Search - Various Artists :: 32 Gems From 32 Jazz

It would be hard to find a better overview of the many facets of mainstream jazz from the mid-'60s to the early '90s than this one, especially given its price. This collection from 32 Jazz, the label run by former Atlantic Records producer Joel Dorn, celebrates its third year in the business, and the result is a blast. Consisting almost entirely of selections that first appeared on the now-defunct Muse and Landmark record labels, 32 Gems is meant as an introduction to the label's impressive catalog. It's also packed with some of the best names in jazz: appearing as leaders or sidemen are such figures as Horace Silver, Etta James, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, Chick Corea, and countless others. The collection's best asset is its variety, with excellent "soul jazz" from guitarist Grant Green; organ blues from Richard "Groove" Holmes and Jack McDuff; thrilling straight-ahead workouts from the likes of Cedar Walton, Sonny Stitt, and Bobby Hutcherson (whose "In Walked Bud" features a young Branford Marsalis); and boundary-pushing improvising from the inimitable Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Though 32 Gems would function just fine as a stand-alone addition to any jazz collection, it's a safe bet that the best moments here--like Houston Person and Ron Carter's sparse duet on "Blue Seven" or Kenny Barron's gorgeous solo piano rendition of "Oleo"--will inspire any music lover to seek out some of the albums that these cuts are from. --Ezra Gale