Saturday, February 22, 2014

The Bill Perkins Quartet - Journey To The East (1984) [vinyl]

For some strange reason, this doesn't appear to have had a CD reissue.

Review by Scott Yanow
Bill Perkins, a West Coast jazz legend, evolved from a cool-toned tenor into a John Coltrane-inspired player who did not lose his original musical personality. For this fine effort (not yet reissued on CD), Perkins is joined by pianist Frank Strazzeri, bassist Joel Di Bartolo and drummer Peter Donald for seven standards, two Strazzeri songs and one by Alan Broadbent. Perkins uses a saxophone-synthesizer interface that he invented on a few numbers to make the ensembles fuller, but he mostly plays his solos on a regular tenor and flute. Highlights include an emotional version of Billy Strayhorn's "Blood Count," "I'm an Old Cowhand," "'Tis Autumn" and "Invitation." One of Bill Perkins' better sessions.

1. From The Hip
2. Blood Count
3. I'm An Old Cowhand
4. Mendocino Nights
5. Moose The Mooche
6. Journey To The East
7. 'Tis Autumn
8. Invitation
9. You Must Believe In Spring
10. All Through The Night

Bill Perkins (tenor saxophone, flute) Frank Strazzeri (piano) Joel Di Bartolo (bass) Peter Donald (drums)
Granada Hills, CA, November 19, 20 & 21, 1984
[Contemporary 14011]

7 comments:

  1. email for link:
    grumpywon(a)gmail.com

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  2. There's very little of his later stuff that's easily obtainable which is a shame because he's an excellent tenor player. Many thanks for sharing this one, grumpy.

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  3. Here is an interview with Perkins made by the time of this record
    http://www.jazzinchicago.org/educates/journal/interviews/bill-perkins
    Thank you, grumpy.

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  4. armando - hanks for that very interesting article!

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  5. New record for me. Bill Perkins and former West Coast sounds are just as they say - cool. Thank you.

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  6. Very nice! Thanks again, Grumpy. And thanks to Armando for the interesting interview.

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  7. This is quite nice! Another fine post. I'm enjoying the music. Thanks Grumpy.

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