Jay Jay Johnson Eminent Vol 1 & 2

"The Eminent J.J. Johnson Volume 1" captures the 29 year old trombonist turning the jazz world green with envy. J. J. Johnson's command of the trombone is stunning: fast or slow, high or low, he plays it all with seemingly effortless mastery. Note how melodic his solos are, even on the up-tempo numbers. Jimmy Heath on tenor and Clifford Brown on trumpet play with energy and passion. The second volume of "Eminent," was originally released on Blue Note as two 10-inch records. The first six tunes are from the '54 session featuring Mingus(!), Wynton Kelly, Kenny Clarke and Sabu on congas. Given the year of the recording, this is surely one of the better from the Rudy Van Gelder remastered series.