Many valuable performances from the height of the bop era are included on this double CD. Subtitled "The Complete Blue Note and Capitol Recordings" and comprised of 23 songs and 13 alternate takes, the reissue features the great trumpeter Fats Navarro in peak form with three groups headed by pianist/arranger Tadd Dameron, in trumpet battles with one of his major influences, Howard McGhee, and on a remarkable all-star quintet with pianist Bud Powell and the young tenor Sonny Rollins; among the other sidemen are altoist Ernie Henry; tenors Charlie Rouse, Allen Eager, Wardell Gray, and Dexter Gordon; and vibraphonist Milt Jackson. In addition to such gems as "Our Delight," "Lady Bird," "Double Talk," "Bouncing With Bud," "Dance of the Infidels," and "52nd Street Theme," Fats is heard with the 1948 Benny Goodman septet ("Stealin' Apples") and Dameron leads a group with the 22-year-old Miles Davis. On a whole, this double CD has more than its share of essential music that belongs in all historical jazz collections.
Disc 1
- Tadd Dameron With Fats Navarro The Chase (Alternate Take) 2:58
- Tadd Dameron With Fats Navarro The Chase 2:43
- Tadd Dameron With Fats Navarro The Squirrel (Alternate Take) 3:19
- Tadd Dameron With Fats Navarro The Squirrel 2:58
- Tadd Dameron With Fats Navarro Our Delight (Alternate Take) 3:03
- Tadd Dameron With Fats Navarro Our Delight 2:57
- Tadd Dameron With Fats Navarro Dameronia (Alternate Take) 3:11
- Tadd Dameron With Fats Navarro Dameronia 2:57
- Tadd Dameron With Fats Navarro Jahbero (Alternate Take) 3:01
- Tadd Dameron With Fats Navarro Jahbero 2:53
- Tadd Dameron With Fats Navarro Lady Bird 2:50
- Tadd Dameron With Fats Navarro Lady Bird (Alternate Take) 2:49
- Tadd Dameron With Fats Navarro Symphonette 3:06
- Tadd Dameron With Fats Navarro Symphonette (Alternate Take) 3:04
- Tadd Dameron With Fats Navarro I Think I'll Go Away 3:14
- Tadd Dameron With Fats Navarro Sid's Delight 2:53
- Tadd Dameron With Fats Navarro Casbah 2:57
- Tadd Dameron With Miles Davis John's Delight 2:56
- Tadd Dameron With Miles Davis What's New 2:59
- Tadd Dameron With Miles Davis Heaven's Doors Are Wide Open 3:17
- Tadd Dameron With Miles Davis Focus 2:59
Disc 2
- The Howard McGhee-Fats Navarro Sextet The Skunk (LP Master) 2:55
- The Howard McGhee-Fats Navarro Sextet Boperation 3:07
- The Howard McGhee-Fats Navarro Sextet Boperation (Alternate Take) 3:08
- The Howard McGhee-Fats Navarro Sextet The Skunk (78 Master) 3:01
- The Howard McGhee-Fats Navarro Sextet Double Talk 5:32
- The Howard McGhee-Fats Navarro Sextet Double Talk (Alterrnate Take) 5:19
- Bud Powell With Fats Navarro Bouncing With Bud (Alternate #1) 3:04
- Bud Powell With Fats Navarro Bouncing With Bud (Alternate #2) 3:13
- Bud Powell With Fats Navarro Bouncing With Bud 3:01
- Bud Powell With Fats Navarro Wail (Alternate Take) 2:41
- Bud Powell With Fats Navarro Wail 3:04
- Bud Powell With Fats Navarro Dance Of The Infidels (Alternate Take) 2:49
- Bud Powell With Fats Navarro Dance Of The Infidels 2:52
- Bud Powell With Fats Navarro 52nd Street Theme 2:49
- Benny Goodman With Fats Navarro Stealin' Apples 3:07