One of five best-of CDs put out by Denon (along with collections featuring big bands, singers, saxophonists and pianists), this sampler features
Chet Baker and
Donald Byrd on one selection apiece from 1958,
Dizzy Gillespie performing "Kush" in 1976,
Freddie Hubbard on 1970's "Blues for Duane," three short numbers from
Louis Armstrong in 1959,
Maynard Ferguson's 1965 "Got the Spirit" and an unusual version of "The Theme" that features
Thad Jones, Howard McGhee and
Kenny Dorham. There is nothing all that essential on this release (some of whose material comes from the Groove Merchant catalog) but it does have its strong moments.