GA Russell

Is this it?

1981 Jam with Zoot Sims free through Dec. 31 https://artpepper.bandcamp.com/album/free-for-christmas-jam-session-art-pepper-zoot-sims?from=fanpub_nfnb

Bob, please let us know if it isn't too much of a good thing!

Of course appearances can be deceiving, but I thought that back in the day the labels were started by people who wanted to be in the business, as long as they could make a good living. I imagined that they bragged to their friends when they signed stars like Frank, Peggy Lee, Louis, etc. I think I read that Sgt. Pepper was so much more profitable than albums before it, that companies decided to just shoot for the moon, and to heck with being respected for the label's stable of artists. Was I kidding myself?

This looks interesting. Has anyone heard it? NEIL SWAINSON QUINTET: 49th Parallel - $7.95 https://www.hamiltonbook.com/neil-swainson-quintet-49th-parallel-compact-disc With Joe Henderson and Woody Shaw. A Reel to Real release.

I'm very surprised that an ECM recording is released four months later. Usually they wait a year.

Thanks, Mark! My experience of the 1975-82 period while living in Pittsburgh was that jazz records were not to be found in the stores. The store managers would just shrug, and tell me, "Jazz just doesn't sell anymore." Throughout that period, it was far easier for me to find in the stores Canterbury-type records imported from England.

As a former winner, Brooks has generously offered the prize to "the next in line." !!! The points total is 58. JohnJ has 55. So he is the next closest to Brooks! Congratulations John! John, because you live in Japan, your prize is my paypalling you $17.00! Please PM me your paypal email address, and let us know what you spend it on!

In OT, Collaros threw a TD pass to Darvin Adams in the end zone. Collaros then threw the two-point convert pass to Rasheid Bailey, making the score 33-25. Then it was the Ticats' turn. A holding penalty made it first and twenty. On second and 18, Masoli's pass was tipped and intercepted by Kyrie Wilson. So the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are again the Grey Cup champions! The points total is 58, and winner of our contest is...BFrank (who had Winnipeg and 60)! Congratulations BF! Please let me know whether you want the Mosaic gift card or the jazz books. I will PM you for your address. Thanks for playing everyone!

With 8:20 left, Castillo kicked his fourth field goal to make it 22-13. With 6:09 left, Collaros threw a 12-yard pass to Demski on the 17, who ran it in for the touchdown. Castillo then immediately scored a single (the famous "rouge") by sending the kickoff through the end zone. So that makes the score Hamilton 22....Winnipeg 21. The Bombers have the ball at the three minute warning. And now in the catbird seat is...GregK! ***** With 2:05 left, Castillo has kicked another field goal, giving the Bombers the lead 24-22. And on the ensuing kickoff, White conceded the single point, making the score 25-22. And so now T.D. is in the catbird seat! ***** With 20 seconds left, Hamilton takes a timeout with the ball on the Winnipeg 5. ***** With 16 seconds left, Acklin dropped the pass in the end zone! So Domagala attempted a 13-yard field goal, and almost missed it! ***** Now tied at 25-25, and going into overtime. Sidewinder has Winnipeg-50, and I have Hamilton-50.

LOL! Well, Joe is still looking good. After three, it's Hamilton 19....Winnipeg 10. The Bombers tied it at 10 with Castillo's third field goal. But the Ticats again had the wind at their backs. With 4:10 left Masoli threw a 4-yard pass to Speedy Banks at the 7, who ran it in for the touchdown. With 51 seconds left, Legghio conceded the safety touch. ***** And now the fourth has begun, and the Ticats finished their third quarter drive with a Domagala field goal. So with 12:03 left in the game, the Ticats lead 22-10, and Joe Medjuck is still in the catbird seat! But now the Bombers have the wind at their backs.

And at the half, it's Hamilton 10....Winnipeg 7. The Bombers stretched their lead to 7-0 with Castillo's second field goal. Last week, Hamilton started Masoli, who did not do well. So they pulled him for Evans, who went 16 for 16 and won the game. This week, the Ticats started Evans, who hurt his neck, and was replaced by Masoli, who has done well so far. After that Bomber field goal, the Ticats (with the wind at their back) controlled much of the remainder of the quarter. First they got a field goal, and with 15 seconds left Masoli found Dunbar in the end zone for the touchdown. It looks to me like whoever has the wind at their back in the fourth quarter is going to win. And at the half, Joe Medjuck is now in the catbird seat.

