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This a rare and dynamic
session, recorded by Rudy van Gelder in 1958, features an amazing All Stars
cast. Essentially it showcases Bill Harris playing alongside Joe Wilder, Bobby
Jaspar, Pepper Adams, Eddie Costa, George Duvivier and Art Taylor. These
musicians truly display the essence of jazz and hence the album’s title is so
very appropriate. The sound even though ripped from a well-loved old vinyl
still comes across ‘alive and fresh’ even by today’s standards. The concept of
this LP is masterminded by the arrangements and conducting skills of Billy Ver
Plank. The choices of tunes are very complimentary and blend well, all the
while giving the players plenty of room to solo. Well Recommended.
Generally speaking the men on
the date fall into either a late swing or neo-modern period, as to their
particular improvisatory allegiances. Yes, all bear the same "pure"
approach to their performance of jazz. Bill Harris, veteran trombone star of
the 1940's and the Woody Herman band has been a "preaching" jazzman
of great fame for many years. Joe wilder, the early modern trumpet star,
sparkles here with his growls, his various muses, and that unbelievably pure
bell-tone while blowing a modern cascade of notes. Bobby Jaspar, Belgian import
who has come to fame with J.J. Johnson and other combos on both tenor and
flute, he is a "wailer" who plays in the Coltrane-Sims tradition
these days. Pepper Adams, deserving of his nickname, bursts fierily throughout
the proceedings. He is a Detroit export who rose to fame with Kenton, and has
recently led his own combo in New York City. Eddie Costa, vibist and pianist
once again proves his prowess as a tasty and ever-swinging keyboard man. George
Duvivier can only be described as a "Rock" in a rhythm section ...
with both beat, intonation, and "life" that are impeccable. Art
Taylor, a usually intrepid bopper, illustrates his more quiet moods here,
lapsing into the more normal "popping" style he has become noted for
on two tracks. Basically, the tunes are simple harmonic changes, with tried
harmony, open voiced for the horns, and usually ending with the traditional
"Amen" chord resolution. The solo-work, in almost every case stays
fairly close to the simple diatonic harmonies, yet conveying a combined
"preaching" and "funky blues" feel. ~ Extract from Liner
Notes by H. Alan Stein.
World Wide, MGS 20002, 1958
Recorded 5th May,
1958, Hackensack, New Jersey
Personnel:
Bill Harris - Trombone
Joe Wilder - Trumpet
Bobby Jaspar - Tenor
Saxophone
Pepper Adams - Baritone
Saxophone
Eddie Costa - Piano
George Duvivier - Bass
Art Taylor - Drums
Tracks:
A1. You Gotta Be A Good Man
{David} (8:41)
A2. Each Side Of The River
{David} (4:48)
A3. Where Ya Gonna Run To?
{David} (5:08)
B1. I Can't Believe It {David,
Cadena} (6:33)
B2. What Should I Do? {David}
(3:57)
B3. Royal Garden Blues
{Williams} (6:27)
Total Time: 35:34
Credits:
Supervisor - Ozzie Cadena
Recording Engineer - Rudy van
Gelder
Arranger, Conductor - Billy
Ver Planck
Cover Photo - Hank Schneider
Liner Notes - H. Alan Stein
