Showing posts with label Buddy Caldwell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Buddy Caldwell. Show all posts

Monday, December 25, 2023

Richard "Groove" Holmes - Good Vibrations (1977) [re-rip]

When you consider it, all jazz is created by good vibrations; bristled reeds, plucked strings, the ringing force of air trapped in brass. But if jazz organ players don't create good vibrations...well, they're just not jazz organ players. Because perhaps more than any other jazz hallmark, the organ sound must virtually rattle your teeth to get over: dig you into its moving bass line, assault you with its droning, gritty top, and set you nodding, popping, even...vibrating. 

Which is exactly where this new offering from one of organ's greats, Richard "Groove" Holmes, comes in. It's classic jazz brew, with all the right ingredients: the soulful tenor of Houston Person, one of organ's biggest champions (he features the B-3 in his own working group); the classic blues-funk guitar of Philly-based newcomer Bob DeVos; the crack rhythm team of Idris Muhammad and Buddy Caldwell, who probably hold the world's record for the most appearances on organ LPs; the sensitive production of Bob Porter, who may hold a similar mark (in a tie with Ozzie Cadena) for the most organ albums overseen; and the eternally invigorating presence of Rudy van Gelder, who's engineered every good organ record ever made. 

"It was a typical Groove Holmes date," sums up Bob Porter. "We did it in an afternoon, and Groove even brought along a good new guitarist player." and, we should add, GOOD VIBRATIONS aplenty. ~ Excerpts taken from Liner Notes by Michael Rozek. 

Muse Records, MR 5167, 1980
Recorded 19th December, 1977 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 

Musicians:
Richard "Groove" Holmes - Organ [Hammond B-3]
Houston Person - Tenor Saxophone (#A1-B1,B3)
Bob DeVos - Guitar
Idris Muhammad - Drums
Buddy Caldwell - Congas 

Tracks:
A1. Good Vibrations {Richard "Groove" Holmes} (8:47)
A2. Do It To It {Rogers Grant} (10:35)
B1. Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me {Duke Ellington, Bob Russell} (8:51)
B2. My One And Only Love {Robert Mellin, Guy Wood} (4:51)
B3. Hackensack {Thelonious Monk} (5:47) 

Total Time: 38:51 

Credits:
Producer - Bob Porter
Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Cover Design - Ron Warwell/NJE
Liner Notes - Michael Rozek 

Hackensack

Thursday, April 9, 2020

Melvin Sparks - Akilah! (1972) [re-rip]

Here's another great LP from the guitarist Melvin Sparks. Akilah! is one of his best from Prestige's classic early 70s! It is his third LP and recorded at Rudy van Gelder’s Studio. Sparks is a genius guitarist, with a great talent. He played with Lou Donaldson and Jack McDuff during the late 60s, but by the 70's, he was making his own way as one of the hottest funk guitarists in jazz. The group presented is an excellent one; and features Idris Muhammad on drums, Virgil Jones on trumpet, Frank Wess on tenor, Sonny Fortune on alto and Leon Spencer on organ. Akilah is an album that features more musicians than the usual soul jazz quintet format. Included on the album are guests Ernie Royal on Trumpet, Dave Hubbard on tenor and flute, Hubert Laws on flute, and George Coleman on tenor. Melvin's guitar work is proficient and rewarding. All compositions are by Melvin Sparks except “Love The Life You Live” [Kool & The Gang] and “The Image Of Love” [Leon Spencer]. Orchestrations are arranged by Billy Ver Plank on two tracks. Some highlights include "Love The Life You Live", "Akilah", and "All Wrapped Up". Enjoy!

Prestige Records, PRST 10039, 1972
Beat Goes Public, BGPD 1066, 1993
Recorded 14th & 21st February, 1971 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Personnel:
Melvin Sparks - Guitar
Virgil Jones - Trumpet (#A1,A2,B1)
Ernie Royal - Trumpet (#B1)
Sonny Fortune - Alto Saxophone (A1,A2,B1,B2)
George Coleman - Alto Saxophone (#B1)
Frank Wess - Tenor Saxophone (#A1,A2,B1)
Dave Hubbard - Tenor Saxophone (#A3), Flute (#B3)
Hubert Laws - Flute (#B3)
Leon Spencer - Organ, Piano
Idris Muhammad - Drums
Buddy Caldwell - Percussion

