One supposes that, according to this compilation, “post bebop” is the middle ground between Parker and Gillespie’s ’40s innovations and the hard bop heyday of the late ’50s and ’60s. It’s an often overlooked period, so listeners have Atlantic to thank for giving it a showcase. The label gives a nod to the free jazz world here, too, with a cut apiece by Teddy Charles and Von Freeman’s Fire. But the bulk here features bedrock ’50s work by Coltrane (“Giant Steps”), Sonny Rollins and the MJQ (“Bags’ Groove”), and Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh (“I Can’t Get Started”). Not a bad hour by the stereo, really, and it’s educational to boot. – Stephen Cook
