Daily Dose OF Jazz…
Quinten H. “Rocky” White Jr. was born in 1952 in Hays, Texas near San Marcos. When he was a child, the family moved to Houston. Graduating from San Jacinto High School, where he began playing drums, he attended Texas Southern University and played in the school jazz band. In 1970 he married his high school sweetheart, Erma Green.
While at TSU he met Barrie Hall, who in 1973 joined the Ellington orchestra. It was about a month later that Ellington told Hall he needed another drummer and asked if he knew of one and he recommended Rocky. Joining the orchestra in the summer of 1973, he was one of the last musicians that Ellington hired before he died in 1974.
Drummer Quinten “Rocky” White Jr., whose last appearance with the orchestra was a performance of sacred music in 2007 at Williams Trace Baptist Church, died from cancer on June 4, 2008 in Houston. He was 56.
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Requisites
Quartet ~ Russ Freeman and Chet Baker | By Eddie Carter
It had been some time since I last enjoyed Russ Freeman’s piano work, so this morning I chose an excellent collaboration featuring him and trumpeter Chet Baker from my library. Quartet (World Pacific Records, PJ-1232) hit the stores in 1957 and was the eleventh album Freeman and Baker recorded together. The album showcases six original tunes alongside two standards, and they are supported by the outstanding rhythm section of Leroy Vinnegar on bass and Shelly Manne on drums. The copy of this album that I own is a King Record Company Japanese mono reissue (Pacific Jazz GFX-3104).
The first side opener, Love Nest by Otto Harbach and Louis A. Hirsch begins at a brisk pace, with Chet on muted trumpet during the lively melody, which continues into a spirited opening statement. Russ gets the next nod and delivers an energetic reading. Leroy follows up with a swinging interpretation, then Chet and Shelly engage in a brief exchange before the closing chorus returns. Fan Tan, the first of six originals by Russ Freeman, slows the pace to midtempo for the quartet’s theme. Freeman is afforded plenty of room to shape his phrases in the opening statement. Baker is back on the open horn and maintains a laid-back vibe as he effortlessly swings to the closing chorus and ending.
Summer Sketch begins with a gentle piano introduction. Chet Baker’s trumpet playing throughout the track is both poetic and tender, with each note radiating romantic beauty, softly guiding the group to a smooth, unified finish. An Afternoon At Home ends the first side with the rhythm section’s inviting introduction, allowing Baker to glide through the opening chorus at a leisurely, relaxed pace. Freeman’s lead solo is as enjoyable as spending a leisurely afternoon with friends. Then, Vinnegar takes the spotlight next for a captivating solo. Baker has the last word with a charming presentation, before the quartet brings the tune to a satisfying close.
Say When starts Side Two with the quartet’s spirited melody. Chet leads the way with an exciting opening statement. Russ soars into the following presentation, then Shelly swings with great force in a brief, exhilarating closing reading before the theme’s reappearance and the group’s exit. Lush Life by Billy Strayhorn is one of the enduring favorites among jazz standards. The song begins with Freeman’s sensitive introduction, gently segueing to Baker’s rich tone as he introduces the tender theme. The pianist’s solo possesses a sad, reflective beauty, culminating in the trumpeter’s tender and thoughtful finale.
Amblin is a slow blues, introduced by the trio’s soulful introduction, segueing to the leader’s down-home melody. Chet opens with a solo that’s thoughtfully crafted and effortlessly delivered. Russ continues letting each verse glide effortlessly next. Leroy wraps it up with plenty of heart, ahead of the quartet’s theme reprise and climax. Hugo Hurwhey takes off with a short introduction, preceding the ensemble’s upbeat theme. Baker hits an ideal groove in the opening statement. Freeman takes the reins next with a robust reading, then Vinnegar, Manne, and Freeman culminate the solos in a vigorous exchange with Baker, leading to the melody’s restatement and conclusion.
