Requisites

Down Town ~ Guido Manusardi Trio | By Eddie Carter

This morning’s choice from the library is Down Town (Soul Note SN 1131) by The Guido Manusardi Trio. It was released in 1986 and the album’s title comes from the restaurant in the Galleria where Manusardi plays solo piano. He’s one of the incomparable musicians whose records are consistently outstanding. Guido also played and recorded with Don Byas, Roy Eldridge, Art Farmer, Dexter Gordon, Red Mitchell, and many others over a nearly five-decade career. He’s joined here by the Swiss jazz bassist, Isla Eckinger whose catchy grooves flow smoothly whether at fast, medium, or slow tempos. The drummer is Ed Thigpen who needs no introduction to anyone owning albums by Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Bud Powell, Dinah Washington, and others. Thigpen could swing straight ahead with a strong, but not heavy touch on the drums and his rock-solid beat is the foundation sustaining the happy, relaxed mood of this date. I was introduced to his music on this album, and my copy used in this report is the original Italian Stereo pressing.

Downtown, the first of four tunes by the pianist starts Side One in good spirits with the trio’s mellow melody. The pace picks up on the opening chorus with the most solo space devoted to Manusardi who delivers an efficient statement. Eckinger displays his rhythmic virtuosity on the closing reading with a charming, melodic performance. Thigpen holds the song together with subtle support ahead of the finale. Guido’s very pretty ballad, Alexandra, is a stunning centerpiece for him on the song’s only solo. His presentation is elegantly graceful and tender thanks to the intimately gorgeous groundwork of his bandmates. The first side finale is the pianist’s Fairway. It’s ablaze from the pulse-quickening introduction by Thigpen into the trio’s vigorous theme. Guido dances brightly on the keys with an energetic opening statement. Isla follows with an expediently paced, uptempo reading that fuels Ed to raise the energy level higher with a brisk attack on the drums ending with a very satisfying closing chorus.

Side Two opens with the 1935 standard, My Romance by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. The ensemble introduces the melody at a medium tempo, and Manusardi permits his fingers full sway on the joyously happy lead solo. Eckinger fascinates endlessly on the next reading with incisively expressive lines, and Thigpen exchanges lively brushwork with the leader on the closer before the trio’s exit. Dino’s Mood, Manusardi’s second ballad allows the pianist another opportunity to weave a magic mist of great sensitivity as the song’s lone soloist with a soft-spoken spirit. Isla and Ed shadow Guido as he plays delicately, culminating into a tender climax. The album ends with The Meaning of The Blues by Bobby Troup and Leah Worth. It was composed in 1957 and Manusardi’s lone interpretation is delivered to perfection. He entices the listener with a performance of exquisite beauty and melancholy poetry into the ensemble’s gentle ending.

The solos throughout Down Town are enticing by the exceptional energy, interaction, and technical skill of Manusardi, Eckinger, and Thigpen. The album is also superbly recorded by engineer Giancarlo Barigozzi with an open and airy soundstage, stunning sound, and incredible definition of each instrument. If you’re unfamiliar with pianist Guido Manusardi and enjoy a solid jazz trio of piano, bass, and drums, I invite you to audition Down Town by The Guido Manusardi Trio. Your diligence in seeking the album out for your library will be rewarded with nearly thirty-seven minutes of outstanding jazz that still sounds as fresh as it did over three decades ago on a stellar album that’s highly recommended!

~ My Romance, The Meaning of The Blues – Source: JazzStandards.com © 2021 by Edward Thomas Carter

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A Date With Jimmy Smith, Volume One~ Jimmy Smith | By Eddie Carter

Jimmy Smith steps into the spotlight for this morning’s discussion with his 1957 album, A Date With Jimmy Smith, Volume One (Blue Note BLP 1547/BST 81547). This is the first of three large group recordings the organist made for Blue Note, the other two were in 1958, producing the albums, Houseparty and The Sermon and 1960, resulting in Open House and Plain Talk. It’s also the only time he recorded with Donald Byrd (tracks: A1, B1) on trumpet and Hank Mobley (tracks: A1, B1) on tenor sax. Also featured is Lou Donaldson (tracks: A1, B1) on alto sax, Eddie McFadden on guitar, Art Blakey (tracks: A1, B1), and Donald Bailey (track: A2) on drums. The copy used in this report is a friend’s 1966 Liberty Mono reissue sharing the original catalog number.

