Max Roach Quintet / Clifford Brown - More Live at the Bee Hive [spanish Import] (CD, Imported)

Previously, a double-LP was released of the Clifford Brown/Max Roach Quintet live from Chicago's Bee Hive, dating from late 1955. It was historically important because it had Sonny Rollins sitting in with the band for the first time, a short time before he succeeded Harold Land as the quintet's tenor saxophonist; unfortunately it was erratically recorded. However that has nothing to do with this two-CD set, much of which was recorded June 30, 1955. The recording quality is better than expected, trumpeter Clifford Brown is in brilliant form, tenorman Harold Land is at the top of his game, and there are many fine spots for pianist Richie Powell. All of that music was previously unreleased and it includes a nearly 22-minute version of "After You've Gone" (which was not otherwise recorded by the group) and a 15-minute "Blues" among its highlights. In addition, the final five selections on this two-fer are from a live set in New York from February 1956. That set, which has Sonny Rollins on tenor, was previously released, but just on an Elektra/Musician LP in the '80s. Once again the recording quality is decent and Brownie sounds wonderful. Clifford Brown has a right to feel excited about this significant release. ~ Scott Yanow