Requisites

Wes Montgomery in Paris: The Definitive ORTF Recording ~ Wes Montgomery | By Eddie Carter

Up next from the library is a live date by Wes Montgomery from 1965, previously available only on various labels and several bootleg copies. It finally received its first official release in 2017. Wes Montgomery in Paris: The Definitive ORTF Recording (Resonance Records HLP-9032) is a two-record set recorded during the guitarist’s only trip to the city during his European tour in conjunction with Ina France. This trip was a significant moment in Montgomery’s career, allowing him to showcase his talent to new audiences and reunite with Johnny Griffin (tracks: C1, C2, D1) on tenor sax. Harold Mabern on piano, Arthur Harper on bass, and Jimmy Lovelace on drums complete the ensemble. My copy is number 1085 of the 2017 U.S. Limited Edition Record Store Day Mono Audiophile album.

The quartet begins the set with Wes Montgomery’s Four-on-Six. They lay an impressive blueprint in a lively melody, and Wes gets down to business in a dazzling opening statement. Harold meets the challenge with an aggressive interpretation preceding the group’s return to the reprise and close. Impressions by John Coltrane takes the foursome into the stratosphere during the speedy melody. Wes launches into an extended opening statement that races rapidly before Harold takes over for a furiously swinging interpretation, while Arthur and Jimmy keep it moving into the theme’s restatement and climax.

The tempo comes down for The Girl Next Door, a pretty ballad by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane. Wes’s unaccompanied introduction is as warm as a soft summer breeze, leading to the quartet’s lovely theme. The rhythm section lays a lush accompaniment for the guitarist’s sultry solo showcase, which will touch your heart into an enchanting ending. Here’s That Rainy Day by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johhny Burke begins the second side with a Latin-tinged introduction to the ensemble’s opening chorus. Wes takes the lead and gives an exciting solo to get the listener’s toes up and dancing. Harold continues the infectious enthusiasm in the second reading before the closing chorus.

Jingles by Wes Montgomery opens with the quartet’s spirited introduction and melody. The guitarist heads out of the gate at full speed. Harold comes right behind him to give an energetic interpretation. Wes and Jimmy get together to share a lively conversation next, and then Jimmy gets the last word before the theme returns. To Wane, Harold Mabern’s tribute to Wayne Shorter comes to life with the pianist’s lively introduction; then, the quartet sets a swinging groove on the melody. Wes is up first and works his magic on the opening statement. Harold completes the solos with a real burner, preceding the reprise and climax.

The foursome becomes a quintet with the addition of Johnny Griffin to start side three. Full House by Wes Montgomery begins with the ensemble easing the melody’s throttle. Wes kicks off the solos with bluesy lines of good-hearted swing; then, Johnny showcases his energy next in a joyous performance before the theme returns amid a thunderous ovation. ‘Round Midnight by Thelonious Monk, Bernie Hanighen and Cootie Williams begins with Harold’s tender introduction segueing into Wes’s haunting melody. Johnny begins the opening interpretation gracefully; Wes follows with a solo as enjoyable as the warmth from the fireplace before the quintet softly carries the song out.

Blue ‘N Boogie by Dizzy Gillespie and Frank Paparelli begins side four with the quintet’s brisk theme, and then Wes catapults into the first spicy performance. The highlight is when Johnny takes over for an extended solo, with an unaccompanied run into the quintet’s finale. The guitarist’s theme, West Coast Blues, follows, allowing the leader to introduce his bandmates to the crowd. The quartet returns for the set’s finale, Twisted Blues by Wes Montgomery, which the group begins slowly. Wes picks up the beat and swings effortlessly in the opening solo. Harold makes a stylish impression next, and then Arthur gets to solo last, creating an absolute jewel preceding Wes’s return for the finish.

André Francis produced the original recording, Zev Feldman produced this audiophile release, and Office de Radiodiffusion-Télévision Française (ORTF) made the original recording. George Klabin and Frank Gala restored the sound, and Bernie Grundman mastered the album. The album’s sound quality is impeccable, with an excellent soundstage that will transport the listener to the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées audience as if the performance is taking place right in front of them. The records are pressed on 180-gram vinyl and are silent until the music starts. Also included in this two-record set is an eight-page booklet with rare photos by Jean-Pierre Lenoir, essays and interviews and six collector postcards.

The 2017 audiophile album was a limited edition of three thousand, but it is one of the best releases that will reward your detective work in finding a copy. Wes Montgomery in Paris: The Definitive ORTF Recording is, in my opinion, Wes’s best live album, capturing the essence of his unique style and virtuosity. This is the most authoritative and comprehensive recording of Montgomery’s performance from the French radio and television broadcaster. It’s an outstanding record with a superb supporting cast that I’m proud to have in my jazz library. If you’re also a Wes Montgomery fan or enjoy jazz guitar, it should be seriously considered for a spot in yours!

~ Here’s That Rainy Day, ‘Round Midnight – Source: JazzStandards.com

© 2024 by Edward Thomas Carter

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What Is This Thing Called Soul? ~ The Cannonball Adderley-Nat Adderley Quintet | By Eddie Carter

I revisited a few of my mom’s cherished albums a few nights ago. The first of them, this morning’s record from the library submitted for your approval, inspired today’s discussion. What Is This Thing Called Soul? (Pablo Live 2308-238) is a concise retrospective of three live performances by The Cannonball Adderley-Nat Adderley Quintet during their 1960 European Tour in Paris, France, Gothenburg, and Stockholm, Sweden. Released in 1984, the personnel for this live album are Nat Adderley on cornet, Cannonball Adderley on alto sax, Vic Feldman on piano, Sam Jones on bass, and Louis Hayes on drums. My copy is the original U.S. Stereo release.

Side One opens with Victor Feldman’s Azule Serape; the quintet sets things in motion with the effortlessly swinging melody. Cannonball is up first with a finger-snapping flight of pure joy. Nat provides the toe-tapping compliment in the following statement. Victor continues grabbing the listener in the third reading before the ensemble reassembles to take the song out, leaving the audience exhilarated. Cannonball takes a moment to announce the second tune, Big P, by Jimmy Heath, which turns the heat up significantly, beginning with Sam’s bass introduction to the group’s spirited theme. Cannonball is off to the races first with an inexhaustible flow of ideas. Nat follows with a solo full of energy ahead of the vigorous reprise and finale.

Cannonball quickly mentions Nat before presenting the next song, the cornetist’s One For Daddy-O, his tribute to the Chicago disc jockey, Daddy O-Daylie. The rhythm section starts with a relaxing introduction to the group’s laid-back theme. Cannonball’s opening solo is pleasant and friendly. Nat is as carefree as a day at the beach in the following reading preceding the out-chorus and ending. The second side opens with what Cannonball describes as a soul piece, The Chant by Victor Feldman. The ensemble starts the song with a happy melody, then steps aside for Cannonball’s funky opening statement. Nat emerges next with an enthusiastic performance; then Victor contributes an impressive interpretation before the quintet restates the theme.

What Is This Thing Called Love? by Cole Porter is a classic jazz standard from the thirties, or as Cannonball describes it in his introduction, What Is This Thing Called Soul? The quintet kicks off the melody vigorously; Cannonball then cooks up a storm in the opening statement so hard that the listener might need to check that their speakers aren’t on fire. Nat comes sailing in next and continues cruising down the road rapidly. Victor states his case in a furiously swinging solo, and then Louis engages in a heated exchange with Cannonball until the theme’s reappearance and climax. The ensemble launches into the melody of Cannonball’s Theme, where the saxophonist thanks the audience and reintroduces the group before the song ends as quickly as it began.

