BFT # 35 Answers

[Bright Moments]

First let me start off by saying I really enjoyed making my BFT and reading all of your comments. I always participate in the BFT’s but rarely can guess what’s what. Often times I find out that something I liked I already own and I end up pulling the whole cd out for a listen. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I buy a cd because of a song I enjoyed on a BFT!!!

My BFT had no “theme.” The way I compiled it was as follows: For the last nearly two years whenever I played a cd that I thought had a track that would be good for a BFT I put the cd in a stack on my desk. When the time got close for my turn, I listened again to the “stack” and then culled and organized the tracks I wanted to use. You will see that some tracks were selected to try to expose you to some new artists, others were to try to trick you and others were to just share some great music!

I wanted to start off with a BANG so I selected this one as TRACK 1:

1. Wild Party (3:22) – Buddy Bregman and his Orchestra – Swinging Kicks (Verve) Recorded December 1956 – Pete Candoli, Maynard Ferguson, Conrad Gozzo, Ray Linn (Trumpets), Milt Bernhart, George Roberts, Frank Rosolino, Lloyd Ulyate (Trombones), Herb Geller, Bud Shank (Alto Saxophones), George Auld, Bob Cooper, Ben Webster (Tenor Saxophones), Jimmy Giuffre (Baritone Saxophone), Andre Previn, Paul Smith (Piano), Al Hendrickson (Guitar), Joe Mondragon (Bass), Alvin Stoller (Drums).

Now I know that some of you are going to say that I got this cd for the cover, but that is just a fringe benefit! But check out this line-up! This cd really swings! Kudos to Big Al who got the answer correct right out of the box! It amazes me that so many of you were able to identify Ben Webster!

Next, I thought I would expose you all to some local talent with TRACK 2:

b

2. Ansina (3:18) – Federico Britos - Candombe & Jazz – (Universal) - Federico Britos (Violin), Jose Novas (Piano), Ranses Colon (Bass), Ruben Jimenez (Drums), Simon Saltz (Guitars), Geraldo Peña (Flute), Jose (Pepe) Vera (Tenor Saxophone), Edwin Bonilla (Percussion)

Federico Britos is a staple down here in Miami. Playing his trademark white violin you can find him playing in a variety of settings from trio (where I first heard him) to large group, and playing many styles – all with aplomb. Here is a short bio on him:

http://www.europejazz.net/mus/britos.htm

I just love jazz violin starting with Joe Venuti, Stuff Smith and of course Stephane Grappelli right up to today’s crew i.e. Regina Carter and Sara Caswell (by the way, if you don’t own this one: http://www.arborsrecords.com/recordtemplat...ProductID=19304 go out right now and get it!!!).

Britos is a worthy successor and I love the latin flair! Oh, and I am glad I STUMPED YOU ALL!!!

On to TRACK 3:

3. Stormy Weather (4:35) – Roland Kirk - Early Roots (Bethlehem Archives) - Recorded November 9, 1956 – (Roland Kirk Tenor Saxophone & Manzello), Henry Duncan (Drums), Carl Pruitt (Bass), James Madison (Piano). 20 year old Roland Kirk’s debut (3 ½ years prior to Introducing Roland Kirk)

O.K. I admit it. I was trying to trick you. You all know that I am a RRK fanatic so you knew that there would have to be some RRK somewhere here on the BFT. But this is not any RRK this is RRK’s first album when he was 20 years old. No playing two instruments at the same time, but overdubbing instead. Stereojack – how did you know? Amazing!!! And of course I couldn’t fool Jsngry – yes Jim the sax players are twins from the little town in Bethlehem! So here is RRK at 20 years old – something special, and the best was yet to come!

I never got to hear RRK live but I sure wish I did. Fortunately, my friendship with Martyjazz and others who knew him personally has made me feel almost like I knew him. I also enjoyed the Kruth Biography “Bright Moments” but have been told that it is inaccurate. I continue to search for all things RRK on cd or dvd – so if you have something special to share…………………………

Next we have TRACK 4:

4. Exactly Like You (5:43) – The Ray Brown Trio – Soular Energy (Concord 1985) Recorded August 1984 in San Francisco, California. Ray Brown (Bass), Gene Harris (Piano), Gerryck King (Drums).

