Donald Byrd - A New Perspective (1963)

This unusual set (reissued on CD by Blue Note) was one of the most successful uses of a gospel choir in a jazz context. Trumpeter Donald Byrd and a septet that also includes tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley, guitarist Kenny Burrell, and pianist Herbie Hancock are joined by an eight-voice choir directed by Coleridge Perkinson. The arrangements by Duke Pearson are masterful and one song, "Cristo Redentor," became a bit of a hit. This is a memorable effort that is innovative in its own way, a milestone in Donald Byrd's career.

By Scott Yanow in All Music Guide

Styles:
Hard-Bop

Tracks:
01 - Elijah (09:21)
02 - Beast of Burden (10:07)
03 - Cristo Redentor (05:43)
04 - The Black Disciple (08:12)
05 - Chant (07:31)

Line-up:
Donald Byrd - trumpet
Hank Mobley - tenor saxophone
Herbie Hancock - piano
Kenny Burrell - guitar
Donald Best - vibraphone, vocals
Butch Warren - bass
Lex Humphries - drums

Joe Henderson - Page One (1963)

Tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson's debut as a leader is a particularly strong and historic effort. With major contributions made by trumpeter Kenny Dorham, pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Butch Warren, and drummer Pete La Roca, Henderson (who already had a strikingly original sound and a viable inside/outside style) performs six generally memorable compositions on this CD reissue. Highlights include the original versions of Dorham's "Blue Bossa" and Henderson's "Recorda Me." It's highly recommended.

by Scott Yanow in All Music Guide

Styles:
Hard-Bop

Tracks:
01 - Blue Bossa (08:03)
02 - La Mesha (09:10)
03 - Homestretch (04:15)
04 - Recorda Me (06:03)
05 - Jinrikisha (07:24)
06 - Out of the Night (07:23)

Line-up:
Joe Henderson – tenor saxophone
Kenny Dorham – trumpet
Pete La Roca – drums
McCoy Tyner – piano
Butch Warren – double bass

Dexter Gordon - Go (1962)

From the first moments when Dexter Gordon sails into the opening song full of brightness and confidence, it is obvious that Go! is going to be one of those albums where everything just seems to come together magically. A stellar quartet including the stylish pianist Sonny Clark, the agile drummer Billy Higgins, and the solid yet flexible bassist Butch Warren are absolutely crucial in making this album work, but it is still Gordon who shines. Whether he is dropping quotes into "Three O'Clock in the Morning" or running around with spritely bop phrases in "Cheese Cake," the album pops and crackles with energy and exuberance. Beautiful ballads like "I Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out to Dry" metamorphosize that energy into emotion and passion, but you can still see it there nonetheless. Gordon had many high points in his five decade-long career, but this is certainly the peak of it all.

by Stacia Proefrock in All Music Guide

Styles:
Hard-Bop

Tracks:
01 - Cheese Cake (6:33)
02 - Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out to Dry (5:23)
03 - Second Balcony Jump (7:05)
04 - Love for Sale (7:40)
05 - Where Are You (5:21)
06 - Three O'Clock in the Morning (5:40)

Line-up:
Dexter Gordon — tenor saxophone
Sonny Clark — piano
Butch Warren — bass
Billy Higgins — drums