James Louis (J.J.) Johnson: Complete Recordings Feat. Bobby Jaspar on 2 CDs

Featuring: J. J. Johnson (tb), Bobby Jaspar (ts), Hank Jones, Tommy Flanagan (p), Percy Heath, Wilbur Little (b), Elvin Jones (d)

J. J. Johnson’s great 1956-1957 quintet played modern jazz with authority, imagination, taste and feeling. Its leader was the trombonist of the era, much emulated and admired by his peers. The Belgian-born Jaspar, who had recently won the International Jazz Critics’ New Star Award on tenor, proved an ideal foil and a capable modern-mainstream tenor sax and flutist, contributing impressively on both instruments. Flanagan, a superbly swinging pianist, also made an indelible mark on the group, which was graced initially with another bop piano great, Hank Jones, while Little and Elvin Jones’ support throughout is admirable. It was an exhilarating band that fully displayed Johnson’s well-rounded musicianship. (freshsoundrecords. com)