Cannonball and Nat Adderley produced What Is This Thing Called Soul? There’s no mention of who recorded these concerts, but I’m happy to say the album’s sound quality is excellent, allowing the listener to feel like they’re part of the French and Swedish audiences. My mom always loved Cannonball’s rapport with the crowd on his live albums, and his playing always possessed a soulful groove that got your fingers and toes tapping from the first note to the last. If you’re already a fan of both brothers and enjoy live hard-bop, I offer for your consideration What Is This Thing Called Soul? by The Cannonball Adderley-Nat Adderley Quintet on your next record hunt. It’s an overlooked but enjoyable album you won’t regret adding to your library!

~ What Is This Thing Called Love? – Source: JazzStandards.com

© 2024 by Edward Thomas Carter

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Zoot ~ Zoot Sims Quartet | By Eddie Carter

I’d just completed a long week and wanted to hear something soothing after dinner. I chose Zoot (Argo LP 608), a 1957 album by The Zoot Sims Quartet. John Haley Sims was born in Inglewood, California and began playing the clarinet and drums at an early age. By age thirteen, he started the tenor sax and later joined the big bands of Kenny Baker, Bobby Sherwood, and Benny Goodman. He got his nickname Zoot while playing with Kenny Baker and later gained attention in Woody Herman’s orchestra as one of the four brothers’ sax section. The personnel on this date are Zoot Sims on alto sax (track: B3) and tenor sax (A1 to B2, B4), Johnny Williams on piano, Knobby Totah on bass, and Gus Johnson on drums. My copy is the 1975 Japanese Mono reissue (Cadet MJ-1013M).

The first side opener, 9:20 Special by Earle Warren, begins with the quartet’s delightfully relaxing melody. Zoot is the first to whet the listener’s appetite in the opening reading. Johnny takes the baton for a light-hearted solo next. Knobby follows with a few well-placed bass notes, and Gus shares the finale with Zoot in a short conversation ahead of the theme’s reprise. The Man I Love by George and Ira Gershwin opens with the rhythm section’s tasteful background accompanying Zoot’s tenderly warm tone in the opening chorus and the saxophonist’s first reading. Johnny is equally thoughtful and sensitive in the following interpretation. Zoot adds a few soothing last thoughts, like gentle raindrops hitting the ground, into a mellow ending.

55th and State, an original by Zoot Sims, moves the beat upward to a medium bounce for the ensemble’s theme. Zoot leads off with an inspired improvisation, then passes the torch to Johnny, who follows with a rousing performance. Gus wraps up the finale, sharing a lively conversation with Zoot, leading to the theme’s return. Blue Room by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart is an old show tune from the twenties. The quartet rises to the occasion, getting into an infectious groove on the melody. Zoot rolls out ideas effortlessly in the opening statement. Johnny extends the joyous mood in the following interpretation, and then Gus engages in a short exchange with Zoot, leading to the ending theme and conclusion.

Side Two begins with Gus’s Blues, an original by Gus Johnson that Johnny introduces, segueing to the foursome’s easygoing melody. Zoot sets a swinging groove on the opening performance. The pianist follows the leader with a bright, bouncy interpretation, and then the saxophonist returns for a closing presentation that disappears into nothingness. The group takes on another old chestnut with their rendition of That Old Feeling by Sammy Fain and Lew Brown. After the quartet establishes the opening ensemble, Zoot launches into one of his best solos on the album. Johnny responds with a compelling reading, and then the saxophonist delivers the last word in a short sermon before the group takes the song out.

Zoot switches to alto sax for Oscar Pettiford’s Bohemia After Dark. It’s a swinger from the word go, and this point is emphasized when the saxophonist takes charge during the foursome’s theme. Zoot continues cooking with confidence on the lead solo. Johnny meets the challenge head-on in a concise presentation, then turns it back over to Zoot, who delivers the knockout punch preceding the brisk reprise and climax. The closing track is Woody ‘n’ You, Dizzy Gillespie’s tribute to Woody Herman that takes off with the quartet’s brisk theme. Zoot opens with an enthusiastic performance. Johnny matches him in agility on the following statement. Knobby has a short stint next, and then Zoot and Gus share the exclamation point before the theme reprise and finale.

