Portrait of Art Farmer on Contemporary.   Although it was not until 1958 (the year this album was recorded) that Art Farmer was voted “New Star” of the year in the Down Beat poll, his reputation had already been established among musicians on the basis of his work with Lionel Hampton, Gigi Gryce, and Gerry Mulligan. With a rhythm section that includes his twin brother, the late Addison Farmer, on bass, as well as pianist Hank Jones and drummer Roy Haynes, he is heard here in three originals (two are blues), and five other appropriate vehicles such as Benny Golson’s “Stablemates.” Farmer felt that this was the best album he had made at that stage in his career.

(12 votes, average: 4.17 out of 5)

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Two Prestige LP covers by Don Martin (best known for his work for Mad Magazine).

(28 votes, average: 4.89 out of 5)

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“Afro-Cool,” a mix of cool jazz and latin jazz from Conte Candoli, Wild Bill Davis, Frank Morgan and Machito’s Rhythm Section on GNP records.

(15 votes, average: 3.53 out of 5)

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Donald Byrd and Gigi Gryce “Xtacy” on Trip records (a low budget reissue label). Sorry bout the ringwear.

(43 votes, average: 4.44 out of 5)

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Also worth getting “Earl Blows Bird” and “Bird Blows Diz”

(10 votes, average: 3.10 out of 5)

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Prestige 7113 The Red Garland Trio with Paul Chambers and Art Taylor. “Go Red go!”

(16 votes, average: 4.31 out of 5)

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I love Paul Gonsalves.   Maybe first from hearing and reading the liner notes to the incredible “Duke Ellington at Newport 1956” record when his 27-chorus solo on “Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue” turned the staid New England patrons into a frenzied crowd.   But then from digging deeper into his smaller group sessions on Impulse (“Tell It The Way It Is”) and Jazzland (“Gettin’ Together”).   Also great is his “Boom-Jackie-Boom-Chick” (on Vocalion).   This is a great one on Argo, which was a great jazz (and soul) label.

“Cookin” (also 1956) features Clark Terry, William Jones, Jimmy Woode and Sam Woodyard.

(13 votes, average: 4.23 out of 5)

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Coleman Hawkins. A beautiful, early 1950’s David Stone Martin illustration on this Stinson 10″.

(26 votes, average: 4.42 out of 5)

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The Dave Brubeck Quartet featuring Paul Desmond (on the left) “Jazz Red Hot and Cool”   Columbia Records.

A quintessential fifties scene and a popular record from a time when jazz was popular (ie, before the Beatles).

(20 votes, average: 4.80 out of 5)

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