Requisites

JAMES II ~ JAMES LEARY | BY EDDIE CARTER

This morning’s column begins with the second album by James Leary on David Manley’s audiophile record label VTL.  James II (VTL-The Vital Sound 005) is a stellar 1992 quartet session released a year after his first album for Vital Records, James. The personnel for this two-record set is Eddie Harris on tenor sax (tracks: A2, C1, D1, D2), and vocals (track: B1); Billy Childs on acoustic piano; Leary on acoustic bass and Ralph Penland on drums. My copy used in this report is the original Stereo release.

The album gets underway with the opening number, Joshua. This is a Victor Feldman composition originally made famous by Miles Davis on Seven Steps To Heaven (1963) and two live albums, Miles Davis In Europe (1964) and ‘Four’ & More (1966). Billy kicks off the album with a breathtaking melody, then rips into the opening solo with searing intensity. James follows with a fascinating study of vivacity and sprightliness, then Ralph executes a brief finale of impeccable brushwork before the coda.

Have You Met Miss Jones? The popular standard by Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart first appeared in the 1937 musical comedy, I’d Rather Be Right. Eddie Harris makes his debut here and the quartet takes the melody at a relaxed beat. Billy picks up the pace on the opening solo with a compelling improvisation.  Eddie’s first reading finds full rein of expression with a full-bodied tone you can’t help but enjoy. James puts together a very effective closing statement ahead of the ending theme.

A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing by Billy Strayhorn was composed in 1944.  It opens Side Two with a hauntingly delicate introduction to the melody by the quartet utilizing Harris’ voice scatting along with the trio. Leary tells a deeply poignant story on the lead solo that’s a reminder of the passing of time. Childs delivers the second statement with the sweetness of a scented summer breeze after a light rain. Harris makes the final reading his own with a sublimed moody feeling that floats gently into the climax.

Seven Steps To Heaven by Miles Davis and Victor Feldman brings Record One to a close with a brief unaccompanied introduction by the bassist segueing into an invigorating theme.  Leary swings from the outset on the first statement, then Childs gives an energetic workout next. Penland speaks last with a fierce intensity leading to an exuberant closing chorus. John Coltrane’s Spiral creates an infectious midtempo melody from the opening notes of the introduction into a swinging first interpretation by Eddie. Billy brings his own brand of excitement to the second reading and James provides some good cooking on the finale.

Leary’s Laugh, Laugh Again is a trio performance beginning with a bowed introduction by the bassist preceding the lovely opening chorus. Childs starts the first reading tenderly, revealing the essence of the song with a delicate interpretation that’s rich and atmospheric. Leary wraps up the solos with a tender, sweet performance.

Oleo by Sonny Rollins begins the final side with Leary providing a repeating bass figure reoccurring underneath each reading. Billy starts with a muscular groove that really cooks, then Eddie swings with an exciting restlessness on the second statement. James follows with a scintillating solo and Ralph ends in fine form on a dynamically propulsive presentation. Leary’s Hold My Hand is a simple ballad that opens elegantly with Harris in front of the foursome on the lyrically beautiful theme. The first solo is affectionately handled by Harris who gives a presentation of intimate lyricism. Childs wraps up the album with a thoughtfully delicate reading.

David Manley, VTL’s (Vacuum Tube Logic of America) founder produced and engineered this album in a state-of-the-art studio utilizing the company’s tube technology.  The soundstage is extraordinary throughout the highs, midrange, and bass.  The result is James II by James Leary is not just an excellent album, but a treat for any jazz fan to enjoy!

~ ‘Four’ & More (Columbia CL 2453/CS 9253); James (Vital Records ViTaL 003); Miles Davis In Europe (Columbia CL 2183/CS 8983); Seven Steps To Heaven (Columbia CL 2051/CS 8851) – Source: Discogs.com

~ Oleo, Have You Met Miss Jones? – Source: JazzStandards.com

~ Seven Steps To Heaven – Wikipedia.org

© 2020 by Edward Thomas Carter

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