On this exceptionally lush and sophisticated studio album, legendary tenor saxophone titan Illinois Jacquet steps into a highly refined setting to explore the timeless songbook of Cole Porter. Best known for his raw, blistering solos and high-octane swing battles, Jacquet displays the stunning depth of his lyricism and romantic sensibility here, earning every bit of the album's title. Backed by a magnificent 19-piece orchestra, his robust, full-bodied tone balances perfectly against the sweeping, elegant backdrops. The session is elevated to a true masterpiece by the immaculate arrangements of jazz giants Tom McIntosh and Benny Golson, who craft dense, harmonically rich textures that cradle the saxophone without ever overpowering it. From the tender warmth of late-night ballads to sophisticated, mid-tempo orchestral grooves, this recording stands as a brilliant and gorgeously executed testament to Jacquet’s exceptional melodic command and interpretive genius.

This explosive archival release captures two of the most dominant and iconic tenor saxophone "battlers" in jazz history sharing the stage for an absolute masterclass in high-octane swing. Illinois Jacquet and Flip Phillips, both legendary alumni of Jazz at the Philharmonic (JATP), square off in a high-energy, late-night concert atmosphere that radiates sheer musical adrenaline. Famous for their robust, muscular tones and thrilling altissimo flights, the co-leaders push each other to spectacular heights across four massive, extended tracks. Supported by a driving rhythm section that locks into a relentless, deep pocket, Jacquet and Phillips trade fierce, swinging choruses, deconstruct classic standards like "Perdido," and unleash blistering blues lines. It is a stunning historical document that perfectly preserves the raw, celebratory, and fiercely competitive spirit of the classic mid-century jazz jam session.

On this immensely soulful and historic session, legendary tenor saxophone titan Illinois Jacquet seamlessly bridges the gap between deep swing and early sixties soul jazz. Backed by a phenomenal, rhythmically charged ensemble featuring the elegant guitar work of Kenny Burrell and the foundational groove of organist Ralph Smith, Jacquet delivers a performance brimming with grit, melodic authority, and structural sophistication. The album is particularly famous for showcasing Jacquet's pioneering multi-instrumental prowess, as he steps away from his signature robust saxophone lines to play astonishing, blues-inflected solos on the bassoon. Supported by a driving rhythm section of bassist Ben Tucker, drummer Ray Lucas, and percussionist William Rodriguez, the band effortlessly breathes infectious, late-night warmth into spirited originals, contemporary pop standards, and deeply swinging blues grooves. It stands as a vibrant, incredibly focused testament to Jacquet's enduring musical curiosity and flawless rhythmic command.

Illinois Jacquet's Birthday Party, released on audiophile-grade Groove Note in 1999, captures a legendary live-in-the-studio celebration packed with an absolute dream team of jazz icons. Originally tracked in 1971 to honor the tenor titan's birthday, this brilliant session functions as an uninhibited, elite jam session where swing and early hard bop effortlessly handshake. The front line is nothing short of historic, featuring the contrasting trumpet brilliance of Art Farmer and Joe Newman, alongside guest giants Gerry Mulligan on baritone sax and James Moody on flute and second tenor. With guitar virtuoso Kenny Burrell adding gorgeous harmonic accompaniment alongside the legendary driving pulse of drummer Roy Haynes, Jacquet leads the ensemble through expansive, blues-drenched blowing workouts like the ten-minute Birthday Party Blues and the sweeping On the Beach. Balancing high-octane jam mechanics with profoundly beautiful ballad interpretations of The Shadow of Your Smile and Polka Dots & Moon Beams, this beautifully transferred record is a masterful, joyously swinging testament to acoustic mainstream jazz interplay.

Illinois Jacquet's Jumpin' Jacquet, released in 2002 by Proper Records as part of their acclaimed retrospective storytelling series, is an exhilarating, comprehensive document capturing the foundational years of a true tenor saxophone titan. Spanning his historic mid-to-late 1940s small-group recordings across the Apollo, Savoy, and Aladdin labels, this collection perfectly encapsulates the missing link between big band swing, modern bebop, and the fiery roots of rhythm & blues. Jacquet, famed for inventing the "screech and honk" style that paved the way for rock & roll instrumentalists, blows with a muscular tone and an astonishing sense of rhythm. Backed by a historic roll call of jazz legends—including his brother Russell Jacquet on trumpet, piano master Bill Doggett, bass pioneer Charles Mingus, and drummer Johnny Otis—the legendary saxophonist attacks classic speed trials like the title track, Savoy Blip, and Illinois Stomp, while showing incredible emotional depth on gorgeous ballads like I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance with You. Beautifully compiled and transferred, this collection remains an essential, swinging celebration of acoustic jazz at its most kinetic and influential.

Matthew Gee (1925-1979), who belatedly had the opportunity to record this album, “Jazz by Gee!,” his first and only one as a leader, in 1956, was one of many talented jazzmen who earned the solid and lasting respect of his peers without ever achieving the public recognition they clearly deserved. Leonard Feather described Gee as one of the “best and most underrated of bop-influenced trombonists.”

Even in 1968 when the jazz avant-garde was becoming quite influential, tenor saxophonist Illinois Jacquet played in his own timeless style, performing in an idiom little changed during the previous 20 years. With the assistance of pianist Barry Harris, bassist Ben Tucker, and drummer Alan Dawson, Jacquet is heard throughout this CD reissue (which adds a previously unissued "Don't Blame Me" to the original program) swinging hard and generally expressing himself in a typically extroverted fashion. "Bottoms Up" (a relative of "Flying Home"), "Jivin' with Jack the Bellboy," and Jacquet's excellent original ballad "You Left Me All Alone" are most memorable.

Illinois Jacquet and His Orchestra is an album by American jazz saxophonist Illinois Jacquet recorded in 1955 and originally released on the Clef label.
One of the great tenors, Illinois Jacquet's 1942 "Flying Home" solo is considered the first R&B sax solo, and spawned a full generation of younger tenors (including Joe Houston and Big Jay McNeely) who built their careers from his style, and practically from that one song.

This single CD reissues all of the music from a former LP and a ten-inch LP. Of greatest interest are two fairly long selections (the blues "I Wrote This for the Kid" and a stomping "The Kid and the Brute") that match Illinois Jacquet with fellow tenor great Ben Webster. Since they have equally passionate and distinctive sounds, their "battle" is a draw. Otherwise, this 1998 CD finds Jacquet with his band of the mid-1950s, featuring short solos and fine support from trumpeter Russell Jacquet, trombonist Matthew Gee and either Leo Parker or Cecil Payne on baritone. Jacquet is at his best on the uptempo numbers, such as "Jacquet Jumps" and two versions of "On Your Toes," where he gets to honk in strategic places. An excellent example of Illinois Jacquet's hard-swinging and accessible music.