Requisites

Another Monday Night at Birdland ~ Hank Mobley, Billy Root, Curtis Fuller, Lee Morgan | By Eddie Carter

This morning’s choice from the library brings us back to The Jazz Corner of The World for another live set by Lee Morgan on trumpet, Curtis Fuller (tracks: A2, B1, B2) on trombone, Hank Mobley, Billy Root on tenor sax. Another Monday Night at Birdland (Roulette R 52022/SR 52022) is the companion album to Monday Night at Birdland. Rounding out the septet is Ray Bryant on piano, Tommy Bryant on bass, and “Specs” Wright on drums. “Symphony Syd” Torin is the Master of Ceremonies, and my copy used in this report is the 1988 Spanish Mono reissue (Fresh Sound Records FSR-632).

Side One starts with an exhilarating rendition of It’s You Or No One, written in 1948 by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn.  Lee leads the ensemble on the melody before Hank opens the solos energetically.  Lee lays down some spirited energy on the second statement, then Billy states his case with a vigorous finale leading to the climax and Syd’s introduction of the next tune. Jamph was written by Curtis Fuller, and I first heard it on the album, Big Six (1958). The septet begins the theme at mid~tempo collectively, then Mobley soars into the lead solo with some energetic blowing. Fuller greets the next statement enthusiastically, followed by Morgan who wails mightily on a vigorous reading. Root keeps the beat on the fourth interpretation with a scene-stealing performance. Bryant takes care of business on the closer with an aggressive solo into the out chorus.

Side Two starts with Syd’s announcement of the next tune, Nutville by Lee Morgan with inspired playing by the septet on the infectious melody. Hank launches into a swinging improvisation that’s a delight. Lee exhibits his skills on a joyful excursion next. Billy comes after him with a stellar statement that made me sit up and take notice. Curtis wraps up the solos with a delightful interpretation that brings so much pleasure ahead of the ensemble’s exit and group introductions. Wee by Denzil Best is an uptempo cooker that flies out of the gate with a high-voltage melody in unison. Mobley steps into the spotlight first with a heated solo. Morgan uses a mute for the second statement and attacks with the speed of a whirlwind. Root displays some lightning-fast chops on the third presentation, and Bryant covers plenty of ground motoring in rapid-fire fashion on the next reading. Wright gets a concise comment during the theme’s reprise into the septet’s lively finale.

Another Monday Night at Birdland was produced by Rudy Taylor and like the first album, the soundstage is excellent for a live recording. This is a four-star blowing session that I’m sure any fan of Hank Mobley, Billy Root, Lee Morgan, and Curtis Fuller would dig. If you’re a fan of Hard-Bop, this album is a terrific addition to any jazz library and one of the best in the Birdland Series!

~ Big Six (Riverside Records RLP12-273), Monday Night at Birdland (Roulette R-52015/SR-52015) – Source: Discogs.com © 2021 by Edward Thomas Carter

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TOMI BERRY

Sunday Jazz Lounge host Lori Williams introduces vocalist Tomi Berry as she brings to the stage an afternoon tribute to the numerous female singers and songwriters in jazz and R&B who have influenced her life.

Female Rhythm Section:
Natalie Ragins ~ Keys
J LaToiya Hester ~ Drums
Téja Veal ~ Bass, Music Director

Cover: TBD

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CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE BIG BAND

Over the past three decades, 11-time Grammy Award winner Christian McBride has fronted ensembles that span and synthesize straight-ahead and experimental jazz, funk, soul, Latin, hip-hop and rhythm and blues. His celebrated groups include Inside Straight, Christian McBride Big Band, Ursa Major, Christian McBride’s New Jawn, The Christian McBride Trio and A Christian McBride Situation.

Several of those paths converged on Without Further Ado, Vol. 1, the Christian McBride Big Band’s 2025 album, which won the Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble. For the first time, the 17-piece band shared the spotlight with a host of guest vocalists, including Sting, Samara Joy, Dianne Reeves, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Jeffrey Osborne and Antoinette Henry. The album includes covers of songs by The Police, Cole Porter, Carole King and others.

The bass-playing McBride and his band are likely to perform music from that recording and the group’s previous three albums, which feature jazz standards and McBride originals, at this larger-than-life concert.

Cover: $58.50 ~ $152.10 | Fees Included

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JOBIM & THE MUSIC OF BRAZIL

In the 1960s, Antonio Carlos “Tom” Jobim brought the bossa nova craze to the United States, and this infectious and sensuous sound soon became beloved throughout the world. We celebrate Jobim’s centennial and the jazz genres of Brazil—including bossa nova, samba and choro with Shelly Berg and the Frost School of Music’s Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra.

Featured Special Guests:
Eliane Elias ~ Piano, Vocal
Anat Cohen ~ Clarinet
Trio da Paz ~ Guitar, Bass, Drums

Cover: $52.65 – $152.10 | Fees Included

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JOE GRANSDEN & NOEL FRIEDLINE TRIO

Tony Bennett’s life and legacy embody the absolute pinnacle of the Great American Story. As we honor the centennial milestone of his birth, his unprecedented career as the pre-eminent singer of the 20th and 21st centuries continues to embrace and inspire audiences across all generations.

Through his unyielding dedication to artistic excellence, Bennett became the ultimate “keeper of the flame,” extolling the timeless values of the Great American Songbook. Yet his impact reached far beyond the stage; he consistently stood on the front lines of modern history. A World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge, Bennett went on to perform for eleven U.S. Presidents and marched side-by-side with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma. A lifelong pacifist and proactive humanitarian, his commitment to justice bridged cultural divides by highlighting our shared humanity. This special centennial tribute celebrates a visionary artist who achieved the American Dream without ever forgetting his roots—leaving behind a profound blueprint of dedication, courage, and compassion.

Guided by Duke Ellington’s advice ~ “Number one, never give up. Number two, remember number one!” ~ jazz vocalist Antonia Bennett has spent her life honoring the Great American Songbook. The youngest daughter of legendary artist Tony Bennett and actress Sandra Grant Bennett, Antonia grew up in Los Angeles and began singing with her father at age four, surrounded by icons like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. Her early passion led her to Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music.

By the mid-2000s, Antonia was officially performing as her father’s opening act at renowned venues worldwide, including Radio City Music Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and London’s Royal Albert Hall. Her distinct voice—which The New York Times describes as a mix of “Billie Holiday and Rickie Lee Jones, with a hint of Betty Boop”—shines on her acclaimed releases Natural and Embrace Me. From recording “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” with her father to capturing critics’ attention with her own swinging standards, Antonia continues to tour the world, effortlessly bridging her father’s incredible musical legacy with her own contemporary jazz artistry.

Cover: $54.15 ~ $66.15

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