epistrophy007 Posted April 10, 2010 Report Posted April 10, 2010 I'm a big fan of vocalese jazz and this man, Frank Minion, seems one of the forgotten artists in this tradition. Probably few people are aware that the lyrics of the wellknown versions of 'Night in Tunesia' and 'Take the A Train' by Eddie Jefferson and more recent Giacomo Gates, are from the hand of Minion. Minion's second album 'The Soft Land of Makebelieve' has been almost always available through Japanese import. But what about his debut lp 'The Forward Sound'? Does someone know it? Or has an idea of who the supporting musicians are? On the 'Soft Land...' he's sympatically acompanied by Bill Evans, Tommy Flanagan, Roland Alexander, Jimmy Jones,... j. Quote
brownie Posted April 11, 2010 Report Posted April 11, 2010 (edited) Never saw (or heard) that 'Forward Sound' Bethlehem! Discovered Minion when 'The Soft Land of Make Believe' was reissued in Japan by Trio Records in the '80s. Complete title of the album was 'The Soft Land of Make Believe (Introduction to black opium street)'! That's the full title on the back cover! Edited April 11, 2010 by brownie Quote
epistrophy007 Posted April 11, 2010 Author Report Posted April 11, 2010 Mmmmmm thought someone would know it...shoot... The copy's of 'The Forward Sound' that are sometimes on ebay are the 80s lp reissues of Fresh Sound. Never saw an original copy of it... It seems that the lp reissues that Fresh Sound made in the 80s never were available as cd on that label (like 'Detour to the Moon' Mary Ann McCall, 'Lonely One' Pinky Winters, 'Jackie Paris',... and many other rarities) Thank's for the reply anyway! j. Quote
romualdo Posted July 9, 2014 Report Posted July 9, 2014 Currently listening to the two recent Frank Minion Bethlehem (Japanese Solid) reissues - mighty impressive - really digging him what a vocalese discovery for me Any other takers out there? Also going through a Bethlehem vocal binge - more obscure favourites are Terry Morel, Audrey Morris, Sallie Blair, Marilyn Moore (recorded very little material) Quote
jazzbo Posted July 9, 2014 Report Posted July 9, 2014 (edited) I am a fan of the two Minions on Bethlehem, as well as Sallie Blair, Teal Joy, etc. Special sort of presentation and "feel" on these lps. . . cheezy but cool too. Edited July 9, 2014 by jazzbo Quote
romualdo Posted July 9, 2014 Report Posted July 9, 2014 On 7/9/2014 at 3:09 PM, jazzbo said: I am a fan of the two Minions on Bethlehem, as well as Sallie Blair, Teal Joy, etc. Special sort of presentation and "feel" on these lps. . . cheezy but cool too. I'm surprised this material wasn't picked up by the "Lounge Core" scene of the 80's/90's (Martin Denny, Melachrino, Esquivel etc etc) Maybe they just weren't available at the time (as CD reissues) Quote
Head Man Posted July 21, 2014 Report Posted July 21, 2014 (edited) On 7/9/2014 at 3:09 PM, jazzbo said: I am a fan of the two Minions on Bethlehem ...... Special sort of presentation and "feel" on these lps. . . cheezy but cool too. Another fan of the two Frank Minions here. These seem to be the only two recordings he made. Anyone know what happened to him? Edited July 21, 2014 by Head Man Quote
_forumlogo.png.a607ef20a6e0c299ab2aa6443aa1f32e.png)
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.