Bennie Green - Back On The Scene (1958) [vinyl>flac]

It's evident from the opening pair of Latin-flavored performances that Back on the Scene is one of Bennie Green's most diverse efforts. Green's warm, supple tone and fondness for swinging, bop-influenced mainstream jazz and jump blues hasn't disappeared; he's just found new facets in his style. The infectious Latin rhythms on Cole Porter's "I Love You" and "Melba's Mood" are welcome, as is "You're Mine You," which showcases Green's sensitive ballad style. Reviving the standard "Just Friends" emphasizes the trombonist's ties to big band and bop, particularly through tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse's strong solos. The jumping "Bennie Plays the Blues" and "Green Street" are also terrific, finding Green, Rouse and pianist Joe Knight trading full-bodied solos. Even with this vast array of styles, Back on the Scene retains all the good-natured spirit and humor of his earlier Prestige albums. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Allmusic.com.

Blue Note, BLP 1587, 1958

Recorded 23rd March, 1958 at Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey

Track Listing:

A1. I Love You {Cole Porter} (6:01)

A2. Melba's Mood {Melba Liston} (5:33)

A3. Just Friends {John Klenner, Sam M. Lewis} (7:00)

B1. You're Mine You {Johnny Green, Edward Heyman} (5:16)

B2. Bennie Plays The Blues {Bennie Green} (8:24)

B3. Green Street {Melba Liston} (5:09)

Personnel:

Bennie Green - Trombone

Charlie Rouse - Tenor Saxophone

Joe Knight - Piano

George Tucker - Bass

Louis Hayes - Drums

Credits:

Producer - Alfred Lion

Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder

Bennie Green was one of the few trombonists of the 1950s who played in a style not influenced by J.J. Johnson (Bill Harris was another). His witty sound and full tone looked backwards to the swing era yet was open to the influence of R&B. After playing locally in Chicago, he was with the Earl Hines Orchestra during 1942-1948 (except for two years in the military). Green gained some fame for his work with Charlie Ventura (1948-1950) before joining Earl Hines' small group (1951-1953). He then led his own group throughout the 1950s and '60s, using such sidemen as Cliff Smalls, Charlie Rouse, Eric Dixon, Paul Chambers, Louis Hayes, Sonny Clark, Gildo Mahones, and Jimmy Forrest. Green recorded regularly as a leader for Prestige, Decca, Blue Note, Vee-Jay, Time, Bethlehem, and Jazzland during 1951-1961, although only one further session (a matchup with Sonny Stitt on Cadet in 1964) took place. Bennie Green was with Duke Ellington for a few months in 1968-1969 and then moved to Las Vegas, where he spent his last years working in hotel bands, although he did emerge to play quite well at the 1972 Newport Jazz Festival and in New York jam sessions. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide.