VA - The Keynote Jazz Collection 1941-1947 [2013] (11 X CDs)

SUNDAY JAZZ

KEYNOTE JAZZ

VA - The Keynote Jazz Collection 1941-1947 [2013] (11 X CDs)

Keynote Records was a record label founded by record store owner Eric Bernay in 1940. The label's initial releases were folk and protest songs from the Soviet Union and the Spanish Civil War, and several anti-war releases from American musicians followed. From 1943, the label released recordings in the jazz idiom produced by Harry Lim. The music critic John S. Wilson in 1965 described the company's jazz output as "an unusually valid reflection of the jazz spirits of the times." An unwise investment in a factory to manufacture records in 1947 led to the company becoming bankrupt in 1948, and came under the control of Mercury Records.

The Keynote jazz sessions were comprehensively reissued in 1986 when Nippon Phonogram/PolyGram released a 21 LP set with 115 previously unissued takes. Robert Palmer in The New York Times in October 1986 described it as "a much more substantial addition to the treasury of absolutely essential classic jazz performances than one could have expected or hoped for this late in the game." In 2013, a 11-CD set of Keynote jazz recordings was issued by the Spanish Fresh Sound label. Donald Clarke, writing about Lim's for Keynote, described him as knowing what he was doing and getting "good sound, with no gimmicks." (Wikipedia)

The Keynote Jazz Collection 1941-1947 (2013) is a stunning 11-CD box set released by Fresh Sound Records, bringing together a rich tapestry of jazz recordings from a transformative period in the genre’s history. If you love swing, bebop, and small-group jazz, this collection is an absolute treasure trove.

Keynote Records was one of the most influential labels of its time, capturing the vibrancy and spontaneity of jazz during the 1940s. This set highlights legendary musicians like Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Dinah Washington, alongside lesser-known gems that paint a fuller picture of jazz’s evolution. Across these beautifully remastered tracks, you can hear the era’s experimentation in phrasing, rhythm, and ensemble arrangements—each session bursting with the energy of musicians pushing boundaries.

The range of styles here is impressive. You get the silky smooth elegance of Lester Young Quartet, delivering standout performances like Just You, Just Me and I Never Knew. Then there’s Coleman Hawkins, whose “Cattin’ at Keynote” is full of swagger and technical brilliance. Dinah Washington brings her signature soulful blues, shining on tracks like Evil Gal Blues and Salty Papa Blues, proving why she became one of the era’s most unforgettable vocalists.

Beyond the better-known names, this box set also digs deep into Keynote’s roster, introducing listeners to fantastic but sometimes overlooked players. Tracks like “Battle of the Saxes” by Coleman Hawkins and His Sax Ensemble or Cozy Cole’s “Thru’ for the Night” highlight the interplay and chemistry between musicians during these sessions. There’s also a touch of exotic and experimental arrangements, such as Charlie Shavers Quintet’s “Curry in a Hurry”, which adds a playful twist to standard jazz phrasing.

Fresh Sound Records has done an amazing job with the packaging, including a 124-page booklet packed with historical insights, photos, and liner notes that trace the story behind each recording. There’s even a fold-out poster insert, making this collection feel like a celebration of jazz’s golden age rather than just another compilation.

Whether you're a dedicated collector or simply someone who loves discovering classic jazz, The Keynote Jazz Collection is an essential listen. It’s a snapshot of a vibrant era, brimming with unforgettable performances that still feel fresh today. (B)

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Track lists

Vol. 01

01 George Hartman and His Orchestra - Diga Diga Doo 3:22

02 George Hartman and His Orchestra - Jazz Me Blues 2:59

03 George Hartman and His Orchestra - Muskrat Ramble 3:26

04 George Hartman and His Orchestra - Tin Roof Blues 3:45

05 Lester Young Quartet - Just You Just Me 3:11

06 Lester Young Quartet - I Never Knew 3:09

07 Lester Young Quartet - Afternoon of A Basie-ite 3:08

08 Lester Young Quartet - Sometimes I'm Happy 3:07

09 Sextet with Dinah Washington - Evil Gal Blues 2:53

10 Sextet with Dinah Washington - I Know How to Do It 3:11

11 Sextet with Dinah Washington - Salty Papa Blues 3:03

12 Sextet with Dinah Washington - Homeward Bound 2:50

13 'Little Jazz' (Roy Eldridge) and His Trumpet Ensemble - Don't Be That Way 3:14

14 'Little Jazz' (Roy Eldridge) and His Trumpet Ensemble - I Want to Be Happy 2:58

15 'Little Jazz' (Roy Eldridge) and His Trumpet Ensemble - Fiesta in Brass 2:56

16 'Little Jazz' (Roy Eldridge) and His Trumpet Ensemble - St. Louis Blues 2:37

17 Coleman Hawkins Quintet featuring Teddy Wilson - I Only Have Eyes for You 3:10

18 Coleman Hawkins Quintet featuring Teddy Wilson - 'S Wonderful 2:39

19 Coleman Hawkins Quintet featuring Teddy Wilson - I'm in The Mood for Love 3:13

20 Coleman Hawkins Quintet featuring Teddy Wilson - 'Bean' at The Met 3:00

21 Coleman Hawkins Quartet - Flamethrower 3:15

22 Coleman Hawkins Quartet - Imagination 2:49

23 Coleman Hawkins Quartet - Night and Day 3:20

24 Coleman Hawkins Quartet - Cattin' at Keynote 2:40

Vol. 02

01 Cozy Cole All Stars - Blue Moon 4:34

02 Cozy Cole All Stars - Father Co-Operates 4:47

03 Cozy Cole All Stars - Just One More Chance 4:53

04 Cozy Cole All Stars - Thru' for The Night 4:42

05 Kansas City Seven - After Theatre Jump 4:43

06 Kansas City Seven - Six Cats and A Prince 4:09

07 Kansas City Five - Lester Leaps In 4:25

08 Kansas City Seven - Destination K.C. 3:51

09 Charlie Shavers Quintet featuring Earl Hines - Mountain Air 4:59

10 Charlie Shavers Quintet featuring Earl Hines - Curry in A Hurry 4:40

11 Charlie Shavers Quintet featuring Earl Hines - Stardust 4:31

12 Charlie Shavers Quintet featuring Earl Hines - Rosetta 4:42

13 Coleman Hawkins and His Sax Ensemble - On The Sunny Side of The Street 4:43

14 Coleman Hawkins and His Sax Ensemble - Three Little Words 4:45

15 Coleman Hawkins and His Sax Ensemble - Battle of The Saxes 4:36

16 Coleman Hawkins and His Sax Ensemble - Louise 4:51

Vol. 03

01 Coleman Hawkins' All American Four - Make Believe 4:44

02 Coleman Hawkins' All American Four - Don't Blame Me 4:51

03 Coleman Hawkins' All American Four - Just One of Those Things 4:31

04 Coleman Hawkins' All American Four - Hallelujah 3:58

05 Benny Morton's Trombone Choir - Where Or When 4:40

06 Benny Morton's Trombone Choir - Liza 4:22

07 Benny Morton's Trombone Choir - Once in A While 4:44

08 Benny Morton's Trombone Choir - Sliphorn Outing 4:34

09 Rex Stewart's Big Eight - The Little Goose 3:48

10 Rex Stewart's Big Eight - I'm True to You 3:41

11 Rex Stewart's Big Eight - Zaza 3:58

12 Rex Stewart's Big Eight - Swamp Mist 4:33

13 Keynoters - You're Driving Me Crazy 4:12

14 Keynoters - I'm in The Market for You 4:35

15 Keynoters - Blue Lou 4:19

16 Keynoters - I Found A New Baby 4:16

Vol. 04

01 Pete Brown's All Star Quintet featuring Ken Kersey - It All Depends on You 4:28

02 Pete Brown's All Star Quintet featuring Ken Kersey - That's My Weakness Now 4:09

03 Pete Brown's All Star Quintet featuring Ken Kersey - It's The Talk of The Town 4:35

04 Pete Brown's All Star Quintet featuring Ken Kersey - I May Be Wrong 4:03

05 Red Norvo's All Star Sextet - Subtle Sextology 3:45

06 Red Norvo's All Star Sextet - Blues a la Red 4:01

07 Red Norvo's All Star Sextet - The Man I Love 4:14

08 Red Norvo's All Star Sextet - Seven Come Eleven 4:09

09 Billy Taylor's Big Eight - Passin' Me By 2:53

10 Billy Taylor's Big Eight - Carney-Val in Rhythm 2:43

11 Billy Taylor's Big Eight - Sam-Pan 2:41

12 Billy Taylor's Big Eight - Night Wind 3:05

13 Jonah Jones and His Orchestra - Lust for Licks 2:26

14 Jonah Jones and His Orchestra - Just Like A Butterfly 3:03

15 Jonah Jones and His Orchestra - B.H. Boogie 2:36

16 Jonah Jones and His Orchestra - Twelfth Street Rag 3:03

17 George Hartman and His Orchestra featuring Frank Froeba - Hindustan 2:49

18 George Hartman and His Orchestra featuring Frank Froeba - Always 3:00

19 George Hartman and His Orchestra featuring Frank Froeba - The Darktown Strutters' Ball 2:09

20 George Hartman and His Orchestra featuring Frank Froeba - Angry 3:02

Vol. 05

01 Red Norvo's All Star Septet - Russian Lullaby 4:40

02 Red Norvo's All Star Septet - I Got Rhythm 4:11

03 Red Norvo's All Star Septet - Sing Something Simple 3:41

04 Coleman Hawkins Quintet - I'm Yours 3:27

05 Coleman Hawkins Quintet - Under A Blanket of Blue 3:07

06 Coleman Hawkins Quintet - Beyond The Blue Horizon 2:55

07 Coleman Hawkins Quintet - A Shanty in Old Shanty Town 2:57

08 Charlie Shavers' All American Five - My Man 3:13

09 Charlie Shavers' All American Five - El Salon de Gutbucket 2:57

10 Charlie Shavers' All American Five - Embraceable You 3:01

11 Charlie Shavers' All American Five - Undecided 2:51

12 George Wettling's New Yorkers - Home 3:34

13 George Wettling's New Yorkers - Too Marvelous for Words 4:03

14 George Wettling's New Yorkers - You Brought A New Kind of Love to Me 3:54

15 George Wettling's New Yorkers - Somebody Loves Me 3:47

16 Chubby Jackson and His Orchestra - Northwest Passage 2:50

17 Chubby Jackson and His Orchestra - Cryin' Sands 3:07

18 Cozy Cole and His Orchestra - Lover Come Back to Me 2:43

19 Cozy Cole and His Orchestra - Smiles 2:48

20 Cozy Cole and His Orchestra - All of Me 2:44

21 Cozy Cole and His Orchestra - They Didn't Believe Me 2:49

Vol. 06

01 Barney Bigard Quintet - Rose Room 3:13

02 Barney Bigard Quintet - Bojangles 2:54

03 Barney Bigard Quintet - Coquette 2:46

04 Barney Bigard Quintet - Borobudor 2:44

05 Horace Henderson Orchestra - 'Deed I Do 2:44

06 Horace Henderson Orchestra - Make Love to Me 3:02

07 Horace Henderson Orchestra - Bunch of Rhythm 3:02

08 Horace Henderson Orchestra - Smack's Blues 3:25

09 Bill Harris and His Septet - Cross Country 2:56

10 Bill Harris and His Septet - Characteristically B.H. 3:02

11 Bill Harris and His Septet - Mean to Me 3:25

12 Bill Harris and His Septet - She's Funny That Way 3:20

13 Willie Smith and His Orchestra - September in The Rain 3:07

14 Willie Smith and His Orchestra - You Ought to Be in Pictures 2:38

15 Willie Smith and His Orchestra - Moten Swing 3:01

16 Willie Smith and His Orchestra - Willie Weep for Me 3:03

17 Corky Corcoran and His Orchestra featuring Emmett Berry - What is This Thing Called Love? 2:56

18 Corky Corcoran and His Orchestra featuring Emmett Berry - Minor Blues 3:12

19 Corky Corcoran and His Orchestra featuring Emmett Berry - You Know It 2:35

20 Corky Corcoran and His Orchestra featuring Emmett Berry - Lullaby of The Leaves 3:01

21 Milton Hinton and His Orchestra - Broadway Holdover 2:31

22 Milton Hinton and His Orchestra - Brass Pandemonioum 2:58

23 Milton Hinton and His Orchestra - Everywhere 3:07

24 Milton Hinton and His Orchestra - Beefsteak Charlie 2:28

Vol. 07

01 J.C. Heard Quintet - Why Do I Love You? 2:36

02 J.C. Heard Quintet - All My Life 2:58

03 J.C. Heard Quintet - Groovin' With J.C. 3:16

04 J.C. Heard Quintet - What's the Use? 3:14

05 Jonah Jones and His Orchestra - Poor John 2:30

06 Jonah Jones and His Orchestra - Trumpet Interlude 3:21

07 Jonah Jones and His Orchestra - Little Sir Echo 2:52

08 Jonah Jones and His Orchestra - Exactly Like You 2:58

09 Irving Fazola's Dixielanders - Someday Sweetheart 3:04

10 Irving Fazola's Dixielanders - Isle of Capri 3:10

11 Irving Fazola's Dixielanders - When Your Lover Has Gone 2:43

12 Irving Fazola's Dixielanders - With You, Anywhere You Are 2:56

13 Irving Fazola's Dixielanders - Sweet Lorraine 3:05

14 Irving Fazola's Dixielanders - Mostly Faz 3:17

15 Irving Fazola's Dixielanders - Clarinet Marmalade 2:51

16 Irving Fazola's Dixielanders - Jazz Me Blues 3:04

17 Bud Freeman and His Orchestra - Town Hall Blues 3:14

18 Chubby Jackson's Rhythm - Head Quarters 2:56

19 Chubby Jackson's Rhythm - Head Hunters 2:41

20 Chubby Jackson's Rhythm - Sam's Caravan 3:09

21 Chubby Jackson's Rhythm - Two Heads Are Better Than One 2:49

22 Bud Freeman's All Star Orchestra - Tea for Two 2:51

23 Bud Freeman's All Star Orchestra - Honeysuckle Rose 2:49

24 Bud Freeman's All Star Orchestra - Room With A View 3:17

Vol. 08

01 Bud Freeman and His Orchestra - You Took Advantage of Me 2:55

02 Bud Freeman and His Orchestra - Sentimental Baby 2:55

03 Bud Freeman and His Orchestra - You're My Everything 2:56

04 Bud Freeman and His Orchestra - Blue Room 2:58

05 Bud Freeman and His Orchestra - Time on My Hands 3:09

06 Bud Freeman and His Orchestra - I Found A New Baby 2:56

07 Bud Freeman and His Orchestra - Royal Garden Blues 2:44

08 Bud Freeman and His Orchestra - Midnite at Eddie Condon's 2:53

09 Bud Freeman and His Orchestra - Inside on The Southside 2:43

10 Ted Nash Quintet - The Girl in My Dreams Tries to Look Like You 3:18

11 Ted Nash Quintet - I've Got A Pocketful of Dreams 2:59

12 Ted Nash Quintet - On The Sunny Side of The Street 2:44

13 Ted Nash Quintet - Wick's Kicks 2:46

14 Keynoters - I Can't Believe That You're in Love With Me 3:03

15 Keynoters - The Way You Look Tonight 3:08

16 Keynoters - Airiness a la Nat 2:36

17 Keynoters - My Old Flame 3:01

18 Babe Russin Quartet - Like Someone in Love 3:02

19 Babe Russin Quartet - All The Things You Are 2:46

20 Babe Russin Quartet - I Heard You Cry Last Night 2:53

21 Babe Russin Quartet - Zing Went The Strings of My Heart 2:59

22 Manny Klein All Stars - Give Me Something to Remember You By 3:07

23 Manny Klein All Stars - After You've Gone 2:37

24 Manny Klein All Stars - Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen 2:38

25 Manny Klein All Stars - At Sundown 3:15

Vol. 09

01 Babe Russin Quintet - Easy to Love 2:47

02 Babe Russin Quintet - 5054 Whitsett 2:44

03 Herbie Haymer's Orchestra - I Saw Stars 3:10

04 Herbie Haymer's Orchestra - Sweet and Lovely 2:57

05 Herbie Haymer's Orchestra - China Boy 3:02

06 Clyde Hurley and His Orchestra - I've Got A Feeling I'm Falling 2:58

07 Clyde Hurley and His Orchestra - Dancing on The Ceiling 3:08

08 Clyde Hurley and His Orchestra - Out of Nowhere 2:55

09 Clyde Hurley and His Orchestra - On The Trail 2:58

10 Arnold Ross Quintet - The Moon is Low 2:50

11 Arnold Ross Quintet - Stairway to The Stars 3:09

12 Arnold Ross Quintet - Bye Bye Blues 2:46

13 Arnold Ross Quintet - I Don't Know Why I Love You Like I Do 3:06

14 Juan Tizol and His Orchestra - Keb-Lah 3:03

15 Juan Tizol and His Orchestra - The Sphinx 3:03

16 Juan Tizol and His Orchestra - Zanzibar 3:04

17 Juan Tizol and His Orchestra - You Can't Have Your Cake and Eat It 2:37

18 Benny Carter Quintet - Moonglow 2:51

