This two CD set features the complete recordings of Jimmy Cleveland as a leader. Trombonist Cleveland closely follows in the footsteps of the great J.J. Johnson. Fluid, dynamic solos over the great ensemble writing of Quincy Jones, Benny Golson and others. A must have for fans of trombone and mid-'50s post-Bop. One of the most exciting jazz trombonists of the 1950s, Jimmy Cleveland had a technique equal to that of Bill Watrous (who would not emerge until a decade later), an enthusiastic style that could hold its own with Frank Rosolino, and was the first important new voice on the trombone to emerge after J.J. Johnson.

He led four albums during 1955-1959 before disappearing into the world of studio work. With the exception of six isolated selections from the era (including four for Epic), the four records are all of his sessions as a leader and they are reissued in full on this two-CD set. The music on Complete Recordings is drawn from the EmArcy/Mercury catalog. Cleveland is featured with three overlapping octets arranged by Quincy Jones, on two brass-oriented sets that have a prominent role for Don Butterfield's tuba, and an album with trumpeter Art Farmer and tenor saxophonist Benny Golson from 1959 that finds him at the peak of his powers. Other sidemen include trumpeter Ernie Royal, Jerome Richardson on various reeds, tenor saxophonist Lucky Thompson and drummer Max Roach, with arrangements by the likes of Ernie Wilkins, Benny Golson and Gigi Gryce. The music is in the hard bop vein but rarely predictable, with Cleveland getting several showcases that display his impressive virtuosity, along with pieces in which he interacts with his all-star sidemen. This is a highly recommended set that nearly comprises all of the musical legacy of the great Jimmy Cleveland.

Personnel: Art Farmer, Ernie Royal, Lucky Thompson, Benny Golson, Cecil Payne, Hank Jones, Wynton Kelly, Junior Mance, Barry Galbraith, Paul Chambers, Oscar Pattiford, Max Roach, Art Taylor....more

Tracklist:

CD1
01. I Hadn’t Anyone ‘Till You
02. See Minor
03. Love Is Here to Stay
04. Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
05. You Don’t Know What Love Is
06. Little Beaver
07. My One and Only Love
08. Love Is Here to Stay
09. Vixen
10. Count ‘Em
11. Bone Brother
12. Out of This World
13. All This and Heaven Too
14. Goodbye Ebbets Field
15. Posterity

CD2
01. Jazz Ballad
02. Long Ago and Far Away
03. Jimmy’s Tune
04. Marie
05. Stardust
06. Best Things in Life Are Free
07. Hundred Years From Today
08. Jimmy’s Old Funky Blues
09. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
10. Jay Bird
11. Our Delight
12. Crazy Rhythm
13. Reminiscing
14. We Never Kissed
15. Old Reliable
16. Tricotism
17. Tom-Kattin’