Buck Clayton - A Buck Clayton Jam Session

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1975
File: MP3@256K/s
Time: 75:39
Size: 138,9 MB
Art: Front

(17:43)  1. Sidekick
(11:52)  2. Change For A Buck
(12:12)  3. The Duke We Knew
(15:11)  4. Glassboro Blues
( 5:10)  5. Glassboro Blues Rehearsal
(13:29)  6. The Duke We Knew Rehearsal

Jazz suffered a major loss when, in the late 1960s, Buck Clayton had to retire from playing due to problems with his lip. But instead of permanently retiring from jazz altogether, he continued to make his mark as an arranger, bandleader, and educator. Clayton doesn't play at all on A Buck Clayton Jam Session: 1975; instead, this blowing date finds him overseeing and directing a 12-piece band that includes Joe Newman and Money Johnson on trumpet, Vic Dickenson and George Masso on trombone, Buddy Tate, Buddy Johnson, and Sal Nistico on tenor sax, Lee Konitz and Earle Warren on alto sax, Tommy Flanagan on piano, Milt Hinton on bass, and Mel Lewis on drums. To be sure, that's a variety of musicians some have strong swing credentials, others were primarily hard boppers, and you even have a musician who came out of the Cool School (Konitz) and went on to explore post-bop. But they manage to find common ground on this swing-oriented jam, which concentrates on Clayton's own compositions and emphasizes blowing, blowing, and more blowing. Thankfully, the liner notes list the order of the solos. Originally a vinyl LP in the '70s and reissued on CD in 1995 (when Chiaroscuro added two previously unreleased bonus tracks), A Buck Clayton Jam Session is less than essential but is an enjoyable jam that die-hard swing fans will appreciate.~ Alex Henderson 

http://www.allmusic.com/album/a-buck-clayton-jam-session-1975-mw0000076132

Personnel: Buck Clayton (conductor, trumpet); Earle Warren, Lee Konitz (alto saxophone); Budd Johnson, Buddy Tate, Sal Nistico (tenor saxophone); Joe Newman, Money Johnson (trumpet); Vic Dickenson, George Masso (trombone); Tommy Flanagan (piano); Milt Hinton (bass); Mel Lewis (drums).

A Buck Clayton Jam Session 1975

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The George Masso Sextet - A Swinging Case Of Masso-Ism

Styles: Trombone Jazz, Swing
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:38
Size: 142,5 MB
Art: Front

(7:21) 1. So Danco Samba
(6:00) 2. I'm Glad There Is You
(6:41) 3. A Fine Romance
(6:03) 4. For You, For Me Forevermore
(5:45) 5. It All Depends On You
(4:29) 6. I See Your Face Before Me
(6:16) 7. A Swinging Case Of Masso-Ism
(5:19) 8. Them There Eyes
(4:15) 9. I've Gotta Be On My Way
(3:59) 10. Just Friends
(5:26) 11. Love Is Just Around The Corner

Trombonist George Masso's third recording as a leader and second for the now-defunct Famous Door label (none of the recordings have yet been reissued on CD) has him playing six swinging standards and his own title cut with what could have been called the Famous Door All-Stars: Glenn Zottola (who alternates between trumpet and alto), veteran tenor Al Klink, pianist John Bunch, bassist Linc Milliman, and drummer Butch Miles. Masso's warm sound is well featured on such numbers as "So Danco Samba," "For You, For Me, Forevermore" and "It All Depends On You."~Scott Yano https://www.allmusic.com/album/a-swinging-case-of-masso-ism-mw0000911126

Personnel: Trombone – George Masso; Bass – Linc Milliman; Drums – Butch Miles; Piano – John Bunch; Tenor Saxophone – Al Klink; Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Alto Saxophone – Glenn Zottola

A Swinging Case Of Masso-Ism

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George Masso Sextet - Still Burning!

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:51
Size: 139.3 MB
Styles: Trombone jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[9:43] 1. Get Out Of Town
[8:46] 2. Dream Dancing
[4:51] 3. Night And Day
[4:25] 4. Easy To Love
[8:25] 5. C'est Magnifique
[7:16] 6. Just One Of Those Thimgs
[4:28] 7. Ballad For A Friend
[7:05] 8. What Is This Thing Called Love
[5:47] 9. I Love You, Samantha

George Masso - trombone; Lou Colombo – trumpet, flugelhorn; Harry Allen – tenor sax; Johnny Varro - piano; Phil Flanigan - bass; Jake Hanna - drums. Recorded live on March 6, 1999 at the Hanse Merkur Auditorium, Hamburg.

