Clifford Brown: Joy Spring

Unlike 16th-century conquistador Ponce de León, Clifford Brown actually found the mythical Fountain of Youth. One swig of Dr. Browns Magic Elixir, the aptly titled "Joy Spring," is guaranteed to refresh like a dip in the pool on a summers eve. Besides Brownie's invigorating open trumpet, this easygoing tonic delivers salubrious tenorman Harold Land, stimulating pianist Richie Powell and vitamin-enriched smoothie drummer Max Roach. Tragically, after a life free of drugs and alcohol, Clifford Brown died in a car crash four months shy of his 26th birthday. No good deed goes unpunished. Thankfully, through his recorded horn, joy springs eternal.