After one, it's Winnipeg 4...Hamilton 0. There is a 25 mph wind. Winnipeg's offense hasn't shown much, but Hamilton's (going into the win) hasn't show anything. The Ticats gained only 13 yards in the first quarter. So John Felser is in the catbird seat.

...And O Canada has been sung! The contest is closed. I remember that Noj won one year just because he had the lowest number. Considering that Winnipeg's defense is so good, it wouldn't surprise me if the points total is lower than usual. John and Joe have the low picks, both at 35, so I think it looks good for them.

Two hours to go! Procrastinators, the deadline is at 6:00 pm eastern. ***** I want to point out to you stats-hounds a link I posted on the regular thread. The league has this year posted the material passed out to everyone in the press box! https://d3ham790trbkqy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2021_GC_Preview_Notes_Dec_8th.pdf

Last Grey Cup Picks https://3downnation.com/2021/12/12/3downnation-grey-cup-picks-will-history-repeat-in-the-rematch/ https://www.cfl.ca/2021/12/11/prediction-time-cfl-ca-writers-grey-cup-picks/ ***** Grey Cup Preview https://www.cfl.ca/2021/12/12/preview-host-ticats-battle-bombers-108th-grey-cup/ ***** Bad news for the Ticats. Ted Laurent had his appendix taken out Thursday, and he will miss the game. https://www.cfl.ca/2021/12/11/steinberg-ted-laurent-hamiltons-mind-ahead-gc108/ https://3downnation.com/2021/12/11/ticats-canadian-dl-ted-laurent-officially-out-for-108th-grey-cup-after-undergoing-appendectomy/ https://3downnation.com/2021/12/11/why-the-ticats-are-in-big-trouble-with-ted-laurent-out-for-grey-cup/ ***** The union has announced its 2021 All-Star team. Naturally, the players are more flattered to be chosen by their peers than by the reporters. https://3downnation.com/2021/12/10/chosen-by-the-players-2021-canadian-football-league-players-association-all-star-team/ ***** The league will try revenue sharing next year. https://3downnation.com/2021/12/10/commissioner-randy-ambrosie-cfl-owners-agree-to-revenue-sharing-model-for-first-time-in-nearly-40-years/

I saw them in the stores, but never heard one. I remember picking up a political black-power vibe, maybe from the liner notes or maybe from the cover art. Was this my imagination, or was there something to that?

The CFL Awards banquet was tonight. And the winners are... Collaros https://www.cfl.ca/2021/12/10/zach-collaros-takes-home-outstanding-player/ Bighill https://www.cfl.ca/2021/12/10/cfl-awards-adam-bighill-named-most-outstanding-defensive-player/ https://www.cfl.ca/2021/12/10/bighill-wins-2021-outstanding-defensive-player/ Lokombo https://www.cfl.ca/2021/12/10/o-canada-lokombo-named-outstanding-canadian/ Bryant https://www.cfl.ca/2021/12/10/cfl-awards-stanley-bryant-wins-most-outstanding-offensive-lineman/ https://www.cfl.ca/2021/12/10/bryant-named-outstanding-offensive-lineman/ Dedmon https://www.cfl.ca/2021/12/10/cfl-awards-devonte-dedmon-runs-away-with-most-outstanding-special-teams-award/ https://www.cfl.ca/2021/12/10/dedmon-named-outstanding-special-teamer/ Williams https://www.cfl.ca/2021/12/10/cfl-awards-jordan-williams-takes-home-most-outstanding-rookie-award/ https://www.cfl.ca/2021/12/10/lions-williams-takes-home-outstanding-rookie-honours/ O'Shea https://www.cfl.ca/2021/12/10/mike-oshea-named-coach-year/ Also given out was the Jake Gaudaur Award, given for character. The winner is Chris Van Zeyl. https://www.cfl.ca/2021/12/01/nine-players-nominated-jake-gaudaur-veterans-award-2/ https://www.cfl.ca/2021/12/10/ticats-van-zeyl-wins-jake-gaudaur-veterans-award/ https://www.cfl.ca/2021/12/10/recap-bombers-names-laced-cfl-awards/

