This 10 CD box contains the debut albums by twenty rock 'n' roll stars, including Bill Haley, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Wanda Jackson, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and others. 246 songs in total from 1950 to 1960. It's a first-class collection of ballads, boogies, instrumentals, Rockabilly and Twist, from a fascinating array of rock 'n' roll's most influential artists.
Altoist Charlie Mariano plays very much in a Charlie Parker style on these early recordings from Boston (eight from 1951 and six from 1953), but his arrangements for the octet (six of the pieces from the former session) are quite original and unpredictable; only trumpeter Joe Gordon among the otherwise obscure personnel ever gained much recognition. The later six selections match Mariano with trumpeter Herb Pomeroy and the brilliant pianist Dick Twardzik in a quintet; Twardzik, with his odd mixture of Bud Powell and Lennie Tristano, consistently steals the show. A historical and generally enjoyable set, it's recommended for bop fans.