Showing posts with label George Duvivier. Show all posts
Showing posts with label George Duvivier. Show all posts

Monday, June 1, 2026

Red Rodney - Home Free (1979) [vinyl]

From 1976-79, trumpeter Red Rodney recorded three LPs with altoist Richie Cole that otherwise mostly used different lineups of musicians. This excellent outing (which also includes tenor saxophonist David Schnitter, pianist Barry Harris, bassist George Duvivier and drummer Leroy Williams) has a bit of a jam session feel to it. Cole contributed "Starburst" and "Red Rodney Rides Again"; the trio plays Rodney's "Helene," and the full group romps on "Out of Nowhere," "All the Things You Are" and "Bluebird." By 1977, Rodney's chops were back in prime form, and his mastery of bebop (along with the colorful Cole's) is obvious in these recordings. Worth searching for. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide. 

"Home Free" is a jazz album by American bebop trumpeter Red Rodney, recorded in late 1977 and released by Muse Records in 1979. The record captures Rodney during a highly creative period between 1976 and 1979 when he frequently collaborated with alto saxophonist Richie Cole. According to reviews on AllMusic, Rodney's technical skills were back in prime form for this session, delivering an excellent showcase of masterful bebop. The album has a spontaneous, high-energy jam-session feel across its tracks. ~ AI Overview. 

Muse Records, MR 5135, 1979
Recorded 19th December, 1977 at CI Recording Studio New York City 

Musicians:
Red Rodney - Trumpet
Richie Cole - Alto Saxophone
David Schnitter - Tenor Saxophone
Barry Harris - Piano
George Duvivier - Bass
Leroy Williams - Drums
 

Tracks:
1. Starburst {Richie Cole} (5:41)
2. Out Of Nowhere {Johnny Green} (6:17)
3. All The Things You Are {Jerome Kern} (9:16)
4. Red Rodney Rides Again {Richie Cole} (5:53)
5. Helene {Red Rodney} (5:35)
6. Bluebird {Charlie Parker} (9:35) 

Total Time: 42:17 

Credits:
Producer - Bob Porter
Engineer - Chuck Irwin
Album Design - Mark Kaplan
Photography - Charles Reilly
Lacquer Cut - Joe Brescio 

Red Rodney Rides Again

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Shirley Scott - Roll 'Em: Shirley Scott Plays The Big Bands (1966) [CD]

Shirley Scott’s Roll ‘Em is interesting on several levels, the first being that you are no doubt already keenly aware of the songs Shirley is laying down here with her seventeen-piece big band, so it’s a hoot to simply sit back and listen to the tunes without the due consideration jazz-listening often requires. Secondly, there’s nothing unexpected delivered on this record, everything … the enunciation, the chords, the notes, the take, it’s all been done before, leaving Roll ’Em to simply be a breezy foray into the musical insights and sounds that are created here. Though when "Stompin' At The Savoy" washed across my listen space, I was raptured with the flanking path Scott’s organ took this song. Oddly enough, when one considers women in jazz, the first names that come to mind are usually the singers, Ella Fitzgerald or Billie Holiday, perhaps because singers are easier to spot and identify. Shirley was a lush beautiful petite and very powerful for her size and time, so it sparked my imagination that she might be taking on these songs purposely, numbers that seemed rather too large or expansive for a woman to embrace, where Scott shows the world that she’s more than capable of helming a big band, charting its course, and coming out the other side proving that she can stand toe to toe with anyone when it comes to music that is easily compared. So, while I don’t want to dismiss this outing as uninventive or not being challenging enough, it is impressive to hear Shirley create perfect flawless circles, that while not bold or majestic, hit at the heart of all that’s pure, and dare I suggest innocent, when it comes to the purest elements of sophistication. After all, a simple black dress with an understated string of pearls speaks volumes, without the need for showiness or exuberance. ~ by Jenell Kesler, discogs.com. 