Richard Bock produced Quartet, but the identity of the recording engineer is unidentified. However, this King Record Company reissue possesses outstanding audio quality, with an excellent soundstage that brings the foursome into your listening room with impressive clarity and presence. Whether you’re a Russ Freeman or Chet Baker fan, or are just discovering the discography of either musician, I emphatically recommend and invite you to pick up Quartet on your next trip to the record store. The album is a stellar showcase for both musicians and would make a welcome addition to any jazz library!
~ Lush Life – Source: JazzStandards.com
© 2025 by Edward Thomas Carter
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Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Scott Samenfeld was born on October 26, 1951 in New York City and grew up between the city and New Jersey. Moving to Boston, Massachusetts in 1970 he attended Berklee College of Music and has been performing in the Boston area ever since.
The first band Scott founded, Muse Stew, began its life performing jazz and poetry. He currently leads his group performing his original compositions as well as other jazz and Latin artists. They blend African, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and other folk rhythms of jazz.
Samenfeld performs with a 16 piece big band, the Sounds of Swing Orchestra. They have been performing throughout New England for almost 20 years. As an educator Samenfeld has been a music teacher for many years and taught music theory and jazz guitar at the Guitar Workshop. During the 1970’s he taught jazz ensemble and instrumental music at the Cambridge School in Weston and The Open Road School in Waltham during that period as well.
Scott has focused on composing and performing his music and has been a member of the groups Razzamatazz, Trillium, Favela, and Ibrahima’s World Beat.
Bassist Scott Samenfeld who plays in the mediums of avant garde, bossa nova, and modern jazz, continues to perform, compose and teach.
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Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Harry Austin was born on October 22, 1958 in Capetown, South Africa. His passion for guitar was evident at a very tender age and spent his youth mingling with gifted street musicians around the city who greatly influenced him over the years.
A versatile guitarist and a wholehearted Jazz composer. In the late 70’s, he co-founded and performed with the “Touch” band and enjoyed great national success until the mid 80’s. Following this first accomplishment, he toured and made appearances with various musicians and live bands across South Africa until he made his international debut with the Andrew Young band in 2002. For the next 3 years, he played with the band in numerous countries such as China, Turkey and Tunisia.
Between 2005 and 2008, he performed at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa in Dubai. During 2009 & 2010, he toured throughout the United Arab Emirates. After touring Harry released 2 albums over the net titled Mojaezz, and Easylike.
Guitarist Harry Austin, who performs in the smooth jazz idiom, continues to play, tour and record.
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Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Ron Vincent was born on October 18, 1951 in Warwick, Rhode Island. When he came of age he moved to Boston, Massachusetts in 1969 and attended Berklee College of Music, graduating in 1973. After touring the U.S. with different jazz groups, and spending three years in Kansas City, he settled in New York City in 1982.
Becoming a veteran of the New York City jazz scene he worked often as a sideman. Ron has recorded for GRP, Concord and Palmetto record labels, the latter where he has been producer and co-producer for a number of projects.
A member of the Gerry Mulligan Quartet and Mr. Mulligan’s Re-Birth of the Cool Tentet from 1989 to1996, recorded four CD’s with Mulligan and has also recorded with Phil Woods, Lee Konitz, Randy Brecker, Bob Brookmeyer, Bill Charlap, John Lewis, and Slide Hampton. Ron has appeared with Art Farmer, Karrin Allyson, Jimmy Heath, Rob McConnell, Rufus Reid and Dr. Billy Taylor.
As a leader, his own trio and quartet are active in the New York City area and his quartet has toured the U.S. and Europe. His educator hat has him representing Sabian Cymbals, and presenting workshops at over 80 colleges and universities. Vincent has been on the faculty of the Jamie Aebersold Jazz Camps and the Stanford Jazz Camp. In 1996 Ron received a National Endowment for the Arts grant for jazz performance.
Drummer Ron Vincent teaches percussion at Manhattanville College, leads two educational performing groups that appear at schools in the tri-state area and is involved in a Literacy Through The Arts program in NYC’s public schools.
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