This is a key collection of four of Russell’s finest albums: Jazz in the Space Age, George Russell Sextet in K.C., Stratusphunk, and The Stratus Seekers. George’s theory – the Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organisation – sits behind much of what we hear, but part of the beauty of Russell’s work is that the theory seldom gets in the way of good and rewarding music. For those of us who recall George’s latterday London concerts with an Anglo-American big band, the first album gets closest, though we were never lucky enough to have Bill Evans and Paul Bley as the two piano soloists! A favourite track here is ‘Dimensions’ with almost no harmonic movement, but invention a-plenty, with tenorist David Young rising out of the ensemble, just as Bill Evans also creates tips of the iceberg above the ensemble. The rest of the collection consists of sextet or septet tracks. The K.C. collection has a few standards sprinkled between Russell’s own works, of which the Clifford Brown ‘Sandu’ with a mind-blowingly abstract solo by Don Ellis is a highlight, along with Cleanhead Vinson’s ‘Tune Up’, with some dazzlingly fast tenor from Young. But the finest work in the set is the 1960 Stratusphunk, of which the title-track is the standout, still in George’s repertoire 45 years later. Other standout tracks include the abstract ‘Lambskins’ by David Lahm (son of lyricist Dorothy Fields) and David Baker’s busy, frantic ‘Kentucky Oysters’. The Stratus Seekers has never had quite the reputation of the other records included here, which is a shame, because it has some gems, including ‘Blues in Orbit’ (not the Strayhorn tune) which prompts some fiery playing from Don Ellis, backed by Steve Swallow in his double-bass playing days. And trombonist-turned-educator David Baker reminds us why he was such a force in this circle of musicians, riding effortlessly over the tempo changes and harmonic tapestry to set the pace for the other soloists. All in all, a treat for Russell enthusiasts and a great place to start for those who don't know his work.