Requisites…

The Real Thing ~ Louis Hayes | By Eddie Carter

This morning’s record from the library comes from the renowned drummer Louis Hayes. He’s recorded eighteen albums as a leader and is known for his work as a sideman with Cannonball Adderley, Horace Silver, Oscar Peterson, and many others. The Real Thing (Muse Records MR 5125) is his third date and second with this group. It was recorded in 1977 and hit the stores the following year. The album features the exceptional talents of Woody Shaw on flugelhorn (track: A2) and trumpet (A1, A3, B1 to B3), Slide Hampton on trombone (B1 to B3), Rene McLean on alto (B2, B3), soprano (A3, B1), and tenor sax (A1), Ronnie Matthews on piano and Stafford James on bass. My copy is the original U.S. Stereo album.

Side One opens with St. Peter’s Walk by Tex Allen. Hayes introduces this scorcher in an energetic exchange with the front line. After the ensemble’s theme, Woody races through the opening solo with extraordinary energy. Ronnie’s electrically charged fingers move like a shot of adrenaline, then Louis soars out of sight in a vigorous workout. Rene is featured in the opening and closing ensemble but does not solo. Nisha by Louis Hayes is a quartet feature featuring Woody on the flugelhorn. Ronnie’s gentle introduction segues to Woody’s delicate melody. Ronnie picks up the pace in a gentle first solo that hits the mark. Woody follows with a charming sincerity that fits like a glove. Stafford sustains the thoughtful mood in the closer, while Louis’s timekeeping holds everything together ahead of the climax.

Loose Suite by Ronnie Matthews is a play on Louis’s first name. The song opens with the drummer’s razor-sharp introduction ahead of an abstract quintet melody. Rene leads off with an adventurous reading. Woody charges into the second solo with lightning-fast intensity. Louis leaves the listener’s ears sizzling with explosive fireworks preceding the reprise and ending. Side Two starts with My Gift To You by Stafford James. Slide comes on board for the sextet’s medium-fast melody. Rene digs deep into the opening statement and then steps aside for Stafford, who walks briskly in the following presentation. Louis stamps his personality on the finale with propulsive power before the sextet’s closing chorus fades into oblivion.

Jack’s Tune, aka Blue Fable, is by Rene’s father, Jackie McLean, and begins with the ensemble’s vigorous melody. Rene ignites the opening solo with a fire-breathing showcase. Ronnie comes behind him with a blazing interpretation, and then Slide follows with an aggressive statement. Louis gets the last word with a brisk workout, leading to the closing chorus and abrupt climax. Marilyn’s House by Tex Allen keeps the high-voltage exhilaration of the earlier tune, with the front line leading a fiery sextet melody. Woody starts the opening statement with joyous determination. Rene comes in next to give an electrifying presentation. Slide provides the exclamation point in a dazzling reading ahead of the restatement of the theme.

Michael Cuscuna produced The Real Thing, and the recording engineer was Chuck Irwin. The sound quality is not just good, but an enjoyable sit-down and listening experience with a wide soundstage that’s sure to please the most discriminating jazz fan. This is the only studio album the group made together. Still, they also recorded a 1977 live album, The Woody Shaw Concert Ensemble Live at The Berliner Jazztage. At the end of his liner notes, noted jazz journalist Bob Blumenthal states, “Louis Hayes no longer leads this band with Woody Shaw, but it left its mark during 1976 and 1977, and the music remains real.”

Despite the group’s short tenure, the impact of their music is undeniable. The Real Thing by Louis Hayes is one of the jewels of his discography that I’m sure will leave a lasting impression on the listener. For any fan seeking a solid hard-bop album to unwind with after a long day or evening, I invite you to check out this first-rate release on your next record-shopping trip. It’s a perfect starting point to get acquainted with one of the quintessential jazz drummers and a pleasure from start to finish!

~ The Woody Shaw Concert Ensemble Live at The Berliner Jazztage (Muse Records MR 5139) – Source: Discogs.com

~ The Horace Silver Quintet, The Oscar Peterson Trio, The Cannonball Adderley Quintet and Sextet – Source: Album liner notes by Bob Blumenthal.

© 2025 by Edward Thomas Carter

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