jojazz

Actually, the drummer was quite well known at the time of this recording.

I had a feeling that would be your response (smile). It would have been mine, too. Just a comment or two about the Ellingtonians: Johnny Hodges was probably the most "perfect" musician (in the best sense of the term) that I ever had the pleasure of listening to in person. Just consistent, consummate artistry, regardless of the situation of the moment (or the mood swings). What a SOUND! Paul Gonsalves (despite his demons) was devoted, as in idolatry, to the Man and his music- an artistic love affair. Carney was the rock upon which it existed. Most impressive, however, was Duke's ability to ignore all the annoying idiosyncrasies of his band of "misfits?" (Ha!) and continue the quest of his aesthetic visions, night after night. A great human being. He meant it when he said, "They get the money, I get the kicks!" -Also, the double bass cd by Holland/Phillips is truly not for everyone. I'm a bass freak and I love it, but "Song for Clare" was perhaps the most melodic tune of the session and most of it is more exploratory of the bass and its potential. Just a caveat. You might like it, however (another smile).

Thanks again for the "home run" on my first at bat (big smile!) in the league. I started listening to jazz at age 10, in '52. I was fortunate to see the Ellington band in its great period when I was 17-20 years old, 1957-1960. Wow! These guys could really roar when they felt like it. Truly a band of unique soloists with a genius at the helm. If you wish, I could reveal the total BFT info to you now?

#3- Unfortunately, it is not, but he's got the soul; #7- This one is bugging everyone. This leader-drummer's group was always under appreciated; #8- Jamal/Tyler is correct. A great song, too

#3- It is Bob Stewart, but no Bowies; #4- Not Pepper or Roland Hanna, but a multi-reedman on bari; #6- Bluesy male singer, aided by a famous saxman; #8- Not James Brown, nor Maceo, and more avant-garde Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for listening. Answers forthcoming soon.

Sorry for the delay, computer Neanderthal here! Glad you enjoyed the BFT and appreciate your enthusiasm (it helps). #1- I think this tune really pops, love the arrangement. You're right about it being a good opener. On the fringe big-band of pianist-leader from'56; #2- "Ill Wind", of course. Under-rated well-known trumpeter (and tenor); #3- Right on! Bob Stewart stepping' out with a great altoist in tow. Love it!; #4- A great version of "Warm Valley" by a multi-reedman of some renown from '59; #5- Your comment perfectly befits the music and the guitarist; #6- Sammy Price it is, with a very rollicking tenor solo from a great one; #7- Such a great feel to this one. A (famous) drummer-led combo from circa '61; #8- Khan Jamal, indeed, with an avant-garde altoist from the ESP days; #9- You got it! Dave Holland/Barre Phillips "Song For Clare". Deep stuff; #10- Miles & Hooker. Could never figure out why it works, but it does; #11- Agreed. Spaulding's flute work is special, especially in later years; #12- Zane Massey's kind of an enigma. A solid player with little exposure. I didn't think anyone would get this one (smile); #13- Hodges (who else!) with sensuous help from PG, Harold Ashby, and Procope. Duke amazes me still. Who could write this type of composition at the end of a lifetime of such creativity, and still have something in the tank. Soulful and revealing. We owe it all to Ellington. Again, thanks for listening and glad you enjoyed it so much.

I'm a bit dumb with the computer, sorry for the delay. #1- Not BB, but good guess; #2- Not Art, just a bit earlier in conception; #3- No on Arthur Blythe, tubaist is a compatriot; #4- bari is a multi-reedman; #5- Kenny Barron is on piano, but it's the guitarist's date; #6- "Up Above My Head" is correct, famous tenor; #7- Grove is the right word, much earlier, '61; #8- Not BW on bass, sort of avant-funk?; #9- Two great bassists, not NHOP though; #10- Stylistically close to Roney, more original source. Odd mix of guys; #11- Not HL, but very under-the-radar musician; #12- Not alto; modernist tenor player (somewhat famous-composer dad from Trane's early orbit); #13- Johnny Hodges it is, accompanied by some other great Ellingtonians, circa '68. Love this composition by late Duke. Thanks for listening, Randy. Answers to come soon.

Sorry for the delay in response (computer luddite, here). Glad it made your day better. I chose the material with that objective. Revelations, to come. Thanks for listening.

No one has mentioned Budd's "Off the Wall" 1964 release on Argo (rare! Japanese CD reissue). Budd, tenor sax Joe Newman,tp. Al Dailey,p. Richard Davis or George Duvivier,b. Grady Tate,d. This an excellent date, rather modern in feel, with great tenor playing, revealing all of Budd's special talents in one package. My personal favorite. Highly recommended!