Harold Vick on RCA

[jodigrind]

Looks like Harold Vick's RCA albums have been reissued in Europe--

Watch What Happens (w/H. Hancock)

Carribean Suite

Straight Up

Who has these and how can they be described?

Thanks.

[Dan Gould]

I haven't heard the Hancock LP. I rank Straight Up ahead of Caribbean Suite, which doesn't seem fully realized. Or maybe its the fact that its not his typical straightahead date. But I'd definitely go with Straight Up first.

[Bluerein]

Jodi: how do you know this and where can they be ordered???/ Amazon doesn't list them.

Thanks,

Reinier

[J.A.W.]

Jodi: how do you know this and where can they be ordered???/ Amazon doesn't list them.

Thanks,

Reinier

They're available from Blue Moon (Spain).

[jodigrind]

I found them here:

http://www.ejazzlines.com/store.cfm?d=3061...648&m=0&do=list

[Tony Pusey]

Well Jodi, I dont think I will be ordering from your source-Carribean Suite, regular price-10 dollars 90, our price 17 dollars 8!!!!!

[jodigrind]

I'm pretty sure the retail price was $18.90, but I agree it's pretty expensive, and I'll search for a better price.

[Tony Pusey]

Any general comments about this series of reissues? Quality? Presentation?

[JohnS]

Nice to see these coming out. Presumably these are in the Fresh Sounds RCA series. I don't have any but I've not heard any bad comments about the sound or production of their previous issues.

The Vick's look interesting but I'm a tad wary of them, the number of tracks suggest that they are rather short and, I imagine, don't give a lot of room for solos of any length. A shame as there are some fine players here. More comments would be useful.

Edited August 19, 2004 by JohnS

[Shawn]

Straight Up is F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C!!!!!!!!! I'll definitely be picking these up. Vick is a very underrated player and one of the most soulful cats this side of Stan T.

[P.D.]

Straight Up and Carribean are the #1 and #2 choices.

The Carribean Suite was composed by British Band Leader and tenor player Kenny Graham, who was one of, if not the only, one to promote the Afro Cuban aspect of Jazz in Britain during the early 50's, and is therefore of interest to we "Brits".. Graham had recorded his own version in the early 50's on Esquire records, and this makes a nice comparison.

Watch What Happens was also released as " The Melody is Here".. for Jazz purists this heads more towards a pop.. " Easy Listening" date. There is an Ooh Ooh girl group doodling behind the solos on many tracks. They go for "lyrics" singing the title, of the title track.

The Lord Discography lists the "vocal group" to be on one track only.. totally erroneous.

The album was made in three sessions, the last featured a quartet of Vick , Hancock, Cranshaw and Tate

If Ever I Would Leave You.. Vick on soprano

Ode to Trane

Angel Eyes

Hancock is heard to more effect in this setting, soloing on all three tracks

Vick , as expected , is the main soloist throughout, the rest of the band offering mainly an " orchestral" backup.

Vick is on form, but the overall impression is an attempt to cash in on the pop sounds of the day which Vick seemed to get deeper into about 10 years later with " After the Dance" ( that is one I would not recommened at all )

Only " Winter Blossom " has a " Blue Note" feel, with solos by Jimmy Owens and Teddy Charles, in addition to Vick

" Winter Blossom " is not listed in Lord.. would have to check the Fresh Suonds site to see if it is on their version

So really there are only four tracks for those that like their jazz Straight Up and not so "Pop" orientated

This one I would say is for total Vick enthusiasts, certainly not for those who are expecting " Steppin' Out" or " Straight Up".

Edited August 19, 2004 by P.D.

[JohnS]

Thanks P.D. Looks like Carribean Suite and Straight Up will go on the wants list.

[brownie]

Nice to see these coming out. Presumably these are in the Fresh Sounds RCA series. I don't have any but I've not heard any bad comments about the sound or production of their previous issues.

I bought the FS RCA reissue of Hal McKusick 'Jazz Workshop' - one of my Treasure Island album - and was terribly disappointed with the sound. Very flat. It does not compare with the sound on the original LP, or the French RCA LP reissue of years ago.

[JohnS]

Nice to see these coming out.  Presumably these are in the Fresh Sounds RCA series.  I don't have any but I've not heard any bad comments about the sound or production of their previous issues.

I bought the FS RCA reissue of Hal McKusick 'Jazz Workshop' - one of my Treasure Island album - and was terribly disappointed with the sound. Very flat. It does not compare with the sound on the original LP, or the French RCA LP reissue of years ago.

Sorry to hear that Brownie. I guess it's a case of buyer beware. I think I'll be taking a chance on these before too long though.