The latest trio of 2 disc sets from UK-based Avid shows a wide palate of colors
The vocal trio of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross was revolutionary in its creation of “vocalese,” putting their own lyrics to famous jazz solos. This two disc set has a pair of their albums as well as two of Jon Hendricks stepping out on his own. Of the former, the three singers team up with Gildo Mahones/p, Ike Isaacs/b and Jimmy Wormworth/dr to delve into Ellingtonia, and do wonders with “Cottontail,” “Main Stem” and a hip “In A Mellow Tone.” The following year they do a soulful “Popity Pop,” have fun with the alphabet on “The New ABC” and do a wonderful adaptation of John Coltrane’s “Mr. PC.” Hendrick’s own 1959 album includes big names like Wes Montgomery/b and Cannonball Adderley/as with brother Nat/tp, and they have a gas with “I’m Gonna Shout” and “A Good Git-Together.” He gets fun and jivey with Al Grey/tb, Billy Mitchell/ts, Joe Newman/tp, Pony Poindexter/sax and the LHR rhythm section on a rollicking “Saturday Night Fish Fry.” Vocals at it’s boppingest.
The master of modern vibes, Milt Jackson took some time away from his legendary MJQ to release some impressive solo work. Jackson does ballads and blues with a mix and match of Barney Kessel-Skeeter Best/g, Kenny Clarke-Larance Marable/dr, Oscar Pettiford-Percy Heath/b and Lucky Thompson/ts for a gorgeous “Sollitude” and crisp “How Hight The Moon.” The same year 1957 teamed him with Ray Charles for a historic session featuring him only on piano, and it’s a smoker, with “How Long Blues” and “Charlesville” with Jackson even playing guitar to boot! A session with the flutes of Bobby Jaspar and Frank Wess produces a bluesy “Bag’s Groove” and a wonderfully evocative “Ghana.” The 1959 album has the vibist teamed with an orchestra conducted by Quincy Jones, filled with strings, reeds and a jazz rhythm section and produces lush reads of “Tenderly,” “Alone Together” and a rich “Nuages.” Good vibes all around.
Vocalist Billy Fury was one of the many British vocalists that were part of the early days rock scene (along with Cliff Richard, Tommy Steele and Marty Wild). The Liverpudlian (there were 4 others, of course) had movie star looks as well, but his 1960 debut (wearing an Elvis-inspired suit) is quite impressive, as he wrote every song here, with some material like “My Advice,” Don’t Say It’s Over” and “It’s You I Need” that sound straight out of Memphis. His followup self titled album is just as strong with “Last Kiss” and Colette.” Material from his multiple eps (which were very popular at the time) are included as well, such as from Play It Cool which features the hip title track and hep “Let’s Paint The Town.” An alluring precursor to the Fab Four.