"What are you guys talkin' about? Whaddaya speakin'?"---title-track lyrics from 4-CD survey of 1940s bebop era (97 tracks, 56 page booklet). Bebop's "language" is challengingly linguistic and musical; both have endured in jazz history. This collection charts style transformation from big-band swing to rebellious small-group bebop---Charlie Barnet, Gene Krupa, and Benny Goodman orchestras, but also new outfits of Tadd Dameron and Billy Eckstine---alongside bopsters Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Dexter Gordon, Fats Navarro, Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Kenny Clarke. "Disorder at the Border," as one track calls it. Splendidly mixed box set at fabulous price. (Andrew Clark, Editor, Riffs & Choruses: A New Jazz Anthology. Continuum Publishing.)  


Price:  £15.49 

Representative "classic" tracks from Tempo's British modern jazz recordings -- 1954-1960. A major label for emerging modernism in Britain, Tempo showcased the cream of new jazzmen: saxists Tubby Hayes, Ronnie Scott, Don Rendell and Harry Klein, vibesman Victor Feldman, trumpeters Dizzy Reece and Jimmy Deuchar, and a team of very competent rhythm men. This is lively jazz of the 50s (based largely around the London club scene) and suggests British jazz was in rude good health. Excellent value for money (though some tracks are faded), with full personnel details and a strong invite to "sample" Jasmine's reissues. (Andrew Clark, Editor, Riffs & Choruses: A New Jazz Anthology. Continuum Publishing.) 


Price:  £3.49 

July 1998 marked the 40th Anniversary of the filming of the legendary Newport Jazz Festival which resulted in arguably the greatest Jazz feature film ever made, 'Jazz On A Summer's Day'. Directed by Bert Stern and released to rave reviews in 1959, the film brilliantly captured the festive atmosphere of that festival's four days. This CD-reissue of musical highlights from the film's soundtrack comprises sixteen superb performances from some of the greatest jazz players and singers of the era, including Thelonious Monk, Louis Armstrong, Dinah Washington and Gerry Mulligan. It also features the peerless gospel singer Mahalia Jackson and the then-controversial appearance of Chuck Berry, performing his huge hit from 1958, 'Sweet Little Sixteen'. This re-issue will be welcomed by the film's many fans and jazz lovers alike, as well as by newcomers who wish to hear for themselves these legendary performances. (Snapper Music) 


Price:  £9.99