A treasure trove for connoisseurs of mainstream-modern groove, this CD-double uncovers four albums – Stretchin' Out, Starring Zoot Sims, Down Home and Jazz Soul of Porgy & Bess – featuring the former Woody Herman and Stan Kenton tenorist famously described by Ronnie Scott in 1959 as “someone who will swing you into bad health.” Zoot Sims was then about to become the first US star to play an extended residency at Scott's club, and he returned many times over the years. He was working there on the night of the US Apollo moon landing and was called into Ronnie's backstage office to watch the historic moment on TV. “Gee,” he breathed. “America's put a man on the moon and I'm still playing Indiana.” Those fluent, foot-tapping Lester Young-inspired solos of his are the beacon of this generous compilation, some of it featuring members of the Basie band, including the unmistakable trumpeter Edison and guitarist Green. Quality solos also emanate from the great valve-trombonist Bob Brookmeyer, who died only recently, and Zoot's longtime front-line partner Al Cohn, who switches from tenor to baritone. Down Home is fine quartet session uplifted by Dannie Richmond, whose crisp drumming underpinned some of Charles Mingus' best work. There's also a delightful Paris date with pianist Henri Renaud's band, featuring another US guest, trumpeter Jon Eardley then working with baritonist Gerry Mulligan.

The Porgy & Bess album is something totally different, a major big band studio production arranged by Bill Potts. Its all-star cast including altoists Phil Woods and Gene Quill, trumpeter Art Farmer and none other than Bill Evans on piano. Their solo glimpses are comparatively short, yet for star quality man-for-man this straightahead orchestration bears comparison with the Miles Davis-Gil Evans version. And Zoot was always value for money.