Willis Jackson - Nothing Butt... (1980) [vinyl>flac]

Tenor saxophonist Willis Jackson got into a routine on his Muse albums, but never lost his enthusiasm and creativity within the genre. This album features Jackson on a current hit ("Just the Way You Are"), a couple of ballads, and three romps ("Nothing Butt," "Hittin' and Missin'," and "Move"). Guitarist Pat Martino is heard in excellent form just before a serious illness; organist Charles Earland is up to his usual groovin' form, and drummer Grady Tate and percussionist Buddy Caldwell keep the music moving. An excellent effort full of enjoyable and fairly accessible music. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG.

Here we have another exciting album by Willis Jackson. He is joined by a veteran team of musicians well versed in the “Soul Jazz” groove. Both Charles Earland and Pat Martino have worked alongside Jackson on previous outings and this adds to the dynamics. As usual Jackson chooses a diversity of tunes, mostly of his own doing that showcases effectively his skills and that of the other soloists. Pat Martino in particular takes the groove to greater heights. Similarly, Charles Earland’s organ licks undeniably meshes the tunes together. Willis’ strong tenor sound is at heart of all the compositions, especially on those penned by him. However, the listener is also presented with some wonderful interpretations of both newer and older ballad style compositions. In the end the album is definitely a keeper in that with continual playing it always delivers an enjoyable an uplifting mood. In some regards the title indicates “Nothing Butt…” the best from Jackson and his team.

Muse Records, MR 5294, 1983

Recorded 20^th June, 1980 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Musicians:

Willis Jackson - Tenor Saxophone

Pat Martino - Guitar

Charlie Earland - Organ

Grady Tate - Drums

Buddy Caldwell - Percussion

Tracks:

A1. Just The Way You Are {Billy Joel} (7:03)

A2. Nuages {Willis Jackson} (4:50)

A3. Nothing Butt {Willis Jackson} (4:43)

B1. Hittin' And Missin' {Willis Jackson} (7:55)

B2. Autumn Leaves {Joseph Kosma, Johnny Mercer, Jacques Prevert} (4:28)

B3. Move {Willis Jackson} (4:04)

Credits:

Producer - Bob Porter

Recording & Mastering Engineer - Rudy van Gelder

Art Direction - W. Dale Cramer

Cover Photo - Hugh Bell

Liner Notes - Cliff Tinder