On The Bookshelf

Sinatra: An Unauthorized Biography | Earl Wilson

When celebrated newspaper columnist Earl Wilson dared to pull back the curtain on Frank Sinatra in 1976, he created something extraordinary: a no-holds-barred portrait of America’s most enigmatic entertainer while Ol’ Blue Eyes was still commanding stages and headlines.

This wasn’t just another celebrity biography—it was a deep dive into the tempestuous world of a living legend. Wilson masterfully weaves together Sinatra’s meteoric career, his passionate romances, his headline-grabbing controversies, and the contradictions that made him endlessly fascinating. Rare photographs punctuate the narrative, offering intimate glimpses into moments both public and private, revealing the complex, sometimes volatile personality behind the velvet voice.

For Sinatra devotees and collectors, the hardcover first edition has become a prized treasure—a time capsule capturing the Chairman of the Board at the height of his powers. What makes this biography particularly compelling is its audacity: published without Sinatra’s blessing during his reign as an entertainment titan, it stands as both a fearless piece of journalism and an invaluable historical record.

Whether you’re a devoted fan or a cultural historian, Wilson’s unauthorized portrait remains essential reading—a vivid snapshot of Sinatra in full swing, controversy and all.

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Requisites

The Jazz Messengers at The Café Bohemia, Volume 1 | By Eddie Carter

The year 1955 was a remarkable one for Art Blakey, following his group’s performance at Birdland the previous year, which resulted in A Night at Birdland, Volumes 1, 2, and 3. All three releases were a triumph for the drummer, allowing him to establish a lasting band, The Jazz Messengers, which he co-led with Horace Silver. The inaugural lineup showcased some of the era’s brightest rising stars. Kenny Dorham on trumpet, Hank Mobley on tenor saxophone, Horace Silver on piano, and Doug Watkins on bass. The Jazz Messengers at The Café Bohemia, Volume 1 (Blue Note BLP 1507) documents the quintet’s performance at the jazz club on November 23, 1955. The copy I own is the 1978 King Record Company Japanese mono reissue, sharing the original catalog number.

Art greets the audience at the opening of the set, letting them know they’re in for a memorable cooking session, then cheerfully introduces The Jazz Messengers to everyone in attendance. The quintet starts the set with Soft Winds by Benny Goodman and Fred Royal. The song opens smoothly, with the ensemble’s melody at a relaxed pace. Hank leads the way, confidently captivating the audience and delivering each note of the opening statement efficiently. Kenny follows with a charming performance of lively agility, then Horace brings the solos to a rousing finish, ahead of the theme’s restatement and conclusion.

Kenny Dorham not only played trumpet on this album, but he also arranged every song the group performed. The Theme ends the first side on a thrilling note, with Blakey launching the song with a dazzling introduction before the ensemble’s brisk opening chorus. Dorham leads the charge first with surgical precision, then Silver enters next, building on the excitement in a performance that swings with a happy lift. Mobley takes the baton and lays down a fiery groove of intense heat. Silver returns for a second spirited reading, then Blakey delivers a powerful closing statement before the group’s return for the reprise and climax.

The second side kicks off with Kenny Dorham’s Minor’s Holiday, maintaining the high-spirited energy set by the previous tune. Blakey’s vigorous introduction sets the stage for the ensemble’s speedy theme. Dorham is again the first soloist and really cooks, cleverly weaving in hints of Sing, Sing, Sing throughout his performance. Mobley steps up enthusiastically with an energetic reading next. Silver follows with an exhilarating interpretation that races through each line with intense drive. Dorham then trades spirited riffs with Blakey’s speedy workout, culminating in the theme’s reprise and an electrifying finish.

Alone Together, by Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz, is a showcase for Hank, who introduces the song and leads the rhythm section in the pensively beautiful melody. As the song’s only soloist, he delivers an enchanting performance of gentle sensitivity ahead of the quartet’s reprise and soft summation. Prince Albert by Kenny Dorham and Max Roach closes the album and opens with a relaxed, inviting ensemble melody. Kenny takes the lead and gives a captivating solo. Hank follows with an easygoing groove that’s velvety smooth. Both horns share a brief dialogue with Art before the theme’s return.

Rudy Van Gelder oversaw the recording duties for this album and the companion volume two, ensuring that those who couldn’t be present at The Café Bohemia that evening could still enjoy an extraordinary listening experience. The reissue’s sound quality is superb, with an exceptional soundstage transporting the listener to the club’s cozy, vibrant atmosphere. The Jazz Messengers at The Café Bohemia, Volume 1 stands as a testament to the quintet’s outstanding performance on that special night. Every solo is inspired, and for those eager to expand their musical tastes, I highly recommend this album as an excellent addition to any jazz enthusiast’s library!

