On this sleek, highly polished 1994 studio album for the legendary CTI Records label, pioneering jazz-rock guitarist Larry Coryell embraces a sophisticated contemporary landscape that effortlessly merges radio-friendly quiet storm r&b, electric fusion, and smooth soul jazz. Utilizing an incredibly diverse instrumental arsenal—ranging from crying electric leads and 12-string textures to virtuosic flamenco runs—Coryell weaves through an inspired mix of pop-soul covers, blues staples, and driving rhythm-heavy tracks. The session is backed by an elite roster of standard-bearing contemporary jazz session masters, featuring bassist Will Lee, legendary drummer Steve Ferrone, and key producer-guitarist Chuck Loeb. Highlighted by standout guest spots from saxophone icon Grover Washington, Jr. and silky R&B vocalist Peabo Bryson, the album balances deep commercial appeal with stunning technical musicality, representing a fascinating, richly layered chapter in Coryell's massive discography.

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.

Taking Care Of Business stands as a highly authoritative and exceptionally soulful hard bop session that showcases the rapidly expanding artistry of saxophonist and composer Oliver Nelson. Originally recorded in 1960 by Rudy Van Gelder and beautifully reissued on this Original Jazz Classics release, the album places Nelson in a uniquely textured quintet setting featuring the brilliant vibraphonist Lem Winchester and the deep groove of organist Johnny "Hammond" Smith. Together with a rhythm section anchored by bassist George Tucker and legendary drummer Roy Haynes, the ensemble delivers a masterclass in blues-infected swing and intricate harmonic interplay. Nelson, executing flawless lines on both tenor and alto saxophones, leads the band through a stellar program that highlights his compositional genius on tracks like Trane Whistle and his profound interpretative touch on Sonny Rollins' classic Doxy. The resulting record is a definitive, deeply expressive document of early 1960s modern acoustic jazz that balances vibrant energy with sophisticated musical restraint.

Stolen Moments represents a historically profound and artistically majestic document, capturing one of the final studio sessions ever recorded by the legendary saxophonist, composer, and arranger Oliver Nelson. Cut originally in 1975 for the iconic Japanese East Wind label and presented here in a pristine DSD remastered edition, this magnificent album flawlessly bridges the gap between Nelson's sophisticated 1960s large-ensemble architecture and the expansive, electric-tinged fusion sensibilities of the 1970s. Backed by an absolute powerhouse band featuring Bobby Bryant on trumpet, multi-reed masters Jerome Richardson and Buddy Collette, and the phenomenal rhythm tandem of keyboardist Mike Wofford, electric bassist Chuck Domanico, and drumming legend Shelly Manne, Nelson directs a masterclass in groove and texture. The program features an incredible, deeply soulful contemporary remake of his immortal title track alongside fiery explorations of Sonny Rollins' St. Thomas, Thelonious Monk's Straight, No Chaser, and earthy Nelson originals like Mission Accomplished and Yearnin'. It stands as a vital, profoundly expressive monument to an enduring jazz genius at the twilight of his career.

Recorded in 1976 and issued via Contemporary Records and later Original Jazz Classics, At The Piano represents one of the final, brilliant trio statements from the legendary hard bop pianist Hampton Hawes before his untimely passing in 1977. Joined by the exceptional rhythm section of bassist Ray Brown and drummer Shelly Manne, Hawes delivers a deeply soulful, rhythmically driving performance that perfectly blends his blues roots with contemporary mid-1970s material. The six-track program is wonderfully diverse, featuring an inventive, swinging take on the popular classic Killing Me Softly With His Song, a funky, infectious reading of Sunny, and an expansive interpretation of Clare Fischer's Morning. The trio also pays homage to modal jazz traditions with a beautifully sensitive and introspective performance of Miles Davis's Blue In Green. Throughout the entire session, the legendary chemistry between Hawes, Brown, and Manne provides an impeccable balance of loose spontaneity and tight groove, making this album a definitive and enduring masterclass in modern piano trio jazz.

Originally recorded in 1965 and beautifully reissued by Original Jazz Classics in 1991, Here and Now captures the brilliant hard bop pianist Hampton Hawes in peak creative form. Backed by a stellar, sensitive rhythm section consisting of bassist Chuck Israels and drummer Donald Bailey, Hawes applies his signature blues-drenched phrasing, muscular swinging attack, and sophisticated harmonic vocabulary to a fascinating selection of mid-1960s contemporary material and popular show tunes. The trio delivers exceptionally fresh, swinging interpretations of timeless standards like Fly Me to the Moon, The Girl from Ipanema, and The Days of Wine and Roses, alongside a vibrant reading of Chim Chim Cher-ee from Mary Poppins. Throughout the entire eight-track session, the synergy between the musicians is palpable, with Israels providing a flexible, melodic foundation and Bailey driving the groove with impeccable, crisp brushwork and cymbal play. This album remains a masterful testament to Hawes' unique ability to transform familiar pop culture melodies into profound, deeply expressive, and enduring modern trio jazz statements.