Gene Ammons In Sweden

This is a re-up for Malaspina, originally posted at the "old" Crypt in 2012.

I hope everybody will have a look through our archive of Ammons - uploaded by our very own Chris!! http://kccryptredux.blogspot.ca/search/label/Gene%20Ammons

I am not a huge Ammons fan.  What I mean by that is, he's not an artist whom I have explored deeply.  I have several key sides like Boss Tenor and Happy Blues, but so do most self respecting jazz fans.

This LP takes us a bit deeper, of course because it's live, but also due to a certain charm.  We get a nice dose of Jugs on the mic, introducing songs and interacting with the crowd.  But it's his playing, well actually the whole band's playing, which grabs me unlike many of his other sides.  "Je ne sais quoi..."

The group is really relaxed and give each other all kinds of space.  The vibe really comes through as these guys stretch out on the uptempo numbers.  That would be reserved for side one, side two brings in the balladry and things get down right sublime.  Horace Parlan shows his gifts again and again, he really is a joy to listen to.  As for Ammons, he seems to know exactly what to bring...and how to bring it!  Overall we get a nice dose of his bag of tricks.

ENJA released this in 1981, but the date took place on July 14th, 1973.  There is almost a bootleg feel to this LP, both in presentation on the sleeve and in sound quality.  Sure, it's no Van Gelder, but far from unenjoyable.  I tend to over obsess about audio quality and I have no issues with this side.  It was released as part of a "two-fer", along with a Ben Webster live date, on CD but is OOP.

This album is a minty ENJA stereo LP, ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC.  It should be noted that there are infact 5 tracks on this album, but you are only receiving 4.  Polka Dots And Moonbeams has a seamless segueway into Lover Man, so I merged the two tracks and left them intact.  Taking liberties yes, but once you hear it I think you'll understand why.  A great way to end a gorgeous weekend, but it's always sunny at the Crypt no?  Enjoy!!

ENJA 3093
Produced by Inge Dahl
Recorded and Mixed by Berndt Berndtson
Recorded live at the Ahus Jazz Fest on July 14th, 1973 in Sweden

Gene Ammons (ts);  Horace Parlan (p);  Red Mitchell (b);  Ed Jones (d)

Count Basie And The Kansas City 7

I hope you all had a great Christmas!!  My family sure did...

As we continue down Basie lane, this album seemed a logical choice after the last Basie small group.  This group is infact a septet with Wess and Foster switching out for roughly half the album each.

Unlike the last album, the rhythm keeps the swing movin' while the focus is kept upfront.  Basie pulls out some incredible solo work himself in his inimitable style - sparse and soulful.

I think the main thing that keeps this album in a class of it's own, is the playlist.  The majority of small group swing albums lean on the jam side of things, while this side has a much more focused approach to the material.  Of course, the soloing is top notch and inspired, but the song arrangements are much more than a simple jam style.  With composers like Wess, Foster and Thad Jones on board it can only be expected.

This album is certainly a small group swing classic, and if you haven't heard it yet you're in for a treat.  My album is near mint, and the fidelity is nothing short of perfect.  Wonderfully dynamic with a great focus on bass - Ed Jones really pops in different parts.  Bluesy swingin, in all of it's glory.  Ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC... enjoy!!!