Here is a forcible reminder that Wynton Marsalis didn’t start the back-to-hard-bop movement in the 1980s but, rather like Miles at times, he capitalised on a trend that was already alive and well. The Chicago-based label that released these 16 LPs (before bowing out in the CD era) was one of the few to feature the late- 1970s version of straightahead jazz, focusing on lesser-known names with some history and with no electrified instruments. While people like Blakey were beginning to record again, those in my heavily selective listing above were working steadily but mostly away from the studios. Of course, there are variations within the label’s preferred style, such as the slightly hysterical intensity of Nick Brignola’s two- and three-baritone bebop; Ronnie Mathews’ more modal McCoy approach; and the funky swing of Fathead Newman and Arnett Cobb, both with Junior Mance. Johnny Hartman’s Once In Every Life (the last album released during his lifetime) sticks out from the rest but benefits from jazzier backing than much of his work, and its air of conviction and lack of gimmicks typifies all the sessions here.