This is a good if slightly frustrating compilation from Holland-based Timeless Records. On the one hand, it's got all of this great jazz from the dawn of the music, the likes of the Original Memphis Melody Boys, the Original New Orleans Rhythm Kings, Isham Jones, and so on; on the other, it's totally without annotation, except for referring to British jazz legend Chris Barber's 78 rpm collection as the source for the material at hand. The transfers have been done well enough, as well, and the material -- most of it instrumental and all of it Dixieland-oriented, which is no surprise as, even beyond the history of the music, Barber's whole career was built around Dixieland's British offshoot, "trad" jazz -- sounds fine. But listeners will have to fill in the blanks as far as release dates and other information; it's great listening (which is essential, of course) but hardly edifying in any way beyond the ears. ~ Bruce Eder

Although this 1998 CD may at first glance seem to be a reissue, all but three of the 11 selections had never been released before. The highly influential pianist Bill Evans is heard in five different settings. An unissued (and slightly earlier rendition) of the third section of George Russell's "All About Rosie" (a showcase for Evans with Russell's 14-piece orchestra) starts off the release. Next are the three previously issued but somewhat obscure numbers: a live rendition of "My Funny Valentine" with Miles Davis in 1958 (played by just a quartet) and two songs from a 1962 set headed by vibraphonist Dave Pike. For Piano Player, producer Orrin Keepnews discovered and released six long-lost selections from 1970: duets by Evans (who also plays a little bit of electric piano) and bassist Eddie Gomez that are strong enough to make one wonder why the projects was originally abandoned. Wrapping up the intriguing set is a trio number (with Evans, Gomez, and drummer Marty Morell) that is an alternate take left over from The Bill Evans Album. The pianist's fans will definitely want this consistently enjoyable CD. ~ Scott Yanow

The complete 1955 Bethlehem album Songs From The Heart and the complete 1956 Bethlehem album All Of Me on one CD. Contains 25 tracks including an alternate version of Hartman's definitive interpretation of 'I See Your Face' as a bonus track. 20-bit remastered. Lonehill. 2005.