Tina Brooks - Back To The Tracks

Although it's unfortunate that Tina Brooks did not have a very long career, he did contribute a great deal to the classic era of modern jazz. His Back To The Tracks session for Blue Note is a gem that should be on every fan's lists of discs to get. Brooks' tight, straightforward tone is crisp and confident alongside his legendary guests, who include Jackie McLean, Blue Mitchell, Kenny Drew, Paul Chambers, and Art Taylor.

The opening title track and "The Blues and I" are excellent examples of Brooks' agile soloing prowess. "Street Singer" is a beautifully compelling piece, full of dark harmonies and a slinky groove that Chambers and Taylor lay down with a lot of soul. Of particular note is the smoky ballad "For Heaven's Sake," where Brooks displays a caressing touch that fills every note with the utmost tenderness.

The XRCD-24 bit Super Analog disc represents JVC's continuing commitment to the pursuit of digital audio perfection. XRCD offers clearer definition, more accurate imaging, and higher audio quality than any compact disc before.