Requisites

Perdido ~ The JATP All-Stars | By Eddie Carter

This morning’s column features some of the best musicians in jazz. Jazz At The Philharmonic was a series of concerts organized by Norman Granz. From 1944 to 1949, this revolving ensemble of all-stars made one of the greatest impacts on the public since the heyday of Swing. Perdido (VSP-Verve VSP-16/VSPS-16) is a 1966 reissue highlighting two performances by The JATP All-Stars from September 27, 1947. The song debuted on Norman Granz’s Jazz At The Philharmonic, Volume Eight. The personnel is Howard McGhee on trumpet, Bill Harris on trombone, Illinois Jacquet, Flip Phillips on tenor sax, Hank Jones on piano, Ray Brown on bass, and Jo Jones on drums. My copy used in this report is the 1966 US Mono reissue.

Side One gets underway with Perdido, a jazz standard written by Juan Tizol in 1941. Ervin Drake and Hans Lengsfelder added lyrics three years later. In Spanish, Perdido means lost and the song refers to the street in New Orleans. The rhythm section introduces the tune, segueing into the ensemble’s mid-tempo melody. Flip opens the solos at a deceptively relaxed groove, before elevating to a joyous swing that captures the enthusiasm of the crowd. Howard adds drive and excitement to the second reading. Illinois energizes the third statement with an invigorating power supply. Next, Hank has a good deal to say, then Bill captivates the audience in the closing statement with a mix of poise and fire ahead of the ensemble’s finish.

Side Two opens with Mordido, a jaunty tune occupying the second side. The composer is listed as Norman Shrdlu but is Norman Granz. Everyone gets an opportunity to solo, and the song gets underway with the septet’s collective melody. Illinois is up first with jubilant shouts of joy in the opening statement. Howard takes over and romps through the second solo with great passion. Hank takes the reins next and cooks with conviction. Bill follows and has an exceptionally brisk conversation with the rhythm section. Ray takes his bass for a very spirited walk, then Flip provides a scintillating statement of concentrated heat. Jo fuels the finale with energetic brushwork leading to the closing chorus and appreciative applause from the crowd.

Val Valentin engineered the concert’s original recording, and the remastering was done by Dave Greene. The sound quality of this reissue is a little bright with no distortion during the highs, midrange, and low end. However, there’s a little noise during the first few moments of the opening track. Norman Granz was one of the most successful jazz promoters and produced Jazz At The Philharmonic concerts in the US, Canada, Europe, and Japan from 1944 to 1983. He also founded five record labels, Clef, Down Home, Norgran, Pablo, and Verve. The roster of musicians and vocalists he toured with is the definitive Who’s Who in Jazz. Granz also fought for equal rights for the black musicians who worked for him, paying them the same wage as white musicians, and providing the same lodging as well.

I chose Perdido for this week’s discussion to honor one of my favorite tenor saxophonists, Illinois Jacquet whose birthday was recently observed on October 31. This album also suspends in time one of the best jazz concerts by The JATP All-Stars during the forties with an enthusiastic audience at one of the greatest concert venues in the world, Carnegie Hall. While it may not be considered an essential record for your library, I hope I’ve piqued your curiosity enough to check out Perdido by The JATP All-Stars on your next vinyl shopping trip. It’s a great introduction to the Jazz At The Philharmonic concerts, and you’ll be rewarded with some of the best live jazz albums you’ll hear that still swing today!

~ Postscript – The date of the recording on my reissue of Perdido is listed as November 1947. However, when checking further in the booklet of my Japanese box set, Norman Granz’ Jazz At The Philharmonic – 1940s (1981), Perdido was recorded on September 27, 1947. Likewise, Mordido and Endido were also recorded that night. – Source: jazzdisco.org ~ Norman Granz’ Jazz At The Philharmonic, Volume Eight (Mercury Records 11000, 11001, 11002), Norman Granz’ Jazz At The Philharmonic – 1940s (Verve Records UMV 9070, 9071, 9072)  – Source: Discogs.com ~ Perdido – Source: JazzStandards.com ~ Norman Granz – Wikipedia.org © 2022 by Edward Thomas Carter

More Posts: ,,,,,,,,

© Notorious Jazz 2024