Budd Johnson - Blues A La Mode

I want to apologize for my absence.  I am sure that for those of you who are familiar with my personal blog, it's easy to think that my priorities lay elsewhere.  I won't lie, it would be easy for me to simply post everything at my own blog - but that will never happen.  The Crypt is where all this blogging stuff started for me, and it's really where my heart is - in spite of having my own spot.

I have the next round of Basie sides prepared so that we can continue down that road, but I wanted to share something that I am excited about.  I finally pulled the trigger on the Felsted box set, a decision I regret not making earlier.

For fans of Budd Johnson, this album is an absolute must have.  Gorgeous playing throughout with equally excellent contributions from all of his sidemen.  I find Johnson's playing to be really laid back and soulful.  He puts alot of focus into each note, rather than searching for witty phrasing or pulling out any tricks.  Tonally his horn is rich and thick - combined with his style, he is certainly the centerpiece on this session.

This was ripped from my Felsted box using EAC, and is in FLAC 16/44.1.  The tracks have been remastered using 24 bit technology, in stereo, and the results are superb.  The archives contain two Felsted sides already;  Buddy Tate and Billy Strayhorn.  I'm not sure if either is still active but if anybody wishes to have a reup just ask in the comments.  I will roll out the remaining Felsted sides and we can have this project running parallel to the Basiefest.  Enjoy!!!

Felsted FAJ 7007
1958

01. Foggy Nights (Johnson) 5:37
02. Leave Room in Your Heart for Me (Johnson-Dobson) 7:16
03. Destination Blues (Johnson) 5:19
04. À La Mode (Johnson) 7:31
05. Used Blues (Johnson) 7:05
06. Blues by Five (Johnson) 6:06

Tracks #1,3,5,7: The Septet
Charlie Savers (ts), Vic Dickenson (tb), Budd Johnson (ts), Al Sears (bs), Bert Keyes (p, org), Joe Benjamin (b), Jo Jones (d).

Recorded in New York City, on February 11, 1958.

Tracks #2,4,6: The Quintet
Charlie Savers (ts), Budd Johnson (ts), Ray Bryant (p), Joe Benjamin (b), Jo Jones (d).

Recorded in New York City, on February 14, 1958.