Four Classic Albums: Sunday Morning (1961)/ Reaching Out / Grantstand / First Stand

Vier albums van de gitarist, allevier(!) uit 1961 op 2 CD's. Allmusic over "First Stand": "Green's debut still ranks as one of his greatest pure soul-jazz outings: killer grooves laid down by a hard-swinging organ trio. For having such a small lineup - just organist Baby Face Willette and drummer Ben Dixon - the group cooks up quite some power, and swinging loose and easy on the ballads." Over "Grantstand": "Green's third album teams the clear-toned guitarist with an unlikely backing group: tenor saxophonist Yusef Lateef (who doubles on flute), organist Brother Jack McDuff, and drummer Al Harewood. Lateef's playing here is pretty straightforward and swinging, fitting this relaxed, bop-tinged soul-jazz." Over "Sunday Morning": "Green's fourth album was the first time Green recorded (as a leader) with a piano instead of an organ. Joined by pianist Kenny Drew, bassist Ben Tucker, and drummer Ben Dixon, this is less of a soul-jazz session, instead turning in a solid set of modal hard bop and laid-back grooves."