Tracks:
A1. Love The Life You Live {Gene Redd, Kool & The Gang} (5:35)
A2. On The Up {Melvin Sparks} (5:56)
A3. All Wrapped Up {Melvin Sparks} (4:42)
B1. Akilah {Melvin Sparks} (4:39)
B2. Blues For J.B. {Melvin Sparks} (7:04)
B3. The Image Of Love {Leon Spencer} (6:51)

Credits:
Supervision - Ozzie Cadena
Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Orchestrations - Billy Ver Planck (#A1,A2)
Art Direction, Photography - Tony Lane

Monday, April 6, 2020

Houston Person - Houston Express (1971) [re-rip]

As period soul-jazz goes, this is considerably above the average. It's funky, but not in the bland crossover sense; there's a sense of jazz ensemble discipline to the arrangements, but it's still R&B-based enough to groove to. Cecil Bridgewater (trumpet), Billy Butler (guitar), Bernard Purdie (drums), and Motown bassist Gerry Jemmott are among the more notable contributors to this 1971 session. ~ by Richie Unterberger, AMG.

There are some great players on this album. The electric piano really kicks in on a number of tunes and the brass section adds further highlights, but as usual Houston’s tone is very undeniable and full. Enjoy!

Prestige Records, PR 10017, 1971
Recorded 8th & 9th April, 1971 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Personnel:
Houston Person - Tenor Saxophone
Cecil Bridgewater - Trumpet (#A4-B2)
Harold "Money" Johnson - Trumpet (#A1-A3,B3)
Thad Jones - Trumpet (#A1-A3,B3)
Ernie Royal - Trumpet (#A1-A3,B3)
Garnett Brown - Trombone (#A1-A3,B3)
Jack Jeffers - Trombone (#A1-A3,B3)
Harold Vick - Tenor Sax, Flute (#A1-A3,B3)
Babe Clarke - Baritone Sax (#A1-A3,B3), Tenor Sax (#A4-B2)
Paul Griffin - Piano, Electric Piano (#A1-A3,B3)
Jimmy Watson - Organ
Ernie Hayes - Organ, Electric Piano (#A4-B2)
Billy Butler - Guitar
Jerry Jemmott - Electric Bass
Bernard Purdie - Drums
Buddy Caldwell - Congas

Tracks:
A1. Young Gifted And Black {Nina Simone, Weldon Irvine} (5:17)
A2. The Houston Express {Horace Ott} (5:50)
A3. Enjoy {Horace Ott} (4:57)
A4. [For God's Sake] Give More Power To The People {Eugene Record} (3:42)
B1. Chains Of Love {Ahmet Nugetre} (7:33)
B2. Just My Imagination {Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong} (5:34)
B3. Lift Every Voice {James Weldon Johnson, John Rosamond Johnson} (5:40)

Credits:
Producer - Bob Porter
Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Arranger, Conductor - Horace Ott (#A1-A3,B3)
Art Direction, Cover Art - Tony Lane
Back Cover Photo - Al Johnson

Note:
Ahmet Nugetre aka Ahmet Ertegün [Founder Atlantic Records]

Sunday, April 5, 2020

Houston Person - Person To Person! (1970) [re-rip]

A mix of Prestige funk and earlier soul jazz - and a record that features tenorist Houston Person blowing with a group that includes Prestige masters like Virgil Jones on trumpet, Grant Green on guitar, Sonny Phillips on keyboards, and Idris Muhammad on drums! Jimmy Lewis plays a Fender bass in the group - which gives the tracks a nice round sound, and pushes the funk component a bit more than usual - and the album includes some nice groovers, like "Son Of Man" and "Up At Joe's, Down At Joe's", plus some mellower, more soulful material. © Dusty Groove, Inc.

Prestige Records, PRST 10003, 1970
Recorded 12th October, 1970 At Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ

Personnel:
Houston Person - Tenor Saxophone
Virgil Jones - Trumpet
Sonny Phillips - Organ, Electric Piano (#A3,B3)
Grant Green - Guitar
Jimmy Lewis - Electric Bass [Fender]
Idris Muhammad - Drums
Buddy Caldwell - Congas

Tracks:
A1. Son Of Man {Harold Ousley} (8:29)
A2. Teardrops {Bunny Biggs} (4:38)
A3. Close To You {Burt Bacharach, Hal David} (5:17)
B1. Drown In My Own Tears {Ray Charles, Henry Glover} (7:18)
B2. Up At Joe's, Down At Jim's {Houston Person} (8:48)
B3. Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday {Bryan Wells, Ronald Dean Miller} (4:33)