Impulse! Records, AS-9119, 1972
GRP Records, GRD-147, 1994
Recorded 15th (#7-10) & 19th (#1-6) April, 1966 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 

Personnel:
========
#1-4:
Shirley Scott - Organ
Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Jimmy Nottingham, Ernie Royal, Clark Terry - Trumpet
Paul Faulise, Quentin Jackson, Melba Liston - Trombone
Tom McIntosh - Trombones
Phil Woods, Jerry Dodgion - Alto Saxophone
Bob Ashton, Jerome Richardson - Tenor Saxophone
Danny Bank - Baritone Saxophones
Attila Zoller - Guitar
George Duvivier - Bass
Grady Tate - Drums
Oliver Nelson - Conductor, Arranger 

#5-6:
Shirley Scott - Organ, Arranger (#5)
George Duvivier - Bass
Grady Tate - Drums 

#7-10:
Shirley Scott - Organ
Richard Davis - Bass
Ed Shaughnessy - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Roll 'Em {Mary Lou Williams} (4:08)
02. For Dancers Only {Don Raye, Sy Oliver, Vic Schoen} (3:43)
03. Sophisticated Swing {Mitchell Parish, Will Hudson} (2:50)
04. Sometimes I'm Happy {Grey, Caesar, Youmans} (3:53)
05. Little Brown Jug {Joseph Eastburn Winner; Arr. Shirley Scott} (3:57)
06. Stompin' At The Savoy {Razaf, Goodman, Webb, Sampson} (3:58)
07. Ain't Misbehavin' {Andy Razaf, Harry Brooks, Fats Waller} (3:31)
08. A Tisket A Tasket {Ella Fitzgerald, Van Alexander} (3:55)
09. Things Ain't What They Used To Be {Duke Ellington, Ted Persons} (5:19)
10. Tippin' In {Bobby Smith, Marty Symes} (4:33) 

Total Time: 39:54 

Credits:
Producer - Bob Thiele
Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Reissue Producer - Michael Cuscuna
Executive Producer - Dave Grusin, Larry Rosen 

Organist Shirley Scott focuses on swing-era tunes throughout this enjoyable album. Four songs showcase her organ accompanied by a 17-piece big band arranged by Oliver Nelson while the remaining six numbers find her jamming with a trio that also includes either George Duvivier or Richard Davis on bass and Grady Tate or Ed Shaughnessy on drums. Although nothing all that unexpected occurs, it is fun to hear an organ performing such numbers as "For Dancers Only," "Little Brown Jug" and "Stompin' At The Savoy." ~ Scott Yanow, AMG

Sometimes I'm Happy

Monday, October 31, 2022

Dexter Gordon - The Sound Of Jazz: Dexter Gordon (1977)

One of many impromptu sessions staged in 1977 for Lionel Hampton's Who's Who in Jazz label, this recording features the basic band of Hampton on vibes, Bucky Pizzarelli on guitar, Hank Jones on piano, George Duvivier on bass, Oliver Jackson on drums, and Candido Camero on congas that is common to many of the albums, plus, in this case, Dexter Gordon (an alumnus of the Hampton big band) on tenor and soprano saxophone. The songs are mostly standards like "They Say That Falling in Love Is Wonderful" and "I Should Care," and Hampton and Gordon are given extended solo time in the relaxed arrangements, with Pizzarelli and Jones also taking occasional turns. The charm of all the 1977 Who's Who sessions is their intimacy: they sound more like something overheard after the final set in a club than formal recordings. This is one of the better ones. ~ by William Ruhlmann, AMG. 

Masters Records, CLCD 5025, 1988
Recorded 11th November, 1977 at Studio 21 Sound, New York 

Musicians:
Dexter Gordon - Tenor & Soprano Saxophones
Lionel Hampton - Vibraphone [Vibes]
Hank Jones - Piano
Bucky Pizzarelli - Guitar
George Duvivier - Bass
Oliver Jackson - Drums
Candido - Percussion [Longa Drums] 

Tracks:
1. Cute {Neal Hefti, Stanley Styne} (7:01)
2. They Say That Falling In Love Is Wonderful {Irving Berlin} (7:56)
3. Lullaby Of Birdland {B. Y. Forster, George Shearing} (4:20)
4. I Should Care {Axel Stordahl, Paul Weston, Sammy Cahn} (5:13)
5. Seven Come Eleven {Charlie Christian, Benny Goodman} (6:29)
6. Blues For Gates {Lionel Hampton} (8:05) 

Total Time: 39:06 

Credits:
Producer - Lionel Hampton
Executive Producer - Robert W. Schachner
Compilation - Emiel Kamzol 

Lullaby Of Birdland

Monday, March 22, 2021

Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis with Shirley Scott - Smokin' (1958) [re-rip]

