Most of the band's albums are worth hearing, but this is a great introduction for the curious and – since it features "Dixie Chicken," "Willin'," "Two Trains," "Fat Man in the Bathtub," "Sailin' Shoes," "Oh Atlanta" and "All That You Dream" in one place – it's a great summation of the group's achievements, and George's songwriting talent in particular.

"If you like the studio work of this band ("Medina," "Total Eclipse," "Now!," etc…), you're gonna love them live. I mean, these guys were great in the studio, but on stage the interaction was at a whole new level. I could say more, but I'm exhausted today, and running out of clever descriptions that will somehow express how good this music is…just grab it. You won't regret it." A rare Hutcherson album with added bonus of Harold Land and the great Stanley Cowell.

Hutcherson was one of that Los Angeles crew, like Eric Dolphy. His sister was dating Dolphy, and Hutcherson, of course, appeared on that master work Out To Lunch. His first recording date, however, was with Curtis Amy.
"The same personnel who performed on Grant Green's classic Idle Moments session in November 1963 reconvened for Bobby Hutcherson's first recording as a leader one month later. The Kicker, however, was never released and waited more than 35 years to see the light of day. Thanks to reissue king Michael Cuscuna, we are now finally able to hear this swinging disc and marvel at yet another example of Hutcherson's brilliance. Although this session is a bit more conservative than Dialogue, Hutcherson's original released debut, this is an exquisite capsule of the Blue Note era and a crisp performance by all. Many of the tunes here have been recorded in various forms by other Blue Note artists, but this ensemble gives each cut its own distinctive treatment. Joe Henderson's title track and "Step Lightly" are excellent examples of familiar tunes that are given a new flavor by this long-buried treasure of a disc. Also included is an energetic reading of the standard "If Ever I Would Leave You" and Joe Chamber's "Mirrors," both of which feature remarkable work by Hutcherson in his early development."

This 1991 recording features magnificent ensemble playing with two jazz greats backed by a drummer and bass. The playing is superb as you would expect from two well established jazz stars. Additionally, the recording by Orin Keepnews, long time jazz recordist/producer, is exceptionally good with great soundstage featuring cymbles that shimmer and snap as if in front of your face. This release is another testimony why Tommy Flanagan is one of jazz's great piano players. His tone, pacing and playing can only be described as elegant, tasteful, and lovely. This is beautiful-fireplace-put-up-your-feet-open-a-bottle-of-wine music. Tasteful and beautiful, a treat for the senses. - Amazon

These are the complete Atlantic recordings of Charles Mingus from 1956-1961. He was with the label again for a second period from '73 until his death in '79; this set focuses solely on his groundbreaking first tenure. The resulting six CDs are a powerful portrait of a man taking in the world around him and turning it into compositions of timeless beauty, focused anger, quiet redemption, sad observations, and boundless hope.