Grey Cup picks https://doorfliesopen.com/2021/12/09/cfl-beat-146/ http://17degreesports.com/index.php/2021/12/08/108th-grey-cup-preview/ https://www.cfl.ca/2021/12/09/weekly-predictor-taking-hometown-tiger-cats/ ***** Grey Cup previews https://d3ham790trbkqy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2021_GC_Preview_Notes_Dec_8th.pdf https://www.cbc.ca/sports/the-buzzer-newsletter-grey-cup-preview-1.6280087 https://13thmansports.ca/2021/12/08/how-do-the-tiger-cats-and-blue-bombers-match-up/ https://www.tsn.ca/tiger-cats-stand-in-the-way-of-a-blue-bombers-coronation-1.1731961 https://www.cfl.ca/thewaggle/#293 https://3downnation.com/2021/12/08/3downnation-podcast-grey-cup-preview-ottawa-gm-interviews-riders-off-season-questions/ ***** History! https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/cfl-winnipeg-blue-bombers-hamilton-tiger-cats-grey-cup-1.6277175 https://www.cbc.ca/archives/grey-cup-1965-1984-1.6277657 https://3downnation.com/2021/12/09/the-past-29-grey-cup-games-ranked/ https://3downnation.com/2021/12/09/heres-how-every-grey-cup-home-team-has-fared-since-1958/ ***** Gossip! https://3downnation.com/2021/12/08/insider-talk-smartphone-videos-hamiltons-starter-edmontons-gm-search/ *****

You can stream the television broadcast online for $7.99. https://www.cfl.ca/2021/12/10/watch-tune-details-108th-grey-cup/ ***** As mentioned above, you can stream the radio broadcast for free. https://www.tsn.ca/radio ***** Here is what the bookmakers have to say. https://torontosportsmedia.com/2021/12/09/cfl-108th-grey-cup-winnipeg-hamilton-odds-picks-betting-preview/

