Ricky Ford - Ricky's Choice (1999)

This is a compilation of tracks picked out by Ricky Ford from his releases on the Muse jazz label released between 1980 - 1984.

Ricky has certainly chosen some wonderful tracks for the compilation. Half the tunes are his own compositions, two from Wayne Shorter and the rest well-known Jazz standards. He is joined by a solid cast of players, that include some great horn players; Wallace Roney, Jimmy Knepper, Bobby Watson, James Spaulding, pianists; John Hicks, Albert Dailey, Kirk Lightsey, guitarist; Larry Coryell and bassists; Walter Booker, Ray Drummond, Rufus Reid with the perpetual drummer Jimmy Cobb as a mainstay. This CD is just pure entertainment, Enjoy!

#1,2 - Flying Colors - Muse Records [MR 5227] (1980)
#4,9,10 - Future's Gold - Muse [MR 5296] (1983)
#3,8 - Interpretations - Muse Records [MR 5275] (1982)
#6,7 - Shorter Ideas - Muse Records [MR 5314] (1984)
#5 - Tenor For The Times - Muse Records [MR 5250] (1981) 

32 Jazz, 32172, 1999 

Musicians:
Ricky Ford - Tenor Saxophone
Wallace Roney - Trumpet (#3)
Jimmy Knepper - Trombone (#6,7)
Bobby Watson - Alto Saxophone (#3)
James Spaulding - Alto Saxophone (#6,7)
John Hicks - Piano (#1,2,3,8)
Albert Dailey - Piano (#4,5,9,10)
Kirk Lightsey - Piano (#6,7)
Larry Coryell - Guitar (#4,9,10)
Walter Booker - Bass (#1,2,3,8)
Ray Drummond - Bass (#4,9,10)
Rufus Reid - Bass (#5,6,7)
Jimmy Cobb - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Jordanian Walk {Ricky Ford} (8:37)
02. Take The Coltrane {Duke Ellington} (4:42)
03. Interpretations Opus 5 {Ricky Ford} (7:08)
04. You Don't Know What Love Is {Gene DePaul, Don Raye} (6:07)
05. This Our Love [Esse Nosso Amor] {Ricky Ford} (7:31)
06. Yes Or No {Wayne Shorter} (5:41)
07. Miyako {Wayne Shorter} (4:51)
08. Moon Mist {Mercer Ellington} (5:43)
09. A-Flat Now {Ricky Ford} (4:40)
10. Samba De Caribe {Ricky Ford} (4:34) 

Total Time: 59:34

Notes:
See Tracks [Personnel].txt for further details.
Ripped to WAV > Trimmed > Optimised > FLAC

Budd Johnson with Joe Newman - Off The Wall (1964) [vinyl>flac]

A great little album from tenor legend Budd Johnson - and a record that nicely updates his sound by pairing him with a hip 60s-styled group! The album's got a jaunty feel that's like the best soul jazz sessions on Impulse at the time - taking Budd's tenor and placing it next to trumpet by Joe Newman, piano by Albert Dailey, bass from Richard Davis, and drums by Grady Tate. Upbeat tracks bounce along in a swinging take on mainstream soul jazz - and the mellower cuts feature some really wonderful blowing from Budd - done with a raspy tone that's got a nice earthy quality! Includes the jazz dancer "Off The Wall", the samba-styled "Strange Music", a snapping take on "Baubles Bangles & Beads", and the syncopated groover "Playin' My Hunch". ~ The Jazz Cooperative

Personally, alongside Ya! Ya! this one of my favourite Budd LPs. Having Joe Newman on board really opens up the music. Budd alone plays beautifully right-throughout; Newman’s solos are sharp and exhilarating. As for Albert Dailey his piano work it is par excellence. Not to overlook the rhythm men, some haunting bass lines and unswerving drumming, all add to this album’s appeal. One complaint is that it’s not long enough, but always pure pleasure with additional spins, enjoy you’ll be jumping 'Off The Wall".

Argo Records, LPS-748, 1965

Recorded 3^rd December, 1964 At RCA Recording Studios, New York City

Musicians:

Budd Johnson - Tenor Saxophone

Joe Newman - Trumpet

Al Dailey, Jr. - Piano

Richard Davis - Bass (#A1,A2,B3,B4)

George Duvivier - Bass (#A3,B1,B2)

Grady Tate - Drums

Tracks:

1. Off The Wall {Budd Johnson} (4:55)

2. The Folks Who Live On The Hill {Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein II} (5:09)

3. Love Is The Sweetest Thing {Ray Noble} (7:14)

4. Strange Music {Robert Wright, George Forrest} (3:47)

5. Baubles, Bangles, And Beads {George Forrest, Robert Wright} (5:50)

6. Ill Wind {Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler} (4:51)

7. Playin' My Hunch {Budd Johnson} (4:58)

Credits:

Producer, Cover Photo - Esmond Edwards

Engineer - Ray Hall

Cover Design - Don Bronstein

Liner Notes - Joe Segal