Doing research for this post i experienced the Blue Note release/re-release phenomenon, confusing stuff. The Eminent Jay Jay Johnson comprises three volumes, originally released in the Blue Note Modern Jazz series, or the '5000 series'. The first one came in 1953 (Vol 1, BLP 5028), the second in 1954 (Vol 2, BLP 5057) and the last in 1955 (Vol 3, BLP 5070, cover to the left). The latter is where Chambers came into the picture. In 1955 Blue Note abandoned the 10 inch 5000 series in favour of long play 12 inch records, in fact BLP 5070 was the very last. Cue the culturally defining Blue Note 1500 series.

The first 1500's were re-releases of successful 5000 releases. The three Eminent volumes were shrinked to a couple of Long Players, BLP 1505 and 1506 (green cover), but are a mix of sessions and dates. When CD came around they were re-released once again, this time cleaned up chronologically. The cd release of Volume 1 covers the 1953 session exclusively, and Volume 2 is a 15 track all inclusive of the '54 and '55 sessions, both cd's comes remastered and with unissued alternate takes. To round off the release bonanza, Allmusic.com lists a 24 track 'Complete Eminent Jay Jay Johnson' CD, all the sessions in one package. Recommended!

J.J. Johnson, trombone

Wynton Kelly, piano