Credits:
Producer - Bob Porter
Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Design - Don Schlitten
Photo - Al Johnson
Liner Notes - Bill Johnson, WCHD-FM (Nov. 1970)

Houston Person - Sweet Buns & Barbeque (1972) [re-rip]

One of those Prestige records sessions from the early 70's that has more of an electric keyboard groove than a hard organ one, but still a nice set of sweetly funky tracks from Houston Person and his funky tenor. There's a nice cover of "Down Here On The Ground", plus the cuts "Put It Where You Want It", "Groove Thang", and "Sweet Buns & Barbeque", which has some nice hard drums on the intro. Plus, the whole thing's got a cover that features Sweet Buns dripping with barbeque sauce – proof again that shooting soul food in a record album photo just never works! © Dusty Groove, Inc.

Prestige Records, PRT-10055, 1973
Recorded 11th September and 7th November, 1972
at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Personnel:
Houston Person - Tenor Saxophone
Ernie Royal - Trumpet (#B2-B4)
Victor Paz - Trumpet (#B2-B4)
Frank Wess - Flute, Baritone Saxophone (#B2-B4)
Richard Tee - Organ, Electric Piano, Piano (#A1-A3)
Jimmy Watson - Organ (#B1)
Joe Beck - Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar (#A1,A2,A4-B3)
Hugh McCracklin - Acoustic Guitar (#A3)
Ron Carter - Bass (#A1-A3), Guitar (#A3)
George Duvivier - Bass, Electric Bass (#A4-B4)
Grady Tate - Drums
Buddy Caldwell - Congas, Percussion (#A4,B1,B3,B4)

Tracks:
A1. A Song For You {Leon Russell} (4:26)
A2. The Trouble With Hello Is Goodbye {Bergmanns, The, Dave Grusin} (4:00)
A3. Scared To Be Alone {Dory Previn} (4:08)
A4. Sweet Buns And Barbeque {Houston Person, Billy Ver Planck} (3:03)
B1. This Masquerade {Leon Russell} (6:07)
B2. Down Here On The Ground {Gale Garnett, Lalo Schifrin} (3:38)
B3. Put It Where You Want It {Joe Sample} (3:05)
B4. Groove Thang {Johnny Bristol} (3:01)

Credits:
Producer - Ozzie Cadena
Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Arranger - Joe Beck (#A1-A3), Billy Ver Planck (#A4-B4)
Art Direction, Photography [Cover] - Tony Lane
Photography [Back Cover] - Lee Friedlander

Sunday, October 14, 2018

Willis Jackson - Bar Wars (1978) [Bonus]

Willis Jackson, aka "The Gator", produced some of the finest examples of the "soul jazz" genre. This type of music was very popular in the late 50's, 60's and 70's but now seems to be forgotten. What’s a shame: If you dig jazz that has a heavy blues vibe, then Gator is your man. This disc is a stellar example, with the always solid Charles Earland on organ, as well as Jackson's most famous sideman, Pat Martino, by this time a legend in the jazz guitar world. While all the tracks feature stellar playing, the title track, and "The Goose is Loose" are especially noteworthy, with all three soloists giving you breathtaking work. Jackson in particular, takes chorus after fiery chorus, with each one building in intensity. There were few if any saxophonists who could hang with the Gator on an up-tempo blues. And as much as many fans wax poetically about Kenny Burrell being the master at combining blues with jazz guitar, for my money no one can touch the work Martino did with Jackson not only on this disc, but also on "Headed and Gutted" and "Single Action". Simply Superb!

Willis Jackson, a veteran of the jazz-oriented R&B music of the late '40s, was a powerful tenor in the tradition of Gene Ammons. This is a particularly exciting release with Charles Earland pumping away at the organ, guitarist Pat Martino offering a contrasting solo voice and Jackson in top form, wailing away on the uptempo pieces. The CD reissue of the original LP adds two alternate takes to the program. The chord changes might be fairly basic but Willis Jackson plays with such enthusiasm and exuberance that it almost sounds as if he had discovered the joy of playing music. ~ Scott Yanow, AMG.

