Based on recordings by John Abercrombie, Miroslav Vitous, Louis Sclavis, Bennie Maupin, Paul Motian, Arvo Part and co.

‘The album emanates a deliberate, contemplative quality, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its rich sonic tapestry. Myers’ masterful piano work, showcased prominently throughout the album, guides the listener through a series of elegant, introspective episodes, each imbued with a sense of profound depth and emotional resonance. Smith’s trumpet, with its radiant tones and illuminating presence, serves as a beacon of hope and upliftment.’

‘This is full of playing so poignant that it’ll make your chest ache’ (The Guardian).
‘Spare and gorgeous’ (Qobuz).

Thrilling, angular hard bop, impatiently itching itself open to the new thing.
Dolphy plays b-flat clarinet and alto; Ron Carter plays cello. Booker Ervin is rawly eloquent as per. The seven compositions are all by Waldron, who centres proceedings with inimitable brilliance.
Feelingly recorded by Van Gelder in the summer of 1961, in the same few weeks as Ron Carter’s Where.
In this iteration — all-analogue remastering from the master-tapes, tip-on sleeve, first-class pressing — it’s a must.

From 1977.
‘Music of extreme sophistication yet perfect lucidity… A Zen-like tranquillity pervades this album of duets’ (Richard Williams in Melody Maker).
‘Quite an achievement, balancing fantasy and friction with grace as a fulcrum… calm, lucid, colourful, and captivating’ (Art Lange in Coda).

The late seventies Hat Hut LP — Ware’s debut as leader, when he was with Cecil Taylor — unavailable for decades; plus a full disc of material from the same sessions, never released before.
A protege of Sonny Rollins, with Ayleresque fervour; very warmly recommended.

Three live scorchers with William Parker and Warren Smith, from 2010 — plus four treasurable out-takes from the Onecept album sessions.

TW’s first Blue Note session was The Jody Grind. His debut as leader, at 23, Natural Essence is a winning mid-sixties set of his own compositions. Post-Trane dancers, jams; some lovely tunes. Woody Shaw, too.