John Handy - New View! The New John Handy Quintet {New link to CD rip]

Well the holiday season is in full swing (no pun intended), and hopefully I can bring some cheer over the next few weeks.  I have posted the last of my 16 bit albums so starting with this post, everything going forward will be in 24 bit/ 48kbps.

John Handy belongs to a circle of jazz artists whom have, for the most part, been grossly overlooked by even the jazz buying community at large.  A musician's musician, he is joined by other sax players like Booker Ervin, Bunky Green, Nathan Davis & Curtis Amy (to name a few) who also belong to this tribe.

It turns out that I couldn't have picked a better recording for the nuanced detail of a higher resolution transfer.  New View! is a gorgeous offering from Handy, combining several styles to create an overall vibe of tremendous space and feeling.  With only three tunes, we are treated to what can only be described as a musical adventure.  Handy pulls the listener in gently, and before you know it, he has strapped you to your seat for a bumpy ride.

His style is best described as inside/outside but I feel that this album goes beyond just Handy himself.  The entire quintet create an atmosphere which is all at once soulful, melodic and at times, tense.  It's this tension and suspended moments of intensity which help set up Handy's voice and ultimately, his message. Wonderful and inspired soloing from all, but particularily Handy who is clearly motivated to get his message across.

This LP is infact a live recording, done at the infamous Village Gate.  The crowd are completely subdued and it's easy to forget the location and circumstances of the recording.  But the fact is, these musicians are truly in the moment and we are getting the best that jazz has to offer - the epitome of the craft.  My record is in great condition and cleaned up really nicely.  That combined with the wonderful fidelity of the recording itself makes for a fantastic listening experience.  The soundstage is surprisingly cavernous which really helps to convey that live atmosphere.  Ripped at 24bit/48kbps and converted to FLAC, this gift is ready for the most scrutinizing of ears... enjoy!!!!

Altoist John Handy's 1967 quintet included vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, the up and coming guitarist Pat Martino, bassist Albert Stinson and drummer Doug Sides. They really stretch out on three pieces (John Coltrane's "Naima" and an original), and New View is highlighted by Handy's emotional and episodic "Tears of Ole Miss (Anatomy of a Riot)," which clocks in at 23:45. The inside/outside music is quite picturesque, emotional, and ultimately logical. It is a pity that John Handy did not make more of an impact on the mainstream of jazz, but his three Columbia studio albums still sound fresh decades later. - Scott Yanow / AMG

Columbia CS9497
Recorded live at the Village Gate, New York City, June 28, 1967.

Alto Saxophone – John Handy
Bass – Albert Stinson
Drums – Doug Sides
Guitar – Pat Martino
Vibraphone – Bobby Hutcherson

1. Naima (In Memory Of John Coltrane)  9:34

2. A Little Quiet  13:29

3. Tears Of Ole Miss (Anatomy Of A Riot)  31:00