Clifford Brown in California

[JamesAHarrod]

The latest post to my jazz research blog examines Clifford Brown's arrival in California in 1954 and the genesis of the Max Roach/Clifford Brown Quintet including club dates, concerts, and recording sessions for Gene Norman, Bob Shad, and Dick Bock. Nailed down many dates that have floated for years in the discography literature.

http://jazzwestcoastresearch.blogspot.com/2016/06/clifford-brown-in-california-gene.html

[Chuck Nessa]

Many thanks for all your work.

Delighted by the Bobby Bradford interview - I can hear his voice as I read it.

Edited June 7, 2016 by Chuck Nessa

[JamesAHarrod]

Transcribing Bobby Bradford's comments could not do justice to his oral description of that experience hearing Clifford Brown. It was also difficult to put into words his vocalization of Max's drumming, or the growl he emitted to describe Clifford's attack on the trumpet. Thanks for your kind words.

Edited June 8, 2016 by JamesAHarrod
Added a few words.

[Chuck Nessa]

I am so glad I have a long relationship with Bobby - he is a treasure.

[l p]

philology released a cd of outtakes from the session w/Dinah Washington a few years ago.

[chewy-chew-chew-bean-benitez]

incredible blog- so much to discover

[JSngry]

Yes, kudos seconded here as well, marvelous resource for both targeted education and casual perusing.

Why was Shelly Manne so unavailable that Max got a steady gig out of it?

[JamesAHarrod]

Taking a stab at answering your question, the jam session in September of 1953 that was recorded by Cecil Spiller and released years later when Ed Michel was working at Fantasy marked a turnover in personnel at the Lighthouse. Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, and Shelly Manne departed. My guess is that Shelly was not interested in a regular job that required a long commute from his home in Northridge. At that point in time and for many years, Shelly was THE drummer in demand in Los Angeles. Like his days "chopping wood" for Kenton, keeping time behind Howard Rumsey was a chore.

I have made some additions and corrections to the blog. After adding details from the GNP compact disc reissues I realized that I should do the same for the EmArcy sessions.

[JSngry]

Interesting, thanks.

Do you know if Shelly himself suggested Max for the gig or otherwise advocated for him specifically?

[JamesAHarrod]

The person who might have the answer to that is Ken Poston who interviewed Howard numerous times over several years.  I will drop Ken an email and ask if he knows the background on Max's appointment.

[JSngry]

Much appreciated!

[JamesAHarrod]

Ken's recollection is that Shelly Manne suggested Max Roach.

[JSngry]

Shelly keeping it real, not that there would not have been other good choices, but Max...you know.

Good to know, thanks.