Requisites

Quartet ~ Russ Freeman and Chet Baker | By Eddie Carter

It had been some time since I last enjoyed Russ Freeman’s piano work, so this morning I chose an excellent collaboration featuring him and trumpeter Chet Baker from my library. Quartet (World Pacific Records, PJ-1232) hit the stores in 1957 and was the eleventh album Freeman and Baker recorded together. The album showcases six original tunes alongside two standards, and they are supported by the outstanding rhythm section of Leroy Vinnegar on bass and Shelly Manne on drums. The copy of this album that I own is a King Record Company Japanese mono reissue (Pacific Jazz GFX-3104).

The first side opener, Love Nest by Otto Harbach and Louis A. Hirsch begins at a brisk pace, with Chet on muted trumpet during the lively melody, which continues into a spirited opening statement. Russ gets the next nod and delivers an energetic reading. Leroy follows up with a swinging interpretation, then Chet and Shelly engage in a brief exchange before the closing chorus returns. Fan Tan, the first of six originals by Russ Freeman, slows the pace to midtempo for the quartet’s theme. Freeman is afforded plenty of room to shape his phrases in the opening statement. Baker is back on the open horn and maintains a laid-back vibe as he effortlessly swings to the closing chorus and ending.

Summer Sketch begins with a gentle piano introduction. Chet Baker’s trumpet playing throughout the track is both poetic and tender, with each note radiating romantic beauty, softly guiding the group to a smooth, unified finish. An Afternoon At Home ends the first side with the rhythm section’s inviting introduction, allowing Baker to glide through the opening chorus at a leisurely, relaxed pace. Freeman’s lead solo is as enjoyable as spending a leisurely afternoon with friends. Then, Vinnegar takes the spotlight next for a captivating solo. Baker has the last word with a charming presentation, before the quartet brings the tune to a satisfying close.

Say When starts Side Two with the quartet’s spirited melody. Chet leads the way with an exciting opening statement. Russ soars into the following presentation, then Shelly swings with great force in a brief, exhilarating closing reading before the theme’s reappearance and the group’s exit. Lush Life by Billy Strayhorn is one of the enduring favorites among jazz standards. The song begins with Freeman’s sensitive introduction, gently segueing to Baker’s rich tone as he introduces the tender theme. The pianist’s solo possesses a sad, reflective beauty, culminating in the trumpeter’s tender and thoughtful finale.

Amblin is a slow blues, introduced by the trio’s soulful introduction, segueing to the leader’s down-home melody. Chet opens with a solo that’s thoughtfully crafted and effortlessly delivered. Russ continues letting each verse glide effortlessly next. Leroy wraps it up with plenty of heart, ahead of the quartet’s theme reprise and climax. Hugo Hurwhey takes off with a short introduction, preceding the ensemble’s upbeat theme. Baker hits an ideal groove in the opening statement. Freeman takes the reins next with a robust reading, then Vinnegar, Manne, and Freeman culminate the solos in a vigorous exchange with Baker, leading to the melody’s restatement and conclusion.

Richard Bock produced Quartet, but the identity of the recording engineer is unidentified. However, this King Record Company reissue possesses outstanding audio quality, with an excellent soundstage that brings the foursome into your listening room with impressive clarity and presence. Whether you’re a Russ Freeman or Chet Baker fan, or are just discovering the discography of either musician, I emphatically recommend and invite you to pick up Quartet on your next trip to the record store. The album is a stellar showcase for both musicians and would make a welcome addition to any jazz library!

~ Lush Life – Source: JazzStandards.com
© 2025 by Edward Thomas Carter

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The Jazz Voyager

Autumn in New York is one of my favorite times of year. The weather is wonderful and the jazz is plentiful. This month the Jazz Voyager is flying nowhere but around the isldanrelegated to the city’s cabs, private cars or Lyfts. Last week was Dizzy’s at Columbus Circle, this week I’ll be right up Broadway to Lincoln Center to be in the audience at Alice Tull Hall.

For the listening pleasure of this week’s audience I will be in attendance to witness the talent of Trindadian trumpeter and composer Etienne Charles with his band Creole Soul. Joining him is the University of Miami Frost Symphony Orchestra along with special guests. They’ll be paying tribute to San Juan Hill, a story about the Black neighborhood that was destroyed in order to build the venerable performance venue complex, Lincoln Center.

