Requisites

Neo/Nistico ~ Sal Nistico | By Eddie Carter

This morning’s choice from the library is another recent acquisition that introduced me to tenor saxophonist, Sal Nistico. Salvatore was born on April 2, 1938, in Syracuse, New York, and began playing the alto sax, before switching to tenor in 1956. He also played baritone sax for a few years. Sal was a member of Count Basie’s and Woody Herman’s bands and also played with Nat Adderley, Chet Baker, Don Ellis, Curtis Fuller, Dusko Goykovich, Johnny Griffin, The Jazz Brothers Band, Buddy Rich, and Stan Tracey to name a few. Neo/Nistico (Bee Hive Records BH 7006) finds him leading a world-class sextet, Ted Curson on flugelhorn (tracks: A1, B3), trumpet (tracks: B1, B2), Nick Brignola (tracks: A1, B2) on baritone sax, Ronnie Matthews on piano, Sam Jones on bass, and Roy Haynes on drums. My copy used in this report is the original 1978 Mono release.

Side One takes off with Anthropology by Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker set at a blistering pace with both saxes backed by Roy presenting the melody. Nick applies searing heat to the opening statement, then Ted gives a high-energy reading that ascends to an exciting climax. Sal sizzles like a firecracker about to explode on the third solo, and Ronnie stirs it all together in an exhilarating statement preceding the front-line’s exchange and ensemble’s abrupt close. The beat slows down for You Don’t Know What Love Is by Gene de Paul and Don Raye. The quartet opens with a sensuous theme. Nistico begins the first reading with a delicately elegant conversation. Matthews begins the second statement with a soothing, almost seductive quality that’s beautifully tender. Nistico swings briefly on a robust return culminating in a gorgeous ending.

The quartet continues with a brisk workout of Be My Love by Nicholas Brodsky and Sammy Cahn. It was written in 1949 for Mario Lanza who sang it in the 1950 film, The Toast of New Orleans. The trio makes a feisty introduction to Sal’s lively theme and enthusiastic lead solo. Ronnie follows with a jubilant reading, then Sam cuts into the next statement like a hot knife through butter.  Roy engages in a satisfying exchange with Sal that doesn’t stop swinging until the upbeat ending.  Blues For K.D. is a Nistico original written to honor trumpeter Kenny Dorham that charges out of the gate on a vigorous melody. The leader is up first and delivers a torrid solo, then Curson ignites a mighty fire with his trumpet.  Matthews keeps the flame burning next, and Haynes does some heavy cooking on the closer amid an interchange of ideas with all three soloists.

Sal’s Bambu is a festive tune he composed while playing around on the piano in Europe. It’s a danceable mix of Afro-Calypso and Latin that’s highly rhythmic, infectious, and fun. The solo order is Brignola, Curson, Matthews, Haynes, and all four soloists invite us to party with them until an abrupt halt. Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum by Wayne Shorter was first recorded by its composer on Speak No Evil (1966). The quintet starts with a stroll on the opening chorus at a leisurely tempo. Nistico starts the first solo conveying a light mood that’s joyously carefree and happy.  Curson begins the next reading with an easy-going attitude, building steadily into an enjoyable groove. Matthews adds a great finishing touch with a briskly efficient finale cooking over a mild flame from Jones and Haynes ahead of the quintet’s closing chorus.

Neo/Nistico was produced by Joe Neumann, founder of Bee Hive Records, and engineered by Fred Norsworthy. I was very impressed with the record’s sound quality. It has an excellent soundstage with crystal-clear highs, a sharp midrange, and solid bass. Sal’s career as a musician lasted nearly three decades, and he spent a lot of time performing in Europe. He passed away on March 3, 1991, at age fifty-three. If you’re a fan of the tenor sax, Post-Bop, or are just discovering him as I have, I offer for your consideration, Neo/Nistico by Sal Nistico, an album of six performances that sparkle and swing from start to finish.  I’m very happy I found it and have it in my library.  After one audition, I’m sure you’ll feel the same!

~ Speak No Evil (Blue Note BLP 4194/BST 84194) – Source: Discogs.com ~ Anthropology, You Don’t Know What Love Is, Be My Love – Source: Wikipedia.org © 2021 by Edward Thomas Carter

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Requisites

Newport In New York ’72: The Jam Sessions, Vols. 1 & 2 ~ Various Artists | By Eddie Carter

If you love music as I do, I’m sure you’ve attended several live concerts, festivals, and performances in your lifetime. I’m also certain that there’s at least one that stands out and is so special, it’s become a truly unforgettable experience and a timeless memory. For me, that date was July 3, 1972, and I remember it like it was yesterday. I got the opportunity to visit Radio City Music Hall for a thrilling summit that was the ultimate jam session and the greatest jazz concert I’d ever seen. The night only got better when the audience learned that our show was being recorded to be released and enjoyed on LP. This morning’s choice from the library is Newport In New York ’72 – The Jam Sessions, Vols. 1 & 2 (Cobblestone CST 9025–2) featuring highlights of that night’s performance alongside two tunes from the July 6 concert.