~ A Night at Birdland, Volume 1 (Blue Note BLP 5037), A Night at Birdland, Volume 2 (Blue Note BLP 5038), A Night at Birdland, Volume 3 (Blue Note BLP 5039) – Source: Discogs.com ~ Alone Together – Source: JazzStandards.com © 2026 by Edward Thomas Carter

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Requisites

Greensleeves ~ Shoji Yokouchi Trio plus Yuri Tashiro | By Eddie Carter

I was looking for something interesting to play at the start of my Tuesday morning when I came across an album by the Shoji Yokouchi Trio and Yuri Tashiro. Greensleeves (Three Blind Mice TBM-5011) is a 1978 release with a program of four jazz standards and three creative originals. The personnel consists of Yuri Tashiro on Hammond organ (tracks A1 to A4, B3), Shoji Yokouchi on folk guitar (tracks A1, A2), electric guitar (tracks A4, B1, B2), and gut guitar (tracks A3, B3), Kunimitsu Inaba on bass, and Hajime Ishimatsu on drums. The copy I own is the 2017 Impex Records U.S. Limited Edition stereo audiophile reissue, sharing the original catalog number. No. 2581 of 3000.

Side One opens with Willow Weep For Me by Ann Ronnell. Shoji’s gentle introduction gets things off to a good start for the quartet’s slow-paced melody. Shoji has the first say and tenderly embraces the opening solo. Yuri follows with a thoughtfully passionate reading, while Kunimitsu and Hajime complement both elegantly into the theme’s reprise and finale. Bobby Timmons’ Moanin’ affords everyone solo space beginning with the quartet’s happy, upbeat theme. Shoji takes the song’s first lively reading, then Yuri makes her presence felt with skillful assurance. Kunimitsu follows with a brief statement, and Shoji and Hajime share a short exchange, preceding the closing chorus and vibrant climax.

Misty by Erroll Garner and Johnny Burke begins with Shoji setting the stage as he leads the ensemble through the gorgeous theme. He continues to reveal his lyrical side in a delicate opening statement. Yuri then enhances the song’s charm with a graceful interpretation. Kunimitsu and Hajime contribute the romantic, disciplined accompaniment, leading into the reprise and a soothing finale. The first of three compositions by Shoji Yokouchi, Drink Up, Vodka Martini, features the guitarist in a playful mood throughout the introduction and melody. As the song’s only soloist, Shoji conveys a driving vitality that bounces along, and the band’s chemistry shines, supporting him ahead of the melody’s restatement.

New Orleans Sunday is a trio performance featuring Shoji, Kunimitsu and Hajime. The trio puts the song through its paces with a catchy melody out of the gate. Shoji launches the opening with a driving rhythm, then Kunimitsu mines a vein of unsuspected riches in the following solo. Shoji and Hajime add a tasty treat in a short conversation before the trio’s reprise and conclusion. Greensleeves begins with a haunting intro, before picking up pace for the trio’s theme. Shoji takes the lead solo in a series of infectiously propulsive choruses. Kunimitsu goes for a lightly swinging walk next, then Hajime enters the spotlight to give a brief workout, leading back to the ending theme and soft summation.

Your Watch Is Ten Minutes Slow picks up the tempo one final time to wrap up the album. The quartet’s agile melody starts things off, then Shoji gets down to business on the opening solo. Yuri responds with a spirited reading ahead of the foursome’s return to the theme and close. Takeshi Fujii produced the initial session, and Yoshihiko Kannari managed the recording console. Bernie Grundman mastered this audiophile reissue, and Chris Bellman engineered it. The reissue features a thick cardboard cover; the sound quality is excellent, with a spacious, clear, and detailed soundstage. The record was pressed on 180-gram audiophile vinyl and is silent until the music begins.

Shoji Yokouchi recorded 46 albums over his career, and Yuri Tashiro released 51 titles over her career. If you’re in the mood for an album that weaves together beloved jazz standards with fresh, creative compositions, I invite you to check out Greensleeves by the Shoji Yokouchi Trio and Yuri Tashiro, the next time you’re out record-shopping. It’s an excellent place to start discovering the music of both artists. A delightful album that’s perfect for late-night listening and is sure to please any jazz enthusiast and fans of guitar and organ-centered ensembles!

~Misty, Moanin’, Willow Weep For Me – Source: JazzStandards.com ~ Greensleeves – Source: Wikipedia.org © 2026 by Edward Thomas Carter

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On The Bookshelf

The World of Jazz | Jim Godbolt

This book is exciting and interesting in so many ways. It is filled with amazing pictures from the Jazz Age that make history feel real and alive. The images tell the story of how jazz began in New Orleans and traveled all over the world, growing into the music we know today.

The author, jazz historian Jim Godbolt, clearly loves jazz, and his passion shines through every page. He doesn’t just show photos of musicians and famous places. He also shares colorful artwork from record covers, posters, magazines, and record labels. Some of these designs are legendary, especially posters for Dizzy Gillespie and Jazz at the Philharmonic, as well as jazz magazines like Record Changer.

