Various Artists - Jam Session 1944–1946

A fascinating collection of mid-1940s jazz performances bringing together an extraordinary roster of musicians, including Roy Eldridge, Art Tatum, Lester Young, Harry James, Count Basie and Charlie Shavers. Issued in Italy as part of the La Storia del Jazz / History of Jazz series, Jam Session 1944–1946 captures the spontaneous, improvisational character of the jam-session tradition during a pivotal period in jazz.

Highlights include Roy Eldridge on “Roy Meets Horn,” Art Tatum on “Cocktails for Two,” Lester Young on “Lester Young Leaps In,” and Harry James and his orchestra performing “Lester Leaps In.” Count Basie's All Stars are represented by “Lady Be Good” and “Jammin' on a V Disc,” while Charlie Shavers appears on “Blues,” “Stompin' at the Savoy,” “Seven Come Eleven” and “Rose Room.”

The personnel represented across these historic sessions reads like a who's who of jazz, with appearances by musicians including Illinois Jacquet, Freddie Green, Buddy Rich, Red Callender, Jo Jones, Barney Kessel, Coleman Hawkins and others. An appealing European pressing for collectors exploring Swing Era jazz and the transition toward the emerging bebop movement.