The personnel reads like an encyclopedia of jazz luminaries: Cat Anderson (tracks: A1, B1), Dizzy Gillespie (tracks: C1, D1), Jimmy Owens (tracks: A1, B1) on trumpet, Benny Green (tracks: C1, D1) on trombone, Charles McPherson (tracks: A1, B1) on alto sax, Stan Getz (tracks: C1, D1), Buddy Tate (tracks: A1, B1) on tenor sax, Milt Jackson (tracks: C1, D1) on vibes, Roland Hanna (tracks: A1, B1), Mary Lou Williams (tracks: C1, D1) on piano, Milt Buckner (tracks: A1, B1) on organ, Kenny Burrell (tracks: C1, D1) on guitar, John Blair on violin (track: C1), Percy Heath (tracks: C1, D1), Charles Mingus (tracks: A1, B1) on bass, Alan Dawson (tracks: A1, B1), Max Roach (tracks: C1, D1) on drums, Big Black (tracks: C1, D1) on congas. My copy used in this report is the original US Stereo album.

Side One kicks off with Count Basie’s 1938 classic, Jumpin’ at The Woodside, co-written with Eddie Durham and Jon Hendricks. It’s one of his band’s signature tunes and the title comes from Harlem’s old Woodside Hotel, a popular spot for jazz musicians of the era and Negro baseball teams to stay.  Buckner starts with a lively introduction segueing into the melody. Buddy opens with a joyful statement, then Jimmy swings with compelling strength. Charles takes an exciting joyride on the third reading. Cat then wails into the stratosphere next.  Milt ignites an energetic fuse including a few notes of the wedding march on the fifth solo. Roland swings consistently on a short statement, then Charles takes his bass for a brief brisk walk. Alan has a quick exchange with Mingus before applying the finishing touches with a concise comment into the ending theme.

Lo-Slo Bluze by Jimmy Owens gets Side Two underway with the composer showing tasteful restraint on the opening chorus and first solo. Tate personalizes the second statement with a graceful, heart-melting interpretation.  Anderson raises the temperature significantly on the third reading soaring to a very high level. McPherson takes over to touch the audience with a soulfully satisfying performance, then Buckner starts the next presentation feeling at ease, then gradually builds the tension steadily to a riveting climax. Hanna turns in a superb effort on a rhythmically infectious reading and Mingus gets the final spot for a sensuously smooth improvisation leading to the ensemble’s reprise and coda.

Bags’ Groove by Milt Jackson was written in 1952 and first heard on Wizard of The Vibes that year. It starts the second record, and the title is from Milt’s nickname given to him by a Detroit bass player, referring to the bags under his eyes after one night of heavy drinking. The group brings the song to life with a collective theme at a leisurely tempo. The beat turns upward for Bennie’s opening chorus, then Stan taps into a creative vein on the second reading.  Bags follows with a breathtaking presentation. John puts himself into his only interpretation with boundless energy and unbridled passion. Dizzy steps up next, opening the throttle a little further with a stunning showcase. Mary Lou handles the next performance with zestful virtuosity. Percy gives a brief impression that he’s soloing next, but steps aside for Max who provides a thunderous finale ahead of the out-chorus.

Night In Tunisia by Dizzy Gillespie and Frank Paparelli is off to the races from the first notes of the introduction by the rhythm section leading to the ensemble’s theme. Gillespie launches into an electrifying lead solo setting the tone. Burrell charges the next spot with a jolt of high-voltage energy, then Getz provides an infectious enthusiasm on the third statement. Green takes an enjoyable romp into the next presentation propelled by Big Black’s congas. Jackson is firing on all cylinders during his turn, then Williams takes charge with authority on the next solo complemented by Heath’s brilliant bass and Roach’s vigorous brushwork.  Big Black adds some spicy sauce to the next reading, receiving the crowd’s approval before the closing ensemble. Roach provides the exclamation point with radiant intensity culminating a thoroughly satisfying set to a thunderous ovation from the crowd.

Both concerts were produced by Don Schlitten who co-founded Cobblestone Records with Joe Fields and later founded Xanadu Records. Fields founded the jazz labels, Muse, Onyx, and High Note.  Michael DeLugg is the man behind the dials. His work offers a wealth of wonderful detail from each instrument and the energy of the crowd. It also possesses a solid soundstage placing the listener in a great seat to enjoy the musicians. There are a total of six records in this series and all are worthy of consideration for your library. If you’re a fan of live jazz, I invite you to reserve your seat for Newport In New York ’72 – The Jam Sessions, Vols. 1 and 2. I guarantee you’ll hear some truly great performances that’ll leave an indelible imprint you won’t soon forget!