Dave Usher produced the album, but it’s unknown who the recording engineer was for the session. The album’s sound quality possesses a solid soundstage despite a minor issue during Knobby’s bass solo on Woody ‘n’ You, where the bass sounds distorted; the remainder of the album is excellent. Zoot Sims’s successful career as a leader and sideman lasted forty years, recording on various labels with many exceptional jazz musicians. He passed away from lung cancer on March 23, 1985, at the age of fifty-nine. If you’re a fan of Cool Jazz, I offer Zoot by The Zoot Sims Quartet for your consideration on your next record-shopping trip. This album of originals and standards is superbly performed and should become a welcome addition to your library!

~ That Old Feeling, The Man I Love, Woody ‘n’ You – Source: JazzStandards.com ~ Blue Room – Source: Wikipedia.org © 2024 by Edward Thomas Carter

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Kelly Blue ~ Wynton Kelly Trio and Sextet | By Eddie Carter

This morning’s record from the library is Kelly Blue (Riverside Contemporary Series RLP 12-298/RLP 1142) by The Wynton Kelly Trio and Sextet. It hit the stores in 1959 and was his second release as a leader on the label after Piano a year earlier. Wynton Kelly was an accomplished hard-bop pianist and accompanist who collaborated with many elite musicians and vocalists over his career, appearing on some of the most unforgettable jazz albums ever recorded. Here, he’s working with a superb supporting cast: Nat Adderley on cornet, Bobby Jaspar on flute, Benny Golson on tenor sax (tracks: A1, B2), Paul Chambers on bass, and Jimmy Cobb on drums. My copy is the 1982 Original Jazz Classics U.S. Stereo reissue (Riverside OJC-033).

Side One opens with the title tune, Kelly Blue, by Wynton Kelly. Bobby, Paul, and Jimmy introduce this mid-tempo blues with a three-instrument dialogue. The remaining ensemble joins in as the melody unfolds. Wynton begins the opening solo with a relaxing reading. Bobby exhibits some exciting twists and turns next. In the following presentation, Nat raises the temperature slightly with precise articulation. Benny delivers a gorgeous statement with a rich, warm tone as smooth as a sled on new snow before the close. Softly, As In a Morning Sunrise by Sigmund Romberg and Oscar Hammerstein II begins with the trio introducing the melody. Kelly sets the solos in motion with a performance that cooks. Chambers’s bass compliments him with a concise solo that is to the point ahead of the climax.

Green Dolphin Street by Bronislaw Kaper and Ned Washington is one of the prettiest jazz standards in The Great American Songbook. The trio gives this old favorite a lively sprucing up on the opening chorus, highlighting Wynton’s ability to captivate the listener in an impeccable performance until the closing ensemble returns. Side Two starts with Ann Ronell’s classic Willow Weep For Me. Chambers gets the nod and brings the song to life in a bluesy, slow-tempo introduction, and then Kelly and Cobb come in to complete the dreamy theme. The pianist opens with an effortlessly elegant solo. Paul expands on that feeling with reflective beauty next. Wynton has another memorable moment, leading to the finale.

Wynton Kelly’s Keep It Moving is an uptempo-blowing session that swings out of the gate with the front line returning for their second and final appearance. Wynton cuts loose on the opening solo vigorously. Benny takes his turn next and keeps the groove going, and then Nat turns in a captivating reading. Bobby makes the following point with a spirited statement. Paul has the last word with an excellent improvisation preceding the song’s conclusion. The trio wraps the album with Wynton Kelly’s Old Clothes. Kelly is up first after a leisurely melody with a light-hearted opening statement. Chambers makes his presence felt in the following reading. Cobb speaks with the leader in a concise conversation before the melody’s restatement.

