A pioneering black-owned record label, featured many obscure (and a few famous, such as 's ) and rewarding recordings during the 1951-57 period. This excellent sampler features jumping , and performances. Two of the selections are previously unreleased alternate takes and there are also ten numbers that are appearing on CD for the first time. One comes away from this program impressed by both the high quality of the music and the wide range recorded for . is represented by baritonist , altoists , the tenors of , and and guitarist with some of those performances crossing over into . Also featured in excellent form are (an exciting alternate version of ), , the multi-instrumental (heard on all of the instruments during . In reality, all 22 numbers have their exciting moments. In time all of these recordings will certainly be reissued by on more complete CDs but this is a superior sampler, perfect as an introduction to this vintage music. ~ Scott Yanow