Monday, November 24, 2014

Ricky Ford - Shorter Ideas (1984) [vinyl>flac]

Ricky Ford explores the music and ideas of Wayne Shorter - a perfect fit for Ford's deeply soulful style of blowing the tenor! The set's actually got a more tightly arranged feel than you might expect - which makes for a nicely fresh take on some of Shorter's greatest numbers from earlier years, and creates some extremely inventive playing between group members that include Jimmy Knepper, James Spaulding, Kirk Lightsey, Rufus Reid, and Jimmy Cobb. Titles include Shorter tunes "Yes Or No", "Miyako", "Dance Cadaverous", and "Pinnochio" – and Ford originals "Wolf Trap" and "Tabloid Blues". © Dusty Groove, Inc.

Ford, who has usually recorded with small groups, here heads an all-star sextet with altoist James Spaulding and trombonist Jimmy Knepper -- an inspired idea that works. They perform four Wayne Shorter numbers, a couple of Ford's originals, and Duke Ellington's "Happy Reunion." Ford takes the lion's share of the solo space and is clearly up to the task, making these sometimes complex compositions seem accessible and logical. Ford has long been underrated (too old to be a Young Lion and too young to be an elder statesman), but based on the evidence of this recording alone he clearly deserves much greater acclaim. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG.

Muse Records, MR 5314, 1985
Recorded 28th August, 1984 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Personnel:
Ricky Ford - Tenor Saxophone
James Spaulding - Alto Saxophone, Flute
Jimmy Knepper - Trombone
Kirk Lightsey - Piano
Rufus Reid - Bass
Jimmy Cobb - Drums

Track Listing:
A1. Yes Or No {Wayne Shorter} (5:33)
A2. Miyako {Wayne Shorter} (4:44)
A3. Dance Cadaverous {Wayne Shorter} (6:08)
B1. Pinnochio {Wayne Shorter} (3:30)
B2. Tabloid Blues {Ricky Ford} (4:03)
B3. Wolf Trap {Ricky Ford} (5:05)
B4. Happy Reunion {Duke Ellington} (4:14)

Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes - Michael Cuscuna
Arranger - Ricky Ford
Recording & Mastering - Rudy van Gelder
Cover Photo - Clarence Eastmond
Back Liner Photos - J. Flint
Art Direction - Dick Smith
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9 comments:

  1. ChrisNovember 24, 2014 at 1:02 AM

    Ricky Ford - Shorter Ideas {FLAC} (1984) Side A
    [111MB]
    http://www.mediafire.com/download/ue72ralcxlh89do/RF-84-SI-Side_A.rar

    Ricky Ford - Shorter Ideas {FLAC} (1984) Side B
    [111MB]
    http://www.mediafire.com/download/3fvhtnhfydrrhoc/RF-84-SI-Side_B.rar

    ReplyDelete
  2. headmanNovember 24, 2014 at 2:04 AM

    This is one of a batch of Muse albums that I got from the cut-out bins many years ago and have never got around to digitising. Not sure Ricky Ford lived up to his early promise but it will be good to hear this one again. Thank you Chris.

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  3. ChristopheNovember 24, 2014 at 7:21 AM

    Thanks a lot Chris.

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  4. rmNovember 24, 2014 at 12:28 PM

    thank you very much, Chris

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  5. MikeNovember 25, 2014 at 9:03 AM

    Should be interesting to hear his take on Wayne's tunes. Thank you!

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  6. PippoNovember 30, 2014 at 4:35 PM

    Thank you Chris, Shorter's world filtered through Ricky Ford's eyes and heart !

    ReplyDelete
  7. QPjrNovember 30, 2014 at 6:56 PM

    Thank you! Love all these guys, Shorter, Van Gelder, and Cuscuna too!
    Heard Ricky on his live album "Balaena" with one of his great sections, Ed Thigpen, Cecil McBee, George Cables. Almost 15 years ago now! The opener "Pie Crust" is a whopper! At that point, at least, he was still capable of heavyweight rounds! Thigpen matched him too! It was great!

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  8. BhowaniDecember 7, 2014 at 10:14 AM

    Thanks for this rarity, Chris.

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  9. roberthDecember 14, 2014 at 8:06 PM

    thank u i grew up in boston hearing ricky ford
    always liked him.
    robert

    ReplyDelete

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