Released to celebrate Atlantic's 50th anniversary,
Atlantic Jazz Classics
is a budget-priced, 13-track collection that culls highlights from the Atlantic vaults. The collection spans from the '40s to the '70s and features cuts by
Ray Charles
(
"Sweet Sixteen Bars"
),
the Modern Jazz Quartet
("The Golden Striker"),
Art Blakey
&
Thelonious Monk
("In Walked Bud"),
David "Fathead" Newman
("Hard Times"),
Charles Mingus
("Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting"),
Ornette Coleman
("Ramblin'"),
John Coltrane
("My Favorite Things"),
Mose Allison
("Your Mind Is On Vacation"),
Roland Kirk
("The Inflated Tear") and
Les McCann
Eddie Harris'
("Compared to What"). Although it isn't a comprehensive overview, the disc is nevertheless a strong sampler showcasing the finest singers on Atlantic, making it a nice budget-priced introduction to the label for curious listeners on a budget. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine