Requisites

Groovin’ ~ Idrees Sulieman, Per Goldschmidt, Horace Parlan, Mads Vinding, Billy Hart | By Eddie Carter

It happened like this; I’d recently been revisiting several SteepleChase albums in my library. One of those titles led me to this morning’s discussion. Groovin’ (SteepleChase Records SCS 1218) is a 1985 straight-ahead-blowing session. It was the third album Idrees Sulieman recorded for the Danish label and was made five days before his sixty-second birthday. I’ve enjoyed the trumpeter’s playing since hearing him on Tenor and Flute, The Cats, and The Hawk Flies High. Here, he’s working with Per Goldschmidt on baritone sax (tracks: A1, A3, B1, B3) and tenor sax (A2, B2), Horace Parlan on piano, Mads Vinding on bass, and Billy Hart on drums. My copy is the original 1986 Danish Stereo album.

Groovin’ High by Dizzy Gillespie starts the first side with the quintet’s collective melody at a relaxing beat. Idrees gets things going with a delightful solo. Per comes next with an effectively carefree reading. Horace’s following statement is as refreshing as a cool drink on a muggy day. Mads delivers an inspired interpretation next; Billy closes with an interesting exchange with the front line into the ending theme. Tell Me What’s Your Name is a pretty tune by Kathe Laursen that begins with a delicate melody by Sulieman, who Goldschmidt joins as it unfolds. The two horns work together to give warmth and tenderness in the song’s only solo, which draws to a conclusion in a gentle climax.

If I Only Knew, the first of two tunes by Idrees Sulieman, closes Side One. Billy’s brief introduction brings the song to life, segueing into the medium melody. Mads goes to work first, then Idrees shows off his gentle side. Horace states his case with graceful lines next; then Per delivers a warm, friendly and intimate finale leading to the theme’s restatement. Lipstick by Kathe Laursen continues the ensemble’s medium groove with a collective melody. Sulieman sets the stage on the first statement, then Parlan offers an equally significant reading. Sulieman shares a few thoughts with Hart in the finale preceding the closing chorus.

The ensemble takes a stroll to The Center of Copenhagen next. Idrees Sulieman’s second original begins with the group’s theme in unison. Idrees and Per provide the spotlight in an entertaining exchange, then Horace delivers a captivating closer ahead of the quintet’s reprise and exit. Per Goldschmidt’s Happy Ending finishes the album on a lively note with the group’s spirited melody. Sulieman takes off first with a lightning-fast interpretation, followed by Goldschmidt, who’s equally quick in the second reading. Hart has a vigorous conversation with the front line ahead of the reprise and the song’s climax.

Nils Winther produced Groovin’, and Ole Hansen was the recording engineer of this digital recording. The album has an excellent soundstage with exceptionally clear fidelity that brings the musicians to your listening room. The record is also incredibly quiet until the music starts. I happily recommend Groovin’ on your next record hunt if you’re in the mood for jazz to help you unwind after a busy day or week. It’s a hidden treasure with a stellar lineup; Idrees Sulieman, Per Goldschmidt, Horace Parlan, Mads Vinding and Billy Hart. Every tune is a pleasure to hear, and it’s a very enjoyable album I’m sure you’ll be glad to have in your library!

~ Tenor and Flute (Riverside RLP 12-240), The Cats (New Jazz NJLP 8217), The Hawk Flies High (Riverside RLP 12-233) – Source: Discogs.com ~ Groovin’ High – Source: JazzStandards.com ~ © 2023 by Edward Thomas Carter

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Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Ernie Hammes was born on August 18, 1968 in Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg and studied at the Conservatories of Esch-sur-Alzette and Metz, France. He would later study at the Manhattan School of Music and the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.

Since 1997, Hammes has performed in New York City, traveled widely to jazz venues and festivals across Europe and North America. The Duke Ellington Orchestra has flourished for over forty-eight years since the death of the Duke, himself. As of 2013, Hammes is the only European known to have been a member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra from any era.

