Young Chet

This 45-minute disc of primordial rarities shares its name with a companion volume of 's timeless photographs. The book visually preserves and company during many of the same recording sessions heard on this release. The two presented here -- produced by in Los Angeles during the early to mid-'50s -- are the subject of some debate. The first date was originally recorded with the intent for to add lead vocals, which he ultimately did. However, to get the most mileage out of the tapes, producer re-released the same recordings three years later on the album as instrumentals by substituting 's vocals with a lead tenor sax, performed by . The recordings did retain 's irreplaceable trumpet licks in a somewhat feeble attempt to create the sense of interaction between the two. and are among the titles given this unusual treatment, which is ultimately pulled off and works far better than one might imagine. The second session contains tracks from the July 1956 sessions that would yield the landmark album. Although a majority of the material from those three dates was issued in various formats, the seven tracks featured on remained shelved for nearly half a century because no stereo masters could be located. They are presented here in monophonic no worse for wear. Highlights featuring include However, as was 's methodology at the time, he would often cut additional sides using only the backing band. are among the tracks included on this title which do not feature at all. is a great recording, but recommended only for consumers actively searching every shred of music that is in any way connected to . ~ Lindsay Planer