Requisites

Tenor and Flute ~ Bobby Jaspar | By Eddie Carter

Bobby Jaspar steps into the spotlight for this morning’s discussion with his 1957 album, Tenor and Flute (Riverside RLP 12-240). I first heard him on two records he made with Herbie Mann, Flute Flight, and Flute Soufflé (1957).  Bobby was born in Liège, Belgium, and began playing the piano at eleven and the clarinet at sixteen. He later switched to the flute and tenor saxophone, and in 1950 began working with French pianists Henri Renaud and Bernard Peiffer. Jaspar was also a member of the Bop Shops band and played and recorded with Toshiko Akiyoshi, Chet Baker, Kenny Burrell, Donald Byrd, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Milt Jackson, J.J. Johnson, Hank Jones, John Rae, and Wynton Kelly. He was married to jazz pianist and singer Blossom Dearie.  His supporting cast is Idrees Sulieman on trumpet (tracks: A1, B1, B2), George Wallington on piano, Wilbur Little on bass, and Elvin Jones on drums. My copy used in this report is the 1976 Japanese Mono reissue (Riverside SMJ-6156M).

The opener, Seven Up is Bobby’s easy blowing vehicle beginning with everyone laid-back on the melody.  Idrees starts the song in a nice happy mood on the first interpretation, then Bobby takes over for an outstanding solo as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar.  George follows with some carefree cruising that’s a treat for the ears and Wilbur is rhythmically infectious on a short statement ahead of the ensemble’s breezy climax.

Jaspar changes to flute for My Old Flame, written in 1934 by Arthur Johnston and Sam Coslow. It appeared in the film, Belle of The Nineties that year. He embraces the jazz standard lovingly on the melody and paints a compassionate portrait on the opening statement.  The second presentation by Wallington is tenderly expressed, then the leader gives a second performance that’s delicately pretty and Jones offers some beautifully shaped brushwork on the closer ahead of a tranquil ending.

Bobby returns to tenor sax for a spirited quartet rendition of All of You, Cole Porter’s 1954 jazz standard that first appeared in the 1955 Broadway musical, and 1957 film, Silk Stockings. The quartet gives a lift to this timeless classic with a briskly paced theme treatment. The saxophonist displays a lively intensity on the lead solo, then George adds a bouncy effervescence to the second reading.  Wilbur and Elvin split the third statement for a short, incisive comment, followed by Bobby and Elvin who guide us into the reprise with an expressive exchange.  Idrees Sulieman’s Doublemint is an energetic companion to his blues, Juicy Fruit, heard on The Hawk Flies High (1957). It opens Side Two with a collective infectious melody. Jaspar cooks vivaciously on the first statement, then Sulieman breaks into a robust reading. Wallington moves in next for a scintillating solo and Jones finds something good to say on the closing chorus sharing notes with the front line.

George Wallington wrote the final two tunes on Tenor and Flute beginning with his tenderly passionate ballad, Before Dawn. It starts slowly with a breathtakingly beautiful theme by Bobby and the rhythm section.  Jaspar then creates a mood of ecstasy on the first performance, then Idrees delivers a fine solo punctuated with delicate lyricism. George follows, sharing a brief moment of intimacy before Bobby adds a few additional affectionate remarks preceding the ensemble’s sultry coda.

Jaspar and the rhythm section take Sweet Blanche for a brisk ride on the finale with the leader back on flute. The quartet opens with a cheerfully pleasant theme and Jaspar excels with vigorous flair on the first interpretation. Wallington heads into the second reading expressing considerable delight, then Jaspar and Jones take us home sparring with each other into a satisfying climax. Tenor and Flute was produced by Orrin Keepnews, and the man behind the dials was Jack Higgins.

I was pleasantly surprised with the sound quality, the instruments produce an exceptional soundstage across the highs, midrange, and low end that’s right on the money. The analog Mono transfer by Victor Musical Industries from the original tapes has been gorgeously remastered and transports the listener to the studio alongside the musicians during the session. During 1961 & 1962, Jaspar formed a quintet with guitarist René Thomas and performed in a series of concerts and several recordings including appearing on Chet Is Back (1962). He passed away from a heart attack at age thirty-seven on February 28, 1963. I’ve enjoyed listening to this album and am happy to have it in my library.  If you aren’t familiar with Bobby Jaspar, are a fan of Hard-Bop or tenor sax, I hope you’ll seek Tenor and Flute out during your next vinyl hunt.  It’s a perfect album to get into jazz and the music is sure to make you tap your foot!

~ Chet Is Back (RCA Victor PML-10307); Flute Flight (Prestige PRLP 7124); Flute Soufflé (Prestige PRLP 7101); The Hawk Flies High (Riverside RLP 12-233) – Source: Discogs.com

~ My Old Flame ~ Source: JazzStandards.com

~ All of You, Bobby Jaspar ~ Source: Wikipedia.org

© 2020 by Edward Thomas Carter

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