An excellent trombonist who records for Arbors, George Masso has had a long if somewhat underrated career. Other than some early gigs (including a 1948 association with Jimmy Dorsey), Masso made his living from teaching in schools up until 1973. However, he always played trombone on the side and, soon after becoming a full-time musician, he toured with the Benny Goodman Sextet (1973). Masso worked with Bobby Hackett, Bobby Rosengarden, and the World's Greatest Jazz Band (the latter starting in 1975) and recorded with Scott Hamilton, Warren Vache, and Woody Herman. He led sessions for Famous Door, World Jazz, and Dreamstreet during 1978-1983, frequently sharing the front line with tenor saxophonist Al Klink and trumpeter Glenn Zottola. Since then, George Masso has recorded for Sackville and Arbors and become a reliable fixture at jazz parties and classic jazz festivals. ~ bio by Scott Yanow

Still Burning!

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Wild Bill Davison - Rosetta

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:06
Size: 98.7 MB
Styles: New Orleans jazz
Year: 2016
Art: Front

[4:41] 1. When You're Smiling
[6:28] 2. Big Butter And Egg Man
[5:14] 3. I Want A Little Girl
[7:53] 4. Love Is Just Around The Corner
[3:36] 5. Memories Of You
[7:12] 6. Rosetta
[7:58] 7. C Jam Blues

During his 69th year, Wild Bill Davison led seven albums. The definitive Dixieland cornetist, Wild Bill was still in prime form in the mid-'70s, as he shows on this spirited pickup date in New Orleans. Best-known among his sidemen in the sextet are trombonist George Masso and the ancient bassist Ed Garland, while soprano saxophonist Noel Kalet and pianist David Paquette have remained unknowns. Seven veteran standards (mostly from the 1930s) are interpreted in typically spirited fashion by Davison. Recommended.

Rosetta

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George Masso Allstars - The Wonderful World Of George Gershwin

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:26
Size: 175.0 MB
Styles: Trombone jazz
Year: 1992/1999
Art: Front

[ 7:27] 1. Strike Up The Band
[11:51] 2. But Not For Me
[ 6:47] 3. Summertime
[ 7:26] 4. Soon
[ 4:44] 5. Lady Be Good
[ 9:06] 6. Porgy And Bess
[11:36] 7. Somebody Loves Me
[ 5:49] 8. I've Got A Crush On You
[11:35] 9. 's Wonderful

Bass – Len Skeat; Clarinet – Kenny Davern; Drums – Jake Hanna; Piano – Eddie Higgins; Tenor Saxophone – Danny Moss; Trombone – George Masso; Trumpet – Randy Sandke.

For the initial release on the German Nagel-Heyer label, trombonist George Masso heads an all-star mainstream septet that also includes clarinetist Kenny Davern, trumpeter Randy Sandke, the fine Engligh tenor Danny Moss, pianist Eddie Higgins, bassist Len Skeat and drummer Jake Hanna. Together they jam on eight George Gershwin songs plus Higgins plays a "Porgy and Bess Medley." Although the liner notes (unlike later releases) are in German, the music easily comunicates; highlights include a blazing "Strike Up the Band," "Soon," and 11-1/2-minute versions of "Somebody Loves Me" and "S'Wonderful." ~Scott Yanow

The Wondeful Of George Gershwin

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The George Masso Tentet - At Long Last Love

Size: 152,5 MB
Time: 65:46
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2001
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. At Long Last Love (5:43)
02. Everytime We Say Goodbye (4:40)
03. Only Trust Your Heart (8:28)
04. Black Butterfly (5:36)
05. Day In - Day Out (8:27)
06. I'll Never Be The Same (7:53)
07. All By Myself (7:55)
08. But Beautiful (6:07)
09. Pick Yourself Up (5:09)
10. Bonnet Strut (5:43)

Veteran trombonist/arranger George Masso's 10-piece group sounds a lot like a hip dance band. Some of the leader's 10 arrangements suggest a scaled-down version of the kind of conservative charts Woody Herman and others often used for dances. Here they serve mainly as vehicles for extensive soloing by the leader and an excellent group of improvisers that includes tenorist/clarinetist Dick Johnson, trumpeter Lou Colombo, guitarist Jon Wheatley and baritonist/clarinetist/flutist Mark Phaneuf. But among the arrangements of songs by such composers as Cole Porter, Sammy Kahn, Duke Ellington ("Black Butterfly"), Irving Berlin and Jerome Kern are some that attract attention to themselves because of Masso's interesting voicings. One example is Porter's "Ev'rytime We Say Goodbye," which features a gently swinging trombone quartet with the baritone saxophone subbing for the fourth trombone.

