VARIOUS ARTISTS
The Lost Sessions (Blue Note)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Producer Michael Cuscuna describes the tracks collected for this disc "a series of fascinating, historical asides..." It's all that, and much more. While rooting around the Blue Note vaults during research for an updated version of his noteworthy label discography, Cuscuna unearthed a dozen gems from a half dozen leaders that wouldn't fit into any other kind of release. Historical? How about the only releasable track from the only session Sonny Stitt ever cut for the label? Fascinating? how about four previously unreleased Tadd Dameron charts, two of songs that haven't been covered by anyone at anytime.

Yes, indeed, this is fascinating and historical. There are previously unreleased solos from the likes of Donald Byrd, Dexter Gordon, McCoy Tyner, Ike Quebec, Grant Green, Herbie Hancock and Duke Pearson. Lots more, too. None of these sessions may have been great in their totality, and there are some clinkers on these tracks themselves at times, but there is some great music by some great musicians here.

And it's fascinating. And historical. And more fun than you want to miss.

Track List:

Charlie Rouse: One For Five * Tadd Dameron: The Elder Speaks/ Bevan Beeps/ Lament For The Living/ Aloof Spoof * Duke Pearson: For All We Know/ I See Your Face Before Me/ Sweet Slumber * Sonny Stitt: Lady Be Good * Ike Quebec: Blues On Trial * Fred Jackson: Cowbell Boogie * Herbie Hancock: Don't Even Go There

© 2000 - Shaun Dale