Requisites

Crossings ~ Red Garland, Ron Carter and Philly Joe Jones | By Eddie Carter

It happened like this: after hearing Introducing Carl Perkins, I spent the remainder of the evening listening to several other trio albums while reading when I heard a title I hadn’t played in a while, which inspired this morning’s discussion. Crossings (Galaxy GXY-5106) is a 1978 release bringing together a dream team to record their first trio album. Red Garland is on piano, Ron Carter is on bass, and Philly Joe Jones is on drums. All three were members of the Miles Davis Quintet and have given jazz fans many incredible albums throughout their careers as leaders and sidemen. My copy is the original U.S. Stereo release.

Side One starts with a brief trio introduction, setting the stage for the melody of Solar by Chuck Wayne and Miles Davis. Red leads the way with a statement that sparkles with energy. Ron delivers precisely articulated choruses in the second solo. The pianist and Philly share the finale in an inspired interpretation, leading to the theme’s reprise. Railroad Crossing by Ron Carter is a smooth, easy-flowing tune. The bassist sets the tone with a concise introduction that seamlessly transitions to the trio’s melody. Carter begins with a leisurely opening statement; then, Garland gets into a down-home groove on the following solo ahead of the bassist’s return for the ending theme.

Never Let Me Go is a beautiful Jay Livingston and Ray Evans song. It was featured in the 1956 film noir The Scarlet Hour. Red opens with a short unaccompanied introduction that segues into the trio’s gorgeous theme. The pianist goes first with a delicately sultry performance, then hands the torch to Ron, who delivers a heart-warming presentation before the close. Oleo by Sonny Rollins gets underway with a short workout by Jones, leading to the ensemble’s quick theme. Garland ignites the fire in the first solo, and then Carter keeps the fires burning next. Jones adds more heat in the closer, preceding a captivating conclusion.

George and Ira Gershwin introduced But Not For Me in the 1930 Broadway musical Girl Crazy. The jazz standard starts Side Two with Ron leading the trio through the melody. The bassist masterfully manages the opening statement before making room for Red, who swings in the following reading. Ron returns to converse briefly with Philly ahead of the finish. Cole Porter’s classic Love For Sale begins with a lengthy solo piano introduction before the trio steps on the gas for the lively theme. Garland ignites the first solo with fiery choruses. Carter steps into the spotlight next and slows things down, and Garland returns for a vigorous exchange with Jones into the climax.

Orrin Keepnews produced Crossings, and Bruce Walford recorded and mixed the album at Fantasy Studios. David Turner mastered the album. The record’s sound quality possesses a vibrant soundstage, placing the musicians in your listening room with excellent fidelity. If you’re a fan of these jazz giants and enjoy a good piano trio album, I invite you to check out Crossings by Red Garland, Ron Carter, and Philly Joe Jones. The group’s musicianship shows three masters’ at work, and the six selections complement each other perfectly. The result is an album you can sit back, listen to and enjoy from the first note to the finale!

~ But Not For Me, Love For Sale, Oleo – Source: JazzStandards.com

~ Solar – Source: Wikipedia.org

© 2024 by Edward Thomas Carter

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