Jazz giant Louis Armstrong plays a host of standards by legendary blues composer W C Handy. Handy's best-known composition is the lively 'St Louis Blues', clocking in here at almost nine minutes. Armstrong focused more on vocals in his later years, but here he shows he could still blow the joint apart when sufficiently inspired to do so.
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Clifford Brown & Max Roach Clifford Brown and Max Roach 1954 [EmArcy]
Clifford Brown's accidental death in 1956 sent shockwaves throughout the jazz community. A hard bop trumpeter respected and admired by all, this record was his first with the already-famous bop drummer Max Roach. Brown was a true professional in every sense of the word - every note perfect and dripping with emotion. Timeless.
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'Round About Midnight Miles Davis 1956 [Columbia]
Recorded over roughly the same period as the four album marathon session that saw him fulfil his obligations to Prestige, Davis' first major-label recording found his quintet laying the groundwork for the classic Kind of Blue album. Tenor John Coltrane hits just the right notes in this fine record that oozes style and sophistication.
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World On a String Henry 'Red' Allen 1957 [RCA Bluebird]
New Orleans trumpeter Henry 'Red' Allen sounds remarkably modern on this fine 1957 effort made with legendary tenor Coleman Hawkins on board. The standouts here are the inventive 'I Cover the Waterfront' and the infectious 'Algiers Bounce'. Also in the veteran lineup are trombonist J C Higginbotham and clarinetist Buster Bailey.
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Modern Art Art Farmer 1958 [United Artists]
Farmer wasn't a great innovator on trumpet, but his work was meticulous and his sound - especially on this record - has the popular appeal of classic hard bop. Tenor Benny Golson occasionally steals the show and pianist Bill Evans is his usual brilliant self. Farmer and Golson contribute one original each to the mix. A safe hard bop bet.
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Open Sesame Freddie Hubbard 1960 [Blue Note]
Hubbard's first headliner sees the hard bop trumpeter get some help from another young-gun, pianist McCoy Tyner. The result is a soaring portent of things to come, with the title track and 'One Mint Julep' both shining brightly. Other support comes in the form of saxophonist Tina Brooks, bassist Sam Jones and drummer Clifford Jarvis.
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A New Perspective Donald Byrd 1963 [Blue Note]
Trumpeter Byrd used a gospel choir to top off this all-star date featuring Hank Mobley, Kenny Burrell and Herbie Hancock in support. 'Cristo Redentor' went on to become a minor classic, often showing up on Blue Note compilation discs. Byrd later triggered a furore in the jazz world with the release of the ultra-funky Black Byrd (1972).
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The Sidewinder Lee Morgan 1963 [Blue Note]
The title cut of this record was such a big hit for Morgan that future recordings fell into a somewhat formulaic holding pattern. Still only 25 years old, Morgan shares the stage with another great star (albeit a rising one) in tenor Joe Henderson. Tragically, Morgan was shot to death during a 1972 gig in New York City. A great hard bop album.
