Charlie Earland Trio feat. George Coleman - Soul Crib (1969) [re-rip]

This album has never seen the light of day on CD. Some tracks were later released on a few of Charles' Muse albums; namely Smokin' and Mama Roots, but careful checking of track timings reveals slightly different versions. In this regard they may have not been from the same session. George Coleman's addition to Charles Earland’s Trio truly makes this LP magnificent. He plays beautifully right throughout the whole session. In addition the listener cannot disregard the intuitive playing of Jimmy Ponder whereby he at times gets some marvelous opportunities to really stretch out. Of course as always Charles Earland beyond any doubt greatly entertains with his vivacious mastery of the B-3. Similarly without Walter Perkins’ driving the beat on drums and the inclusion of some very innovative percussive effects the tunes wouldn't be as dynamic. "Soul Crib" leans more toward the jazz side of things, featuring no fewer than five standards, one swinging original ‘The Dozens’ and a psychedelic free improvisation piece called ‘Mus’ Be LSD’ that seems completely out of place. Taken together the album truly entertains and clearly showcases George Coleman’s tenor blending seamlessly with Charles' big organ sounds. A masterful gem for its time and is highly recommended.

Choice Records, ST 520, 1969

Recorded November, 1969 in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Personnel:

Charles Earland - Organ

George Coleman - Tenor Saxophone

Jimmy Ponder - Guitar

Walter Perkins - Drums

Track Listing:

A1. Soon It’s Gonna Rain {Tom Jones, Harvey Schmidt} (7:31)

A2. Strangers In The Night {Charles Singleton, Eddie Snyder, Avo Uvezian} (5:02)

A3. Old Folks {Dedette Lee Hill, Willard Robinson} (5:29)

B1. The Dozens {Charles Earland} (2:50)

B2, Milestones #2 {Miles Davis} (2:45)

B3. Mus' Be LSD {Charles Earland} (6:33)

B4. Undecided {Sid Robin, Charlie Shavers} (6:35)

Credits:

Producer - Ozzie Cadena

Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder