Requisites

Swiss Movement ~ Les McCann and Eddie Harris | By Eddie Carter

This morning’s record from the library is an exceptional live album by Les McCann and Eddie Harris. They performed a spontaneous concert at the 1969 Montreux Jazz Festival. Their set, which became the highlight of the three-day event, was a testament to the quintet’s exceptional musicianship. Swiss Movement (Atlantic SD 1537) immortalizes this incredible performance. The ensemble consists of Benny Bailey on trumpet, Eddie Harris on tenor sax, Les McCann on piano, Leroy Vinnegar on bass and Donald Dean on drums. My copy is the original 1969 U.S. Stereo release.

The opener, Compared To What by Gene McDaniels, is a poignant reflection of the sentiments of many Americans towards the Vietnam War and the President of the United States. McCann’s vocals, which delve into the pressing issues of the time, add a layer of historical significance to the song. Les starts things with a spirited introduction, setting the stage for a lively dialogue when Donald joins in. Leroy and Eddie add to the jubilant theme with McCann’s vibrant vocal choruses. Benny follows with a zestful solo, and Les returns for another round of swinging. He then lets his fingers do the talking with exhilarating energy. Eddie takes the performance to a whole new level next, leading to an electrifying climax, the audience’s thunderous applause, and McCann’s quintet introduction.

Cold Duck Time by Eddie Harris slows the pace to medium speed, opening with Les McCann’s introduction to the crowd. Leroy and Donald build the song softly to the quintet’s relaxing theme. Eddie starts the soloing with a nice, easygoing groove. Benny delivers the following solo with thoughtful construction and captivating lines. Les ends with a contagious swing on the closer, which cooks to the finale. Kathleen’s Theme by Les McCann ends the first side with Harris leading a quartet performance. Eddie delivers a feisty reading with a spirited momentum fueled by the rhythm section’s groundwork, which receives a well-deserved ovation from the Montreux audience at its conclusion.

Les McCann’s You Got It In Your Soulness opens Side Two with the trio’s festive introduction to Les scatting along in the background of the melody. He continues taking care of business on the first solo. Eddie launches a funky, firm-toned attack next. Benny responds with energetic verses in the following reading, and Les puts the exclamation point on the solos with intense heat, which glows brightly into the close. The Generation Gap by Les McCann starts with the trio’s introduction and melody. Eddie begins with a velvety, smooth opening statement. Les delivers a stimulating workout before the trio’s gentle ending.

Nesuhi Ertegün and Joel Dorn produced Swiss Movement, and French recording engineer Pierre Grandjean crafted the album with meticulous diligence to detail. The album boasts an excellent soundstage with a “you are there” feeling, immersing the listener in the Montreux Jazz Festival audience as the group performs. The record is also quiet until the music begins. As for the music itself, Swiss Movement by Les McCann and Eddie Harris is a testament to the highest standards of jazz, a live performance that rocked the house that night and continues to captivate audiences today. If you’re a soul jazz or post-bop fan, it’s a must-have for your library!

~ Compared To What – Source: Wikipedia.org

© 2024 by Edward Thomas Carter

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CYRUS CHESTNUT TRIO

For a decade starting in the mid-1980s, Cyrus Chestnut  apprenticed as pianist for Jon Hendricks, Betty Carter, Donald Harrison and Wynton Marsalis. But since then, he’s toured the world and recorded many albums under his own name and has traveled the world with his own trio.

TICKETS: $35.00~$150.00

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JON COWHERD

The pianist, composer and arranger is best known as the co-founder and co-director of Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band. He has worked extensively as an arranger, producer, songwriter and accompanist with a vast range of artists, such as Cassandra Wilson, John Scofield and Lizz Wright to Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile, Rosanne Cash, Norah Jones, Glen Hansard and more.

He is also a leader in his own right having released three acclaimed albums of his own. For this night, he performs in trio with an all-star rhythm section including drummer Brian Blade and bassist John Patitucci — the group from Cowherd’s most recent album Pride and Joy on Le Cowhich was named one of the year’s best by Downbeat critics, NPR.

The Band: Jon Cowherd, John Patitucci, Brian Blade

Tickets: $40.00~$145.00

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SPIKE WILNER

Wilner’s career took off in New York’s vibrant jazz scene, performing at iconic venues like the Village Gate and becoming a fixture at Smalls Jazz Club, where he recorded “Late Night: Live At Smalls.” Over the past 15 years, he’s collaborated with jazz greats such as Peter Bernstein, Joe Magnarelli, Grant Stewart, Jesse Davis, Eric Alexander, Jim Rotundi, Joe Farnsworth, Bob Mover, Ian Hedrickson-Smith, Ryan Kisor, Steve Davis, Ralph Lalama, Paul Gill, Neal Miner, Joe Strasser, Ari Roland, Chris Byars, Sherman Irby, Joel Frahm, Omer Avital, Stephon Harris and many others.

An accomplished educator, Spike has taught at institutions like the Brooklyn Conservatory and Juilliard. With several albums to his name, including “Portraits” and “Planet Jazz: In Orbit,” Spike Wilner continues to captivate audiences with his masterful improvisation and deep understanding of jazz history.

Jazz guitarist Peter Bernstein has been a part of the jazz scene in New York and abroad since 1989. During that time he has participated in numerous recordings and performances with musicians from all generations. As a leader, Peter has released nine albums and a DVD. As a sideman Peter has appeared in groups led by Sonny Rollins, Bobby Hutcherson, George Coleman, Lou Donaldson, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Fathead Newman, Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau, Diana Krall, Lee Konitz, Jimmy Cobb and many more. Current projects include his album, Monk, with Doug Weiss and Bill Stewart, a recently released solo record, Solo Guitar – Live at Smalls, and the highly acclaimed organ trio with organist Larry Goldings and drummer Bill Stewart.

Tickets: $25.50 ~ $55.50

Shows: 7:00pm |  9:15pm

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EMMETT COHEN

Emmet Cohen has emerged as one of his generation’s pivotal figures in music and the related arts. A recognized prodigy, Cohen began Suzuki method piano instruction at age three. He quickly became a mature player, melding musicality, technique, and concept. Downbeat observed that his “nimble touch, measured stride and warm harmonic vocabulary indicate he’s above any convoluted technical showmanship.”

In the same spirit, Cohen himself notes that playing jazz is “about communicating the deepest levels of humanity and individuality; it’s essentially about connections,” both among musicians and with audiences. Moreover, he leads his namesake ensemble, the Emmet Cohen Trio, is a vibrant solo performer, and is in constant demand as a sideman. Also, he possesses a fluid technique, an innovative tonal palette, and an extensive repertoire. Further, Cohen plays with the command of a seasoned veteran and the passion of an artist fully devoted to his medium.

Emmet Cohen’s exacting keyboard artistry has garnered numerous accolades from the international jazz community. To that end, he placed first in both the American Jazz Pianists competition (2014) and the Phillips Piano Competition (2011). Additionally, he was a finalist in the prestigious American Pianists Association’s Cole Porter Fellowship (2015, 2011) and the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition (2011).

Besides leading the Emmet Cohen Trio, Cohen has appeared regularly with Ron Carter, Christian McBride, Benny Golson and Jimmy Cobb. Further, he’s worked with George Coleman, Jimmy Heath, Tootie Heath, Houston Person, Kurt Elling, Billy Hart and Brian Lynch.

Finally, Cohen commits fully to the intergenerational transfer of artistic knowledge, history, and traditions. His Masters Legacy Series is a celebratory set of recordings and interviews honoring legendary jazz musicians.

COVER: $35.00~$40.00

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