CRAFT RECORDINGS CELEBRATES 70 YEARS OF CONTEMPORARY RECORDS CRAFT RECORDINGS CELEBRATES 70 YEARS OF CONTEMPORARY RECORDS On Contemporary: Shelly Manne One of the most prolifically recorded drummers in jazz history, the versatile Shelly Manne (June 11, 1920 – September 26, 1984) was another pillar of the Contemporary Records fold who elevated every project he worked on. Aside from the first track, a graceful date led by André Previn, this compilation focuses on Manne’s extensive catalog as a leader and co-leader. With equal parts force and finesse, he powered some of the era’s most exciting hard bop sessions, though his bands tend to be overlooked today because his players didn’t go on to wider fame, à la Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. But Manne’s muscular trap work made his L.A.-based bands consistently compelling, particularly when they stretched out in a nightclub. Almost a third of the compilation covers Shelly Manne & His Men at San Francisco’s flagship jazzspot The Black Hawk on a particularly torrid 1959 run, though the concluding track comes from a live 1961 date in his own Hollywood room, Shelly’s Manne-Hole. 2021 marks 70 years of Contemporary Records, the Los Angeles-based audiophile jazz label that both defined and radically expanded the sound of West Coast jazz. Throughout the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, Lester Koenig’s artist-friendly company released career-defining performances by some of modern jazz’s most influential and accomplished improvisers, including Ornette Coleman, Sonny Rollins, Hampton Hawes, Art Pepper, Harold Land, Shelly Manne and Teddy Edwards. In celebrating the history of this essential label and its exceptional catalog, Craft Recordings is releasing a variety of content throughout the coming year, including deluxe box sets, vinyl reissues, SACDs and digital compilations, as well as exclusive merchandise, video content and curated playlists. Full details of these new releases to follow. Kicking off the campaign last Friday, Dec 3, are five digital On Contemporary compilations focusing on individual jazz giants: Art Pepper, Hampton Hawes, Barney Kessel, André Previn and Shelly Manne. A sixth release, The Saxophonists, offers a tantalizing glimpse at the depth of the Contemporary catalog with an array of era-defining horn players. Included are three of the most consequential players to ever pick up the sax, with Benny Carter, the man who tamed the horn in the 1920s and kept it in the vanguard into the 21st century; the supremely expressive Art Pepper; and the revolutionary Ornette Coleman. Also featured are heavyweights Sonny Rollins, Ben Webster, Benny Golson, Harold Land, Bob Cooper and Teddy Edwards. Taken together, the compilations make an indisputable case for Contemporary’s central role in documenting the evolution of modern jazz in the decades after World War II, while foregrounding Los Angeles as a proving ground for transformational talent. About Contemporary Records Founded in 1951 by Lester Koenig (December 3, 1917 – November 21, 1977), Contemporary Records is a uniquely Hollywood story. An intellectual who loved the arts, Koenig (pronounced kay-nig) thrived in the film industry as a screenwriter, co-producer and assistant to William Wyler, playing an important role on landmark films such as The Best Years of Our Lives, Detective Story and Roman Holiday. Koenig’s life in movies was effectively ended by the Red Scare in 1953, when he was called to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee. He was flayed by the conservative Hollywood establishment for having left-wing sympathies, and blacklisted he turned his attention to Good Time Jazz, a label he’d launched in 1949, to record a Dixieland combo featuring players who all had day jobs with Disney. He initially created Contemporary as an outlet for new contemporary classical works, but his ears were wide open and by the mid-1950s many of Southern California’s most exciting jazz artists were eager to document their music in what was rapidly becoming one of the best studios on the West Coast under the auspices of Roy DuNann, the sound engineer Koenig lured away from Capitol Records in 1956. The artists responded to Koenig’s steadfast faith in their creativity, and Contemporary became the essential vehicle for L.A. modernists and East Coast players looking for respite from the New York hustle. Seven decades later, the label’s legacy looks more imposing than ever, as the albums that Lester Koenig and his son John recorded continue to inspire and influence leading players on the contemporary scene. For up-to-date release information and news on the Contemporary Records 70th anniversary campaign, stay tuned to @craftrecordings and craftrecordings.com/contemporaryrecords. Craft Recordings is the catalog label team for Concord Recorded Music. For more info, visit CraftRecordings.com and follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.  