Putumayo Presents "Jazz," a Collection of Exceptional Recordings by Jazz Legends

Putumayo announces the May 3rd release of Jazz, featuring a veritable who's who of jazz legends performing beloved standards. The 1950s was a golden age for jazz and three-quarters of this collection was recorded during this era. Many of these recordings have been remixed and remastered, providing a level of sound quality not available until recent years. A wonderful introduction to the genre and a worthy addition to any aficionado's collection, Jazz demonstrates the enduring, universal appeal of this homegrown American musical style. The liner notes of the CD were written by noted jazz scholar and WWOZ New Orleans radio host Joel Dinerstein, whose in-depth commentary is accompanied by rare archival photos.

In recent years, Putumayo has explored the diverse sounds of this venerable genre on the critically-acclaimed collections Women of Jazz, Latin Jazz, Jazz Around the World and New Orleans. Putumayo's founder, Dan Storper, comments on his increased exposure to jazz since moving to New Orleans: “Over the past few years, I've heard jazz virtually seeping from the pores of this city, the birthplace of jazz. Listening to Joel Dinerstein on WWOZ reminded me of how much I still loved the songs of my parents' generation and that selecting exceptional, relatively obscure songs by many of their favorites would help introduce many of these great artists to a new generation."

The inimitable Nina Simone Nina Simone
1933 - 2003
piano opens the collection with “My Baby Just Cares for Me," one of her most recognizable songs. Nat "King" Cole Nat "King" Cole
1919 - 1965
piano 's velvet vocals and accomplished jazz piano skills are showcased on the swinging “'Deed I Do," recorded during his early days helming The King Cole Trio. One of the most recognizable voices of the swing era, Maxine Sullivan contributes “'Taint No Use," on which she ruminates over a romance that has run its course.

Jazz piano virtuoso Oscar Peterson Oscar Peterson
1925 - 2007
piano accompanies Louis Armstrong Louis Armstrong
1901 - 1971
trumpet , inventor of the modern popular jazz vocal, who delivers a spare but upbeat solo on “I Was Doing All Right." “Swing tenor" saxophonist Zoot Sims Zoot Sims
1925 - 1985
sax, tenor , who recorded more than 50 albums during his career, honors George and Ira Gershwin on an album that features many beloved standards, including “Someone to Watch Over Me." Jazz trumpeter and vocalist Chet Baker Chet Baker
1929 - 1988
trumpet , who rose to stardom on equal parts talent and charismatic edginess , sings a soft, ethereal tenor on “There Will Never Be Another You."

Pioneering jazz vocalist Anita O'Day Anita O'Day
1919 - 2006
vocal contributes a husky-voiced rendition of “It Don't Mean a Thing" and self-taught swing pianist Hampton Hawes Hampton Hawes
1928 - 1977
piano follows with the gospel-infused “Sermon." Coquettish jazz singer Blossom Dearie Blossom Dearie
1926 - 2009
piano injects her signature wry humor and poetic phrasing into “They Say It's Spring." Composer, pianist and vocalist Mose Alison, whose music has been covered by Pete Townsend, Bonnie Raitt and others, contributes the classic swing valentine “Don't Get Around Much Anymore."

Closing out Jazz is alto saxophonist Julian "Cannonball" Adderley Julian "Cannonball" Adderley
1928 - 1975
saxophone and pianist Bill Evans Bill Evans
1929 - 1980
piano 's spellbinding performance of the ballad “Waltz for Debby," followed by Lady Day herself, Billie Holiday Billie Holiday
1915 - 1959
vocal , who delivers a sultry performance of “Lover, Come Back to Me."

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