Really? A black vocal quartet in the 1950s doing jazz? You sure it’s not doo wop? I’m sure! First tenor Paul Benson, second tenor Julius Robinson, baritone John Oglesby/Conrad Moore and bass Charles “Woody” Woodford took the smooth delivery of…
Category: Ringer of the Week
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Harry Skoler: Living In Sound: The Music Of Charles Mingus
Most tributes to the legendary bassist Charles Mingus fail because they try to reproduce the feel of the tormented genius, and the fact is that most jazz artists these days are just not that tormented. Harry Skoler avoids the problem…
*****RINGER OF THE WEEK****The Heavy Hitters: The Heavy Hitters
Here’s an album that has truth in advertising. Muscular post boppers Mike LeDonne/p, Eric Alexander/ts, Jeremy Pelt/tp, Vincent Herring/as, Peter Washington/b, Kenny Washington/dr and guest Rale Micic/g get together for a vintage sounding blue plate special. The album has Jazz…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK***VINYL REVIVAL…Art Pepper: Meets The Rhythm Section
In view of the renaissance of vinyl as a viable listening option, Craft Recordings is reissuing some classic albums from when, well, vinyl was vinyl. Someone over there is doing his homework, as this 1957 album by West Coast alto saxist Art…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Jim Snidero: Far Far Away
One of the more overlooked of today’s alto saxists, Jim Snidero has amassed an impressive catalogue since his days with the Akiyoshi-Tabackin Big Band. This most recent album is a brilliant affair, with Snidero bringing in the tensile guitar workings…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****THIS IS A BLUES TENOR 101: Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis with Shirley Scott: Cookin’ With Jaws and The Queen
If you want to know what is missing in today’s sax players, this four disc set will serve as the template for comparison. Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis (1933-86) was one of the last “tough tenors”, meaning he had a bluesy growl…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Wolfgang Lackerschmid & Chet Baker: Welcome Back
One of my true musical regrets is that, when I first got into jazz in the 70s and 80s, I had countless chances to see Chet Baker play in small clubs. I didn’t go see him, as I was told…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****THE MOUNT RUSHMORE OF TENOR SAXES…Classic Jazz At The Philharmonic Jam Sessions (1950-1957)
Once upon a time, the Giants roamed the earth… To put this 10 cd, limited edition by Mosaic Records in perspective, one must remember that after The Swing Era of 1935-45, musicians from that era started hearing the modern sounds…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****ZAPPA THE JAZZER…Frank Zappa: Waka/Wazoo 50th Anniversary Edition
Back in the early 70s, when he was a rock star for the underground, Frank Zappa got confined to a wheelchair after being pushed off stage at a concert in London. Breaking his up and band (which included Flo and…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****WHO KNEW? Janis Joplin & Jorma Kaukonen: The Legendary Typewriter Tape
If you really want to get to the essence of Janis Joplin, this recent issue will answer a lot of your questions. Recorded informally back in June 24, 1964 at the home of guitarist Jorma Kaukonen, if finds a 21…