George Russell Sextet - Ezz-Thetics (1961)

This is a true classic. Composer/pianist George Russell gathered together a very versatile group of talents (trumpeter Don Ellis, trombonist Dave Baker, Eric Dolphy on alto and bass clarinet, bassist Steve Swallow, and drummer Joe Hunt) to explore three of his originals, "'Round Midnight" (which is given an extraordinary treatment by Dolphy), Miles Davis' "Nardis," and David Baker's "Honesty." The music is post-bop and although using ideas from avant-garde jazz, it does not fall into any simple category. The improvising is at a very high level and the frameworks (which include free and stop-time sections) really inspire the players. Highly recommended.

by Scott Yanow in All Music Guide

Styles:
Post-Bop
Mainstream Jazz

Tracks:
01 - Ezz-thetic (8:57)
02 - Nardisv (4:34)
03 - Lydiot (8:06)
04 - Thoughts (5:26)
05 - Honesty (8:55)
06 - Round Midnight (6:29)

Line-up:
George Russell - piano, arranger
Don Ellis - trumpet
Dave Baker - trombone
Eric Dolphy - alto sax and bass clarinet
Steve Swallow - bass
Joe Hunt - drums

George Russell - New York, N.Y. (1959)

George Russell was one of the most forward-thinking composers and arrangers on the jazz scene during the 1950s, but his work was generally more appreciated by musicians than the jazz-buying public. New York, New York represents one of many high points in his career. He assembled an all-star orchestra, including pianist Bill Evans (a frequent participant on Russell's recordings), Art Farmer, Bob Brookmeyer, John Coltrane, and Milt Hinton, among others. In Rodgers & Hart's "Manhattan," Russell has the soloists playing over the orchestra's vamp, while he also creates an imaginative "East Side Medley" combining the standards "Autumn in New York" and "How About You." His original material is just as striking as his arrangements, while vocalist Jon Hendricks serves as narrator between orchestra segments. While this release has been reissued several times, it rarely remains in print for long, so don't miss the opportunity to acquire this elusive CD.

by Ken Dryden in All Music Guide

Styles:
Post-Bop

Tracks:
01 - Manhattan (10:34)
02 - Big City Blues (11:40)
03 - Manhattan: "Rico" (10:12)
04 - East Side Medley: Autumn in New York / How About You? (8:01)
05 - A Helluva Town (5:01)

Line-up:
George Russell - arranger, conductor
Art Farmer - trumpet
Doc Severinson - trumpet
Ernie Royal - trumpet
Bob Brookmeyer - trombone
Frank Rehak - alto saxophone
Tom Mitchell - alto saxophone
Hal McKusick - alto saxophone
John Coltrane - tenor saxophone
Sol Schlinger - baritone saxophone
Bill Evans - piano
Barry Galbraith - guitar
Milt Hinton - bass
Charlie Persip - drums
Jon Hendricks - vocals, narration