Rex Stewart - Rendezvous With Rex

This interesting and well-rounded LP has two separate sessions originally cut for the Felsted label. Cornetist Rex Stewart is fiery on the first date, jamming on a trio of his worthy but obscure originals (when was the last time anyone played "Tillie's Twist" or "Tell Me More?") with trombonist George Stevenson, Haywood Henry (on clarinet and baritone), tenorman George Kelly, either Willie "The Lion" Smith or Dick Cary on piano, bassist Leonard Gaskin and drummer Arthur Trappier; Stewart takes a pleasant vocal on "My Kind of Gal." The three numbers from the later date have moody arrangements by Cary (who doubles on trumpet) and find Stewart in a septet with Hilton Jefferson (heard on clarinet and alto), clarinetist Garvin Bushell (whose bassoon work makes the date most memorable), guitarist Everett Barksdale, bassist Joe Benjamin and drummer Mickey Sheen. Superior music that will hopefully resurface on CD someday. - Scott Yanow/ AMG

Felsted FAJ 7001
1958

A1   Tillie's Twist
A2   Pretty Ditty
A3   Tell Me More
B1   Danzon D'amor
B2   My Kind Of Gal
B3   Blue Echo

Alto Saxophone – Hilton Jefferson (tracks: A2, B1, B3)
Baritone Saxophone – Haywood Henry (tracks: A1, A3, B2)
Bass – Joe Benjamin (tracks: A2, B1, B3), Leonard Gaskin (tracks: A1, A3, B2)
Bassoon – Garvin Bushell (tracks: A2, B1, B3)
Clarinet – Garvin Bushell (tracks: A2, B1, B3), Haywood Henry (tracks: A1, A3, B2), Hilton Jefferson (tracks: A2, B1, B3)
Cornet – Rex Stewart
Drums – Arthur Trappier (tracks: A1, A3, B2), Mickey Sheen (tracks: A2, B1, B3)
Guitar – Everett Barksdale (tracks: A2, B1, B3)
Piano – Dick Cary (tracks: A2, B1, B2, B3), Willie "The Lion" Smith (tracks: A1, A3)
Tenor Saxophone – George Kelly (tracks: A1, A3, B2)
Trombone – George Stevenson (tracks: A1, A3, B2)
Trumpet – Dick Cary (tracks: A2, B1, B3)
Vocals – Rex Stewart (tracks: B2)

Cozy Cole - Cozy's Caravan & Earl Hines - Earl's Backroom

Ahhhhhh, home sweet home.  I may show up at different blogs, shoot....  I even have my own - but nothing, N-O-T-H-I-N-G compares to the Crypt.  I decided to take a short "blogcation" (yes I invented this word), which in turn became quite a long blogcation.  It was nice being able to just listen to some music that had been piling up, and simply chill out when logged on.  But enough of that, onto the music!!!

I want to continue where we left off and get the rest of this incredible series posted.  This album is really two sides in one, a split LP.  While on the topic, you should know that I have tagged it as such so don't be surprised to see two albums appear in your media player.

For fans of Cozy Cole, I don't think you will find a greater album than this.  First of all, the fidelity alone makes it a hot ticket.  Much of his early work suffers from poor recording.  This album also allows him some real space to hit ya with what he's got.  His solo during Caravan is an incredible example of his skill.  Cozy is in no rush and builds it slowly, deliberately creating that wonderful tension until he finally explodes before the band bring back the chorus.  Overall, like much of this series, we are treated to vocals and blues in a jazz jam setting.

As for the Earl Hines side, we are treated to a small quartet session featuring the little known horn player, Curtis Lowe.  Like many of his albums, these tunes are rooted in the blues and have a real jam flavour.  All 3 tracks are solid and exemplify Hines at his best.

With both of these sides combined, we get quite a strong album.  One theme that runs throughout??  FUN!!!  It's all upbeat and lighthearted which is a side of jazz I certainly love.  This was ripped from disc using EAC to 16/44.1 FLAC, 24 bit remastering, mmmmmmmm tasty Crypt BBQ anybody??? ...  enjoy!!!


Earl Hines Quartet - Earl's Backroom
Felsted FAJ 7002

01. Brussels’ Hustle (Hines) 7:59
02. Oooh! (Hines) 5:03
03. Backroom at the Villa d’Este (Hines) 6:49

Cozy Cole Septet - Cozy's Caravan

Felsted FAJ 7002

04. Caravan (Tizol-Ellington) 9:58
05. Phatz’ Blues (Morris-Thompson) 5:16
06. Margie (Davis-Conrad-Robinson) 4:26

Earl Hines Quartet:
Curtis Lowe (ts, bs), Earl Hines (p), Charles Oden (b), Earl Watkins(d).
Recorded in San Francisco, on February 3, 1958.

Cozy Cole Septet:
Lou Jones (tp), Walter 'Phatz' Morris (tb, hmca on #5), Boe McCain (ts), Reuben Jay 'June' Cole (p), Dickie Thompson (g, vcl), Peter Compo (b), Cozy Cole (d).
Recorded in New York City, on February 7, 1958.

Dicky Wells - Trombone Four-In-Hand

This is the second album that Wells recorded for Felsted, and the finer of the two in my opinion.  Lots more of what the people want - soloing and super killin ensemble work.  There are four trombone players on this date, so if you're not down with that nasally a-tonal sound, this album may not be for you.  That said, Skip Hall and the guitarists, Burrell/Barksdale, do a great job to counter the 'bone dominance.

Once again this comes from my Felsted boxset and is in FLAC.  If you are just joining us please check out the previous posts here.  Enjoy!!






Felsted FAJ7009
1959

Vic Dickenson, George Matthews, Benny Morton, Dicky Wells (trombone) Skip Hall (piano, organ) Kenny Burrell (guitar) Everett Barksdale (bass) Herbie Lovelle (drums)

NYC, April 21, 1959

Blue Moon
Air Lift
It's All Over Now
Wine-O Junction

Barksdale plays (guitar). Major Holley (bass) replaces Burrell

NYC, probably April 22, 1959

Heavy Duty
Short,Tall, Fat, Small
Girl Hunt

Buster Bailey - All About Memphis

Buster Bailey was one of the top clarinetists to emerge during the 1920s but he led relatively few sessions throughout his long career. This LP features Bailey with a quartet (along with pianist Red Richards, bassist Gene Ramey and drummer Jimmie Crawford) and, with the horns of trumpeter Herman Autrey, trombonist Vic Dickenson and altoist Hilton Jefferson added, a septet. In addition to W.C. Handy tunes, the other five songs are Bailey originals that mix together swing and the flavor of New Orleans jazz. It's a fine outing for the classic clarinetist. - Scott Yanow / AMG

Felsted Records FAJ 7003
Side A was recorded in New York, February 13th, 1958.

Side B was recorded in New York, February 27th, 1958.

A1 - Bear Wallow
A2 - Hatton Avenue And Gayoso Street
A3 - Sunday Parade
A4 - Beale Street Blues
B1 - Memphis Blues
B2 - Chickasaw Bluff
B3 - Hot Water Bayou

Bass – Gene Ramey;  Clarinet – Buster Bailey;  Drums – Jimmy Crawford;  Piano – Red Richards
Trombone – Vic Dickenson (tracks: B1-B3)
Trumpet – Herman Autrey (tracks: B1-B3)

Alto Saxaphone – Hilton Jefferson (tracks: B1-B3)

Remastered in 24bit stereo - ripped to FLAC... enjoy!!!

Dicky Wells - Bones For The King

What can I say??!??  This album is a must have for anyone who considers themself a mainstream fan.  A wonderful, swaggering swing topped with relaxed and inspired solos.  Lots of fun vocals.  Jazz at its finest.  As promised, the Felsteds kept-a-rollin.  Taken from the Felsted Mainstream Jazz Series boxset, remastered in 24 bit, ripped to FLAC... enjoy!!!

Felsted FAJ 7006
1958

Buck Clayton (trumpet) Dicky Wells (trombone) Rudy Rutherford (clarinet, baritone saxophone) Buddy Tate (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone) Skip Hall (piano) Everett Barksdale (guitar) Major Holley (bass) Jo Jones (drums)

• Hello Smack! 
• Come And Get It 
• Stan's Dance

Vic Dickenson, George Matthews, Benny Morton, Dicky Wells (trombone) Skip Hall (piano) Major Holley (bass) Jo Jones (drums)

• Bones For The King 
• Sweet Daddy Spo-de-o 
• You Took My Hear

Budd Johnson - Blues A La Mode

I want to apologize for my absence.  I am sure that for those of you who are familiar with my personal blog, it's easy to think that my priorities lay elsewhere.  I won't lie, it would be easy for me to simply post everything at my own blog - but that will never happen.  The Crypt is where all this blogging stuff started for me, and it's really where my heart is - in spite of having my own spot.