Muse Records, MR 5162, 1978
32 Jazz, 32018, 1997
Recorded 21st December, 1977 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood, New Jersey

Musicians:
Willis Jackson - Tenor Saxophone
Pat Martino - Guitar
Charles Earland - Organ
Idris Muhammad - Drums
Buddy Caldwell - Conga

Tracks:
A1. Later {Tiny Bradshaw, Sil Austin, Henry Glover} (5:53)
A2. Blue & Sentimental {Count Basie, Jerry Livingston, Mack David} (3:02)
A3. Bar Wars {Willis "Gator" Jackson} (7:00)
B1. The Breeze And I {Ernesto Lecuona, Al Stillman} (4:54)
B2. The Goose Is Loose {Willis "Gator" Jackson} (5:03)
B3. It's All Right With Me {Cole Porter} (7:11)

Bonus Tracks [32 Jazz]
07. The Breeze And I [Alternate] {Lecuona, Stillman} (5:11)
08. It's All Right With Me [Alternate] {Cole Porter} (7:02)

Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes - Joel Dorn
Executive Producer - Joe Fields
Production Coordination - Michael Weiner
Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Mastering Engineer - Gene Paul
Art Direction, Photography - Hal Wilson
Design - Nancy Dwyer, Page Simon
Illustrations - Oliver Wasow
Liner Notes - W.A. Brower

Thursday, July 5, 2018

Houston Person - Stolen Sweets (1977) [vinyl>flac]

Person is a master of moving, luxuriant melody, of sweeping, tuneful saxophone lines. Much of his best work--in person and on record--is devoted to attractively structured pop songs--and this collection is no exception. On "At Last" and "Skylark", Person conjures up his richest, warmest ballad sound. "If Ever I Would Leave You" finds Houston fluent and exhilarating at a faster tempo. On "Stolen Sweets", one hears echoes of Jug's brusque tone and soulful emotion. Finally, on "T-Bone Steak", finds Person riding an earthy, instrumental blues and getting excellent support from organist Sonny Phillips and guitarist Jimmy Ponder. "Stolen Sweets" is unabashedly recommended. I think you'll agree that Houston Person and his band play my kind and your kind of jazz--music that is mellow, relaxed, warm, tasty and inventive. In startling contrast to the tenseness and turbulence fashionable in some jazz quarters, Houston Person offers a joyful, soulful musical experience, ~ Excerpts by Jon Lissner, New York Times; from Liner Notes.

Muse Records, MR 5110, 1977
Recorded 29th April, 1976 at Blue Rock Studio, New York City

Musicians:
Houston Person - Tenor Saxophone
Jimmy Ponder - Guitar
Sonny Phillips - Organ
Frankie Jones - Drums
Buddy Caldwell - Congas

Tracks:
A1. If Ever I Would Leave You {Alan Jay Lerner, Frederick Loewe} (10:38)
A2. At Last {Harry Warren, Mack Gordon} (7:42)
B1. Stolen Sweets {Wild Bill Davis} (5:35)
B2. Skylark {Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Mercer} (7:31)
B3. T-Bone Steak {Jimmy Smith} (6:32)

Credits:
Producer - Michael Cuscuna
Recording Engineer - Eddie Korvin
Art Direction, Design, Photography - Hal Wilson
Liner Notes - John Lissner, New York Times

This is album could easily be rated as one of Houston Person's best on Muse, if not definitely to be noted as a great sounding Soul Jazz LP from the classic 70's. Person is in excellent form producing some fantastic up-tempo and plenty of robust tenor sounds. The assortment of tunes allows him to display his masterful skills as a very talented ballad player to just breaking out into some juicy funk number. He is joined by a mighty crew; with Jimmy Ponder on guitar given many opportunities to perform some riveting solos; and along with Sonny Phillips' magnificent swirling organ the listener is taken on one hell of a Soul-Jazz-Funky ride. Backing these great men are two percussion and rhythmic experts in Frankie Jones and Buddy Caldwell. Right throughout the album their driving beats assist the soloists to hold it perfectly together. The only real fault is that its joyful ride ends so quickly. There's one thing to do just spin it again.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Willis Jackson - Nothing Butt... (1980) [vinyl>flac]

Tenor saxophonist Willis Jackson got into a routine on his Muse albums, but never lost his enthusiasm and creativity within the genre. This album features Jackson on a current hit ("Just the Way You Are"), a couple of ballads, and three romps ("Nothing Butt," "Hittin' and Missin'," and "Move"). Guitarist Pat Martino is heard in excellent form just before a serious illness; organist Charles Earland is up to his usual groovin' form, and drummer Grady Tate and percussionist Buddy Caldwell keep the music moving. An excellent effort full of enjoyable and fairly accessible music. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG.