Tenor saxophonist Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis recorded enough material over these two sessions to fill up four records. The seven selections included on this album were recorded during the same period as Davis's better-known Cookbook albums. The album includes: Jerome Richardson swapping between baritone, flute and tenor on three of the tunes; bassist George Duvivier; drummer Arthur Edgehill and of course the 'Queen of the Organ' Shirley Scott. As a group the players swing hard covering some solid originals by both Eddie and Shirley, some blues and an occasional ballad. It is not hard to see why this Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis band was very popular in its time being such a powerful and accessible band even today's mixed jazz world. A definite classic of this genre. ~ Extract by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

Prestige Records, PRST 7301, 1963
Recorded on 12th September (#A3,B1,B3,B4)
& 5th December, 1958 (#A1,A2,B2) Hackensack, New Jersey 

Musicians:
Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis - Tenor Saxophone
Jerome Richardson - Baritone Sax (#A1), Flute (#A2), Tenor Sax (#B2)
Shirley Scott - Organ
George Duvivier - Bass
Arthur Edgehill - Drums 

Tracks:
A1. High Fly {Randy Weston} (6:14)
A2. Smoke This {Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Shirley Scott} (6:05)
A3. Pennies From Heaven {Johnny Burke, Arthur Johnston} (5:14)
B1. Pots And Pans {Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Shirley Scott} (3:27)
B2. Jaws {Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Shirley Scott} (5:28)
B3. It's A Blue World {George Forrest, Robert C. Wright} (5:01)
B4. Blue Lou {Irving Mills, Edgar Sampson} (3:39) 

Total Time: 35:08 

Credits:
Supervision - Esmond Edwards
Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Cover Design, Photo - Don Schlitten
Liner Notes - John D. Monroe (November 1963)

If you enjoy this great LP don’t forget to check the previous post:
Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis with Shirley Scott - Misty (1963)

Sunday, March 7, 2021

Frank Wess, Bobby Jaspar, Seldon Powell - The Spirit Of Charlie Parker (1958)

'The Spirit of Charlie Parker' is an atmospheric album that examines four Charlie Parker tunes; beautifully arranged by Billy van Planck and engineered by none other than the great late Rudy van Gelder. The musicians on this LP comprise of three flutists: Frank Wess, Bobby Jaspar, Seldon Powell, one trombonist Frank Rehak, and a crack rhythm section with the amazing pianist and vibist Eddie Costa together with bassist George Duvivier and drummer Bobby Donaldson. In all four great Bird tunes are showcased with great finesse, Enjoy!

 

World Wide Records, MGS-20003, 1958
Recorded 27th March, 1958 At Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey 

Musicians:
Frank Wess - Flute
Bobby Jaspar - Flute, Clarinet
Seldon Powell - Flute, Tenor Saxophone
Frank Rehak - Trombone
Eddie Costa - Piano, Vibraphone
George Duvivier - Bass
Bobby Donaldson - Drums
Billy Ver Planck - Arranger 

Tracks:
A1. Parker's Mood (5:58)
A2. Marmaduke (9:38)
B1. Now's The Time (8:07)
B2. Ah Leu-Cha (7:52) 

All Compositions by Charlie Parker

Total Time: 31:35

Credits:
Supervisor - Ozzie Cadena
Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Photography - Hank Schneider
Design [Album] - Levy A. Agency
Liner Notes - H. Alan Stein

Sunday, October 11, 2020

Bill Harris - The Soul Of Jazz (1958) [re-rip]

This a rare and dynamic session, recorded by Rudy van Gelder in 1958, features an amazing All Stars cast. Essentially it showcases Bill Harris playing alongside Joe Wilder, Bobby Jaspar, Pepper Adams, Eddie Costa, George Duvivier and Art Taylor. These musicians truly display the essence of jazz and hence the album’s title is so very appropriate. The sound even though ripped from a well-loved old vinyl still comes across ‘alive and fresh’ even by today’s standards. The concept of this LP is masterminded by the arrangements and conducting skills of Billy Ver Plank. The choices of tunes are very complimentary and blend well, all the while giving the players plenty of room to solo. Well Recommended.