Artist Title Time Shelly Manne & His Friends ft. Shelly Manne, André Previn, Leroy Vinnegar I Could Have Danced All Night 03:01 Shelly Manne Peter Gunn 02:15 Shelly Manne If I Had My Druthers 02:45 Shelly Manne, Stu Williamson, Charlie Mariano, Russ Freeman, Leroy Vinnegar Slan 04:52 Shelly Manne & His Friends ft. Shelly Manne, André Previn, Leroy Vinnegar Get Me To The Church On Time 04:12 Shelly Manne and His Men Blue Steel 04:51 Shelly Manne You And The Night And The Music 03:08 Shelly Manne Billie's Bounce 04:08 Shelly Manne Flip 02:58 Shelly Manne Exodus 04:37 Shelly Manne and His Men I Am In Love 12:20 Shelly Manne and His Men Step Lightly 12:58 Shelly Manne and His Men Cabu 10:59 Shelly Manne and His Men Summertime (Live At The Black Hawk / 1959) 12:01 Shelly Manne and His Men The Champ (Live At Shelly's Manne-Hole / 1961) 11:06 CRAFT RECORDINGS CELEBRATES 70 YEARS OF CONTEMPORARY RECORDS On Contemporary: The Saxophonists The Saxophonists – Various Artists offers a tantalizing glimpse at the depth of the Contemporary Records catalog with an array of era-defining horn players. The tenor titans represented include undisputed heavyweights Ben Webster, Sonny Rollins and Benny Golson, as well as two masters often overlooked due to their L.A. addresses, Harold Land and Teddy Edwards, who both did some of their finest work for the label. The irrepressibly swinging Bob Cooper shines on a solo date away from his usual spot in the Lighthouse All-Stars. Upholding the alto’s essential role are three of the most consequent players to ever pick up the sax, with Benny Carter, the man who tamed the horn in the 1920s and kept it in the vanguard into the 21st century; the supremely expressive Art Pepper; and the revolutionary Ornette Coleman. A track by the lithe, cool-toned Lennie Niehaus, who’s better remembered these days for his extensive work on film and television scores, recalls a major talent who took another path. 2021 marks 70 years of Contemporary Records, the Los Angeles-based audiophile jazz label that both defined and radically expanded the sound of West Coast jazz. Throughout the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, Lester Koenig’s artist-friendly company released career-defining performances by some of modern jazz’s most influential and accomplished improvisers, including Ornette Coleman, Sonny Rollins, Hampton Hawes, Art Pepper, Harold Land, Shelly Manne and Teddy Edwards. In celebrating the history of this essential label and its exceptional catalog, Craft Recordings is releasing a variety of content throughout the coming year, including deluxe box sets, vinyl reissues, SACDs and digital compilations, as well as exclusive merchandise, video content and curated playlists. Full details of these new releases to follow. Kicking off the campaign last Friday, Dec 3, are five digital On Contemporary compilations focusing on individual jazz giants: Art Pepper, Hampton Hawes, Barney Kessel, André Previn and Shelly Manne. A sixth release, The Saxophonists, offers a tantalizing glimpse at the depth of the Contemporary catalog with an array of era-defining horn players. Included are three of the most consequential players to ever pick up the sax, with Benny Carter, the man who tamed the horn in the 1920s and kept it in the vanguard into the 21st century; the supremely expressive Art Pepper; and the revolutionary Ornette Coleman. Also featured are heavyweights Sonny Rollins, Ben Webster, Benny Golson, Harold Land, Bob Cooper and Teddy Edwards. Taken together, the compilations make an indisputable case for Contemporary’s central role in documenting the evolution of modern jazz in the decades after World War II, while foregrounding Los Angeles as a proving ground for transformational talent. About Contemporary Records Founded in 1951 by Lester Koenig (December 3, 1917 – November 21, 1977), Contemporary Records is a uniquely Hollywood story. An intellectual who loved the arts, Koenig (pronounced kay-nig) thrived in the film industry as a screenwriter, co-producer and assistant to William Wyler, playing an important role on landmark films such as The Best Years of Our Lives, Detective Story and Roman Holiday. Koenig’s life in movies was effectively ended by the Red Scare in 1953, when he was called to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee. He was flayed by the conservative Hollywood establishment for having left-wing sympathies, and blacklisted he turned his attention to Good Time Jazz, a label he’d launched in 1949, to record a Dixieland combo featuring players who all had day jobs with Disney. He initially created Contemporary as an outlet for new contemporary classical works, but his ears were wide open and by the mid-1950s many of Southern California’s most exciting jazz artists were eager to document their music in what was rapidly becoming one of the best studios on the West Coast under the auspices of Roy DuNann, the sound engineer Koenig lured away from Capitol Records in 1956. The artists responded to Koenig’s steadfast faith in their creativity, and Contemporary became the essential vehicle for L.A. modernists and East Coast players looking for respite from the New York hustle. Seven decades later, the label’s legacy looks more imposing than ever, as the albums that Lester Koenig and his son John recorded continue to inspire and influence leading players on the contemporary scene. For up-to-date release information and news on the Contemporary Records 70th anniversary campaign, stay tuned to @craftrecordings and craftrecordings.com/contemporaryrecords. Craft Recordings is the catalog label team for Concord Recorded Music. For more info, visit CraftRecordings.com and follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.  Artist Title Time Art Pepper Four Brothers 03:02 Sonny Rollins I'm An Old Cowhand 05:43 Ornette Coleman Invisible 04:12 Harold Land Grooveyard 07:07 Benny Carter Ain't She Sweet 03:39 Art Pepper Quintet Smack Up 04:17 Benny Golson Whisper Not 06:01 Sonny Rollins I've Told Ev'ry Little Star 05:24 Teddy Edwards Quartet The Sermon 07:05 Art Pepper You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To 05:28 Harold Land The Fox 05:34 Lennie Niehaus Quintet Day By Day 03:38 Ornette Coleman Turnaround 07:53 Bob Cooper Jazz Theme And Four Variations - 2nd Variation: Happy Changes 04:01 Ben Webster Georgia On My Mind (Live At The Renaissance, Hollywood, CA / October 14, 1960) 06:50

