Green Street (Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series), Grant Green, LP

Grant Green began his lengthy and prolific Blue Note career with the 1961 release of his debut album Grant's First Stand, a stellar soul jazz outing that featured the guitarist in an organ trio with Baby Face Willette on Hammond B3 and Ben Dixon on drums. When he returned to Van Gelder Studio next in April of that year it was once again with a trio but this time one with a leaner sound featuring Green backed by bass (Ben Tucker) and drums (Dave Bailey). The spare setting and sturdy support created spacious realms for Green to expound at length, unspooling his inventive, bluesy lines on a 5-song set that included the no-nonsense originals "No. 1 Green Street," "Grant's Dimensions," and "Green With Envy." Green also showcased his singular tone on a stunning version of Thelonious Monk's "'Round About Midnight" and an alluring rendition of the standard "Alone Together."