***1/2 J.J. Johnson

THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA J.J. JOHNSON SMALL GROUP SESSIONS

(Mosaic, seven CDs)

This box is surprisingly cohesive for its size (sessions recorded from 1956 to '61). The material is familiar -- mostly pop and bebop standards -- but there's not a tired lick in the whole set. Trombonist Johnson, a first-generation bebop revolutionary, moves from early sessions that suggest cool chamber jazz to funk-tinged hard bop. Instead of verbose blowing sessions, each outfit offers its own poised ensemble sound. On a quartet date, drummer Max Roach stokes Johnson's fire. On several sides, Johnson is matched with the tart, Miles-ian cornet of Nat Adderley. The final dates feature tenor Clifford Jordan and a 23-year-old Freddie Hubbard. Johnson's concentrated performances are a given, but the surprise bonus is Belgian Bobby Jaspar (1926-'63), whose light Lester Young tone on tenor and focused, lyric improvisations on both tenor and flute are worth the price of admission. Tommy Flanagan, Paul Chambers, Hank Jones, Elvin Jones, Cedar Walton, and Albert "Tootie" Heath also contribute to the ensemble telepathy. (Mosaic Records are available by phone or mail order only. Call 203-327-7111 or e-mail mosrec@ix.netcom.com.)

-- Jon Garelick