Willis Jackson with Pat Martino - Single Action (1978) [vinyl]

Willis Jackson was a tough-toned tenor who came to fame as a honker and screamer with Cootie Williams's big band in the late '40s. Although he calmed down his style a bit through the years, he always has a passionate sound and an accessible style best heard on blues, ballads and standards. This 1978 session that features Jackson with guitarist Pat Martino, organist Carl Wilson and a supportive rhythm section. Although the Barbara Streisand "Evergreen", and "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" may not seem like the best material for the tenor, he uplifts the songs. But best are a pair of hard-driving blues and a warm rendition of "Makin' Whoopee." and “Single Action”. Both give a good example of Jackson playing in a tenor style that (other than Houston Person) was quickly disappearing. ~ Extract by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

Muse Records, MR 5179, 1980
Recorded 26th April, 1978 at Van Gelder Studios, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 

Musicians:
Willis Jackson - Tenor Sax
Pat Martino - Guitar
Carl Wilson - Organ
Jimmy Lewis - Bass
Yusef Ali - Drums
Ralph Dorsey - Percussion 

Tracks:
A1. Evergreen {Barbra Streisand, Paul Williams} (4:46)
A2. Bolita {Willis "Gator" Jackson} (8:09)
A3. Makin’ Whoopee {Gus Kahn, Walter Donaldson} (7:01)
B1.  You Are The Sunshine Of My Life {Stevie Wonder} (7:43)
B2. Hittin’ The Numbers {Willis "Gator" Jackson} (5:03)
B3. Single Action {Willis "Gator" Jackson} (6:17) 

Total Time: 38:59 

Credits:
Producer - Willis Jackson
Recording Supervisor - Fred Seibert
Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Cover Design - Ron Warwell/NJE
Cover Photo - Clarence Eastmond
Liner Notes - Michael Rozek

LINK

Single Action