Falling In Love With Love by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart opens the album with the sextet’s collective uptempo melody. It was first heard in the musical, The Boys From Syracuse (1938). Hank leads off with a smokin’ opening solo, then Eddie puts together a swinging statement. Jimmy dispenses enthusiastic energy on the next presentation. Donald shifts into high gear on the fourth reading. Lou cooks on a delicious solo and Art shares a brief exchange with the front line ahead of the closing chorus. How High The Moon by Nancy Hamilton and Morgan Lewis is a gorgeous jazz standard from the Broadway revue, Two For The Show (1940). This is a trio tune with Bailey taking over the drum chair. Jimmy embraces the melody tenderly and gives two thoughtfully passionate solos. McFadden also has a very gentle reading and Bailey compliments both with elegant brushwork.

Funk’s Oats is a bluesy midtempo original by Jimmy beginning with the sextet stating the melody. Lou leads off this time with a joyously carefree interpretation. Donald extends the happy mood on the second statement. Hank delivers some excellent blowing with an easy swing next. Eddie unfolds the fourth reading as smooth as velvet, and Jimmy takes us into the ensemble’s reprise and exit with a delightful groove. A Date With Jimmy Smith, Volume One was recorded by Rudy Van Gelder, and this Liberty reissue has an outstanding soundstage. The vinyl is quiet for a pressing of this vintage and the instruments emerge from your speakers as if the group is in your listening room. If you’re a jazz fan who enjoys the swinging organ of Jimmy Smith, I offer for your consideration A Date With Jimmy Smith, Volume One. It’s a vibrant, inspired album with everyone in top form that’s sure to make a nice addition to any jazz library!

~ Houseparty (Blue Note BLP 4002/BST 84002), Open House (Blue Note BLP 4269/BST 84269), Plain Talk (Blue Note BST 84296), The Sermon (Blue Note BLP 4011/BST 84011) – Source: Discogs.com ~ Falling In Love With Love, How High The Moon – Source: JazzStandards.com © 2021 by Edward Thomas Carter

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James ~ James Leary | By Eddie Carter

VTL (Vacuum Tube Logic of America), as any audiophile knows, is one of the finest makers of high-end tube audio equipment. In 1991, David Manley, the company’s founder (who began VTL in England, a decade earlier) began recording a small roster of musicians utilizing their tube technology. All the albums recorded on Vital Records and VTL (The Vital Sound) were created in Manley’s newly designed recording studio at 15 IPS on a modified Studer C37 Tube Tape Recorder. If you have the equipment to properly audition them, each record has a breathtaking soundstage that’s mesmerizing. The focus was completely on the music and sound rather than the packaging, this release came in two black twelve-inch cardboard sleeves with the album cover and musicians listed on the left side. Submitted for your consideration this morning is an album by one of the best jazz bassists you may be unfamiliar with, James Leary.

The first of his two records, James (Vital 003) was unlike anything I ever heard before on an album when I first discovered it thirty years ago. The front line for this unique septet is a five-piece string Bass Choir. James Leary is featured on a 1908 England Hawkes-Panormo bass, John Clayton plays an Unknown French Rarity bass, Reggie Hamilton plays a Pollman German-Modern bass, Fred Tinsley plays a Bella Rosa Italy-Modern bass, and Al McKibbon plays a 1620 Steiner bass (tracks: A1 to C2, D1 to D3). The quintet is anchored by Eddie Harris on tenor sax, vocals (track: C3), Billy Childs (track: C3), Todd Cochran (tracks: A1 to C2, D1 to D3) on acoustic piano, Clayton Cameron (tracks: A1 to C2, D1 to D3), Ralph Penland (track: C3) on drums. My copy used in this report is the 1991 two-record Stereo audiophile release.

Side One opens with an original by Thelonious Monk and Denzil Best, Bemsha Swing. The tune originally appeared on Thelonious (1953), and Monk recorded it again on Brilliant Corners (1957). Leary sets a lively mood leading the ensemble through the mid-tempo melody, then launches into a sparkling opening statement. John creates something special on the second reading that’s extremely satisfying. Fred follows with an enthusiastic interpretation, and Al gets a moment in the sun with an outstanding performance shining brilliantly like a diamond. Among the highlights is Wes Montgomery’s Bumpin’ On Sunset. Fred Tinsley opens the song with a gorgeous introduction preceding the main theme. The interplay between the Bass Choir reinterprets this contemporary classic with a gorgeous performance.

