Requisites

Little Johnny C ~ Johnny Coles | By Eddie Carter

It happened like this: after listening to Bass on Top, my memories of my mom led me to another of her favorite jazz albums. Little Johnny C (Blue Note BLP 4144/BST 84144) by Johnny Coles is the trumpeter’s second release as a leader and his only Blue Note session. It was recorded in 1963 and released the following year. Johnny’s joined on this hard bop date by Leo Wright on alto sax (tracks: A1 to A3, B2, B3) and flute (B1), Joe Henderson on tenor sax, Duke Pearson on piano, Bob Cranshaw on bass, Walter Perkins (A1 to A3), and Pete La Roca (B1 to B3) on drums. My copy is the 1990 Toshiba EMI Japanese Stereo reissue sharing the original catalog number.

Little Johnny C is the first of five tunes by Duke Pearson. It kicks off Side One at a fast tempo with Duke’s brisk introduction to the front line’s lively theme. Leo comes out cooking first; then Johnny steps swiftly into the second statement. Joe wails in the following solo; then Duke shows his impressive skills into the group’s climax. Hobo Joe by Joe Henderson is a Latin-flavored blues that opens with the trio’s introduction, ahead of the sextet’s easy going melody. Coles begins this pleasant trip; then, Pearson picks up the next part of the journey. Wright continues the leisurely caravan, and Henderson concludes the trek in a fine finale ahead of the theme’s return and the trio’s fadeout.

Jano picks up the beat to end the first side with the ensemble’s medium melody. Leo sets the scene in the opening solo. Johnny takes over for a lengthy reading; then Joe builds the third statement exquisitely. Duke provides the closing remarks before the group returns to take the song out. My Secret Passion is a pretty ballad taken at a medium bounce, with Johnny leading the sextet in the melody and Pete La Roca taking over on drums. Coles opens the solos with a warm tone. Henderson displays delicacy and sensitivity in the following reading. Wright comes in next on the flute and gives a heartwarming statement. Pearson’s soulful interpretation brings us back to the reprise and ending.

Heavy Legs delivers an upbeat invitation to relax and enjoy the sextet’s ride through the opening chorus. Johnny is concise and to the point in the first reading. Joe follows with an equally enjoyable solo; then Leo steps in next for a rousing interpretation. Duke brings the solos to a happy conclusion ahead of the sextet’s theme restatement, slowly dissolving into nothingness. So Sweet My Little Girl is Pearson’s tribute to his then seven-year-old daughter, Cynthia. Johnny starts the melody softly with the saxes in the background. It sets the scene for the pianist’s tender performance as the song’s only soloist, leading to the front line’s return for a gentle climax.

Alfred Lion produced Little Johnny C and Rudy Van Gelder was the man behind the dials of the recording. The album sounds amazing, with a stellar soundstage that’s so good you’ll think you’re in the studio with the musicians as they are playing. Toshiba EMI did an excellent job with this reissue and the record is also very quiet until the music starts. Johnny only recorded five albums as a leader but has an extensive discography as a sideman. If you’re a hard bop fan and unfamiliar with Johnny Coles, I invite you to look out for Little Johnny C on your next record shop visit. It’s simply a great jazz album that I’m sure would make a perfect addition to any library and become a favorite on your turntable!

© 2024 by Edward Thomas Carter



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