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SCOTT BELCK QUINTET FEATURING GREGORY TARDY

Dr. Scott Belck is Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), where he leads the CCM Jazz Orchestra and teaches jazz trumpet. A versatile performer, he’s played lead trumpet with the Cincinnati Pops, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Bootsy Collins’ Funk Unity Band, and numerous symphonies and jazz festivals.

He co-founded several ensembles including Tromba Mundi, Jazz Central Big Band, and the Flying Circus Big Band. Belck is also a published author and the founder of Lip Slur World Headquarters. Gregory Tardy is a saxophonist and clarinetist known for his soulful, expressive style rooted in jazz tradition yet always pushing forward. Originally a classical clarinetist, he shifted to jazz after hearing Coltrane and Monk’s “Monk’s Mood,” eventually immersing himself in the New Orleans scene alongside artists like Nicholas Payton and Brian Blade.

Tardy gained national attention with Elvin Jones’ Jazz Machine and went on to perform and record with jazz luminaries such as Wynton Marsalis, Tom Harrell, Andrew Hill, Betty Carter, and Bill Frisell. His work as a leader includes acclaimed albums for Impulse!, Palmetto, and Steeplechase Records, most recently If Time Could Stand Still on WJ3. Now a professor at the University of Tennessee–Knoxville, Tardy continues to perform internationally and inspire the next generation of jazz musicians.

The Band:
Scott Belck — trumpet
Gregory Tardy— tenor saxophone/clarinet
Dan Karlsberg — piano
Justin Dawson — bass
John Taylor — drums

Cover: $15.00

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ETIENNE CHARLES

 San Juan Hill: A New York Story 

Created by composer and trumpeter Etienne Charles, it is an immersive multimedia creation that celebrates a vital chapter of New York’s past. Through music, visuals, and first-person accounts, this powerful work shines a light on the historic communities of the area where Lincoln Center stands today. Blending diverse musical styles—including ragtime, jazz, stride piano, swing, blues, mambo, paseo, Antillean waltz, calypso, funk, disco, and Hip-Hop—with historical film and compelling narratives, the work showcases the myriad cultures that migrants brought to New York from the American South and the Caribbean.

He is joined by the University of Miami’s Frost Symphony Orchestra, where Charles teaches and serves as the Director of the Frost Studio Jazz Band, and special guests, this piece is a testament to the enduring spirit and forgotten stories of a community that helped shape the city’s cultural landscape.

The Program:

Lenape | Where Two or More are Gathered | Zora & Percy | Swing Culture | The Destroyer | Riot 1905 | Negro Enchantress — The Story of Hannah Elias | Charleston at the Jungles | Urban Removal — 1949–1959 | House Rent Party

Creole Soul:
Etienne Charles ~ Trumpet
Godwin Louis ~ Alto, Soprano Saxophones
Tori Trinity Flute
Christian Sands ~ Piano
Alex Wintz ~ Guitar
Lino Piquero Bueno ~ Bass
Brenten Handfield ~ Drums

Feature: 
University of Miami Frost Symphony Orchestra
Maestro Gerard Schwarz ~ Director

Special Guests:
DJ Logic ~ Turntables
Eljon Wardally, Carl Hancock Rux ~ Spoken Word

Tickets: Currently No Availability

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SEAN JONES w/ FROST JAZZ ORCHESTRA & SEEK THE SOURCE

Singing and performing as a child with the church choir in his hometown of Warren, Ohio, Sean switched from the drums to the trumpet at the age of 10.

Sean is a musical chameleon and is comfortable in any musical setting no matter what the role or the genre. He is equally adept in being a member of an ensemble as he is at being a bandleader. Sean turned a 6-month stint with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra into an offer from Wynton Marsalis for a permanent position as lead trumpeter, a post he held from 2004 until 2010. In 2015 Jones was tapped to become a member of the SFJAZZ Collective. During this time, Sean has managed to keep a core group of talented musicians together under his leadership forming the foundation for his groups that have produced and released eight recordings on the Mack Avenue Records, the latest is his 2017 release Sean Jones: Live from the Jazz Bistro.

Sean has been prominently featured with a number of artists, recording and/or performing with many major figures in jazz, including Illinois Jacquet, Jimmy Heath, Frank Foster, Nancy Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Gerald Wilson and Marcus Miller. Sean was selected by Miller, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter for their Tribute to Miles tour in 2011.

The Band:
John Daversa, director
Marcus Strickland, director
Sean Jones, trumpet

Ticket: $40.00 | $35.00 | $15.00

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