~ Newport In New York ’72 – The Jam Sessions, Vols. 3 and 4 (Cobblestone CST 9026-2), Newport In New York ’72 – The Jimmy Smith Jam, Vol. 5 (Cobblestone CST 9027), Newport In New York ’72 – The Soul Sessions, Vol. 6 (Cobblestone CST 9028), Newport In New York ’72 – The Complete Six Record Set, Vols. 1–6 (Cobblestone CST 9032–6), Wizard of The Vibes (Blue Note BLP 5011) – Source: Discogs.com ~ Night In Tunisia – Source: JazzStandards.com ~ Bags’ Groove, Jumpin’ At The Woodside – Source: Wikipedia.org © 2021 by Edward Thomas Carter

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The Quarantined Jazz Voyager

As life moves forward and I remain steadfast in social distancing, I was reminded of an album produced by hard bop, soul~jazz organist Shirley Scott. This was a very personal album  for the artist as it is filled with the music she always wanted to create but the demands of her vibrant career always overshadowed. With her friend and executive producer Maxine Gordon, they produced and recorded the session that became the album titled One For Me. This album was made to please no one but the artist herself.

Given two monikers, The Queen Of The Organ and Little Miss Half-Steps, the latter given to her by saxophonist George Coleman, this Philadelphian raised the funds to make the record, she had complete control over her masters and with her dream band, recorded in November 1974 at Blue Rock Studios in New York City. The album was released on the Strata~East label in Januray 1975. It has been re-released in 2020 on Arc Records.

Track List | 41:54
  1. What Makes Harold Sing? ~ 8:53
  2. Keep on Movin’ On (Harold Vick) ~ 9:52
  3. Big George ~ 5:22
  4. Don’t Look Back (Vick) ~ 8:56
  5. Do You Know a Good Thing When You See One? ~ 8:51
Personnel
  • Shirley Scott – organ, mellotron
  • Harold Vick – tenor saxophone
  • Billy Higgins – drums
  • Jimmy Hopps – cowbell, triangle (track 2)

CALIFORNIA JAZZ FOUNDATION

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Requisites

Midnight Sugar ~ Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio | By Eddie Carter

This morning’s choice from the library is one of my absolute favorites because each time I hear it, I’m transported back to one of my happiest memories as a young adult. If any of you lived in Cleveland, Ohio during the seventies and eighties, Audio Craft at 3915 Carnegie Avenue was the place to go if you wanted to purchase a quality entry-level, mid-level, or high-end audio system. My uncle Bob Franks was the manager there for many years and I got to help him on Monday and Thursday evenings, and each Saturday. He was instrumental in teaching me about excellent audio equipment, helping me put together my first system, and introducing me to The Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio.

Midnight Sugar (Three Blind Mice TBM-23) is the group’s 1974 debut for the Japanese jazz label and has long been a favorite to demonstrate high-end audio equipment at audio shows and audio salons worldwide.  It’s also become a collector’s item, a mint original LP or the 1977, 1979, and 1982 Stereo reissues can cost a few hundred dollars.  Joining the pianist are two giants in their own right, Isoo Fukui on bass and Tetsujiro Obara on drums.  My copy used for this report is the 1977 Japanese Stereo reissue (Three Blind Mice TBM-2523) and LP collectors take note.  Only the 1977, 1979 (TBM(P)-2523) and 1982 (Trio Records – Three Blind Mice PAP-2006) reissues list the group’s name as Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio.  All other LP reissues and the original release show the pianist’s last name first.

Midnight Sugar is a slow tempo blues beginning Side One with a brief bowed bass introduction by Isoo before Yamamoto takes over on the melody.  Tsuyoshi is the only soloist and is at his best on a lengthy interpretation that’s sublimely soulful and one of the highlights on the album, thanks to the rhythmic harmony provided by his colleagues.  I’m A Fool To Want You was written in 1951 by Frank Sinatra, Jack Wolf, and Joel Herron.  Sinatra recorded the song for Columbia Records, making it a hit.  It opens with a graceful introduction and wistful delivery of the melody.  The pace moves to midtempo for Yamamoto’s solo performance and he responds with a mesmerizing display and emotional depth preceding the closing chorus ending with fingertip delicacy.

