Various: Straight No Chaser

I think this was the first NME cassette I got, and I'd guess it was issued in 1986, or possibly 1985. You can't see the NME collaborating with an old jazz label nowadays to put out a compilation for its readers. But back then [middle-aged grumble alert] they seemed to expect more curiosity from their readers. I didn't know any of the music on the album (though I probably recognised several names from Jazz Masters of the 50s, mentioned previously), but I was curious. So it's one of the first jazz albums I ever owned, and I remember listening to it was hard work at first, trying to discern the differences between the pieces with an untrained ear.

With the benefit of 20 years hindsight, though, what a great compilation! Rarely obvious, but always interesting. Still a joy to listen to. Roy Carr? Bien sur.