Orrin Keepnews produced the session, and Jack Higgins was the recording engineer. The album’s sound quality is excellent, transporting the musicians to your listening room as if they were playing before you. Wynton Kelly was also a talented composer, and the level of good spirits demonstrated by him and his colleagues here is incredibly endearing. Kelly Blue is an album characterized by the pianist’s contagious enthusiasm, with everyone in top form. The music will also keep you hooked from start to finish. On your next record-shopping trip, I invite you to check out Kelly Blue by The Wynton Kelly Trio and Sextet. It’s not just a great album; it’s an excellent introduction to his music and a must-listen for any jazz enthusiast!

~ Piano (Riverside RLP 12-254) – Source: Discogs.com

~ On Green Dolphin Street, Willow Weep For Me – Source: JazzStandards.com

~ Softly, As In a Morning Sunrise – Source: Wikipedia.org

© 2024 by Edward Thomas Carter

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Star Highs ~ Warne Marsh | By Eddie Carter

Warne Marsh enters the spotlight with Star Highs (Criss Cross Jazz 1002), an outstanding 1982 quartet album, his second release on the Dutch label. It was recorded two days after the tenor saxophonist’s performance at the NOS Jazz Festival in Amsterdam. Marsh, a talented musician who studied under pianist Lennie Tristano and later joined his group, is a notable figure in the Cool Jazz school. His collaborations with Lee Konitz and the jazz group Supersax have further solidified his reputation. He is accompanied here by the exceptional rhythm section of Hank Jones on piano, George Mraz on bass, and Mel Lewis on drums. My copy is the original Netherlands Stereo album.

The first side opens with Switchboard Joe, the first of four originals from the pen of Warne Marsh. The saxophonist guides George and Mel through a brief introduction to the quartet’s brisk theme. Marsh sets the tone with his opening statement, followed by a solo from Hank that answers him. Marsh then leads a brief conversation with George before the theme’s reprise. The ensemble then shifts to the title tune, Star Highs, starting with a relaxed groove for the melody. Marsh goes first with a beautifully constructed statement, followed by a concise comment from Jones leading to the closing chorus.

Hank Jones introduces his composition Hank’s Tune, a leisurely paced blues that gets into a happy mood from the quartet’s melody. Warne delivers the opening solo with a simplicity and melodic charm. Hank follows with a thoroughly delightful reading, and then George walks with a sense of fulfillment next. Warne gets the last word before the close. Charlie Parker’s Moose The Mooche gets underway with the quartet’s lively melody. Marsh takes off first with a robust opening statement, followed by Jones’s spirited solo. Mraz takes a short walk with authority. Lewis has the final say in a brief workout ahead of the climax.

Side Two opens to a brisk clip for the ensemble’s quick melody of Victory Ball by Lennie Tristano. Warne soars into the opening solo, with the rhythm section’s driving accompaniment. In the following interpretation, Hank is inspired to greater heights; then, Warne and Hank chase each other through the third reading. Lewis has a moment to shine before the theme returns. Marsh’s Sometimes starts with the trio’s tender introduction and a seductive lead solo by Jones. The saxophonist illustrates elegance and sensitivity in the second statement. Mraz rounds out the readings briefly, moving toward the gentle repeat of the theme.

One For The Band begins with a carefree theme. Warne takes the spotlight first, offering an endearing reading. Hank responds with a dreamy, satisfying statement before the quartet wraps things up. Gerry Teekens produced Star Highs, and Max Bolleman was the recording engineer. The album’s sound quality is superb, with a vibrant soundstage that emerges from your speakers as clearly as Waterford Crystal. Whether you’re a cool jazz fan or enjoy the tenor saxophone, Star Highs by Warne Marsh is a gem you should not miss on your next record-shopping trip. It’s a great introduction to a jazz giant that should appeal to any jazz lover and become a welcome addition to any library!

~ Moose The Mooche – Source: Wikipedia.org

© 2024 by Edward Thomas Carter

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