If Mosaic’s compilations haven’t yet appeared on your radar screen, let me enlighten you. Mosaic issues stunningly beautiful and often sprawling tributes to legendary jazz performers like Charlie Parker, Sonny Stitt, Hank Mobley, J.J. Johnson and, more to the point, important guitarists like Johnny Smith, Joe Pass, Django Reinhardt and Eddie Lang. Their newest offering is an absolute must-have for music fans of every persuasion.
The Complete Verve Tal Farlow Sessions documents the great jazz guitarist’s work in his most illustrious and productive period, 1952-’59. On seven CDs spanning seven years, this definitive collection gathers 99 tracks from Tal’s early sideman dates to his ascendance as a leader and the most formidable jazz picker of the era. The program presents all the Norgran and Verve recordings in chronological order plus previously unissued alternate takes and breakdowns and false starts. As usual, the packaging is gorgeously rendered in elegant black and white, and includes a lavish booklet featuring Tal’s biography, photos, session notes, discography, commentary from notables like Johnny Smith, Jimmy Bruno, Jack Wilkins, and Jimmy Wyble, and illuminating liner notes by Howard Alden. I cannot overstate my appreciation for the latter element. It’s a treat, and invaluable to have a knowledgeable guitarist the caliber of Alden sharing his insights and guiding us through Tal’s music.

Mosaic Records – MD7-224
Format:
7 x CD, Album, Numbered, Reissue, Remastered
Box Set, Limited Edition, Compilation
Country:
US
Released:
2004

Great condition