Here we have another exciting album by Willis Jackson. He is joined by a veteran team of musicians well versed in the “Soul Jazz” groove. Both Charles Earland and Pat Martino have worked alongside Jackson on previous outings and this adds to the dynamics. As usual Jackson chooses a diversity of tunes, mostly of his own doing that showcases effectively his skills and that of the other soloists. Pat Martino in particular takes the groove to greater heights. Similarly, Charles Earland’s organ licks undeniably meshes the tunes together. Willis’ strong tenor sound is at heart of all the compositions, especially on those penned by him. However, the listener is also presented with some wonderful interpretations of both newer and older ballad style compositions. In the end the album is definitely a keeper in that with continual playing it always delivers an enjoyable an uplifting mood. In some regards the title indicates “Nothing Butt…” the best from Jackson and his team.

Muse Records, MR 5294, 1983
Recorded 20th June, 1980 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Musicians:
Willis Jackson - Tenor Saxophone
Pat Martino - Guitar
Charlie Earland - Organ
Grady Tate - Drums
Buddy Caldwell - Percussion

Tracks:
A1. Just The Way You Are {Billy Joel} (7:03)
A2. Nuages {Willis Jackson} (4:50)
A3. Nothing Butt {Willis Jackson} (4:43)
B1. Hittin' And Missin' {Willis Jackson} (7:55)
B2. Autumn Leaves {Joseph Kosma, Johnny Mercer, Jacques Prevert} (4:28)
B3. Move {Willis Jackson} (4:04)

Credits:
Producer - Bob Porter
Recording & Mastering Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Art Direction - W. Dale Cramer
Cover Photo - Hugh Bell
Liner Notes - Cliff Tinder

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Willis Jackson - The Gator Horn (1977) [vinyl>flac]

Virtually all of tenor saxophonist Willis "Gator" Jackson's albums for Muse in the 1970s (and fortunately, there are many of them) are well worth picking up. Jackson's basic tenor always contained plenty of soul, the potential of exploding, and an attractive warm sound. For this fine set, Gator alternates between romps (some of which are funky) and ballads ("You've Changed" and "This Is Always"). Excellent support is contributed by organist Carl Wilson, guitarist Boogaloo Joe Jones, bassist Dud Bascomb, drummer Yusef Ali, and Buddy Caldwell on conga. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG.

Muse Records, MR 5146, 1979
Recorded 8th March, 1977 in Rosebud Studio, New York City

Musicians:
Willis Jackson - Tenor Saxophone (#A1-A3), Saxophone [Gator Horn] (#B1-B3)
Ivan 'Boogaloo' Joe Jones - Guitar
Carl Wilson - Organ
Dud Bascomb Jr. - Bass
Yusef Ali - Drums
Buddy Caldwell - Congas

Tracks:
A1. Ungawa {Willis Jackson} (8:32)
A2. You've Changed {Bill Carey, Carl Fischer} (4:44)
A3. Hello, Good Luck {Peter Griffin} (7:32)
B1. The Gator Horn {Willis Jackson} (5:05)
B2. This Is Always {Mack Gordon, Harry Warren} (5:29)
B3. Gooseneck {Willis Jackson} (8:15)

Credits:
Producer - Frederick Seibert
Engineer - Richard Alderson
Assistant Engineer - Eric Bowman
Album Design - Ron Warwell
Cover Photo - Hugh Bell
Liner Notes - Clifford Jay Safane

For about a decade (1968-78) the avant-garde in jazz sparked a fashion of solo recordings, particularly with not so obvious solo instruments like saxophones. Wanna be that I was, I loved it, and thought it would be cool for Willis to try it on our second session together. He thought I was crazy but figured if I was willing to take his warm up and do the work to edit it into something reasonable he’d get off the session a little early and still get paid. ~ Fred Seibert.

Monday, June 4, 2018

Willis Jackson - In The Alley (1977) [vinyl>flac]

Smooth and mellow 70s funk from Willis Jackson - a record that still has him working with funky stalwarts from earlier years, but which has a more 70s-influenced kind of groove! There's actually a nice dose of older soul jazz lurking underneath a few of the tracks - making for a record that skirts both sides of Willis' career at the time nicely - and tracks are all longish, with enough room for good tenor work. Players include Sonny Phillips, Carl Wilson, Jimmy Ponder, and Buddy Caldwell - and titles include "Niamani", "Gator's Groove", "More", and "In The Alley". © Dusty Groove America, Inc.

Muse Records, MR 5100, 1977
Recorded At Dimensional Sounds Studio, New York City

Musicians:
Willis Jackson - Tenor Saxophone
Sonny Phillips - Piano
Carl Wilson - Organ
Jimmy Ponder - Guitar
Jimmy Lewis - Bass
Yusef Ali - Drums
Buddy Caldwell - Congas, Percussion

Tracks:
A1. Niamani {Sonny Phillips} (7:22)
A2. Gator's Groove {Yusef Ali} (7:06)
A3. Blues, Blues, Blues {Willis Jackson} (5:07)
B1. Young Man With The Horn {Ray Anthony} (5:54)
B2. More {Riziero Ortolani, Nino Oliviero, Norman Newell, Marcello Ciorciolini} (7:39)
B3. In The Alley {Willis Jackson} (9:07)

Credits:
Producer - Fred Seibert
Engineers - Malcolm Addey and Fred Seibert
Art Direction, Design, Photography - Hal Wilson

Friday, March 6, 2015

Houston Person - The Big Horn (1979) [re-rip]

Reliable soul jazz, nicely played ballads, and good standards are tenor saxophonist Houston Person's forte, and he demonstrates that repeatedly on this '76 quintet set. Pianist Cedar Walton is the type of no-nonsense, consistent player whose skills are often taken for granted, while bassist Buster Williams and drummer Grady Tate are equally unassuming veterans. ~ by Ron Wynn, AMG.

Muse Records, MR 5136, 1979
Recorded 20th May, 1976 at Blue Rock Studio, New York City

Personnel:
Houston Person - Tenor Saxophone
Cedar Walton - Piano
Buster Williams - Bass
Grady Tate - Drums
Buddy Caldwell - Congas

Track Listing:
A1. Bluesology {Milt Jackson} (10:00)
A2. This Love Of Mine {Sol Parker, Henry W. Sanicola, Frank Sinatra} (5:33)
A3. Gee, Baby Ain't I Good To You {Andy Razaf, Don Redman} (5:29)
B1. The More I See You {Mack Gordon, Harry Warren} (6:52)
B2. Memories Of You {Eubie Blake, Andy Razaf} (4:18)
B3. I Concentrate On You {Cole Porter} (10:35)

Credits:
Producer - Michael Cuscuna
Recording Engineer - Ed Korvin
Design [Album] - Ron Warwell
Liner Notes - Tom Reed (Music Critic, Los Angeles Sentinel)
Photography [Cover] - Hugh Bell

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Willis Jackson - Gatorade (1971) [vinyl>flac]

The music on this obscure LP was not released until 1982 and quickly disappeared. Tenor saxophonist Willis Jackson plays funky jazz that is very much of the period with organist Carl Wilson, guitarist Joe "Boogaloo" Jones, drummer Jerry Potter and Buddy Caldwell on conga. Jackson performs the current pop tunes "Hey Jude" and "The Long and Winding Road," plus a pair of blues (including his "Pow") and a couple of originals. Fun but not overly substantial music. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG.

This is yet another non substantial appraisal from our often dionysian Scott.

This is his twenty-fifth LP for Prestige. Willis's music has changed little through the years: his bluesy, hard swinging sound has served him (and his fame) quite well. The music played here is representative of Willis at his best. "Good Bread Alley" is danceable funk while "Ivy" is an attractive 32-bar, minor-key line. "Pow" and Gatorade" are blues. Look for a quote of "Anything Goes" in the former and some stop-time breaks à la Lester Young in the latter. ~ Extract from Liner Notes by Phil Schaap, WBGO-FM, Newark, N.J.

Prestige Records, MPP 2516, 1982
Recorded August, 1971 at Rudy Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Personnel:
Willis Jackson - Tenor Saxophone
Carl Wilson - Organ
Ivan "Boogaloo Joe" Jones - Guitar
Jerry Potter - Drums
Buddy Caldwell - Conga

Track Listing:
A1. Good Bread Alley {Teddy McRae, Charlie Singleton} (7:32)
A2. Hey Jude {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (4:22)
A3. Ivy {Hoagy Carmichael} (5:56)
B1. Pow! {Willis Jackson} (6:05)
B2. The Long And Winding Road {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (5:08)
B3. Gatorade {Willis Jackson} (7:48)

Credits:
Producer - Bob Porter
Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Remastering - Gary Hobish, 1982 (Fantasy Studios, Berkeley)
Art Direction - Phil Carroll
Photography - Al Johnson

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Ceasar Frazier - Hail Ceasar! (1972) [vinyl>flac]

Hail Ceasar! is the first album to feature organist Ceasar Frazier as a leader and it is very much a monster bit of funky jazz. The LP consists of a number of long tracks that all jam mightily, right up there with the best of the Soul Jazz grooves coming out of the early seventies. The album was released on the rare Eastbound label a jazz subsidiary of Westbound Records. It's overall success is contributed to highly by the recording maestro Rudy van Gelder. Ceasar pulls together a Prestige-styled combo with a group of players well-known and recorded by van Gelder. It includes Houston Person on soulful sax, Cecil Bridgewater blowing away on Trumpet, Melvin Sparks throwing in some heavy licks, Gordon Edwards ramping up the bass, Idris Muhammad smashing away on drums and Buddy Caldwell doing his bit on the congas. As a first this album truly showcases Ceasar grooving hard on the organ and the chosen tracks don't disappoint. Well recommended!

Eastbound Records, EB 9002, 1973

Personnel:
Ceasar Frazier - Organ
Houston Person - Tenor Saxophone
Cecil Bridgewater - Trumpet
Melvin Sparks - Guitar
Gordon Edwards - Bass
Idris Muhammad - Drums
Buddy Caldwell - Congas

Track Listing:
A1. Hicky Burr {Bill Cosby, Quincy Jones} (8:07)
A2. Ellie's Love Theme {Isaac Hayes} (5:03)
A3. See-F {Ceasar Frazier} (4:42)
B1. Hail Ceasar! {Melvin Sparks} (6:27)
B2. Make It With You {David Gates} (4:01)
B3. Runnin' Away {Sylvester Stewart} (4:58)

Credits:
Producer - Bob Porter
Recording Engineer - Rudy Van Gelder

Note:
Typo on file names: Hail Caesar! not Hail Ceasar!

Monday, September 2, 2013

Boogaloo Joe Jones - What It Is (1971) [vinyl>flac]

Using the same personnel as he did on his fifth Prestige album (1970s No Way!), Jones offers more good-natured funk-soul-jazz on this 1971 session. After getting a couple of contemporary pop covers (of Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine" and Carole King's "I Feel the Earth Move") out of the way, it's mostly Jones originals. On his slower moments, as in "Fadin'" and Sonny Thompson's "Let Them Talk," he shows the influence of straight jazz players such as Wes Montgomery; "What It Is" and "Inside Job" are more cut-to-the-chase funk riffs. Jones has his cult following, but as soul-jazz goes, this is kind of run of the mill: good for background, but not captivating foreground listening. ~ by Richie Unterberger, AMG.

This LP is not as ordinary as suggested. There is some amazing playing on the part of “Boogaloo” and Grover Washington Jr. Jimmy Lewis’ bass gets things pulsating along with the organ of Butch Cornell; many a fine groove is whipped into shape. On “What It Is” he soars. Bernard Purdie on drums hammers away in the background and every once in awhile Buddy Caldwell does his conga thing. A great mix of jazz; funk, blues and pop tunes. Enjoy!

Prestige Records, PR 10035, 1971
Recorded 16th August, 1971 at Van Gelder Studios, Englewoods Cliffs, New Jersey

Personnel:
Boogaloo Joe Jones - Guitar
Grover Washington Jr. - Tenor Saxophone
Butch Cornell - Organ
Jimmy Lewis - Electric Bass
Bernard Purdie - Drums
Buddy Caldwell - Congas, Bongos

Track Listing:
A1. Ain't No Sunshine {Bill Withers} (5:33)
A2. I Feel The Earth Move {Carole King} (6:10)
A3. Fadin' {Boogaloo Joe Jones} (7:01)
B1. What It Is {Boogaloo Joe Jones} (7:05)
B2. Let Them Talk {Sonny Thompson} (5:49)
B3. Inside Job {Boogaloo Joe Jones} (6:17)

Credits:
Producer - Bob Porter
Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Art Direction - Tony Lane
Photos - Burt Goldblatt

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Charles Earland - Soul Story (1972) [vinyl>flac]

Here’s another great album from the ‘Mighty Burner’.  It includes a mighty bunch of players such as Gary Chandler along with Houston Person, Virgil Jones, Maynard Parker, James Vaas and Buddy Caldwell. Earland puts together a variety of tunes to make this another soul jazz classic.


An incredible album from Charles Earland -- a real crossroads in his career, one in which his streamlined organ jazz sound of the early 70s takes a slightly more expansive turn -- as on his albums of the mid 70s. The record has slightly larger groups than usual -- with players that include Gary Chandler on trumpet, Houston Person on tenor, and Maynard Parker on guitar -- but the real charm comes from Charles, and his ability to put together some wicked arrangements on tunes that make them complicated and funky at the same time. The best example of this is the album's amazing 10 minute version of "Love Story" with nice baroque changes, cool arrangements, and wild funky bits -- but the whole thing's great, and other cuts include "Betty's Dilemma", "One For Scotty", and "My Scorpio Lady". © 1996-2010, Dusty Groove America, Inc.

Prestige Records; PR 10018, 1972
Recorded 3rd May, 1971 at Rudy Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Track Listing:
A1. Betty's Dilemma {Charles Earland} (8:11)
A2. Love Story {Francis Lai} (9:58)
B1. One For Scotty {Charles Earland} (6:54)
B2. My Scorpio Lady {Charles Earland} (2:23)
B3. I Was Made To Love Her {Stevie Wonder} (2:48)
B4. Happy Medium {Charles Earland} (4:08)

Personnel:
Charles Earland - Organ, Vocals (#A2, B4)
Houston Person - Tenor Saxophone (#A1, A2, B4)
James Vass - Alto & Soprano Saxophones, Flute (#A1, A2, B4)
Gary Chandler - Trumpet (#A1, A2, B4)
Arthur Grant, Jr. - Tenor Saxophone, Flute (#B1-B3)
Clifford Adams, Jr. - Trombone (#B1-B3)
Virgil Jones - Trumpet (#B1-B3)
Maynard Parker - Guitar
Jesse Kilpatrick - Drums (#A1, A2, B4)
Billy "Kentucky" Wilson - Drums (#B1-B3)
Buddy Caldwell - Congas, Percussion (#A1, A2, B4)
Arthur Jenkins Jr. - Congas (#B1-B3)

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Gary Chandler - Outlook (1972) [vinyl>flac]

Charles Earland was instrumental in introducing many new musicians to the attention of the jazz world. One such artist was Gary Chandler and here we have his rare and powerful album as a leader. Joined with Harold Ousley, Cornell Dupree, Buddy Caldwell, Idris Muhammad and others this LP is truly a jazz-funk gem.

After catching the attention of producer Bob Porter via Charles Earland dates including Living Black!, trumpeter Gary Chandler finally earned his shot as leader with Outlook, and don't let the absence of subsequent efforts fool you -- this is one of the true lost classics of jazz-funk, a Molotov cocktail lit with a burning joint. Cut with an all-star supporting cast including guitarist Cornell Dupree, organist Ceasar Frazier, tenorist Harold Ousley, and drummer Idris Muhammad, the record is less a collection of songs than one long, steamroller groove. Crate diggers and DJs have coveted "Baby Let Me Take You (In My Arms)" for years, but in truth, damn near every second of Outlook demands consideration as a sample. ~ Jason Ankeny, AMG.

Eastbound Records, EB 9001, 1972

Track Listing:
A1. Baby Let Me Take You [In My Arms] {Abrim Tilmon} (10:04)
A2. Flamingo {Edmund Anderson, Theodor Grouya} (6:38)
B1. Kaleidoscope {Gary Chandler} (4:40)
B2. The Jet Set {Gary Chandler} (4:02)
B3. Blue Dues {Gary Chandler} (7:17)

Personnel:
Gary Chandler - Trumpet
Harold Ousley - Tenor Saxophone
Dick Griffin - Trombone
Ceasar Frazier - Organ
Cornell Dupree - Guitar
Gordon Edwards - Electric Bass [Fender] (#A1, B1, B3)
Buddy Caldwell - Congas, Tambourine (#A1, B1-B3)
Idris Muhammad - Drums (#A1, B1-B3)
Robert Battle - Drums (#A2)