STEREO 24 BIT DIGITALLY REMASTERED 3 LPs on 2 CDs The Jazz Brothers was an amazing band considering it was formed by a group of youngsters that Cannonball Adderley introduced on Riverside Records in 1960. Just how amazing can be gauged from the fact that several subsequently became major figures in their own right. The band s youthful brashness was combined with considerable sensitivity in its search for a group sound, reminiscent in some ways of the Jazz Messengers or the Horace Silver quintet. The group used a powerful approach and sustained it remarkably well, with clean, crisp ensembles, vigorous and brightly voiced. Trumpeter Chuck Mangione, at only 19, already possessed a lovely tone and an innate, relaxed sense of phrasing. Sal Nistico, 20, already a very forceful musician, contributes consistenly interesting solos. Brother Gap Mangione, 22, is a strong, prodding accompanist and arranger. Altoist Larry Coombs, 20, is only heard in the first album, The Mangione Brothers Sextet, on which he solos with guts and fits very well in the front line with Chuck and Sal. Throughout, bassists and drummers on each date were well integrated and driving, and Roy McCurdy was already developing into a dynamic drum soloist. In 1961 two more albums by The Jazz Brothers followed. "Hey Baby!," and "Spring Fever," were both quintet sessions, and the last before the group disbanded. They left a legacy of a fine group whose skills and authority belied its astonishingly youthful personnel.