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Cherry ~ Stanley Turrentine With Milt Jackson | By Eddie Carter

Two of my favorite musicians are the subject of this morning’s discussion, Stanley Turrentine With Milt Jackson. Cherry (CTI Records CTI 6017) hit the stores in 1972 and was Turrentine’s fourth album on CTI. On this date, the tenor saxophonist’s leading an all-star sextet. Milt Jackson on vibes, Bob James on piano (track: A2), electric piano (tracks: A1, A3, B1 to B3), Cornell Dupree on guitar, Ron Carter on bass, and Bill Cobham on drums. My copy used in this report is the original US Stereo release.

Side One starts with the rhythm section’s spirited introduction to Speedball by Lee Morgan. The ensemble’s theme leads off this happy swinger, then Stanley cruises into the opening solo. Milt gets into a bluesy groove next, and Bill exchanges the finale with Stanley, Milt, and Bob ahead of the climax.

I Remember You by Johnny Mercer and Victor Schertzinger is a beautiful 1941 ballad that was first heard in the film, The Fleet’s In, a year later. Milt and the rhythm section introduce the song discreetly, segueing into a gentle opening chorus. Jackson is up first with a tender reading, then Turrentine gives an elegant presentation leading to a serene ending. The Revs by Milt Jackson swings at a leisurely tempo with the sextet in unison during the melody. Stanley steers a nice course for everyone with a carefree, bouncy first solo. Milt follows with melodic lines that emerge effortlessly from his vibes. Bob and Cornell close out the statements with two lightly swinging readings preceding the sextet taking the song out.

Side Two starts with Sister Sanctified by Weldon Irvine Jr who also arranged this tune. The sextet starts this swinging jazz service with a funky groove on the melody that’s sure to get the listener snapping their fingers and tapping their toes. Turrentine sets the tone on the opening statement with a soulful sermon. Jackson preaches the second solo rocking all the way. Dupree hits the sweet spot on the next reading and Cobham makes a brief comment leading to the theme’s reprise and fade-out. Cherry by Ray Gilbert and Don Redman begins with the vibist setting down a subtle theme at a slow tempo. Stanley opens with a wonderful expression of incredible beauty, then Milt responds with a delicately pretty performance moving towards a gorgeous finale.

Weldon Irvine Jr. also composed and arranged the album’s closer, Introspective. This is a mid tempo jaunt of pure pleasure leading off with Turrentine’s cheerful theme and lighthearted opening solo. Jackson comes in next for a delightful interpretation. James follows with a fine reading and Cobham swings the door shut with his brushwork. Cherry was produced by Creed Taylor and the man behind the dials was Rudy Van Gelder. This is a great recording and an excellent vinyl pressing for a 1970s album with a splendid soundstage. The instruments come through your speakers vividly and surround your sweet spot with music that’s sure to make you smile. Both Stanley Turrentine and Milt Jackson are a joy to hear together with a wonderful supporting cast. If you’re a fan of either musician, I recommend and invite you to check out Cherry on your next vinyl hunt. It’s a great album that still stands up fifty years later and your ears will thank you for adding it to your library!

~ I Remember You – Source: JazzStandards.com © 2022 by Edward Thomas Carter

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