AMG Review of Savoy on Central Avenue

Al Campbell
All Music Guide

Savoy on Central Avenue explores early Savoy sessions from 1941 through 1952 recorded for the legendary West Coast label. While the material had been previously released on similar Savoy compilations, these tracks hadn't been heard in these cleaned-up incarnations, using 24-bit digital transfers from the original acetates and tape masters. Hearing these cleaned-up tracks by Lester Young, Dexter Gordon, Charlie Parker, Big Joe Turner, Slim Gaillard, Johnny Otis, the Hampton Hawes Trio, and Harold Land is a pleasure and will even impress the most picky audiophile. Lovingly compiled, produced, and annotated by Billy Vera, Savoy on Central Avenue is a must.