The fact is, those are both horrendous cliches which do nothing to really describe Don Ewell. This self titled release for Chiaroscuro shows us that you simply can't put this pianist in a box. For the sake of giving you something to relate him with, I would go with Traditional / NOLA jazz.
The music is bluesy, hard swingin and always joyous no matter the tempo or tune. This album is perfect, all the way through. You won't find any filler or musical misgivings here, instead, we are given sides which display the best jazz has to offer.
Side 1 is a trio with Hall & Leeman, while side 2 is a quartet with Tate, Duvivier & Leeman. The sidemen bring their A-game to these tunes, and are given plenty of room to shine. Ewell himself gives us every reason to believe he is one of the more underrated pianists of his time. It would be easy to overlook this album from it's unexciting cover, to it's 70's publishing date... but that would be a large mistake. From start to finish this record delivers on all fronts and leaves you feeling upbeat.
I ripped this minty vinyl at 24/48 wav and transferred it to 24/48 FLAC for your convenience. Superb stereo recording... enjoy!!!
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Chiaroscuro Records – CR 130
1974
A1 Sweethearts On Parade
A2 Creole Love Call
A3 Diane
A4 Apex Blues
A5 All By Myself
B1 Coquette
B2 It Must Be True
B3 Let´s Fall In Love
B4 I Cover The Waterfront
Bass – George Duvivier (tracks: B1 to B4)
Clarinet – Herb Hall (tracks: A1 to A5)
Drums – Cliff Leeman
Piano – Don Ewell
Tenor Saxophone – Buddy Tate (tracks: B1 to B4)
https://mega.nz/#!BwwhHI6B!lT6QoGXStYAr0S1_c6STUsq5M11u92pBnYrnLubTzIQ
ReplyDeleteHe'd just been a name in the reference books - many thanks for this chance to hear him.
ReplyDeletethank you, Poppa!
ReplyDeleteNice! All I had was a couple other rips from Usenet back in 06. Low bitrate mp3. Great sounding transfer. Marvelous. Thank you poppa C!
ReplyDeleteThanks very very much Poppa!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSeen him perform with the Dukes, and while it was obvious the guy had chops, I'm just not a big dixieland fan. But, after listening to this, i have gained a whole different layer of appreciation for his artistry. Thanks, Poppa.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks, Poppa!
ReplyDeleteBIG THX...
ReplyDeletemany thanks. Ewell was a great pianist. Bunk's most sensitive accompanist. Also superb with Teagarden.
ReplyDeletethank you very much
ReplyDeleteThanks for this one, Pops. Sadly, I have "listened" to Ewell very little. I know the history, but now it's time to get to know the man through his music.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks, poppachubby
ReplyDeletethank you for this recording and commentary. -a.v.
ReplyDeleteThanks again Poppa & KC another trail to follow..
ReplyDeleteMany thanks
ReplyDeleteIt`s a very rare Chiaroscuro. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteIf I had not read your introduction , this album had passed me unnoticed with that cover. Thanks for the information and the album
Many thanks for this one, Poppa! Someone I've been wanting to hear.
ReplyDeleteThanks PC. I'm really enjoying the music. This one is a keeper!
ReplyDeleteThank you Poppa, Ewell is new to me, really appreciate.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Your formula it sounds really good ! Nice stuff !
I am shocked by the response for this album!!! Thanks to everybody for the great comments and support. I have been quite busy over the last few months, but I will try to share some more.
ReplyDeleteEWELL WAS A FRIEND OF MINE. FINE PIANIST. CLASP
ReplyDeleteA very enjoyable album, sounds great! Thanks Poppa.
ReplyDeletePoppachubby, it's a real joy to read your enthusiasm ! I'm eager to grab it !
ReplyDeleteIloved it!!!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Poppachubby. It is a real joy.
"Bluesy, hard swingin, and always joyous"? You know I'm in on this one, poppa.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
a really delightful lp, thanks!
ReplyDelete-peacenik