Generally speaking the men on the date fall into either a late swing or neo-modern period, as to their particular improvisatory allegiances. Yes, all bear the same "pure" approach to their performance of jazz. Bill Harris, veteran trombone star of the 1940's and the Woody Herman band has been a "preaching" jazzman of great fame for many years. Joe wilder, the early modern trumpet star, sparkles here with his growls, his various muses, and that unbelievably pure bell-tone while blowing a modern cascade of notes. Bobby Jaspar, Belgian import who has come to fame with J.J. Johnson and other combos on both tenor and flute, he is a "wailer" who plays in the Coltrane-Sims tradition these days. Pepper Adams, deserving of his nickname, bursts fierily throughout the proceedings. He is a Detroit export who rose to fame with Kenton, and has recently led his own combo in New York City. Eddie Costa, vibist and pianist once again proves his prowess as a tasty and ever-swinging keyboard man. George Duvivier can only be described as a "Rock" in a rhythm section ... with both beat, intonation, and "life" that are impeccable. Art Taylor, a usually intrepid bopper, illustrates his more quiet moods here, lapsing into the more normal "popping" style he has become noted for on two tracks. Basically, the tunes are simple harmonic changes, with tried harmony, open voiced for the horns, and usually ending with the traditional "Amen" chord resolution. The solo-work, in almost every case stays fairly close to the simple diatonic harmonies, yet conveying a combined "preaching" and "funky blues" feel. ~ Extract from Liner Notes by H. Alan Stein.

World Wide, MGS 20002, 1958
Recorded 5th May, 1958, Hackensack, New Jersey

Personnel:
Bill Harris - Trombone
Joe Wilder - Trumpet
Bobby Jaspar - Tenor Saxophone
Pepper Adams - Baritone Saxophone
Eddie Costa - Piano
George Duvivier - Bass
Art Taylor - Drums

Tracks:
A1. You Gotta Be A Good Man {David} (8:41)
A2. Each Side Of The River {David} (4:48)
A3. Where Ya Gonna Run To? {David} (5:08)
B1. I Can't Believe It {David, Cadena} (6:33)
B2. What Should I Do? {David} (3:57)
B3. Royal Garden Blues {Williams} (6:27)

Total Time: 35:34

Credits:
Supervisor - Ozzie Cadena
Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Arranger, Conductor - Billy Ver Planck
Cover Photo - Hank Schneider
Liner Notes - H. Alan Stein

Monday, June 8, 2020

Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis with Shirley Scott - Moodsville Volume 4 (1960) [vinyl>flac]

Among the finest Moodsville recordings, and there were quite a few, were the ones by tenor saxophonist Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis. During the late '50s and early '60s, the tough tenor was a hard-charging exclamation point whether backed by a trio, a soul-gospel organ or Count Basie's band. But on ballads - really slow ones - Davis had room to snort, shove notes around and proudly exhibit his huge, bossy sound on the reed instrument. In January 1960, Davis recorded on the Moodsville label with Shirley Scott. Known primarily for her work on the Hammond organ, Scott here plays piano, which gives you a chance to hear her in a different space. The pair was supported exquisitely by bassist George Duvivier and drummer Arthur Edgehill. Each of the 8 songs featured virtually the exact same seductive walking tempo, and all the songs were standards that suited Davis perfectly. Great players like Davis and Scott could leave a cloud of dust when playing up-tempo. But they also could break your heart on the crawlers. This is a fine example of that side of their personalities, particularly the clarity of their improvisation and Davis' gruff touches. I'm not sure why Prestige hasn't reissued all of these Moodsville albums in a set, but such is life. You'll find seven of the tracks on Moodsville, Vol. 4 on Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis with Shirley Scott: The Complete Cookbook Sessions. While it's not as "complete" as the title would lead you to believe, since not all the Moodsville, Vol 4 tracks are here, but the sound is absolutely fantastic. ~ Extract by Marc Myers, JazzWax.

Moodsville Records, MVLP 4, 1960
Recorded 31st January, 1960 At Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Musicians:
Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis - Tenor Saxophone
Shirley Scott - Piano
George Duvivier - Bass
Arthur Edgehill - Drums

Tracks:
A1. Serenade In Blue {Harry Warren, Mack Gordon} (4:07)
A2. It Could Happen To You {Jimmy Van Heusen, Johnny Burke} (5:32)
A3. What's New {Bob Haggart, Johnny Burke} (3:49)
A4. I Cover The Waterfront {Edward Heyman, Johnny Green} (5:28)
B1. The Man I Love {George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin} (4:14)
B2. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes {Jerome Kern, Otto Harbach} (4:24)
B3. The Very Thought Of You {Ray Noble} (6:15)
B4. Man With A Horn {Eddie de Lange, Jack Jenney, Bonnie Lake} (4:23)

Total Time: 38:12

Credits:
Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Liner Notes - Ron Eyre

For further insight into Shirley Scott see: Interview with Marian McPartland
MP3 Pro recording of this included in archive.

Sunday, April 5, 2020

Houston Person - Sweet Buns & Barbeque (1972) [re-rip]

One of those Prestige records sessions from the early 70's that has more of an electric keyboard groove than a hard organ one, but still a nice set of sweetly funky tracks from Houston Person and his funky tenor. There's a nice cover of "Down Here On The Ground", plus the cuts "Put It Where You Want It", "Groove Thang", and "Sweet Buns & Barbeque", which has some nice hard drums on the intro. Plus, the whole thing's got a cover that features Sweet Buns dripping with barbeque sauce – proof again that shooting soul food in a record album photo just never works! © Dusty Groove, Inc.

Prestige Records, PRT-10055, 1973
Recorded 11th September and 7th November, 1972
at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Personnel:
Houston Person - Tenor Saxophone
Ernie Royal - Trumpet (#B2-B4)
Victor Paz - Trumpet (#B2-B4)
Frank Wess - Flute, Baritone Saxophone (#B2-B4)
Richard Tee - Organ, Electric Piano, Piano (#A1-A3)
Jimmy Watson - Organ (#B1)
Joe Beck - Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar (#A1,A2,A4-B3)
Hugh McCracklin - Acoustic Guitar (#A3)
Ron Carter - Bass (#A1-A3), Guitar (#A3)
George Duvivier - Bass, Electric Bass (#A4-B4)
Grady Tate - Drums
Buddy Caldwell - Congas, Percussion (#A4,B1,B3,B4)

Tracks:
A1. A Song For You {Leon Russell} (4:26)
A2. The Trouble With Hello Is Goodbye {Bergmanns, The, Dave Grusin} (4:00)
A3. Scared To Be Alone {Dory Previn} (4:08)
A4. Sweet Buns And Barbeque {Houston Person, Billy Ver Planck} (3:03)
B1. This Masquerade {Leon Russell} (6:07)
B2. Down Here On The Ground {Gale Garnett, Lalo Schifrin} (3:38)
B3. Put It Where You Want It {Joe Sample} (3:05)
B4. Groove Thang {Johnny Bristol} (3:01)

Credits:
Producer - Ozzie Cadena
Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Arranger - Joe Beck (#A1-A3), Billy Ver Planck (#A4-B4)
Art Direction, Photography [Cover] - Tony Lane
Photography [Back Cover] - Lee Friedlander

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Gene Ammons - Sock! (1954,55,62) [re-rip]

Sock! is an album by Gene Ammons compiling sessions recorded between 1954 and 1962 and released on Prestige in 1965.

A striking title - and a strong set of grooves, even if the tracks were pulled from a variety of different sessions, and not recorded as a unified album. Jug plays tenor on all cuts - working in formats that range from a Mal Waldron led trio to larger honking groups with horn players like Henderson Chambers, Cecil Payne, Nate Woodward, and Gene Easton. Tracks are short, and most are pretty rocking - with titles that include "Blue Coolade", "Short Stop", "Scam", "Sock", "What I Say", and "Rock Roll". © Dusty Groove, Inc.

Prestige Records, PR 7400, 1965
Recorded 26th November, 1954 (B1-B4); 4th November, 1955 (#B5,B6);
Recorded 13th April, 1962 (#A4) & 5th September, 1962 (#A1-A3)
At Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey

Personnel:
Gene Ammons - Tenor Saxophone
Nate Woodward - Trumpet (#B1-B6)
Henderson Chambers - Trombone (#B1-B4)
Edwin Moore - Trombone (#B5-B6)
Gene Easton - Baritone Saxophone (#B1-B4)
Cecil Payne - Baritone Saxophone (#B5-B6)
Mal Waldron - Piano (#A1-A3)
Patti Bown - Piano (#A4)
John Houston - Piano (#B1-B4)
Lawrence Wheatley - Piano (#B5-B6)
Wendell Marshall - Bass (#A1-A3)
George Duvivier - Bass (#A4)
Ben Steuberville - Bass (#B1-B4)
Ernie Shepherd - Bass (#B5-B6)
Ed Thigpen - Drums (#A1-A3)
Walter Perkins - Drums (#A4)
George Brown - Drums (#B1-B6)