RIP! https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/news/micky-dolenz-heartbroken-over-death-of-michael-nesmith-his-monkees-partner/ar-AARH6bT?ocid=uxbndlbing

This semi-annual deal is again on today. They don't say when the deal will end. https://www.cigarsinternational.com/shop/10-packs-free-20-ci-bucks-2021/2042109/

NORAH JONES RELEASES FIRST-EVER HOLIDAY ALBUM I DREAM OF CHRISTMAS A COLLECTION OF SEASONAL FAVORITES & NEW ORIGINALS LAST WEEK’S APPEARANCES: • ABC: The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration (11/28) • NBC: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting (12/1) • ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live! (12/2) THIS WEEK’S APPEARANCES: • ABC: Good Morning America (12/9) • ABC: GMA3 (12/9) • YouTube Live Stream From The Empire State Building (12/9) • SHEROS Radio (12/10-16) NEXT WEEK’S APPEARANCES: • NBC: TODAY Show (12/15) • CBS Saturday (12/18) THE FOLLOWING WEEK’S APPEARANCES: • CBS: Kennedy Center Honors (12/22) • NPR: World Cafe (12/24) • ABC: Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade (12/25) Norah Jones has been a steady voice of warmth and reassurance for nearly 20 years since her cozy 2002 debut album Come Away With Me became a familiar musical companion for millions of people around the world. Now the 9-time GRAMMY-winning singer, songwriter, and pianist has released her first-ever holiday album with I Dream Of Christmas, a delightful and comforting collection of timeless seasonal favorites and affecting new originals that explore the complicated emotions of our times and our hopes that this holiday season will be full of joy and togetherness. “I’ve always loved Christmas music but never had the inclination to make a holiday album until now,” Norah says. “Last year I found myself listening to James Brown’s Funky Christmas and Elvis’s Christmas Album on Sunday’s during lockdown for a sense of comfort. In January 2021, I started thinking about making a Christmas album of my own. It gave me something fun to work on and look forward to.” “When I was trying to figure out which direction to take, the original songs started popping in my head,” Norah explains. “They were all about trying to find the joys of Christmas, catching that spark, that feeling of love and inclusion that I was longing for during the rest of the year. Then there are all the classics that have that special nostalgia that can hit you no matter who or where you are in life. It was hard to narrow down, but I picked favorite classics that I knew I could make my own.” Among the album’s many pleasures are Norah’s playful reinvention of The Chipmunk’s “Christmas Don’t Be Late” by David Seville (aka Ross Bagdasarian), which is given a languid beat and swaggering horns. Other highlights include sublime versions of “White Christmas,” “Blue Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Christmas Time Is Here.” I Dream Of Christmas was produced by Leon Michels and features an excellent cast of musicians including Brian Blade on drums, Tony Scherr and Nick Movshon on bass, Russ Pahl on pedal steel guitar, Marika Hughes on cello, Dave Guy on trumpet, Raymond Mason on trombone, and Michels on saxophone, flute, percussion, and more. The track listing for I Dream Of Christmas is as follows: Christmas Calling (Jolly Jones) (Norah Jones) Christmas Don’t Be Late (Ross Bagdasarian) Christmas Glow (Norah Jones) White Christmas (Irving Berlin) Christmastime (Norah Jones/Leon Michels) Blue Christmas (Billy Hayes/Jay W. Johnson) It’s Only Christmas Once A Year (Norah Jones) You’re Not Alone (Norah Jones/Leon Michels) Winter Wonderland (Richard B. Smith/Felix Bernard) A Holiday With You (Norah Jones) Run Rudolph Run (Johnny Marks/Marvin Brodie) Christmas Time Is Here (Lee Mendelson/Vince Guaraldi) What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? (Frank Loesser) Follow Norah Jones: Website • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • YouTube Follow Blue Note Records: Website • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • Apple Music • Spotify • YouTube

