's recordings have been repackaged many times, beginning with a series of LPs released in the 1960s, long after he left the label. As far as the calendar goes, wasn't with the label long, playing as a sideman in 1957, then spending 1958 as a leader. Only came out during '58, with , , and appearing much later, after became a reliable star. Back in 1991, packaged up everything in the 16-CD box , and that hefty set became the standard bearer for sessions, but 's 2019 set benefits from its narrow focus. Concentrating entirely on 's sessions as a leader during 1958, this box -- available either as a five-CD or eight-LP set -- marches through the year, presenting each session in chronological order. Even if this music is firmly anchored in swinging hard bop, this sequencing highlights 's rapid evolution. By the end of the set, he is well on his way to developing his signature sheets of sound, a modernist mode that found full flower on his records for , but these sessions recorded at 's studio crackle because the process of discovery is happening within the confines of loose, lively hard bop, supported by such stalwarts as pianist , trumpeters and , bassist , guitarist , and drummer . While it's true that all this music is easy to find elsewhere, it's also true that sounds sterling and is presented with thought and care, so anybody looking to dive into these classic recordings will find this a fine intro. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine