This double CD is a marvellous introduction to trumpeter Charlie Shavers as leader and sideman.

On one session he’s the featured player in a potted history of other great trumpeters, capturing their styles and sounds very effectively, on another he’s gloriously romantic over a cushion of strings, and with tenor player Hal Singer he’s a wonderful foil.

Best of all are his tracks with singer Maxine Sullivan either paying tribute to songwriter Andy Razaf or recreating the distinctive sound of the John Kirby band.

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