On Happy Time, the legendary blues-inflected jazz pianist Junior Mance delivers an exceptionally warm, joyful, and soulful piano trio session. Originally recorded in 1962 for the Jazzland label and beautifully remastered for this Original Jazz Classics reissue, the album captures Mance at the absolute peak of his early-career expressive powers. Backed by a premier rhythm section consisting of a young, rock-solid Ron Carter on double bass and the crisp, swinging pocket of drummer Mickey Roker, the trio exhibits an effortlessly tight and telepathic level of interplay. The tracklist is a masterfully balanced program of infectious bluesy originals like Out South and Taggie's Tune alongside swinging reinterpretations of Fats Waller's Jitterbug Waltz and Chano Pozo's Afro-Cuban standard Tin Tin Deo. Throughout each performance, Mance's signature driving block chords and deep, soulful groove element remain front and center. The result is a definitive, deeply expressive document of mainstream acoustic trio jazz that radiates pure rhythmic optimism, sophisticated restraint, and timeless elegance.

"Liarbird" is an exceptional album by Norwegian jazz violinist Ola Kvernberg, showcasing his masterful approach to modern jazz and post-bop. Released in 2011 on Jazzland, the album captures Kvernberg's dynamic range and technical brilliance while blending elements of contemporary jazz with intricate improvisation and expressive melodies. Each track is a journey, from the driving rhythm of "Liarbird" to the contemplative textures of "Wintermelon" and the rhythmic sophistication of "Cobb." Kvernberg's virtuosic violin work is complemented by a talented ensemble, delivering a sound that is both adventurous and accessible. "Liarbird" demonstrates a fearless exploration of harmonic complexity, rhythmic innovation, and melodic inventiveness, establishing Ola Kvernberg as one of the most compelling voices in modern jazz and a true innovator in the post-bop tradition.