Quiet Fire by George Cables begins with the bassists introducing a vigorous opening chorus.  Cochran’s lead solo takes off with electric energy. Leary follows, thoroughly swinging on the next reading. Clayton comes in next with an assertive, energetic interpretation, and McKibbon packs a beefy and impressive punch on the closing statement. Wayne Shorter’s Fall is given a breathtaking treatment as Leary and his colleagues state the melody alongside Cochran in the background on the piano. James offers exquisite softness on the first solo. His tuneful conversation with the pianist and Cameron is also affectionate. Hamilton creates a deeply introspective work on the closing reading. There is a freshness and resiliency to his playing with warmth, tenderness, and elegance into the song’s luscious climax.

Leary also composes as well as he plays, as demonstrated on I’m Walkin’, one of the bassist’s six compositions. This tune is loosely based on the 1957 composition by Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew and is the only quartet performance on this album. Harris’s voice dominates, making a vibrant improvisation on the mid-tempo melody matched by the rhythm section. In the opening statement, Cochran swings easily. Harris’ tenor sax is also clearly defined in the next presentation. Leary solos beautifully on the closing reading preceding the theme’s reprise and ending led by Harris’ scat. This foursome is also featured on James II.

L’ Ear, also by Leary, brings the bassists back to provide a splendid display of vibrant spontaneity as the Bass Choir presents the opening chorus. Cochran and Leary are the featured soloists, Todd is upbeat and spirited on the first statement with a deceptively relaxed approach. Leary sustains a steady flow of ideas on an attractive closing performance. Throughout the remainder of the album, James shines as an enduring commitment to straight-ahead jazz of the highest order. It’s a significant accomplishment by James Leary and a noteworthy release for your library with nearly eighty minutes of music that’s marvelously presented and beautifully recorded!

~ Brilliant Corners (Riverside RLP 12-226/RS 1174), James II (Vital Records ViTaL 005), Thelonious (Prestige PRLP 142) – Source: Discogs.com ~ Bemsha Swing, I’m Walkin’ – Source: Wikipedia.org ~ Fall – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VPOJr0cuRs © 2020 by Edward Thomas Carter

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Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley | By Eddie Carter

I’ve been a fan of Nancy Wilson and Cannonball Adderley since I was a kid, and the album up for discussion to begin December is one of my absolute favorites. It features one of the most beautiful voices in jazz coupled with a dynamic quintet that was becoming one of the best small ensembles and very popular with the public. This morning’s choice from the library is a 1961 album, Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley (Capitol Records T-1657/ST-1657). Backing the duo are Nat Adderley on cornet, Joe Zawinul on piano, Sam Jones on bass, and Louis Hayes on drums. My copy used in this report is the 1962 US Stereo reissue (the Capitol Records logo is at the noon position on the label). This record holds a special place in my heart because it was the first album, I ever owned that was autographed by everyone in the group.

The quintet came to Leo’s Casino (Cleveland Ohio’s premier jazz club for many years) for a weekend performance, and my uncle Ben went to see them. After their first set had concluded and during the break, he let Cannonball know I was a big fan of his album, Somethin’ Else (1958). As a result, everyone signed it and he gave it to me for Christmas; once I opened the package, I forgot all about the toys. When Nancy came to the club a year later, he got her to sign it also. I had that autographed copy from 1962 to 1996 and it was my most prized possession until a fire destroyed my Mom’s home. Though a devastating loss, her and my Stepdad’s lives were spared, and that became a significant blessing to both my sister and me. Also, the memory is still a treasured one that always makes me smile whenever I play my current copy. That’s enough about me, gang, let’s get to the report.

Side One starts with Save Your Love For Me by Buddy Johnson. The rhythm section introduces the song delicately, then Nancy entices the listener with a seductive opening chorus tastefully trailed by Nat on muted cornet. Cannonball comes in on the next verse with a perfect example of soft and silken tenderness. The rhythm section’s reflective accompaniment is quite beautiful behind Nancy’s vocals leading to a gentle ending. Teaneck by Nat Adderley was initially known as A Little Taste and first heard on Portrait of Cannonball (1958). The ensemble takes off at a fast gallop on the spirited introduction and theme. Cannonball is a bundle of energy on the lead solo. Nat is as resourceful on the second reading with radiant intensity and Zawinul says plenty on an assertive, hard-driving solo preceding the group’s vigorous exit.

