John Lewis - The Wonderful World Of Jazz

180g audiophile vinyl reissue, remastering by Ray Staff at Air Mastering, Lyndhurst Hall, London.

Personnel: John Lewis, piano / George Duvivier, bass / Jim Hall, guitar / Connie Kay, drums.

Eric Dolphy, alto saxophone - B2 / James Rivers, baritone saxophone - B2Gunther Schuller, French horn - B2 / Benny Golson, tenor saxophone - B2Paul Gonsalves , tenor saxophone - A1 / Herb Pomeroy, trumpet - A1 & B2

There is nothing hurried about this disc. That said, the music is focused and will stretch your mind. Lewis employed masterful melodic improvisers here: Paul Gonsalves, Eric Dolphy, Jim Hall among others. Listen to Body and Soul as it builds powerfully and the soloists explore every possible melodic theme, where the quiet power of these master musicians is almost too much to take. Listen to I Remember Clifford where the players are essentially the MJQ with Jim Hall replacing Milt Jackson. This set swings, but oh-so-elegantly. Just like Mr. Lewis. - S.C. Berry

Whether you're an old-time jazz afficionado or new to the genre, this album is essential. In my opinion, Lewis' lovely solo on Body & Soul makes his version virtually definitive - 15 minutes of bliss. The rest of the album, particularly Afternoon in Paris, is at the same level. Wonderful is the perfect title for this record. - E Barrios