Requisites

Swiss Movement ~ Les McCann and Eddie Harris | By Eddie Carter

This morning’s record from the library is an exceptional live album by Les McCann and Eddie Harris. They performed a spontaneous concert at the 1969 Montreux Jazz Festival. Their set, which became the highlight of the three-day event, was a testament to the quintet’s exceptional musicianship. Swiss Movement (Atlantic SD 1537) immortalizes this incredible performance. The ensemble consists of Benny Bailey on trumpet, Eddie Harris on tenor sax, Les McCann on piano, Leroy Vinnegar on bass and Donald Dean on drums. My copy is the original 1969 U.S. Stereo release.

The opener, Compared To What by Gene McDaniels, is a poignant reflection of the sentiments of many Americans towards the Vietnam War and the President of the United States. McCann’s vocals, which delve into the pressing issues of the time, add a layer of historical significance to the song. Les starts things with a spirited introduction, setting the stage for a lively dialogue when Donald joins in. Leroy and Eddie add to the jubilant theme with McCann’s vibrant vocal choruses. Benny follows with a zestful solo, and Les returns for another round of swinging. He then lets his fingers do the talking with exhilarating energy. Eddie takes the performance to a whole new level next, leading to an electrifying climax, the audience’s thunderous applause, and McCann’s quintet introduction.

Cold Duck Time by Eddie Harris slows the pace to medium speed, opening with Les McCann’s introduction to the crowd. Leroy and Donald build the song softly to the quintet’s relaxing theme. Eddie starts the soloing with a nice, easygoing groove. Benny delivers the following solo with thoughtful construction and captivating lines. Les ends with a contagious swing on the closer, which cooks to the finale. Kathleen’s Theme by Les McCann ends the first side with Harris leading a quartet performance. Eddie delivers a feisty reading with a spirited momentum fueled by the rhythm section’s groundwork, which receives a well-deserved ovation from the Montreux audience at its conclusion.

Les McCann’s You Got It In Your Soulness opens Side Two with the trio’s festive introduction to Les scatting along in the background of the melody. He continues taking care of business on the first solo. Eddie launches a funky, firm-toned attack next. Benny responds with energetic verses in the following reading, and Les puts the exclamation point on the solos with intense heat, which glows brightly into the close. The Generation Gap by Les McCann starts with the trio’s introduction and melody. Eddie begins with a velvety, smooth opening statement. Les delivers a stimulating workout before the trio’s gentle ending.

Nesuhi Ertegün and Joel Dorn produced Swiss Movement, and French recording engineer Pierre Grandjean crafted the album with meticulous diligence to detail. The album boasts an excellent soundstage with a “you are there” feeling, immersing the listener in the Montreux Jazz Festival audience as the group performs. The record is also quiet until the music begins. As for the music itself, Swiss Movement by Les McCann and Eddie Harris is a testament to the highest standards of jazz, a live performance that rocked the house that night and continues to captivate audiences today. If you’re a soul jazz or post-bop fan, it’s a must-have for your library!

~ Compared To What – Source: Wikipedia.org

© 2024 by Edward Thomas Carter



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