CRAFT RECORDINGS CELEBRATES 70 YEARS OF CONTEMPORARY RECORDS On Contemporary: Barney Kessel A guitar virtuoso (October 17, 1923 – May 6, 2004) from Muskogee, Oklahoma, Kessel was one of Contemporary’s busiest artists between 1954 and 1963. He had already recorded with Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday and Oscar Peterson when he started making his own albums for Koenig. This compilation draws from both his own sessions and his numerous releases with The Poll Winners, a trio with Shelly Manne and Ray Brown with a moniker boasting of their long run topping critics’ polls in Downbeat and Metronome. While Kessel spent decades playing thousands of studio dates as a member of the legendary L.A. studio cadre the Wrecking Crew, he continued to record exceptional albums for Contemporary through the 1980s. 2021 marks 70 years of Contemporary Records, the Los Angeles-based audiophile jazz label that both defined and radically expanded the sound of West Coast jazz. Throughout the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, Lester Koenig’s artist-friendly company released career-defining performances by some of modern jazz’s most influential and accomplished improvisers, including Ornette Coleman, Sonny Rollins, Hampton Hawes, Art Pepper, Harold Land, Shelly Manne and Teddy Edwards. In celebrating the history of this essential label and its exceptional catalog, Craft Recordings is releasing a variety of content throughout the coming year, including deluxe box sets, vinyl reissues, SACDs and digital compilations, as well as exclusive merchandise, video content and curated playlists. Full details of these new releases to follow. Kicking off the campaign last Friday, Dec 3, are five digital On Contemporary compilations focusing on individual jazz giants: Art Pepper, Hampton Hawes, Barney Kessel, André Previn and Shelly Manne. A sixth release, The Saxophonists, offers a tantalizing glimpse at the depth of the Contemporary catalog with an array of era-defining horn players. Included are three of the most consequential players to ever pick up the sax, with Benny Carter, the man who tamed the horn in the 1920s and kept it in the vanguard into the 21st century; the supremely expressive Art Pepper; and the revolutionary Ornette Coleman. Also featured are heavyweights Sonny Rollins, Ben Webster, Benny Golson, Harold Land, Bob Cooper and Teddy Edwards. Taken together, the compilations make an indisputable case for Contemporary’s central role in documenting the evolution of modern jazz in the decades after World War II, while foregrounding Los Angeles as a proving ground for transformational talent. About Contemporary Records Founded in 1951 by Lester Koenig (December 3, 1917 – November 21, 1977), Contemporary Records is a uniquely Hollywood story. An intellectual who loved the arts, Koenig (pronounced kay-nig) thrived in the film industry as a screenwriter, co-producer and assistant to William Wyler, playing an important role on landmark films such as The Best Years of Our Lives, Detective Story and Roman Holiday. Koenig’s life in movies was effectively ended by the Red Scare in 1953, when he was called to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee. He was flayed by the conservative Hollywood establishment for having left-wing sympathies, and blacklisted he turned his attention to Good Time Jazz, a label he’d launched in 1949, to record a Dixieland combo featuring players who all had day jobs with Disney. He initially created Contemporary as an outlet for new contemporary classical works, but his ears were wide open and by the mid-1950s many of Southern California’s most exciting jazz artists were eager to document their music in what was rapidly becoming one of the best studios on the West Coast under the auspices of Roy DuNann, the sound engineer Koenig lured away from Capitol Records in 1956. The artists responded to Koenig’s steadfast faith in their creativity, and Contemporary became the essential vehicle for L.A. modernists and East Coast players looking for respite from the New York hustle. Seven decades later, the label’s legacy looks more imposing than ever, as the albums that Lester Koenig and his son John recorded continue to inspire and influence leading players on the contemporary scene. For up-to-date release information and news on the Contemporary Records 70th anniversary campaign, stay tuned to @craftrecordings and craftrecordings.com/contemporaryrecords. Craft Recordings is the catalog label team for Concord Recorded Music. For more info, visit CraftRecordings.com and follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.  