19 Benny Carter Quintet - Give Me Something to Remember You By 2:49

20 Benny Carter Quintet - Lady Be Good 2:40

21 Benny Carter Quintet - Deep Purple 3:13

22 Marie Bryant - Blue Skies 2:55

23 Marie Bryant - Ice Cream Brick 3:01

24 Bernie Leighton Quintet - Waiting for Leighton 2:30

Vol. 10

01 Bill Harris and His New Music - Everythng Happens to Me 3:08

02 Bill Harris and His New Music - Frustration 2:56

03 Ann Hathaway with Ellis Larkins and His Orchestra - Come Rain Or Come Shine 3:05

04 Ann Hathaway with Ellis Larkins and His Orchestra - Between The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea 2:58

05 Bernie Leighton Quartet - Beyond The Moon 2:37

06 Bernie Leighton Quartet - Have You Met Miss Jones 2:58

07 Bernie Leighton Quartet - I See Your Face Before Me 3:05

08 Bernie Leighton Quartet - Moten Swing 2:56

09 Bernie Leighton Quartet - Things Are Looking Up 3:09

10 Joe Thomas and His Orchestra - You Can Depend on Me 3:04

11 Joe Thomas and His Orchestra - She Didn't Say Yes 3:10

12 Joe Thomas and His Orchestra - Black Butterfly 3:04

13 Joe Thomas and His Orchestra - Pocatello 2:47

14 George Barnes Sextet - Windy City Flash 2:36

15 George Barnes Sextet - Barnes at Dublin's 2:41

16 George Barnes Sextet - Laughing at Life 3:06

17 George Barnes Sextet - Blue Lou 2:57

18 George Barnes Sextet - Quiet, Two Gibsons at Work 3:01

19 George Barnes Sextet - Pink Elephants 2:38

20 George Barnes Sextet - Lover Come Back to Me 2:50

21 George Barnes Sextet - What's The Use 2:26

22 Lennie Tristano Trio - Out on A Limb 2:43

23 Lennie Tristano Trio - I Can't Get Started With You 2:57

24 Lennie Tristano Trio - I Surrender Dear 3:07

25 Lennie Tristano Trio - Interlude 3:07

26 Lennie Tristano Trio - Untitled Blues 3:47

Vol. 11

01 Danny Hurd Orchestra - Available Jones 3:04

02 Danny Hurd Orchestra - You Stepped Out of A Dream 3:06

03 Danny Hurd Orchestra - Long Ago and Far Away 2:57

04 Danny Hurd Orchestra - Dreamy Afternoon 2:49

05 Dave Lambert and Buddy Stewart with Red Rodney's Be-Boppers - A Cent and A Half 2:55

06 Dave Lambert and Buddy Stewart with Red Rodney's Be-Boppers - Perdido 3:03

07 Dave Lambert and Buddy Stewart with Red Rodney's Be-Boppers - Charge Account 2:45

08 Dave Lambert and Buddy Stewart with Red Rodney's Be-Boppers - Gussie 'G' 2:51

09 Gene Sedric Orchestra - Teasin' 2:59

10 Gene Sedric Orchestra - T-I-L-L-I-E 2:57

11 Gene Sedric Orchestra - I Can't Give You Anything But Love 2:44

12 Gene Sedric Orchestra - I Got Rhythm 2:46

13 Neal Hefti and His Orchestra - Siboney 2:45

14 Neal Hefti and His Orchestra - Mad About The Boy 3:06

15 Neal Hefti and His Orchestra - I Woke Up Dizzy 3:04

16 Neal Hefti and His Orchestra - Sloppy Joe's 2:51

17 Red Rodney's Be-Boppers - All God's Chillun Got Rhythm 2:49

18 Red Rodney's Be-Boppers - Elevation 2:57

19 Red Rodney's Be-Boppers - Fine and Dandy 2:42

20 Red Rodney's Be-Boppers - The Goof and I 3:02

21 Lennie Tristano Trio - Bue Boy 2:50

22 Lennie Tristano Trio - Atonement 2:29

23 Lennie Tristano Trio - Coolin' Off With Ulanov 2:49

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Music weaves itself into the fabric of our emotions, dances through the corridors of memory, and whispers to the soul of who we are. Sharing these stories deepens the connection, turning the experience into something timeless and profound.

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