Music and Vinyl: The Jimmy Giuffre 3

Both Jimmy Giuffre and Jim Hall have appeared here before - Giuffre with Herb Ellis, and Hall as leader of a stellar lineup which includes Paul Desmond and Chet Baker.

Jimmy Giuffre (1921-2008), born in Dallas, was a sax and clarinet player who rose to fame as an arranger for the Woody Herman band (and for whom he wrote Four Brothers - a tune that's since become a jazz standard and covered by many musicians). He is most notable for his small group performances and recordings - the 1957 outing here being the first lineup of the "3" - Giuffre on reeds, Jim Hall on guitar, and either Ralph Pena or Jim Atlas on bass. No keyboard or drums. Melody is king here.

Giuffre would go on to become a pioneer of "free jazz", producing sometimes radical music ahead of its time. However the numbers on this Atlantic recording are accessible and appealing. Here are the opening three tracks . . .