The Nearness of You starts Side Two and was written in 1937 by Hoagy Carmichael and Ned Washington.  It became a hit for Ray Eberle who recorded it with The Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1940.  The trio dresses up this timeless evergreen with a blissful theme treatment and a sentimental swing on the song’s only interpretation by Yamamoto drawing the listener into this beautiful standard at a leisurely pace.  It Could Happen To You is by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke, this popular song was written in 1943 and was first recorded by vocalist Jo Stafford with the Paul Weston Orchestra.  Its first film appearance was in the 1944 musical comedy And The Angels Sing.  The trio’s interaction is stunning on the dreamy melody.  Tsuyoshi’s reading is skillfully constructed with tender lyricism on one of the most beautiful ballads ever written.

The album closes with Yamamoto’s Sweet Georgia Blues, an uptempo original sharing some similarities with the 1925 jazz and pop classic, Sweet Georgia Brown by Ben Bernie, Ken Casey, and Maceo Pinkard.  It opens with a vivacious theme by the trio, then a brief comment preceding Obara giving a short workout of explosive fireworks.  Tsuyoshi wraps up the album with a few final remarks of fun leading to the lively closing chorus.

Three Blind Mice began in 1970 with the premise of showcasing emerging jazz artists.  The label produced one-hundred thirty albums over thirty years and was known for their outstanding sound.  TBM also was instrumental in the development of Japanese jazz.  Many of the stars from Japan now known around the world recorded their debut albums on the label.  The album was produced by Takeshi Fujii who ran TBM for many years and recorded by Yoshihiko Kannari, the distinguished Japanese engineer who worked for TBM at the time, and now runs his own organization, Studio Lion since 2000.

The sound on Midnight Sugar is spectacular and a perfect choice to demonstrate any mid-level or high-end audio system.  Your sweet spot is right in the studio with the musicians because of the incredible lifelike detail coming from the piano, bass, and drums.  Tsuyoshi Yamamoto has an incredible discography of music, is still performing today and all of his albums on Three Blind Mice are worth occupying a spot in your library.  If you’re looking for a jazz trio album for the library or are a fan of piano jazz specifically, I happily submit for your approval, Midnight Sugar by Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio.  An album that’s quite a value for the music, sound quality, and a title that’ll provide its owner many hours of listening pleasure.

~ I’m A Fool To Want You (Columbia 39425); It Could Happen To You (Capitol Records 158) ~ The Nearness of You (Bluebird B-10745) – Source: Discogs.com ~ It Could Happen To You, The Nearness of You – Source: JazzStandards.com ~ I’m A Fool To Want You, Sweet Georgia Brown, Three Blind Mice – Source: Wikipedia.org © 2021 by Edward Thomas Carter

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The Quarantined Jazz Voyager

With a surge in Covid cases after Thanksgiving travel, I am doubling down on maintaining my social distancing and wearing my mask when I have to go out, otherwise, I remain in quarantine. From the shelves of my jazz collection, I am placing on the turntable the 1971 recording of First Light by trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, his third release on Creed Taylor’s CTI label.

The string arrangements are by conductor Don Sebesky and features performances by Herbie Hancock, Eric Gale, George Benson, Ron Carter, Jack DeJohnette, Airto Moreira, and Richard Wyands. The album is part of a trilogy including his two previous records at the time, Red Clay and Straight Life. First Light won the 1972 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Performance by a Group.

TRACKS | 42:55
  1. First Light (Hubbard) ~ 11:05
  2. Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey (McCartney, McCartney) ~ 8:17
  3. Moment to Moment (Mancini, Mercer) ~ 5:43
  4. Yesterday’s Dreams (Martin, Sebesky) ~ 3:55
  5. Lonely Town [from On the Town] (Bernstein, Comden, Green) ~ 7:00
  6. Fantasy in D” (Walton) ~ 6:55
PERSONNEL
  • Freddie Hubbard – trumpet, flugelhorn
  • Jack DeJohnette – drums
  • Ron Carter – bass
  • Richard Wyands – piano
  • George Benson – guitar
  • Airto Moreira – percussion
  • Herbie Hancock – Fender Rhodes piano
  • Phil Kraus – vibraphone
  • Hubert Laws – flute
  • Wally Kane – flute, bassoon
  • George Marge – flute, clarinet
  • Romeo Penque – flute, English horn, oboe, clarinet
  • Jane Taylor – bassoon
  • Ray Alonge – French horn
  • James Buffington – French horn
  • Margaret Ross – harp
  • David Nadien – violin
  • Paul Gershman – violin
  • Emanuel Green – violin
  • Harold Kohon – violin
  • Joe Malin – violin
  • Gene Orloff – violin
  • Matthew Raimondi – violin
  • Tosha Samaroff – violin
  • Irving Spice – violin
  • Alfred Brown – viola
  • Emanuel Vardi – viola
  • Charles McCracken – cello
  • George Ricci – cello

You all know I will be back flying around the globe just as soon as the world becomes safe again from this pandemic. In the meantime, stay safe and healthy.

CALIFORNIA JAZZ FOUNDATION

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