Red Rodney - Superbop (1974) [vinyl]

Although trumpeter Red Rodney would get stronger as the 1970s progressed, this 1974 effort (not yet reissued on CD) is one of his most exciting recordings of the decade. The reason is that he is matched with the fiery trumpeter Sam Noto. With fine support from pianist Dolo Coker, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Shelly Manne, plus occasional solos from Jimmy Mulidore on alto and soprano, Rodney and Noto jam through such numbers as "Superbop" (highlighted by their rendition of Clifford Brown's "Daahoud" solo), "Last Train Out" (similar to "Ariegin") and the heated blues "Fire." "The Look of Love" (which adds a tenor and trombone to the ensembles with Mulidore contributing some alto flute) is a lyrical change of pace. There are plenty of fireworks on this trumpet-dominated set. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG.

Muse Records, MR 5046, 1974

Recorded 26^th March, 1974

Musicians:

Red Rodney - Trumpet

Sam Noto - Trumpet, Flugelhorn (#A2)

Mayo Tiano - Trombone (#A2)

Jimmy Mulidore - Alto Sax, Soprano Sax, Alto Flute (#A2)

Larry Covelli - Tenor Saxophone (#A2)

Dolo Coker - Piano

Ray Brown - Bass

Shelly Manne - Drums

Tracks:

A1. Superbop {Red Rodney, Sam Noto} (6:08)

A2. The Look Of Love {Burt Bacharach, Hal David} (4:38)

A3. The Last Train Out {Sam Noto} (7:31)

B1. Fire {Red Rodney, Sam Noto} (2:55)

B2. On Green Dolphin Street {Bronislaw Kaper, Ned Washington} (10:29)

B3. Hilton {Jimmy Mulidore} (7:00)

Credits:

Producer - Don Schlitten

Recording Engineer - Ed Barton

Mixing Engineer - Paul Goodman

Design, Photography - Don Schlitten

Photography [Liner Photo] - Billy Root

Liner Notes - Ira Gitler

Pete Rugolo & His All-Stars - Out On A Limb

This is a really nice album of mostly originals by the west coast jazzman, Pete Rugolo.  It mostly serves as a vehicle for his compositions and arrangements which are of course, fantastic.  We hear some brief but gorgeous soloing from a nice cross section of west coast talent.

Rugolo was no Basie, but he certainly could put the band to great effect.  There are some stunning moments where he uses the whole brass section, or band itself to emphasize a note.  "Repetitious Riff" is hands down my favorite tune as he finds the best balance between putting down his own material while still allowing the band to shine individually.  There are definitely a few tunes with very little in the way of personal expression from his all stars.

Overall its a nice listen, but certainly not a classic.  The album cleaned up nicely and there was only one issue I couldn't clean up (a small pop for 4 rpm).  Brought to you in glorious mono, this was ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC.  There are some really nice notes on the back cover, which is of course included in hi rez.  Enjoy the golden days of the west coast jazz sound!!

Emarcy (MG 36115)
1957

Recorded in Los Angeles, CA
July 9 -11, 1956

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes:

Harry Klee (alto saxophone, alto flute, piccolo) Ronny Lang (alto saxophone, flute) Gene Cipriano, Dave Pell (tenor saxophone) Chuck Gentry (baritone saxophone) Russ Freeman (piano) Howard Roberts (guitar) Joe Mondragon (bass) Shelly Manne (drums) Pete Rugolo (arranger, conductor)

Don't Play The Melody;  The Boy Next Door:

Pete Candoli, Maynard Ferguson, Ray Linn, Don Paladino (trumpet) Milt Bernhart, Herbie Harper, Frank Rosolino (trombone) George Roberts (bass trombone) John Cave, Vince DeRosa (French horn) Clarence Karella (tuba) Harry Klee (alto saxophone, alto flute, piccolo) Ronny Lang (alto saxophone, flute) Gene Cipriano, Dave Pell (tenor saxophone) Chuck Gentry (baritone saxophone) Larry Bunker (vibraphone, xylophone, percussion, timpani) Russ Freeman (piano) Howard Roberts (guitar) Joe Mondragon (bass) Shelly Manne (drums) Pete Rugolo (arranger, conductor)

Cha-Lito Linda;  Early Duke;  In A Modal Tone:

Same as previous but Don Fagerquist (trumpet) replaces Paladino

Sunday, Monday Or Always;  Ballade For Drums; Nancy (With The Laughing Face);  Repetitious Riff:

Jay McAllister (tuba) Bud Shank (alto saxophone, flute) Bob Cooper (tenor saxophone) Jimmy Giuffre (baritone saxophone) Barney Kessel (guitar) replaces Karella, Lang, Cipriano, Gentry, Howard Roberts

A1 Don't Play The Melody
A2 In A Modal Tone
A3 Early Duke
A4 Nancy
A5 Sunday, Monday Or Always
B1 The Boy Next Door
B2 Cha-Lito Lindo
B3 Ballade For Drums
B4 Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
B5 Repetitious Riff