J.J. Johnson: Turnpike

Apart from single-handedly inventing the modern jazz trombone and becoming its foremost exponent, being a first-rate composer and arranger, successful bandleader and consummate all-round pro, J.J. Johnson wasn't much of a musician. On this up-tempo romp written by him, J.J. flexes his phenomenal chops atop the Modern Jazz Quartet's rhythm section (including a surprisingly aggressive John Lewis) and following a leadoff star turn by 22-year-old trumpeter Clifford Brown. Nearly three years to the day after recording "Turnpike," Brownie was killed in a car crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Makes you wish J.J. had titled this tune "Live Long and Prosper."