Description
Norman Granz – The Founder – 4 Compact Disc Set
The Founder is a historically significant jazz collection honoring the legacy of Norman Granz, one of the most influential figures in the history of recorded jazz. Rather than being a performance album by Granz himself, the collection serves as a tribute to the visionary producer, concert promoter, and record label founder whose dedication to artistic excellence helped shape modern jazz and elevate countless musicians to international prominence. Through carefully selected recordings featuring many of the artists he championed throughout his career, The Founder celebrates a man whose impact on jazz extended far beyond the recording studio.
Norman Granz occupies a unique place in music history. As the creator of the legendary Jazz at the Philharmonic concert series and the founder of influential record labels including Verve Records, Clef Records, and Norgran Records, Granz played a pivotal role in bringing jazz to wider audiences around the world. His commitment to presenting jazz as a serious art form helped transform public perceptions of the genre, while his insistence on racial integration and equal treatment for musicians made him an important advocate for civil rights during a period of widespread discrimination.
The recordings featured on The Founder reflect the extraordinary breadth of Granz’s musical vision. Throughout his career, he worked with many of the greatest artists in jazz history, including luminaries such as Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, and many others. The collection highlights the artistic excellence and diversity that characterized the Granz catalog, showcasing performances that span swing, bebop, mainstream jazz, vocal jazz, and small-group improvisation.
Musically, The Founder serves as a journey through some of the most important recordings of the twentieth century. The collection captures the spirit of collaboration, virtuosity, and creative freedom that Granz encouraged in every project he supervised. Whether featuring intimate studio sessions, explosive jam sessions, or elegant vocal performances, the music reflects his belief that great artists should be given the freedom to express themselves without commercial compromise.
One of the defining themes of the collection is Granz’s unwavering commitment to artistic integrity. Unlike many music industry executives of his era, he prioritized the interests of musicians and often fought for better contracts, higher pay, and greater creative control for the artists he represented. This philosophy helped foster an environment in which many legendary recordings could be created, and The Founder stands as a testament to the results of that dedication.
The collection also highlights Granz’s remarkable ability to bring together musicians from different backgrounds and styles. Through his recordings and concert presentations, he created opportunities for collaborations that might not otherwise have occurred, helping to document some of the most memorable performances in jazz history. His productions often emphasized spontaneity, interaction, and improvisational excellence, qualities that remain central to the music featured throughout this anthology.
Beyond its musical value, The Founder serves as an important historical document. It offers listeners insight into the evolution of jazz during one of its most influential periods while illustrating the enormous role Granz played in preserving and promoting the art form. His efforts not only helped establish the careers of numerous artists but also ensured that many of jazz’s greatest performances would be recorded and preserved for future generations.
Critics and jazz historians have long recognized Norman Granz as one of the most important non-performing figures in jazz history. Collections such as The Founder underscore the scope of his contributions and provide a fitting tribute to a man whose vision, passion, and advocacy helped define the modern jazz industry. The recordings included demonstrate the extraordinary level of artistry that flourished under his guidance and continue to inspire listeners around the world.
With its exceptional performances, historical significance, and celebration of one of jazz’s greatest champions, The Founder stands as both a tribute and a testament to Norman Granz’s enduring legacy. The collection honors a visionary whose influence shaped the careers of countless musicians and helped bring jazz to a global audience. Rich in artistry, history, and cultural importance, The Founder is an essential addition to any jazz collection and a powerful reminder of the lasting impact one individual can have on the course of music history.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Mercury / Clef 1942-1948
Dexter Gordon– I Blowed And Gone
Nat King Cole, Illinois Jacquet & Les Paul– Blues
Coleman Hawkins, Charlie Parker & Lester Young– I Got Rhythm
Coleman Hawkins– Picasso
Harry Carney– Sono
George Handy & His Orchestra – The Bloos
Mercury / Clef 1949-1954
Oscar Peterson Duo With Ray Brown– Tenderly
Ralph Burns Orchestra With Lee Konitz– Vignette At Verney’s
Anita O’Day– Lullaby Of The Leaves
Count Basie And His Orchestra – The New Basie Blues
Andre’s All Stars– Con Poco Coco
Johnny Hodges– Castle Rock
Johnny Hodges– Jeep’s Blues
Fred Astaire– (Ad Lib) Slow Dance
Fred Astaire– No Strings (I’m Fancy Free)
Benny Carter And His Orchestra– Flamingo
Tal Farlow– With The Wind And The Rain In Your Hair
Buddy DeFranco & Oscar Peterson Quartet – Easy Living
Count Basie And His Orchestra – Blues For The Count
Buddy DeFranco & Oscar Peterson– They Can’t Take That Away From Me
Norgran/Verve 1954-1957
Billie Holiday– I Thought About You
Ella Fitzgerald– I Thought About You
Bud Powell– Like Someone In Love
Lionel Hampton And His Orchestra– Pig Ears And Rice
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong– Can’t We Be Friends
Bing Crosby & Buddy Bregman– Blue Room
Lester Young & Teddy Wilson– Taking A Chance On Love
Billie Holiday– What A Little Moonlight Can Do
Oscar Peterson Trio – Falling In Love With Love
Harry “Sweets” Edison* & Buddy Rich– Yellow Rose Of Brooklyn
Lawrence Brown– Time After Time
Verve 1957-1960
Newport All Stars Feat. Pete Brown – Day By Day
Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Stitt & Sonny Rollins– On The Sunny Side Of The Street
Stan Getz – It Never Entered My Mind
Stuff Smith – I Know That You Know
The Modern Jazz Quartet– D And E Blues
Ben Webster– Budd Johnson
Blossom Dearie– If I Were A Bell
Gerry Mulligan & Ben Webster– Chelsea Bridge
Gerry Mulligan & Paul Desmond– Line For Lyons
Lee Konitz & Jimmy Giuffre– Somp’m Outa’ Nothin’
Herb Ellis– Thank You Charlie Christian
Mel Tormé & Marty Paich Orchestra– Lonely Town
Terry Gibbs Big Band – Evil Eyes
