Here are a pair of reissues from UK-based Avid Records, with both artists overcoming negative circumstances to create a stellar career.
Jimmy Heath’s first recordings as a leader came after being released from his incarceration. He was one of the pioneers of bebop, with his tenor sax possessing a glorious tone. His 1959 debut at 33 has him in a swinging session with Nat Adderley/ct, Curtis Fuller/tb, Wynton Kelly/p, Paul Chambers/b and brother Tootie Heath/dr. His classic “For Minors Only” is debuted here, while his treatment of the standard “For All We Know” is a delight. Next year has Heath putting together some nifty charts for a tentet that includes both Nat and Cannonball Adderley, Cedar Walton-Tommy Flanagan/p and Clark Terry/fh and brothers Tootie and Percy/b for a soulful “Dat Dere” and introducing two of Heath’s stronger pieces “Picture of Heath” and “Big ‘P’”. In 1961, Heath is joined by his brothers as well as trumpet master Freddie Hubbard, who’s in vintage form on “The Quota” and “When Sunny Gets Blue”. For 1962’s session, Heath plays flute and soprano sax as well as his tenor, still with Hubbard, his brothers and with the addendum of Julius Watkins on French Horn. The textures are rich for “Make Someone Happy” and “The More I See You” with Heath’s own “Gemini” a classy highlight. Timeless toe-tapping.
Connie Francis had a wild roller coaster of a private life, and recovered with style. She put the “pop” into pop music with an enthusiastic delivery. Her 1958 debut features the 19 year old in a sultry mood on jazz and pop standards, sounding equally impressive on Duke Ellington’s “I’m Beginning To See The Light” as the oozy “Who’s Sorry Now”. At twenty, she sounds convincing on her under-appreciated next album that includes impressive reads of “Come Rain Or Come Shine” and “Time After Time”. She followed this sophisticated album with a collection of “rock and roll” tunes. She adapts well, sounding earthy and exciting on “I Hear You Knocking”, “Don’t Be Cruel” and the R&B classic “Sincerely”. During this time, Francis did a series of “type” albums, ranging from Italian to C&W. This one is of the latter, and she’s a hoot on “Cold, Cold Heart” and “You’re Cheatin’ Heart”. Her greatest hits album features the fun “Stupid Cupid”, the trendy “Robot Man” and a convincing “My Happiness”. She had the range unlike few other vocalists.