Louie Bellson - Skin Deep (1955/2019)

Louis Bellson has long been acknowledged as one of the greatest drummers in jazz history and this release combines two separate sessions that are predominately features for his incredible solos. "Percussionistically Speaking" starts as a blues, then Bellson shows off his subtle brushwork before switching to sticks for a powerful solo. There's more room for other soloists on "Fascinatin' Rhythm," where guitarist Joe Puma, pianist Ralph Martin and bassist Bob Peterson get to show off their chops, too. The title track is Bellson's best known piece, written while he was briefly with Duke Ellington; this powerful big band version is as effective as his famous earlier version. Another choice cut is "For Europeans Only," featuring a strong solo by the ill-fated tenor saxophonist Wardell Gray, who was killed a little over a year following this session.