Never Will I Marry by Frank Loesser made its debut in the Broadway musical fantasy, Greenwillow (1960). Nancy and the quintet present a lighthearted rendition with her voice as an additional horn to the agile beat of the front line. In between her blissful vocals on the opening and closing chorus, Cannonball makes quick work of a concise, lively contribution in an equally effective fashion. I Can’t Get Started by Ira Gershwin and Vernon Duke first appeared in the musical, Ziegfeld Follies of 1936. This jazz standard is one of the most beautiful songs from The Great American Songbook. Adderley unfolds the attractive melody slowly, accompanied by the trio’s soft support, then continues with a daintily polite opening statement. Zawinul responds with a delicately pretty touch on the finale ahead of the altoist’s elegant reprise and ending.

The Old Country by Nat Adderley and Curtis Lewis is the story of a sad, lonely individual in the twilight of his life. Nancy is the narrator whose lyrics recall all he had and lost because of his choice to remain isolated and alone. This tune begins at midtempo by Nancy and Nat who equals her lyrics with meticulous skill on the muted cornet. Cannonball kicks off the solos with a chorus of uncluttered swinging. Joe adds a concise performance that flows smoothly into the climax. One Man’s Dream by Charles Wright and Joe Zawinul begins at a brisk pace with a zesty melody in unison. Cannonball is out of the gate first with an invigorating opening statement, succeeded by Nat who delivers the second solo with sheer vitality. Zawinul takes a short reading, then the front line shares a final conversation ahead of the reprise and ending.

Happy Talk by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II comes from South Pacific (1949). It starts Side Two with an upbeat treatment by Nancy and the ensemble. Nat’s muted cornet leads the quartet on the introduction into her jubilant lyrics. Cannonball also shines on a short comment. Never Say Yes by Nat Adderley starts with a muted introduction and opening solo that’s handled with finesse. Cannonball comes next with a lively presentation that adds to the exhilaration. Zawinul wraps up the conversation with youthful exuberance, ahead of Nat’s graceful finale. Nancy sings one of the prettiest jazz standards next, The Masquerade Is Over by Herbert Magidson and Allie Wrubel. She’s the dominant presence here and presides with an intimate sincerity in a tender expression of love lost. Zawinul, Jones, and Hayes follow her into a soft summation.

Sam Jones’ Unit 7 became the closing theme for Cannonball’s groups during their live performances, and the bassist recorded another version on Down Home (1962). The quintet opens with a bluesy beat by both horns leading the group on the theme. Cannonball builds the first solo with melodic inventiveness. Nat follows with a sweet tone and impeccable intonation. Joe struts through the closing statement with a joyfulness that’s extremely revealing. The finale is A Sleepin’ Bee by Harold Arlen and Truman Capote. It premiered in the musical House of Flowers (1954) and starts innocently with a brief piano introduction by Zawinul. Nancy shares the spotlight with Jones for the first verse before the ensemble joins in for the melody. Nancy’s voice is in superb form on this midtempo gem and Cannonball turns in a brief solo of incredible emotion and feeling. She closes the song as she began, in a duet with Jones that ends softly.

Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley is exactly as stated on the cover; forty-one minutes, and fifty-nine seconds of some of the best jazz you’ll hear. It was produced by Andy Wiswell and Tom Morgan who were the men behind many great Capitol albums during the sixties. This reissue has an excellent soundstage that still stands up well sixty years later. Nancy’s vocals are splendidly interpreted, and she holds your attention on every song. She made thirty-seven albums over a two-decade career at Capitol Records. Cannonball also flourished at Capitol after leaving Riverside, recording seventeen albums from 1964 to 1970. Here, they demonstrate their vibrant improvising in a swinging, straight-ahead set that’s right on target. If you’re a fan of Hard-Bop and great vocals, Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley is a happy session that’s sure to thrill old and young fans and one of the best things you can do for your turntable!