In his native Luxembourg, Ernie is the founder, director and lead trumpet in the Luxembourg Jazz Orchestra and since 1987 he has been a member of the Musique Militaire Grand-Ducale (the Luxembourg Army Band) where he is lead trumpet and, since 1994, leader of the big band.

Trumpeter Ernie Hammes continues to perform, compose and lead orchestras.

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The Jazz Voyager

Setting down in Atlanta, Georgia after a fourteen and a half hour flight from Kyoto this Jazz Voyager is heading to friends for a shower and a lay down before heading out to indulge myself in a two stop night of jazz. My first stop is St. James Live for a little night music. Operated by husband-and-wife Ron and Evelyn St. James along with their daughter, Tiffany have established a warm, relaxing ambience for an extraordinary evening. With a menu ranging from tapas to sweet treats, salads and small bites, their culinary diversity will enchant and satisfy any palate. I’m looking at fish tacos and peach cobbler to hold me through the evening.

This week I’ll be in the audience enjoying The Baylor Project. A husband.  A wife.  An astonishing duo built on love, family, faith, culture and community. These are the things that power Jean and Marcus Baylor.  This enticing collaboration is steeped in the heart and soul of jazz.

St. James Live is located in Camp Creek Village Townhomes at 3220 Butner Rd #240, 30331. More information can be obtained by calling 404-254-3561 or by visiting stjamesliveatl.com.

I’ll wrap up my evening with a late night hit with The Hightower Harper Hang at the Handle Bar at 476 Edgewood Avenue. More info at 404-600-2639. It’s a full night of jazz in the A where this Jazz Voyager hasn’t had the opportunity to see friends and musicians not seen or heard in a few years.

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THE HIGHTOWER HARPER HANG

Growing up in Atlanta with a local legend mother who was a Funk-Rock singer but could sing anything and mentored many singers coming behind her, Tony learned music first-hand from Bobby Blue Bland and the Platters to Mother’s Finest, S.O.S. Band and Brick. And as mother Theresa evolved as a first-class singer – shifting her focus to Jazz that resulted in her historic residency at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in once fiercely segregated Buckhead district of Atlanta, Georgia – so, too, did Tony’s taste begin to broaden. The artist that Theresa followed at The Ritz: Freddy Cole, Nat’s brother.

Trumpeter Terence Harper started playing the drums at the age of two and at twelve years old began playing the trumpet. While in middle school he began playing the drums for one of the Spelman College Jazz ensembles under the direction of Joe Jennings, while also being featured on a recording with the Inman Middle School jazz band on both trumpet and drums.

Harper attended North Atlanta High School Center of the Performing Arts and played trumpet in both jazz band and symphonic band under the direction of Mr. Reginald Colbert. During his high school years he started to focus more on both classical and jazz trumpet and has won numerous auditions during his high school term including the Georgia Music Educators Association All State band, principal trumpet for the district honor band, The Talent Development Program and the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony at Emory University. Terence has also attended the prestigious Interlochen Arts camp in Michigan and has also taught trumpet performance and jazz studies at Summerbridge Atlanta at the Lovett School.

He graduated from Rutgers University as a classical trumpet major in 2009, where he studied under William Fielder, who has been regarded as one of the greatest trumpet instructors of his generation.

Every Thursday: Music from 8:00pm ~ Midnight | Hang til 2:00am

Cover: $10.000 | Musicians: $5.00 | Free parking in the lot just past slutty vegan atl

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Three Wishes

Jothan Callins was in good company with Baroness Pannonica and during their conversation she tossed the question of three wishes to him and he said:

1. “I wish everyone would live together in peace and harmony.”
2. “I wish I had met Clifford Brown in Person.”
3. “I wish I could play and write more and more beautiful music.”

*Excerpt from Three Wishes: An Intimate Look at Jazz Greats ~ Compiled and Photographed by Pannonica de Koenigswarter

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