Arkadia Jazz: The Stars of Jazz, Vol. 1

Spurred by Ken Burns' extensive foray into the history and state of jazz, Arkadia provides a budget excursion to the same rich lands. This first volume of the four-CD series is one of two discs devoted to masters and mistresses of the art. The extensive archives of the Arkadia and Postcard labels provide the material. With the exception of a Django Reinhardt track, these selections are all from the '90s; Billy Taylor, Benny Golson, T.K. Blue, and more are included. These contemporary jazz figures are giants in their own right and purists keeping alive the classic tradition of instrumental cool jazz.