I am one of the judges for the Downbeat Magazine Critics Poll, and the most disheartening part of the job is to pick the “Best…” of the year in each category. I used to revel in deciding, “Hmm…was Rollins better than Turrentine or Getz this year?” But, nowadays, the pickings are discouragingly slim. Sure, Rollins is still on the list, but he has been out of commission lately, and the fact is that almost none of the guys that I have to vote for come even close to guys like the one on this disc before you…
Arnett Cobb. THIS IS A TENOR SAX! Big! Earthy! Manly! Breathy! This single disc collects two 1960 sessions with the Texas Tenor along with Red Garland/p, JC Heard/dr and either George Tucker or George Duvivier/b. Yes, there are a couple cookers, such as a wonderfully robust “ Sweet Georgia Brown” and “The Way You Look Tonight” but these are so deeply dipped in blue that they fit right into the mood. His tone drips like honey off a stick right onto the toasted bread with peanut butter on “ PS I Love You” and “Willow Weep For Me” while he moans like he hasn’t had a meal in days on “ Blue and Sentimental.” The rhythm sections have the mood embedded into their psyches, as they create perfect drapery for Cobb’s sobs on “Georgia on My Mind” and “Willow Weep For Me.”
I have a friend who produces rap records. I play this stuff for him and he refuses to leave my place till the last note is finished. Timeless? What’dya think?!?
Fresh Sound Records