~ Down Home (Riverside RLP 432/RLP 9432), Portrait of Cannonball (Riverside RLP 12-269), Somethin’ Else (Blue Note BLP 1595/BST 81595) – Source: Discogs.com ~ A Sleeping Bee, Happy Talk, I Can’t Get Started, Never Will I Marry – Source: Wikipedia.org © 2021 by Edward Thomas Carter

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Tune~Up! ~ Sonny Stitt | By Eddie Carter

Sonny Stitt was equally fluent on alto sax (tracks: A2, A4, B2, B3) and tenor sax (tracks: A1, A3, B1, B3) with a pure tone that could be carefree, fiery, or seductive. This morning’s choice from the library is a superb example of him at his best. Tune-Up! (Cobblestone CST 9013) is an excellent 1972 quartet session anchored by Barry Harris on piano, Sam Jones on bass, and Alan Dawson on drums. Stitt’s birth name was Edward Hammond Boatner, Jr. and he came from a musical family. Sonny’s father sang baritone, was a composer, and was a college music professor. His mom taught piano, and his brother was a classically trained pianist. He was later adopted by a family named Stitt and gave himself the name Sonny. The musicians he’s played with reads like the encyclopedia of jazz. Stitt’s also recorded over one hundred albums as a leader and sideman. My copy used in this report is the original US Stereo album.

Side One opens with a speedy rendition of Tune-Up by Miles Davis. Sonny’s tenor sax is emotionally charged from the start of the melody. He launches a ferocious workout on the first statement at breakneck speed. Barry is up next for a vigorously energetic reading leading to a final heated discussion by the leader before the quartet’s exit. I Can’t Get Started by Vernon Duke and Ira Gershwin is a gorgeous song from the film, Ziegfeld Follies of 1936. Stitt’s on alto sax for this tune and shows profound respect to the standard beginning with a thoughtfully tender opening chorus and lyrically beautiful serenade. Harris indulges in nostalgic reminiscing and reflection on the second interpretation and Jones follows with a delicately pretty performance. Stitt makes a genuinely touching and gracefully poignant presentation into the group’s charming climax.

Idaho by Jesse Stone was composed in 1942 and pays homage to the state. This original starts at a jaunty tempo with a cheerful melody. Sonny steps up first with a high-spirited opening statement. Barry takes the reins next for a concise performance of nimble agility. The saxophonist adds a brief bit of fire to the tune with a fitting closer ahead of the quartet’s exit. Side One closes on an upbeat note with a popular song about two lovers who are now Just Friends. It was written in 1931 by John Klenner and Sam M. Lewis. Stitt leads the group through a brisk melody, then kicks it up a notch on the opening chorus with combustible bop chops. Harris fills the second solo with a restless, bristling energy, matched by the rhythm section’s swinging support. Stitt brings out the best on a few final vivacious thoughts preceding the quartet’s closing moments.

Side Two opens on the saxophonist’s slow blues tribute to Lester Young and Charlie Parker, Blues For Prez and Bird. The trio begins with a soulful introduction, then Sonny applies an appropriately warm tone to the melody and first interpretation. Barry is especially endearing on a short statement that swings softly. Stitt arrives at a beautiful conclusion after speaking with deep emotion on the finale. Dizzy Gillespie’s Groovin’ High is a 1945 uptempo standard from the book of Bebop. The quartet comes out cooking on the opening chorus, then Stitt shifts into another gear with a dazzling reading of sheer exuberance. Harris also shows remarkable nimbleness on the second performance matching the saxophonist step for step. Stitt slices through the closing statement with razor-sharpness before the ensemble’s vigorous climax.

I Got Rhythm by George and Ira Gershwin is a jazz standard that was introduced in the musical Girl Crazy (1930). The ensemble deceptively starts slowly at the song’s bridge, rather than the beginning. Sonny has the first solo, erupting on tenor sax with the dynamic force of an active volcano. Barry takes over on the second statement with a fierce intensity, then Stitt kicks up a storm on alto sax for the next presentation. Jones makes a concise comment preceding Stitt ending the song on tenor the way it began. Tune-Up! was produced by Don Schlitten and recorded by Paul Goodman. The album has an exceptionally good soundstage with great clarity throughout the highs, midrange, and bass. If you’re in the mood for an outstanding album of alto and tenor sax, I proudly recommend and submit for your consideration, Tune-Up! by Sonny Stitt. He’s in top form here, and every track’s a winner!

~ I Can’t Get Started, Just Friends, Groovin’ High, I Got Rhythm – Source: JazzStandards.com © 2021 by Edward Thomas Carter

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