Tracks:
A1. Blue Coolade {Mal Waldron} (4:11)
A2. Short Stop {Mal Waldron} (3:33)
A3. They Say You're Laughing At Me {Jerry Livingston} (3:58)
A4. Scam {Gene Ammons} (5:27)
B1. Sock! {Gene Ammons} (2:47)
B2. What I Say {Ray Charles} (2:38)
B3. Count Your Blessings {Richard Morgan} (4:25)
B4. Cara Mia {Lee Lange, Tulio Trapani} (3:08)
B5. Blues For Turfers {Gene Ammons} (4:03)
B6. Rock Roll {Chico O'Farrill} (2:58)

Total Time: 37:09

Credits:
Supervision - Esmond Edwards [Side A] - Bob Weinstock [Side B]
Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Design - Don Schlitten
Liner Notes - Jack McKinney (July, 1965)

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Shirley Scott - Great Scott! (1958) [vinyl>flac]

Scott's first album as a bandleader put her at the head of a trio, backed by the rhythm section of George Duvivier on bass and Arthur Edgehill on drums. While she'd already established herself as an organist of note in Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis' band, Great Scott! was her first out-front contribution to popularizing the organ in a jazz format that also drew on parts of blues and soul music. She displays admirable command of the instrument's swoops and funky glows here, mixing up hard-charging up-tempo numbers, ballads, Latin-influenced tunes ("Brazil" and "Nothing Ever Changes My Love for You"), and bluesy walking beats (as on her cover of Cole Porter's "All of You"). It's too bad that just one song is a Scott original, though, as that track, "The Scott," really bops along, with some of her most exuberant slides and forceful chording. ~ extract by Richie Unterberger, AMG.

Prestige Records, PRLP 7143, 1959
Recorded 23rd May, 1958 at Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey

Musicians:
Shirley Scott - Organ [Hammond]
George Duvivier - Bass
Arthur Edgehill - Drums

Tracks:
A1. The Scott {Shirley Scott} (3:10)
A2. All Of You {Cole Porter} (3:23)
A3. Four {Miles Davis} (3:54)
A4. Goodbye {Gordon Jenkins} (5:01)
B1. Nothing Ever Changes My Love For You {Marvin Fisher, Jack Segal} (4:41)
B2. Trees {Joyce Kilmer, Oscar Rasbach} (7:01)
B3. Cherokee {Ray Noble} (5:24)
B4. Brazil {Ary Barroso} (2:28)

Credits:
Producer - Bob Weinstock
Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Liner Notes - Ira Gitler

Saturday, December 15, 2018

Shirley Scott - Shirley's Sounds (1958,60) [re-rip]

There's a good reason why Scott's second album as a bandleader sounds very much like her first, Great Scott!, for both albums were cut at the same May 23, 1958, session. On Shirley's Sounds, Scott's again backed by the rhythm section of George Duvivier on bass (though George Tucker takes over the instrument for one number, "Bye Bye Blackbird") and Arthur Edgehill on drums. Like its predecessor, it's superior early organ jazz, full-sounding but streamlined owing to the trio format. Devoted entirely to outside compositions, the tracks capture both her virtuosic skill on the organ and her taste, squeezing the bluesiest inflections out of a standard like "Summertime." "(Back Home Again In) Indiana" is the cut that cooks the hardest, and blues colors are a big part of her interpretations of "Baby Won't You Please Come Home" and "I Can't See for Lookin'." ~ by Richie Unterberger, AMG.

Prestige Records, PRLP 7195, 1961
Recorded 23rd May (#A1-A3,B1-B3); 23rd October (#B4), 1958 and
8th April (#A4), 1960 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Personnel:
Shirley Scott - Organ [Electric]
George Duvivier - Bass
George Tucker - Bass (#A4)
Arthur Edgehill - Drums

Track Listing:
A1. It Could Happen To You {Johnny Burke, Jimmy Van Heusen} (4:34)
A2. Summertime {George Gershwin, Dubose Heyward} (3:59)
A3. There Will Never Be Another You {Mack Gordon, Harry Warren} (3:22)
A4. Bye Bye Blackbird {Mort Dixon, Ray Henderson} (6:39)
B1. S'Posin' {Andy Razaf, Paul Denniker} (4:18)
B2. Baby Won't You Please Come Home {Charles Warfield, Clarence Williams} (4:03)
B3. [Back Home Again In] Indiana {Ballard MacDonald, James F. Hanley} (3:24)
B4. I Can't See For Lookin' {Dave Bartholomew} (4:12)

