Many valuable performances from the height of the bop era are included on this double CD. Subtitled "The Complete Blue Note and Capitol Recordings" and comprised of 23 songs and 13 alternate takes, the reissue features the great trumpeter
Fats Navarro in peak form with three groups headed by pianist/arranger
Tadd Dameron, in trumpet battles with one of his major influences,
Howard McGhee, and on a remarkable all-star quintet with pianist
Bud Powell and the young tenor
Sonny Rollins; among the other sidemen are altoist
Ernie Henry; tenors
Charlie Rouse,
Allen Eager,
Wardell Gray, and
Dexter Gordon; and vibraphonist
Milt Jackson. In addition to such gems as "Our Delight," "Lady Bird," "Double Talk," "Bouncing With Bud," "Dance of the Infidels," and "52nd Street Theme,"
Fats is heard with the 1948
Benny Goodman septet ("Stealin' Apples") and
Dameron leads a group with the 22-year-old
Miles Davis. On a whole, this double CD has more than its share of essential music that belongs in all historical jazz collections. ~ Scott Yanow