When Ruby Braff joined the Scott Hamilton quintet in 1985, magic ensued. Recording for the Concord Jazz label, these two giants laid down enough material for two albums. A First and A Sailboat In The Moonlight are both treasures in the mainstream/straight-ahead jazz category. Anyone who was here at the Crypt when I was sharing my Hamilton sides, knows how great this group was. With Flory on the guitar, the group was a working unit touring and recording together. With Ruby Braff added to the fray, I dare say that this is a perfect combination of players. I'll leave that decision up to you guys.
"Moonlight" was ripped from CD using EAC, dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC. A First was ripped from my LP at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC. The latter has some noise issues which come and go throughout the album. The vinyl appears perfect, like all of my Concord sides, but clearly has some groove damage. It's listenable but certainly not up to my standard. The good news is that it's available for purchase, and I have decided to publish it here at The Crypt to give everyone a taste. I have not published many great titles in the past because the fidelity is simply not there. I have quite high standards for the Crypt, as do all of the great authors here. We only wish the best for our followers. So now that my novella is complete... enjoy!!!
Concord Jazz CJ 274/296
1985
Bass – Phil Flanigan; Cornet – Ruby Braff; Drums – Chuck Riggs; Guitar – Chris Flory;
Piano – John Bunch; Tenor Saxophone – Scott Hamilton
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A First (CJ-274)
Although it is implied with its title that this was the first collaboration between cornetist Ruby Braff and tenor-saxophonist Scott Hamilton, they had recorded a date back in December 1983 for the Swedish Phontastic label. Accompanied by Hamilton's regular quartet of the period (pianist John Bunch, guitaristChris Flory, bassist Phil Flanigan and drummer Chuck Riggs), Braff and Hamilton inspire each other and play some explosive and consistently passionate solos. Highlights include a surprisingly hard-swinging "Rockin' Chair," "Dinah," "All My Life" and "Bugle Blues." Recommended. - Scott Yanow
A Sailboat In The Moonlight (CJ-296)
Taken from the same sessions as A First, this collaboration between veteran cornetist Ruby Braff and the relatively young tenor great Scott Hamilton lives up to its potential. With strong assistance from pianist John Bunch, guitarist Chris Flory, bassist Phil Flanigan and drummer Chuck Riggs, Braff and Hamilton are a perfect team on such joyful swing tunes as "A Sailboat in the Moonlight," "'Deed I Do," "Jeepers Creepers" and "Sweethearts on Parade." All eight selections (even the obscure "Milkman's Matinee") are well worth hearing, making this a highly recommended set. - Scott Yanow
