The Blue Note All Stars is something of an institution in the jazz world, and has been since the mid-70s, when the legendary label first brought together a super group for recording sessions that were always destined for greatness. Indeed, the label has the right to do this, having hosted future giants such as Thelonious Monk, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and many more for their debut recordings. Currently, the line-up consists of modern luminaries such as Robert Glasper, Ambrose Akinmusire and Marcus Strickland, artists who broaden horizons and merge genres with ease and flair. Yet back in the 90s, it was comprised of a different set up. 

Here, at the JazzOpen Stuttgart festival in 1996, the stage was occupied by Tim Hagans on trumpet, Javon Jackson on tenor sax, Greg Osby on alto, Kevin Hays on piano, Essiet Essiet on double bass and Bill Stewart on drums. All masters under the Blue Note banner, they delivered a set that showcased original compositions from each one of them, marking a glimpse into what made the jazz world turn a quarter of a century ago.