J.J. Johnson & Kai Winding - The Great Kai & J. J. (2025 Remaster) (2025) [Hi-Res]

In 1960, trombonists J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding teamed up on an album called The Great Kai and J.J., which became the first release on the storied jazz label Impulse! Records. Sixty-five years later, the album is coming back to vinyl as the latest reissue in Verve’s Acoustic Sounds Series.

The Great Kai and J.J. features some of Winding and Johnson’s most celebrated playing, as well as appearances from some of jazz’s biggest names. Pianist Bill Evans, bassists Paul Chambers and Tommy Williams, and drummers Art Taylor and Roy Haynes all contributed to the record, which boasts Impulse! catalog number A-1. Founded by producer Creed Taylor, the label was an offshoot of ABC Records. Impulse! would go on to release classic recordings from artists ranging from John Coltrane to Ray Charles to Genesis.

Johnson, an American born in Indianapolis, and Winding, a Danish-American born in Aarhus, were trombone masters known for their creative partnership. Recorded in November 1960, The Great Kai and J.J. marked their much-anticipated reunion after about half a decade performing and recording separately. In a retrospective review, All Music Guide’s Scott Yanow enthused that “the two trombonists are in melodic and witty form” throughout the album, which includes standards such as “Georgia On My Mind,” “Alone Together,” and “Side By Side” as well as originals including “Judy,” “Trixie,” and “Going, Going, Gong!”

"This lively Impulse! set was the first recorded reunion of trombonists J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding. With pianist Bill Evans, either Paul Chambers or Tommy Williams on bass, and Roy Haynes or Art Taylor on drums, the two trombonists are in melodic and witty form on such tunes as "This Could Be the Start of Something Big," "Blue Monk," "Side by Side," and "Theme from Picnic." Recommended." (Scott Yanow, AMG)

J.J. Johnson, trombone
Kai Winding, trombone
Bill Evans, piano
Paul Chambers, double bass (tracks 1, 3, 6, 7)
Tommy Williams, double bass (tracks 2, 4, 5 & 8-11)
Art Taylor, drums (tracks 2, 4, 5 & 8-11)
Roy Haynes, drums (tracks 1, 3, 6, 7)

Recorded on October 3, 1960 (track 1), November 2, 1960 (tracks 3, 6, 7), November 4, 1960 (tracks 5, 8, 10, 11) and November 8, 1960 (tracks 2, 4, 9), 1960 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs
Produced by Creed Taylor

Digitally remastered