Credits:
Producer - Bob Weinstock
Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Liner Notes - Joe Goldberg

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Shirley Scott - Like Cozy (1960) [re-rip]

Here we have a classic Moodsville LP showcasing an early Shirley Scott Trio and yes for all those listeners that aren’t so keen on the organ we get to hear Shirley [Side A] reveal her prowess on the piano with a salient performance of some well-known jazz standards. In many ways her sound appears almost more lyrical than her organ work [Side B]. In this regard we hear the sweet Hammond groove that was to become her forte, conveyed as always in a soulful and mellow manner. The overall mode of the album is a more laidback and intimate staging of Scott’s talents compared to some of her other work on Prestige. She is backed by her then renowned rhythm team George Duvivier on bass and Arthur Edgehill on drums - and titles include "My Heart Stood Still", "Once In Awhile", "Laura", "Like Cozy", "Little Girl Blue", and "More Than You Know".

Stylistically, Shirley Scott is an exponent of the jazz tradition established by Lester young, the great tenor saxophonist, and fulfilled by trumpeter Miles Davis. The French musicologist, Andre Hodeir, describes this quietly cooking, lyrical mode of jazz expression as "the Cool Tendency." As found in the best work of both the Pres and Miles, there is an economy of force in Miss Scott's playing, she does not dilute and diffuse the impact of her jazz message by using too many notes. Like Miles, she achieves a charming relaxation without sacrificing swing. She plays "pretty" without sounding sugar-coated or sentimental. Most importantly, Shirley is able to sustain a cozy, candle-lit mood fit for listening, dancing, or just plain relaxing with someone you like. ~ Extract from Liner Notes by Tom Wilson.

Moodsville Records, MV 19, 1960
Recorded 27th September, 1960 at van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Personnel:
Shirley Scott - Piano (#A1-A4), Organ (#B1-B4)
George Duvivier - Bass
Arthur Edgehill - Drums

Tracks:
A1. You Do Something To Me {Cole Porter} (5:17)
A2. More Than You Know {Edward Eliscu, Billy Rose, Vincent Youmans} (4:07)
A3. Once In A While {Michael Edwards, Bud Green} (4:33)
A4. Little Girl Blue {Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart} (5:00)
B1. Laura {David Raksin, Johnny Mercer} (5:00)
B2. Like Cozy {Shirley Scott} (4:10)
B3. My Heart Stood Still {Richard Rodgers} (3:48)
B4. 'Deed I Do {Walter Hirsch, Fred Rose} (4:13)

Credits:
Supervision - Esmond Edwards
Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Liner Notes - Tom Wilson

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis with Shirley Scott - Misty (1963) [re-rip]

Here we have a classic outing of Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis alongside the Queen of the Organ Shirley Scott. Together with other well-known players, such as George Duvivier and Ray Barretto they set about to create quite wonderful experience for the listener. When Eddie was asked what the objective of his music was and its connection with this particular album, this is what he had to say:  "simplicity is my theme," and that is one comparative aspect of it. It isn't "head-dancing" music, but rather it is aimed at the most common sensibilities. But the music is also special. It belongs to, and is about Harlem. The experience that has provided its energy source has a special character because the situation of the Negro in America is unique and has no real parallel anywhere else.


In this album Davis' booming, sinewy tenor delineates seven good popular tunes; Misty, Uh! Oh!, Give Me A Goodnight Kiss, Moon On Manakoora, Just Friends, Speak Low and I Wished On The Moon, with affecting grace and the broad blues-charged power that is the ignition of his remarkable emotional thrust. ~ Excerpts from Liner Notes by Robert Levin.

Moodsville Records, MVLP-30 [Mono], 1963
Recorded 4th December, 1959 (#A1, A2) & 12th April, 1960 (#A3-B3) at Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Tracks:
A1. Misty {Erroll Garner, Johnny Burke} (3:44)
A2. Uh! Oh! {Don Elliott, Alexander Burland} (2:22)
A3. Give Me A Goodnight Kiss {Lee Morse} (5:40)
A4. Moon Of Manakoora {Frank Loesser, Alfred Newman} (6:54)
B1. Just Friends {John Klenner, Sam M. Lewis} (6:14)
B2. Speak Low {Ogden Nash, Kurt Weill} (6:50)
B3. I Wished On The Moon {Dorothy Parker, Ralph Rainger} (4:59)

