Next up on the listening parade are recordings by Clifford, Marion, and Ray Brown.  Oh, and Monteverdi.  Clifford Brown – as my friend Greg says, “Happy, swinging jazz never gets old.”

• The Quintet, Vol. 1 – This is just extraordinary.  It’s a collection of the great moments Clifford Brown played with Max Roach, Harold Land (by the way, Land’s The Fox is essential), Richie Powell, and George Morrow.  Fantastic.
• Brownie Eyes – Another compilation, I think.  “Easy Living” is unbelievable.
• West Coast Session, aka, Jazz Immortal – thanks to Stereo Jack for the real title and personnel.  Exceptional “west coast” jazz.  Joe Mondragon has always been a favorite of mine.  Zoot Sims sounds great.
• The Paris Collection, Vol. 1 – again, great.  And again, the bassist – in this case Pierre Michelot – has always been a favorite of mine.  Other amazing cats on this record include Gigi Gryce, Art Farmer, Quincy Jones (on trumpet), Jimmy Cleveland, and Alan Dawson.
• All Stars – on Trip Jazz, a reissue label.  Long versions of “Caravan” and “Autumn in New York” with tons of solos from other musicians.  Kenny Drew is fantastic on this album.  Further hats off to the bassist, Curtis Counce.

Marin Brown – I only have one LP (but I have some CDs!) of his, which is Afternoon of a Georgia Faun, starring Jeanne Lee, Anthony Braxton, Chick Corea, Andrew Cyrille, Bennie Maupin and other greats.  Side one of this is some of the most beautiful improvised music on record.

Ray Brown – I have tons of recordings with Ray holding down the bottom end, but only one LP – Something for Lester.  It’s a trio date with Elvin Jones and Cedar Walton (who is becoming more and more of a favorite of mine).  Ray plays his butt off on this record.  The opening solo, on Walton’s “Ojos De Rojo” is incredibly modern and hip, even though this is a 1978 date.  Slammin’ date.

Claudio Monteverdi – Vesperae Mariae Virginis, aka, Vespro della Beata Vergine, aka the Vespers of 1610.  I know that letter M is not next in the alphabet, but I was in a mood.  This music is exquisite.

Now, I have to figure out why the right speaker is not working.  Once that’s up and running again, on to the Dave Brubeck section.  Getting close to letter C – you know, for Cookie!

Best, R.