The story of jazz is told through old newspapers, posters, books, reviews, and rare photographs. Many of these items are hard to find, which makes the book feel like a treasure chest of history. You learn that jazz is not only about music, but also about how it was shared, recorded, advertised, and turned into a business.

The book shows how jazz started with young, self-taught musicians who had very little, and how it slowly became a huge, worldwide industry. It is a book you can read again and again. Every time you look at the pictures, you notice something new—from poor neighborhoods and riverboats to exciting nightclubs and beautiful concert halls around the world.

With its big pages and powerful images, this book is fun to explore, easy to enjoy, and full of inspiration. I highly recommend it.

The World Of Jazz: 1990 | Jim Godbolt

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Requisites

Afternoon in Paris ~ John Lewis and Sacha Distel | By Eddie Carter

My mother was a big fan of The Modern Jazz Quartet, and today’s selection from the library highlights its founder and musical director, pianist John Lewis, joining French guitarist Sacha Distel on their 1957 collaborative album Afternoon in Paris (Atlantic 1267). It was one of her favorite records to play during our Sunday dinners growing up,and I had almost forgotten how enjoyable this album truly is. The supporting cast is superb: Barney Wilen on tenor saxophone, Pierre Michelot (tracks A1-A3) and Percy Heath (tracks B1-B3) on bass, Connie Kay (tracks A1-A3) and Kenny Clarke (tracks B1-B3) on drums. The copy I own is the 2021 French limited-edition mono audiophile reissue (Versailles MEDX 12005) released by Sam Records.

I Cover The Waterfront by Johnny Green and Edward Heyman, which opens side one, begins with John’s beautiful introduction. Sacha takes over to state the tasteful theme, and leads the way in a gorgeous reading. Barney has the last word in a warm performance that picks up pace until the pianist ends the way he began, softly. Dear Old Stockholm opens with piano, guitar, and tenor sax playing a brief segment of the melody, incorporating Pierre’s bass interlude, until it concludes. The pace picks up significantly for Barney’s swinging opening statement. Sacha delivers straight passion in the following solo, then John builds the third reading with smooth efficiency. All three soloists engage in a short exchange ahead of the pianist’s reprise and gentle ending.

The title tune, Afternoon in Paris by John Lewis, slows the pace to mid-tempo as the group begins the melody. Barney is the first to solo and cooks aggressively. Sacha steps in next to offer a splendid study in soulful improvisation. John makes his entrance with a perfectly locked-in groove. Pierre has the last word, and his sturdy bass lines lead the ensemble into the melody’s restatement. All The Things You Are by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II gets side two underway with John’s pretty introduction. Barney launches into a swinging performance, then Sacha takes the reins and gets into a fantastic groove. John follows with a short solo, then he shares a brief word with Kenny before taking the song out softly.

Bags’ Groove by Milt Jackson got its title from the composer’s nickname. It opens with Barney stating the theme, leisurely, alongside Percy and Kenny. Sacha then begins the opening solo. John taps a creative vein next. Barney begins the third reading at ease, but gradually cruises to a satisfying climax. Percy and Kenny share a brief conversation preceding the theme’s reprise and summation. Ann Ronnell’s Willow Weep For Me begins with John’s gentle piano introduction, setting the stage for Sacha’s elegant, understated approach to the melody and his opening statement. The spotlight shifts to Barney, who delivers one of his most memorable solos on the album. John steps in last, providing a gorgeous improvisation that guides the ensemble to a graceful finish.

Although the producer of the original Afternoon in Paris session remains unidentified, Disques Versailles recorded the initial album, and Fred Thomas oversaw this audiophile reissue for Sam Records. The album’s sound quality is exceptional for a 1950s recording, with a warm, airy soundstage that makes you feel as if you’re in the studio with the musicians as they’re performing. It was remastered from the original tapes and pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Optimal Press using the Metal Mothers process from Pallas in Germany. This edition offers a listening experience that truly captures the album’s essence.

This was Sacha Distel’s sole album collaboration with John Lewis, yet both ensembles seamlessly integrate Lewis’s lyrical piano sensibility with Distel’s refined guitar elegance. The musicians’ interaction is both spontaneous and intuitive, culminating in six extraordinary performances. If you’re in the mood for an engaging blend of Bop and Cool Jazz, I cordially invite you to spend an Afternoon in Paris with John Lewis and Sacha Distel on your next record-shopping trip. I’m confident you’ll encounter a memorable album that will leave a lasting impression well beyond the record’s end!

~ All the Things You Are, I Cover The Waterfront, Willow Weep For Me – Source: JazzStandards.com ~Afternoon in Paris, Bags’ Groove, Dear Old Stockholm – Source: Wikipedia.org © 2026 by Edward Thomas Carter

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