Some times, you just forget how far off the path you’ve gone and you need a voice from the past to remind you. That’s why I read the bible, and that’s why I listen to material like this whenever I get a chance.
Why is this release the Ringer of the Week? The material is from 70 years ago, from a style that was then transitioning from “swing” to “bop.” The songs are all standards by now, and there is nothing “exciting” or “new” about the pieces. Yet, I’m going back and listening to these songs over and over again to take in their distinct charms.
Niels Otte Timme baron Rosenkrantz (1911-1969) was known in NYC and Denmark as the “Jazz Baron.” He befriended a multitude of jazz artists in his native country and recorded them in casual settings. What you have here is a tempting sample of what he collected in a private collection over the years. Most are from casual meetings in his New York apartment of jazz artists that were on the cutting edge of what we now call “modern jazz” but are here in a friend’s home, just having a cozy time. To summarize in one word: “MORE!!!!!”
First of all, the sound quality is not bad for its time, basically the WWII years, which really helps. What you get here are a trio of tunes by Slam Stewart, with the highlight being a hip read of “Johnny Come Lately.” Then, Don Byas teams up with a definitive solo of “Lady Be Good” that is begging for transcription. I can’t re-play it often enough-it floats like a feather, while his “Embraceable You” runs a close second, with the intimate vocals by Nita Bradley adding to the informal atmosphere. Byas’ tone is like a fluffy cloud, and his easy going sense of swing is only able to be done by an artist who has lived in that era. Many today aspire; none attain.
Thelonious Monk delivers a haunting take of “These Foolish Things,” a definitive “’Round Midnight” and when he teams up with Byas on “Let’s Go,” you’re getting close to heaven. Stuff Smith swings the strings on his violin for “I Got Rhythm” and “Swing Test” with the forgotten pianist Frank Froeba. The album closes with a thrilling 11 minute jam between Garner and Lucky Thompson’s tenor on “All The Things You Are.” You won’t want it to end, as Garner’s rococo touch teamed with Thompson’s breathy tone is a palpable delight!
In this day of mindless cacophony and multiple note runs imitating enjoyment, it’s important to remember that there was a time when musicians actually create sounds people WANTED to hear.
Storyville Records