Gene Ammons - Heavy Sax (1974) [vinyl]

Very nice record, and one of the rarer sides by Gene Ammons. We can't remember the exact story behind this, but we know that the material was recorded by Jug during the early 60's, when he was violating his contractual agreements with a number of labels, and recording sessions for just about everybody. Paul Winley caught him then, and put him in the studio with Howard McGhee and guitarist Jake Fisher, for this cool laidback soul jazz session that's probably one of Jug's most open-ended from the time. The tracks are all long, with a lot of room for solo space, and a round mellow tone. Winley has his name on all of the writing credits, which is probably false (the lying bastard!), and titles include "Housewarmin", "Nothin' But Soul", and "Jug & McGhee". © Dusty Groove, Inc.

Olympic Records, OL-7126, 1874

Recorded circa May, 1962 at Circle Campus Auditorium, University Of Illinois, Chicago

Musicians:
Gene Ammons - Tenor Saxophone

Howard McGhee - Trumpet

Jake Fisher - Guitar

Barney Richmond - Bass

Willie Mashburn - Drums

Waco - Bongos

Tracklisting:

A1. House Warmin' (12:22)

A2. Jivin' Around (4:55)

B1. Nothing But Soul [Jazz With A Beat] (6:25)

B2. Jug And McGhee [Muggin' McGhee] (10:03)

Anyone who rates this below a five is a straight fool, the album SMOKES. Guitar work, sax flows, tight drum work, and a lazy bass line. The A1 track "House Warmin'" alone tells you what's up. ~ bodangerou