Artist Title Time Barney Kessel Indiana 03:12 Barney Kessel ft. Ray Brown, Shelly Manne On Green Dolphin Street 04:02 Barney Kessel, Ray Brown, Shelly Manne A Foggy Day 03:08 Barney Kessel Volare 04:22 Barney Kessel Down Among The Sheltering Palms 04:03 Barney Kessel On A Slow Boat To China 03:18 Barney Kessel Just In Time 04:58 Barney Kessel ft. Ray Brown, Shelly Manne Satin Doll 06:32 Barney Kessel, Shelly Manne, Ray Brown Mack The Knife 03:52 Barney Kessel, Shelly Manne, Ray Brown The Merry Go Round Broke Down 02:13 Barney Kessel Lullaby Of Birdland 03:08 Barney Kessel Embraceable You 03:23 Barney Kessel, Shelly Manne, Ray Brown Little Susie 03:57 Barney Kessel, Ray Brown, Shelly Manne Caravan 06:00 Barney Kessel 12th Street Rag 02:59 CRAFT RECORDINGS CELEBRATES 70 YEARS OF CONTEMPORARY RECORDS On Contemporary: Hampton Hawes Much like Art Pepper, a fellow Angelino, Hampton Hawes (November 13, 1928 – May 22, 1977) would make an excellent subject for a Hollywood biopic (and like Pepper’s memoir Straight Life, Hawes’ Raise Up Off Me is a classic account of the jazz life that could serve as the screenplay). Even more memorable than his evocative prose were his funky, irrepressibly grooving trio and quartet sessions for Contemporary, his primary label throughout his career. Like a West Coast Horace Silver, Hawes honed an utterly personal church-steeped sound inspired by but not beholden to bebop, and this collection captures the breadth and depth of one of jazz’s most appealing yet unsung pianists. 2021 marks 70 years of Contemporary Records, the Los Angeles-based audiophile jazz label that both defined and radically expanded the sound of West Coast jazz. Throughout the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, Lester Koenig’s artist-friendly company released career-defining performances by some of modern jazz’s most influential and accomplished improvisers, including Ornette Coleman, Sonny Rollins, Hampton Hawes, Art Pepper, Harold Land, Shelly Manne and Teddy Edwards. In celebrating the history of this essential label and its exceptional catalog, Craft Recordings is releasing a variety of content throughout the coming year, including deluxe box sets, vinyl reissues, SACDs and digital compilations, as well as exclusive merchandise, video content and curated playlists. Full details of these new releases to follow. Kicking off the campaign last Friday, Dec 3, are five digital On Contemporary compilations focusing on individual jazz giants: Art Pepper, Hampton Hawes, Barney Kessel, André Previn and Shelly Manne. A sixth release, The Saxophonists, offers a tantalizing glimpse at the depth of the Contemporary catalog with an array of era-defining horn players. Included are three of the most consequential players to ever pick up the sax, with Benny Carter, the man who tamed the horn in the 1920s and kept it in the vanguard into the 21st century; the supremely expressive Art Pepper; and the revolutionary Ornette Coleman. Also featured are heavyweights Sonny Rollins, Ben Webster, Benny Golson, Harold Land, Bob Cooper and Teddy Edwards. Taken together, the compilations make an indisputable case for Contemporary’s central role in documenting the evolution of modern jazz in the decades after World War II, while foregrounding Los Angeles as a proving ground for transformational talent. About Contemporary Records Founded in 1951 by Lester Koenig (December 3, 1917 – November 21, 1977), Contemporary Records is a uniquely Hollywood story. An intellectual who loved the arts, Koenig (pronounced kay-nig) thrived in the film industry as a screenwriter, co-producer and assistant to William Wyler, playing an important role on landmark films such as The Best Years of Our Lives, Detective Story and Roman Holiday. Koenig’s life in movies was effectively ended by the Red Scare in 1953, when he was called to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee. He was flayed by the conservative Hollywood establishment for having left-wing sympathies, and blacklisted he turned his attention to Good Time Jazz, a label he’d launched in 1949, to record a Dixieland combo featuring players who all had day jobs with Disney. He initially created Contemporary as an outlet for new contemporary classical works, but his ears were wide open and by the mid-1950s many of Southern California’s most exciting jazz artists were eager to document their music in what was rapidly becoming one of the best studios on the West Coast under the auspices of Roy DuNann, the sound engineer Koenig lured away from Capitol Records in 1956. The artists responded to Koenig’s steadfast faith in their creativity, and Contemporary became the essential vehicle for L.A. modernists and East Coast players looking for respite from the New York hustle. Seven decades later, the label’s legacy looks more imposing than ever, as the albums that Lester Koenig and his son John recorded continue to inspire and influence leading players on the contemporary scene. For up-to-date release information and news on the Contemporary Records 70th anniversary campaign, stay tuned to @craftrecordings and craftrecordings.com/contemporaryrecords. Craft Recordings is the catalog label team for Concord Recorded Music. For more info, visit CraftRecordings.com and follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.  Artist Title Time Hampton Hawes Trio I Got Rhythm 03:19 Hampton Hawes Hip 06:16 Hampton Hawes Trio Autumn In New York 05:22 Hampton Hawes Trio The Champ 05:24 Hampton Hawes Trio Blues The Most 05:44 Hampton Hawes ft. Barney Kessel, Red Mitchell, Shelly Manne Like Someone In Love 03:21 Hampton Hawes Trio You And The Night And The Music 03:47 Hampton Hawes Quartet Hampton's Pulpit 11:15 Hampton Hawes ft. Barney Kessel, Red Mitchell, Shelly Manne Yardbird Suite 06:40 Hampton Hawes ft. Harold Land, Scott LaFaro, Frank Butler Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams 09:20 Hampton Hawes Quartet Broadway 06:51 Hampton Hawes Morning 07:29 Hampton Hawes ft. Harold Land, Scott LaFaro, Frank Butler I Love You 03:59 Hampton Hawes Trio 'Round Midnight 05:21 Hampton Hawes Trio Carioca 02:25