Willis Jackson - 'Gator Tails (1964) [vinyl>flac]

A great range of tunes, some standards and two of his own, Willis is in fine form backed by an unidentified Orchestra that is beautiful arranged and conducted by Robert Banks or Claus Ogerman. His tone is vibrant and powerful, and some of the other players set up some wonderful solos. If you are Willis fan like me you’ll want to hear this, enjoy!

Verve Records, V6-8589, 1964

Recorded 18^th March (#A4,B4) & 23^rd June (#A1-A3,B1-B3) 1964

At A&R Studios, New York City

Personnel:

Willis Jackson - Tenor Saxophone

Unidentified Orchestra

Robert Banks or Claus Ogerman - Arranger, Conductor

Tracks:

A1. I Almost Lost My Mind {Ivory Joe Hunter} (2:50)

A2. The Crocodile {Robert Banks, Willis Jackson} (4:03)

A3. On Broadway {Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Jerry Lieber, Mike Stoller} (2:30)

A4. Swimmin' Home, Baby [Fruit Cake] {Ben Tucker} (2:19)

A5. The Skillet {Claus Ogerman} (2:54)

B1. Frankie And Johnny {Traditional} (4:26)

B2. Someone To Watch Over Me {George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin} (4:17)

B3. Lonesome Road {Nathaniel Shilkret, Gene Austin} (3:27)

B4. Early One Morning (Part 2) {Willis Jackson} (5:52)

Credits:

Producer - Creed Taylor

Recording Engineer - Phil Ramone

Director of Engineering - Val Valentin

Cover Photo - Chuck Stewart

Cover Design - Acy R. Lehman