-bit from the original master tapes. Part of our Keepnews Collection, which spotlights classic albums originally produced by the legendary Orrin Keepnews. Dorham’s lyrical trumpeting on ballads and uptempo tunes is showcased on his Riverside debut that also features tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins, pianist Hank Jones, bassist Oscar Pettiford and drummer Max Roach. Keepnews says, “This is one of my favorite ‘blowing’ albums, ever.”

Ernie Henry - Last Chorus (1957) {Riverside-OJC} (ft. Lee Morgan)

Ernie Henry - Last Chorus (1957) {Riverside-OJC} (ft. Lee Morgan)

Jazz / Hard Bop / Saxophone

Ernie Henry was one of Riverside's earliest "discoveries." He recorded for the label, as a leader and as a sideman with Thelonious Monk and Kenny Dorham, for little more than a year before his sudden death at the end of 1957. The brilliant and unrealized promise of the young alto saxophonist, which was just beginning to be recognized (he was with Dizzy Gillespie's big band when he died), was dramatically exhibited on this final collection, one side of which is from an unfinished album featuring good friends and colleagues like Lee Morgan, Benny Golson, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, and Philly Joe Jones.