I have the next round of Basie sides prepared so that we can continue down that road, but I wanted to share something that I am excited about.  I finally pulled the trigger on the Felsted box set, a decision I regret not making earlier.

For fans of Budd Johnson, this album is an absolute must have.  Gorgeous playing throughout with equally excellent contributions from all of his sidemen.  I find Johnson's playing to be really laid back and soulful.  He puts alot of focus into each note, rather than searching for witty phrasing or pulling out any tricks.  Tonally his horn is rich and thick - combined with his style, he is certainly the centerpiece on this session.

This was ripped from my Felsted box using EAC, and is in FLAC 16/44.1.  The tracks have been remastered using 24 bit technology, in stereo, and the results are superb.  The archives contain two Felsted sides already;  Buddy Tate and Billy Strayhorn.  I'm not sure if either is still active but if anybody wishes to have a reup just ask in the comments.  I will roll out the remaining Felsted sides and we can have this project running parallel to the Basiefest.  Enjoy!!!

Felsted FAJ 7007
1958

01. Foggy Nights (Johnson) 5:37
02. Leave Room in Your Heart for Me (Johnson-Dobson) 7:16
03. Destination Blues (Johnson) 5:19
04. À La Mode (Johnson) 7:31
05. Used Blues (Johnson) 7:05
06. Blues by Five (Johnson) 6:06

Tracks #1,3,5,7: The Septet
Charlie Savers (ts), Vic Dickenson (tb), Budd Johnson (ts), Al Sears (bs), Bert Keyes (p, org), Joe Benjamin (b), Jo Jones (d).

Recorded in New York City, on February 11, 1958.

Tracks #2,4,6: The Quintet
Charlie Savers (ts), Budd Johnson (ts), Ray Bryant (p), Joe Benjamin (b), Jo Jones (d).

Recorded in New York City, on February 14, 1958.

Billy Strayhorn's Septet - Cue For Saxophone

Another superb gem from the Felsted label, reissued by Affinity.  Johnny Hodges plays under the pseudonym Cue Porter, and the rest of the group need no introduction.

A real great feel to this side as the band swing through an incredible songlist.  This copy is super minty and an absolute joy to listen to... enjoy!!!

Composer/arranger/pianist Billy Strayhorn led surprisingly few sessions throughout his career, and this was only his second full-length album. Actually, the main star is altoist Johnny Hodges (who goes here under the pseudonym of "Cue Porter"), while Strayhorn (who plays piano on the seven songs) only co-wrote two basic tunes ("Cue's Blue Now" and "Watch Your Cue") with Hodges and played a fairly minor role. Also in the septet are three fellow Ellingtonians (trumpeter Shorty Baker, trombonist Quentin Jackson and clarinetist Russell Procope), along with bassist Al Hall and drummer Oliver Jackson. The results are a fine mainstream session (which has been reissued on this CD) with highlights including "Gone With the Wind," the ten-minute "Cue's Blue Now" and "Rose Room." ~ Scott Yanow/AMG

Affinity AFF-166

1986

Recorded in NYC Apr. 14th, 1959

Billy Strayhorn (piano), Quentin Jackson (trombone), Cue Porter [a.k.a. Johnny Hodges] (alto saxophone), Harold "Shorty" Baker (trumpet), Russell Procope (clarinet), Al Hall (bass), Oliver Jackson (drums).

The Buddy Tate All Stars - Swinging Like Tate

The Master Jazz Recordings label did a complete reissue of the Felsted catalogue, naming it the Felsted Series.  Although professional critics don't give this side alot of praise, the fact that it's been reissued several times over is testimony to it's greatness.

A wonderful cast of players including his Celebrity Club Orchestra on side one, and some old masters on side two.  The swingin doesn't stop and this one will make you feel warm inside.  Just a solid album overall... all of the Felsted albums are worth seeking out.  This album is minty with excellent fidelity, highly enjoyable...  enjoy!!

Master Jazz Recordings MJR8127
"Felsted Series"
1958