Pat Bowie with Charles McPherson - Feelin' Good! (1965) [vinyl]

Like its predecessor, Out of Sight!, Feelin' Good! saddles Pat Bowie with a collection of predictable standards that compromise the singer's distinctly modern and hip approach. Unlike its predecessor, the session features contributions from altoist Charles McPherson, one of his few dates in support of a vocalist, and McPherson's rich solos ripple below the lyrics, caressing the contours of Bowie's voice. Pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Al Hall, and drummer Osie Johnson further underscore the set's moody, spacious approach, updating chestnuts like "Summertime" and "They Can't Take That Away from Me" with style and sophistication. ~ by Jason Ankeny, AMG.

Prestige Records, PR 7437, 1965

Recorded 7^th (#A1-A4,B5) & 9^th (#A5,B1-B4) September, 1965
At Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Musicians:

Pat Bowie - Vocals

Charles McPherson - Alto Saxophone

Tommy Flanagan - Piano

Al Hall - Bass

Osie Johnson - Drums

Tracks:

A1. Baby Won't You Please Come Home {Charles Warfield, Clarence Williams} (2:15)

A2. Since I Fell For You {Buddy Johnson} (3:42)

A3. They Can't Take That Away From Me {George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin} (3:42)

A4. You Don't Know What Love Is {Gene DePaul, Don Raye} (3:47)

A5. Summertime {George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin, DuBose Heyward} (3:35)

B1. Why Don't You Do Right? {Kansas Joe McCoy} (3:42)

B2. Wonder Why {Nicholas Brodszky, Sammy Cahn} (4:07)

B3. I Wanna Be Loved {John Green, Billy Rose} (3:45)

B4. Look Down That Lonesome Road {Nathaniel Shilkret, Gene Austin} (3:07)

B5. Feeling Good {Anthony Newley, Leslie Bricusse} (4:11)

Credits:

Producer - Cal Lampley

Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder

Design, Photography - Don Schlitten

Liner Notes - Jack Yard (Dec. 1965)

Doc Cheatham - It's A Good Life! (1983)

Doc was 77 years old when this album was recorded, but frankly you would never know.  He still had a surprising amount of power and stamina left in him - enviable by anyone's standards.  This album is a wonderful, feel good side with solid playing by all who appear.

In my opinion, its Doc's vocals that keep things interesting and pacing nicely.  He sings on several tracks and much like his horn, has lots of wind for each tune.

Certainly nothing groundbreaking here, but its a great mainstream joint for those of us who dig it.  This album is ultra minty, ripped in 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC.  I didn't use any editing tools - didn't need to.  Enjoy!!!!

The 77-year-old trumpeter proves to be very much in his prime during this excellent session. In fact Cheatham, who is backed by a fine rhythm section led by pianist Chuck Folds, dominates this set, taking melodic but passionate trumpet solos and contributing charming vocals. His versions of "Struttin' with Some Barbecue" and "You're Lucky to Me" are particularly memorable. - Scott Yanow / AMG

Billy Strayhorn's Septet - Cue For Saxophone

Another superb gem from the Felsted label, reissued by Affinity.  Johnny Hodges plays under the pseudonym Cue Porter, and the rest of the group need no introduction.

A real great feel to this side as the band swing through an incredible songlist.  This copy is super minty and an absolute joy to listen to... enjoy!!!

Composer/arranger/pianist Billy Strayhorn led surprisingly few sessions throughout his career, and this was only his second full-length album. Actually, the main star is altoist Johnny Hodges (who goes here under the pseudonym of "Cue Porter"), while Strayhorn (who plays piano on the seven songs) only co-wrote two basic tunes ("Cue's Blue Now" and "Watch Your Cue") with Hodges and played a fairly minor role. Also in the septet are three fellow Ellingtonians (trumpeter Shorty Baker, trombonist Quentin Jackson and clarinetist Russell Procope), along with bassist Al Hall and drummer Oliver Jackson. The results are a fine mainstream session (which has been reissued on this CD) with highlights including "Gone With the Wind," the ten-minute "Cue's Blue Now" and "Rose Room." ~ Scott Yanow/AMG

Affinity AFF-166

1986

Recorded in NYC Apr. 14th, 1959

Billy Strayhorn (piano), Quentin Jackson (trombone), Cue Porter [a.k.a. Johnny Hodges] (alto saxophone), Harold "Shorty" Baker (trumpet), Russell Procope (clarinet), Al Hall (bass), Oliver Jackson (drums).