Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Frank Assunto was born on January 29, 1932 in New Orleans, Louisiana into a musical family where the trumpeter had two sisters who played piano and woodwinds, and a trombonist brother. They all grew up studying with their father, banjoist Jacob “Papa Jac” Assunto.

He and his brother founded the group Dukes of Dixieland in 1949 and eventually became an institution in the city. Producer and bandleader Horace Heidt took them on tour, and when the group returned to New Orleans they practically took over the Famous Door club.

Dixieland revival peaking in popularity in the 1950s took the Assunto brothers group to national popularity. They toured clubs, released a string of albums and performed on television variety shows. Their first stereo jazz album, recorded in 1958, had one brother on the left channel, the other on the right.

His style was heavily influenced by Louis Armstrong, Bunny Berigan and Bobby Hackett. He also performed vocal duties with the group. Trumpeter Frank Assunto died on February 25, 1974.

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Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Niels Hartvig Foss was born on January 28, 1916 in Copenhagen, Denmark. He began playing guitar and from 1933 to 1934 began performing with the Svend Asmussen Group. He went on to play bass with Asmussen and others.

From 1940 to 1948 Niels led and played trombone in orxhestras and bands he formed. In 1949 for the next two years he performed with Peter Rasmussen and in 1957 moved to Switzerland where he continued to play part-time.

Over the course of his career Foss was a member of All Danish Starband, Etly Lizette And Her Orchestra, Kai Ewans Og Hans Orkester, Kaj Timmermann’s Septet, The Kordt Sisters Med Swingtet, and The Swingin’ Birds. He recorded for Odeon, His Master’s Voice, Imperial record labels.

Bassist, trombonist and guitarist Niels Foss died on May 16, 2018.

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HENRY JOHNSON

The guitarist from Chicago, Illinois grew up in Memphis, Tennessee and started playing the guitar at the age of 12, teaching himself. He played various styles of music until hearing Wes Montgomery ignited an interest in jazz. He entered Indiana University in 1973.

Johnson has worked with Hank Crawford, Freddie Hubbard, Ramsey Lewis, Norman Simmons, Jimmy Smith, Sonny Stitt, Stanley Turrentine, Joe Williams, and Nancy Wilson. He has led his own bands since 1982.

Tickets: $10.00 ~ $40.00

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Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Jeffry Castleman was born January 27, 1946 in Los Angeles, California. Active from the late 1960s to 1980s and was known for his work with Duke Ellington between 1967 to 1969. He also worked with Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Johnny Hodges and toured with Don Ho.

In the late 1980s he relocated to Brooklyn Park Minnesota to run the family liquor store business. For a short time he was an art framer before taking aposition as a piano salesman at Schmitt Music in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

Leaving all forms of employment, bassist Jeff Castleman is now retired at 79.

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Requisites

Generation ~ Dexter Gordon | By Eddie Carter

Dexter Gordon, a tenor saxophonist who has always held a special place in my heart growing up, is the focus of this morning’s spotlight with his album Generation (Prestige P-10069). As a teenager, I was fortunate to witness his live performance at the 1972 Newport Jazz Festival in a fantastic jam session. This 1973 release, his eleventh with Prestige, is a reunion with Freddie Hubbard, who previously collaborated with Dexter on Doin’ Allright and Clubhouse. Freddie plays flugelhorn (tracks: A2, B1) and trumpet (A1, B2) on the album. The rhythm section, consisting of Cedar Walton on piano, Buster Williams on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums, is equally impressive. My copy is the original U.S. Stereo release.

The album opens with the first version of Milestones by Miles Davis, setting the tone with a slightly slower groove for the theme. Dexter’s opening solo is immediately captivating, and then Freddie takes over the spotlight for an inspired improvisation. Cedar follows with a well-crafted statement, and Buster contributes a final shining moment before the theme’s reprise and climax. Scared To Be Alone by André Previn is up next. Dexter and the trio initiate the first chorus of the melody, then are accompanied by Freddie to complete the theme. Dexter’s tender and gentle solo paves the way, and Freddie’s luxuriously elegant flugelhorn conveys deep emotion. Buster’s brief reading before the theme concludes touchingly provides the perfect ending to this beautiful ballad.

We See by Thelonious Monk changes the pace with a lively start to the second side. Billy’s rhythmic introduction sets the stage for the quintet’s medium-tempo melody. Dexter demonstrates his skill and precision in a delightful opening solo, followed by Freddie, whose performance displays a dazzling tone. Cedar shines in a well-crafted statement next, while Buster comfortably strolls into the ensemble’s ending theme. The Group by Dexter Gordon wraps up the session with a lively melody led by the front line. Dexter opens the solos buoyantly; then Freddie takes over with a marvelously executed statement. Cedar moves efficiently and effectively next, with Billy adding a final comment during the closing chorus.

Generation was produced by Ozzie Cadena and recorded by Rudy Van Gelder, whose expertise behind the dials ensures an exceptional soundstage. The record’s sound quality is superb; the instruments are incredibly clear, emerging from your speakers with remarkable fidelity. For tenor sax enthusiasts, this hard-bop album certainly deserves a spot in any jazz library. The next time you’re at your favorite record store, be sure to check out Generation by Dexter Gordon. It’s a hidden gem from one of jazz’s most significant musicians, and despite being lesser known in his discography, acquiring it won’t break the bank!

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