Personnel:
Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis - Tenor Saxophone
Shirley Scott - Organ
Wendell Marshall - Bass (#A1,A2)
George Duvivier - Bass (#A3-B3)
Arthur Edgehill - Drums
Ray Barretto - Conga (#A3-B3)

Credits:
Supervision - Esmond Edwards
Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Liner Notes - Robert Levin (January, 1963)

Monday, September 10, 2018

Gene Ammons - Boss Soul! (1966) [vinyl]

One of Gene Ammons' classics from the 60s, and a straight-ahead session of soul jazz tenor and piano, with drums by Art Taylor and a bit of extra conga from Ray Barretto. Nice rolling 60's soul jazz groove, and some nice piano comping behind Jug by Patti Brown and Walter Bishop Jr. Tracks include "Travelin", "Soft Summer Breeze", "Carbow", and "Song of The Islands". © Dusty Groove, Inc.

Prestige Records, PRST 7445, 1966
Recorded 17th (#B1-B3) & 18th October (#A1-A4), 1961
At Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Musicians:
Gene Ammons - Tenor Saxophone
Patti Bown - Piano (#A1-A4)
Walter Bishop Jr. - Piano (#B1-B3)
George Duvivier - Bass (#A1-A4)
Art Davis - Bass (#B1-B3)
Art Taylor - Drums
Ray Barretto - Congas

Tracks:
A1. Soft Summer Breeze {Eddie Heywood} (4:50)
A2. Don't Go To Strangers {Arthur Kent, David Mann, Redd Evans} (6:24)
A3. Song Of The Islands {Charles E. King} (5:12)
A4. Travelin' {Gene Ammons} (3:39)
B1. Carbow {Gene Ammons} (6:07)
B2. I'm Afraid The Masquerade Is Over {Allie Wrubel, Herbert Magidson} (6:01)
B3. I'm Beginning To See The Light {Don George, Duke Ellington, Harry James, Johnny Hodges} (4:48)

Credits:
Supervision - Esmond Edwards
Recording & Mastering Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Liner Notes - Bob Porter
Design, Photo - Don Schlitten

Saturday, February 24, 2018

Budd Johnson with Joe Newman - Off The Wall (1964) [vinyl>flac]

A great little album from tenor legend Budd Johnson - and a record that nicely updates his sound by pairing him with a hip 60s-styled group! The album's got a jaunty feel that's like the best soul jazz sessions on Impulse at the time - taking Budd's tenor and placing it next to trumpet by Joe Newman, piano by Albert Dailey, bass from Richard Davis, and drums by Grady Tate. Upbeat tracks bounce along in a swinging take on mainstream soul jazz - and the mellower cuts feature some really wonderful blowing from Budd - done with a raspy tone that's got a nice earthy quality! Includes the jazz dancer "Off The Wall", the samba-styled "Strange Music", a snapping take on "Baubles Bangles & Beads", and the syncopated groover "Playin' My Hunch". ~ The Jazz Cooperative

Personally, alongside Ya! Ya! this one of my favourite Budd LPs. Having Joe Newman on board really opens up the music. Budd alone plays beautifully right-throughout; Newman’s solos are sharp and exhilarating. As for Albert Dailey his piano work it is par excellence. Not to overlook the rhythm men, some haunting bass lines and unswerving drumming, all add to this album’s appeal. One complaint is that it’s not long enough, but always pure pleasure with additional spins, enjoy you’ll be jumping 'Off The Wall".

Argo Records, LPS-748, 1965
Recorded 3rd December, 1964 At RCA Recording Studios, New York City

Musicians:
Budd Johnson - Tenor Saxophone
Joe Newman - Trumpet
Al Dailey, Jr. - Piano
Richard Davis - Bass (#A1,A2,B3,B4)
George Duvivier - Bass (#A3,B1,B2)
Grady Tate - Drums

Tracks:
1. Off The Wall {Budd Johnson} (4:55)
2. The Folks Who Live On The Hill {Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein II} (5:09)
3. Love Is The Sweetest Thing {Ray Noble} (7:14)
4. Strange Music {Robert Wright, George Forrest} (3:47)
5. Baubles, Bangles, And Beads {George Forrest, Robert Wright} (5:50)
6. Ill Wind {Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler} (4:51)
7. Playin' My Hunch {Budd Johnson} (4:58)

Credits:
Producer, Cover Photo - Esmond Edwards
Engineer - Ray Hall
Cover Design - Don Bronstein
Liner Notes - Joe Segal