Was there ever a bassist as good as Ray Brown? I think not. For me Ray Brown IS jazz. I know Oscar Peterson doesn’t get much love around here, but I dig him! And Ray was what made the OP trio work IMHO. Here no one was fooled although I managed to sneak pianist Gene Harris by most of you.

On to Track 5:

5. Runnin’ (4:09) – Fantastic Frank Strozier (Koch Jazz – 2000)

Recorded February 2, 1960 – Frank Strozier (Alto Saxophone), Booker Little (Trumpet), Wynton Kelly (Piano), Paul Chambers (Bass), Jimmy Cobb (Drums)

Martyjazz got this one before most of you received your BFT!!! Man was I bummed because I thought this was a real stumper! When I first heard this I thought, “Man! What a great tune! Why hasn’t this been covered?” It turns out that Bill Easley did do it here:

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:eyabqj5uojaa (good cd BTW), but that’s about it!

Track 6:

6. Strange Fruit (2:35) – Warren J. Smith – Cats are Stealing My $hit! – (Mapleshade – 1998) – Recorded January 18-19, 1995 – Warren J. Smith (Vibes, Vocal)

http://www.mapleshaderecords.com/cds/05332.php

First I need to tell you that every time I hear Strange Fruit I get chills up and down my spine. I really wanted to include it on my BFT but it is instantly recognizable when Billie does it. Then I came across this version. Warren Smith claims to be the only man alive to have played with Miles Davis and Janis Joplin. He is a virtuoso percussionist. This cd has been described as “part inspired art-house improv, part jazz club, and part beat poet coffeehouse.” For me it’s just damn good! Check it out!!!

Moving right along...

I never really was into Gary Burton but seeing him live a few months ago changed my POV! Check out his work on this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000001U...v=glance&n=5174 Incredible!!!

Which brings us to Track 7:

7. Chega De Saudade (4:28) – Ahmad Jamal – Live in Concert (Black Label – Recorded at the 1981 MIDEM music industry convention in Cannes, France). Gary Burton (Vibraharp), Ahmad Jamal, (Piano).

Sorry no picture for this one. Gary pissed off mikeweil with his virtuosity but I am amazed - here he is with 14 mallets blazing – WOW!!!

FWIW – Terry Gibbs is still my favorite vibes man!

I STUMPED you all again on Track 8:

8. Gulf Coast Groove (6:38) – Hugh Ragin – Feel the Sunshine (Justin Time – 2003) – Recorded 2001 – Hugh Ragin (Trumpet), Bruce Cox (Drums), Tanni Tabbal (Djembe), Jaribu Shahib (Bass), Craig Taborn (Piano), Assif Tsahar (Tenor Saxophone & Bass Clarinet).

Hugh Ragin can play and that’s all I need to say!

After being BLOWN AWAY by Pat Martino who I saw a few months ago I decided to fill the void in my collection and came upon this gem, Track 9:

9. Blowin’ Like Hell (6:06) – Willis Jackson with Pat Martino (originally titled “Live Action” – Prestige 7380) – Recorded March 21, 1964 – Willis “Gator Tail” Jackson (Tenor Saxophone), Pat Martino (Guitar), Frank Robinson – (Trumpet), Carl Wilson – (Organ), Joe Hadrick (Drums).

19 years old then and using his birth name, Pat Azzara (Martino) shines on this cd, but man oh man – Gator (a native Floridian!) blows and blows and blows!!!!! I am astonished no one figured this one out, SO GO GET YERSELF SUM GATOR NOW!!!!! :rsmile:

Next we come to the one that I thought would stump you all. I was wrong. Stereojack knew the tune, but JSngry showed again why he’s da man – he found the album! Track 10 is:

10. Soul Serenade (14:58) – Jesse Jones Jr. – Soul Serenade (Contemporary 1996) – Recorded June 13, 1996 - Jesse Jones. Jr. (Alto Saxophone), Melton Mustafa (Trumpet), Dr. Lonnie Smith (Piano, Organ), Curtis Lundy (Bass), Danny Burger (Drums).

Jesse Jones Jr. is a staple on the local South Florida Jazz Scene. He is Melton Mustafa’s brother. He is a real showman and frankly better live than on this cd. I really like this number and included it both to introduce you to Jesse and also for the Circular Breathing!!!

And lets not overlook the appearance of Dr. Smith!!!

More to come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited April 22, 2006 by Bright Moments

[Bright Moments]

When I met Monty Alexander a couple of years ago I was really impressed. He was so affable. I asked him about “playing with Bird” and he said all the musicians on the project really had a good time. I thought that I would slip in this number to try to trick you – but fooled no one. Red even picked out Monty!!

Track 11:

11. Lester Leaps In – (4:42) – Bird – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Columbia 1988) – Charlie Parker (Alto Saxophone), Monty Alexander (Piano), Ray Brown (Drums), John Guerin (Drums).

Yes Jim – Bird is the shit!!!

Finally – I had this cut picked out a year ago and then another cut from the same cd appears on a recent BFT. My first reaction was AAAAAAAAAARGH!!!!!! Then I decided WTF – it’s a great cut and a great album, it STAYS!!!

Track 12 is:

12. The Clooker (9:14) – George Adams – Dannie Richmond – Hand to Hand (Soul Note 1980) – George Adams (Tenor Saxophone), Jimmy Knepper (Trombone), Hugh Lawson (Piano), Mike Richmond (Bass), Dannie Richmond (drums).

Frankly, if someone wants to put the other two cuts from the cd on future BFTs it’s o.k. with me!

RRK closes it out with his signature phrase and I wish you all BRIGHT MOMENTS!!!!

[Alexander Hawkins]

Thank you for that - really enjoyable, and I've learned a lot - as ever. Am surprised by track 8; shows the benefits of listening 'blind'. These are players I 'thought' I liked, but here, was pretty non-plussed. Nice to come to the music without preconceptions - I'm sure if I'd known the personnel beforehand, there'd have been a part of me saying 'but you *like* Tanni Tabbal and Hugh Ragin etc...'!

[Big Al]

9. Blowin’ Like Hell (6:06) – Willis Jackson with Pat Martino (originally titled “Live Action” – Prestige 7380) – Recorded March 21, 1964 – Willis “Gator Tail” Jackson (Tenor Saxophone), Pat Martino (Guitar), Frank Robinson – (Trumpet), Carl Wilson – (Organ), Joe Hadrick (Drums).

19 years old then and using his birth name, Pat Azzara (Martino) shines on this cd, but man oh man – Gator (a native Floridian!) blows and blows and blows!!!!! I am astonished no one figured this one out, SO GO GET YERSELF SUM GATOR NOW!!!!! :rsmile:

Yeaaaah baby!!! A more apt title couldn't be found for this track! May hafta get this one!

And I'll say it again: GO OUT & GET SWINGIN' KICKS!!!!!

[Dan Gould]

Next we have TRACK 4:

4. Exactly Like You (5:43) – The Ray Brown Trio – Soular Energy (Concord 1985) Recorded August 1984 in San Francisco, California. Ray Brown (Bass), Gene Harris (Piano), Gerryck King (Drums).

Was there ever a bassist as good as Ray Brown? I think not. For me Ray Brown IS jazz. I know Oscar Peterson doesn’t get much love around here, but I dig him! And Ray was what made the OP trio work IMHO. Here no one was fooled although I managed to sneak pianist Gene Harris by most of you.

Yeah, but the former GHF took a pass on your BFT, Evan.

No particular reason other than general BFT burn out of late. Then imagine my surprise when I read through the discussion thread, and see all the clues - the tune, the bassist - I'm virtually certain this is my man Gene ... then I see some of the disses he's getting - "ideas are none too fresh"

Just my luck - someone programs Gene Harris, I would have picked it out in a second (not to mention the fact I recently got an audiophile pressing of this LP, so I've been hearing this track anyway) and I'm not in on the fun.

Not a swing and a miss ... rather the pitcher laid in a fat one after right after I come out of the game.

[mikeweil]

Next we have TRACK 4:

4. Exactly Like You (5:43) – The Ray Brown Trio – Soular Energy (Concord 1985) Recorded August 1984 in San Francisco, California. Ray Brown (Bass), Gene Harris (Piano), Gerryck King (Drums).

Was there ever a bassist as good as Ray Brown? I think not. For me Ray Brown IS jazz. I know Oscar Peterson doesn’t get much love around here, but I dig him! And Ray was what made the OP trio work IMHO. Here no one was fooled although I managed to sneak pianist Gene Harris by most of you.

Yeah, but the former GHF took a pass on your BFT, Evan.

No particular reason other than general BFT burn out of late. Then imagine my surprise when I read through the discussion thread, and see all the clues - the tune, the bassist - I'm virtually certain this is my man Gene ... then I see some of the disses he's getting - "ideas are none too fresh"

Just my luck - someone programs Gene Harris, I would have picked it out in a second (not to mention the fact I recently got an audiophile pressing of this LP, so I've been hearing this track anyway) and I'm not in on the fun.

Not a swing and a miss ... rather the pitcher laid in a fat one after right after I come out of the game.

Well I was lucky to see the Ray Brown Trio live with Gene Harris and Mickey Roker - and on that occasion Gene Harris impressed me a lot more, as he did on the live album on Concord which I recently got. I miss that "rootsy" feeling - it's there, but not nearly as intensive as it is with an audience.

[mikeweil]

Track 6:

6. Strange Fruit (2:35) – Warren J. Smith – Cats are Stealing My $hit! – (Mapleshade – 1998) – Recorded January 18-19, 1995 – Warren J. Smith (Vibes, Vocal)

http://www.mapleshaderecords.com/cds/05332.php

First I need to tell you that every time I hear Strange Fruit I get chills up and down my spine. I really wanted to include it on my BFT but it is instantly recognizable when Billie does it. Then I came across this version. Warren Smith claims to be the only man alive to have played with Miles Davis and Janis Joplin. He is a virtuoso percussionist. This cd has been described as “part inspired art-house improv, part jazz club, and part beat poet coffeehouse.” For me it’s just damn good! Check it out!!!

A great example how much knowing the name of the musician(s) involved can alter my evaluation of a track. Warren Smith is a serious player, and I take this track from him without questioning his message. A very underrated player. I didn't know he did a record for Mapleshade, which means he did this live, without overdubs!!! I will get me this!

[Nate Dorward]

I STUMPED you all again on Track 8:

8. Gulf Coast Groove (6:38) – Hugh Ragin – Feel the Sunshine (Justin Time – 2003) – Recorded 2001 – Hugh Ragin (Trumpet), Bruce Cox (Drums), Tanni Tabbal (Djembe), Jaribu Shahib (Bass), Craig Taborn (Piano), Assif Tsahar (Tenor Saxophone & Bass Clarinet).

Hugh Ragin can play and that’s all I need to say!

Aha, that's why this one was bothering me:

http://www.ndorward.com/music/ragin_feel.htm

No wonder I kept hearing an AEOC vibe--it's Roscoe Mitchell's rhythm section. -- It's "Shahid" not "Shahib" despite the typo in the original liner notes...! Justin Time isn't so always hot about such things (witness the Paul Bley album with "Monk's Mood" for "Monk's Dream"!)

Edited April 24, 2006 by Nate Dorward

[marcoliv]

thanks for posting the answers Evan

i'd like to be more familiar with Federico Britos' work

haven't recognized RRK on any track i thought this was a kind of a joke from you not including him on your BFT. how fool i am....

i was convinced about Ray Brown being the bass player on track 4 and i guessed about Bird soundtrack but thought that was too obvious. sometimes we should keep things as much as simple as they are

i was quite convinced about McLean on track 5 so you got me on this one too

great work !

Marcus