Hank Crawford - Double Cross (1968) [re-rip]

Here we have another classic early album by Hank Crawford on Atlantic Records from 1968. Similar to his other recordings on that label Hank puts together a powerful soulful collection of tunes. Four are penned by him; the others an engaging selection of notable standards. He is joined by a stellar array of players including: David "Fathead" Newman, Pepper Adams, Joe Newman, Jack McDuff, Carl Lynch & Bruno Carr to nominate a few. On one tune Hank plays piano, but it’s his alto playing that is truly sensational. There is not much more to add other than just give it a spin!

Atlantic Records, SC 1503, 1968

Recorded in 1968 at Atlantic Studios, New York

Personnel:

Hank Crawford - Alto Saxophone, Piano (#B3)
Joe Newman, Melvin Lastie - Trumpet (#A1-B2)
John Hunt, Fielder Floyd - Trumpet (#B3,B4)
Tony Studd - Trombone (#A1-B2)

David "Fathead" Newman - Tenor Saxophone (#A1-B2)

Wendell Harrison - Tenor Saxophone (#B3,B4)
Pepper Adams - Baritone Saxophone (#A1-B2)

Alenzo C. Shaw - Baritone Saxophone (#B3,B4)

Jack McDuff - Piano (#B1)

Carl Lynch - Guitar (#A1-B2)

Jimmy Tyrell - Fender Bass (#A1-B2)

Charles Green - Bass (#B3, B4)

Bruno Carr - Drums (#A1-B2)

Wilbert Hogan - Drums (#B3,B4)

Tracks:

A1. Double Cross {Hank Crawford} (3:18)

A2. Jimmy Mack {Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland} (2:36)

A3. Glue Fingers {Hank Crawford} (3:27)

A4. I Can't Stand It {Hank Crawford} (4:46)

B1. In The Heat Of The Night {Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Quincy Jones} (4:01)

B2. The Second Time Around {Jimmy van Heusen, Sammy Cahn} (3:52)

B3. Mud Island Blues {Hank Crawford} (5:59)

B4. Someday [You'll Want Me To Want You] {Jimmie Hodges} (3:52)

Credits:

Producer - Arif Mardin, Joel Dorn

Recording Engineer - Bruce Tergesen, Phil Iehle

Cover [Illustration & Design] - Stanislaw Zagorski

Liner Notes - Burt Burdeen, WSDM, Chicago

Curtis Amy - Mustang (1967) [re-rip]

A fantastic LP of beautiful modal tracks, played by one of the most underrated reed players ever, during the most fruitful time of his career. At this point, Amy's moved away from his bluesy Texas roots, and has discovered a freer Coltrane-esque sound that works beautifully with his spiritual, strident compositions. Although the record was pushed by Verve with the funkier track "Mustang" (also recorded by Donald Byrd), the record really sounds more like a Nathan Davis record, with a mix of tenor and soprano sax that is extremely spiritual. Tracks include "Mustang" (2 versions), "Shaker Heights", "Enojo", and "Old Devil Moon". © Dusty Groove, Inc.

The Texas Tenor tears it up on this release for Verve from 1966. It's a fantastic LP of beautiful modal tracks, played by one of the most underrated reed players ever, during the most fruitful time of his career. At this point, Amy's moved away from his bluesy Texas roots, and discovered a freer Coltrane-esque sound that works beautifully with his compositions. Although the record was pushed by Verve with the funkier track "Mustang" -also recorded by Donald Byrd- the record really sounds more like a Nathan Davis record, with a mix of tenor and soprano sax that is extremely spiritual. This has never made it to CD or a vinyl re-issue -suprising given the popularity of the very funky title track and the fact it's on Verve. ~ Orgyinrhythm

He might have been known as a Texas tenorman but Amy plays more soprano sax here (probably due to the Coltrane influence of the era). The band is mostly of unknowns (local Texas players?) except for pianist Kenny Barron but create quite a energetic stir often with a Latin tinge. Verve needs to reissue this! It's not easy to find but keep your eyes open in those dusty record bins. ~ RateYourMusic

Verve Records, V6-8684, 1967

Recorded 26^th January, 1967 at Bell Sound Studios, New York

Personnel:

Curtis Amy - Tenor Sax (#A1,B1,B2), Soprano Sax (#A2,A3,B3)

Leroy Cooper - Baritone Saxophone

Jimmy Owens - Trumpet, Flugelhorn

Kenny Barron - Piano

Carl Lynch - Guitar

Edgar Willis - Bass

Bruno Carr - Drums

Eva Harris - Vocals (#B2)

Track Listing:

A1. Mustang [Short Version] {Sonny Red} (3:18)

A2. Shaker Heights {Curtis Amy} (11:51)

A3. Enojo [Peevish] {Curtis Amy} (3:36)

B1. Mustang [Long Version] {Sonny Red} (5:08)

B2. Please Send Me Someone To Love {Percy Mayfield} (3:28)

B3. Old Devil Moon {E.Y. "Yip" Harburg, Burton Lane} (6:07)

Credits:

Producer - Joel Dorn, Jack Shaw

Director Of Engineering - Val Valentin

Remix Engineer - Norman Baker

Cover Design - Acy R. Lehman

Cover Photo - Jon Henry