The second of two Blue Note CDs (which differ in their content from the similarly titled LPs) contains two complete sessions that showcase trombonist
J.J. Johnson. The first six titles (highlighted by "Old Devil Moon" and "Too Marvelous for Words") feature
Johnson in a quintet with pianist
Wynton Kelly, bassist
Charles Mingus, drummer
Kenny Clarke and the congas of
Sabu. For the later session, there are also six titles (including "Pennies from Heaven" and "Portrait of Jennie") plus three alternate takes;
Johnson is joined by
Hank Mobley on tenor, pianist
Horace Silver, bassist
Paul Chambers and drummer
Kenny Clarke. Both of these dates offer listeners excellent examples of the talents of the great trombonist who always played his instrument with the fluidity of a trumpet. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow