Cryptheads!!! I'm hooooommme!!! It's been a while hasn't it?!? I have been busy renovating my man cave, which is now finished.
I thought I would come out swingin with this most incredible Clark Terry album. However, that isn't the most accurate description as it's really a co-lead affair with Don Butterfield playing a large role musically. And really, the tuba is what makes this album unique from many others in Clark's large catalogue.
Butterfield is really a master of his domain as he gets the instrument to bend sonically - from deep and smooth, to sharp and quick. And he can mix all of those qualities even further. I was really taken aback with his first solo in The Swinging Chemise, for a few bars, I thought it was Sam Jones!! Impressive indeed. As for Terry, he plays wonderfully with a real focus on tone, matching up perfectly with the mighty tuba. Some really soulful playing from the trumpeter, who also pulls out the flugelhorn on this side. The rhythm section hold down a superb swing, light and airy with tons of space. Creatively, the crown may very well go to Jimmy Jones on Top And Bottom Brass, although keeping a tuba interesting throughout eight tunes is no easy feat either.
All in all, this is a rock solid album which has been more or less forgotten. It did infact receive the OJC treatment, but was quickly back to OOP status again. Mumbles was one of the greats, a true master of this jazz music and Top And Bottom Brass is yet another document of proof.
This was ripped from the OJC reissue and dithered to VBR mp3. Frankly the sound is wonderful... enjoy!!!
Riverside RSLP-295
1959
Art Taylor - drums.