Although the rhythm section operates more or less in a swing-oriented mode, the improvisations tend to blur the line between swing and modern jazz. Masso, who has been called the "Bobby Hackett of the trombone," clearly owes allegiance to the earlier styles and Colombo's playing displays elements of both. But Wheatley and the two saxophonists lean more toward the modern mainstream in varying degrees. They all have in common a high degree of competence and professionalism. ~by David Franklin

At Long Last Love

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George Masso Quintet - Trombone Artistry

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 79:32
Size: 191,7 MB
Art: Front

( 7:43)  1. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
( 5:19)  2. In A Mellow Tone
( 6:52)  3. More Than You Know
(10:11)  4. Blue Monk
( 7:09)  5. If I Were A Bell
( 8:53)  6. It All Depends On You
(10:08)  7. Just Friends
( 5:21)  8. I Thought Abought You
( 9:52)  9. On The Alamo
( 7:59) 10. Three Little Words

This German CD teams together trombonist George Masso, clarinetist Ken Peplowski, pianist Brian Dee, bassist Len Skeat and drummer Jake Hanna. The trombone-clarinet frontline works together quite well, and overall, this is one of Masso's finest recordings. Mainstream fans should enjoy the live recording, which is highlighted by "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To," "More Than You Know," "It All Depends On You" and a burning rendition of "Three Little Words." ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/trombone-artistry-mw0000601827

Personnel: George Masso (trombone); Ken Peplowski (clarinet); Brian Dee (piano); Jake Hanna (drums).

Trombone Artistry

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George Masso & Dan Barrett - Let's Be Buddies

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:23
Size: 163.4 MB
Styles: Dixieland, Trombone jazz
Year: 1993/2006
Art: Front

[5:48] 1. Get Out And Get Under The Moon
[6:18] 2. Am I Blue
[6:27] 3. My Melancholy Baby
[5:19] 4. Indian Summer
[6:12] 5. George's And Dan's Most Excellent Blues
[5:41] 6. Whispering Grass (Don't Tell The Trees)
[5:35] 7. Miss Annabelle Lee
[6:39] 8. Creole Love Call
[5:50] 9. When Lights Are Low
[3:49] 10. Constantly
[4:04] 11. How About Me
[3:46] 12. Linger In My Arms A Little Longer, Baby
[5:49] 13. Let's Be Buddies

George Masso (trombone, piano); Dan Barrett (vocals, cornet, trombone); Frank Vignola (guitar); Benny Aronov (piano); Joe Ascione (drums). Recording information: Skyline Studios, New York, NY (07/14/1993/07/15/1993).

George Masso: Born in Cranston, RI in 1926, jazz trombonist and pianist George Masso has excelled in just about every area of the music business: performer, composer, recording artist, arranger and educator. In 1945-46, he served as first trombonist and arranger for the 314th Army Special Services band in Europe, then spent a year on the road with Jimmy Dorsey. He later taught music in the Cranston public schools for eleven years and another eight at UConn. He returned to the road in the mid 1970s, touring internationally and/or recording with a host of musical giants including Benny Goodman, Bobby Hackett, The World’s Greatest Jazz Band of Yank Lawson & Bob Haggart, Woody Herman and George Shearing. Along the way, he has recorded more than a dozen albums as a leader and co-leader which are considered classics around the world and is also a classical composer and arranger of note with many published works and orchestral performances.

Dan Barrett: A major player in the small-group swing movement of the 1980s and '90s, Dan Barrett's trombone is equally at home in Dixieland and swing settings. He started on trombone in high school and played in California with the South Frisco Jazz Band and the Golden Eagle Jazz Band, two fine trad groups. At the urging of Howard Alden, Barrett moved to New York in 1983 where he worked with the Widespread Depression Orchestra, played at Eddie Condon's club, and in 1985 was with Benny Goodman's Orchestra. Barrett came to fame through his series of recordings (both as a leader and as a sideman) with Concord; among his many projects were co-leading a quintet with Howard Alden that was reminiscent of John Kirby's band of the 1940s, despite having very different instrumentation. Dan Barrett, who also played with Buck Clayton's big band, switched to the Arbors label in the 1990s where he became musical director and recorded frequently.

Let's Be Buddies 

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The Legendary Lawson-Haggart Jazz Band - Singin' The Blues

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:28
Size: 156.8 MB
Styles: Dixieland
Year: 1991
Art: Front

[7:00] 1. Singin' The Blues (Till My Baby Comes Home)
[5:26] 2. Louisiana
[6:25] 3. Blue Turning Grey Over You
[4:41] 4. I Want To Be Happy
[4:45] 5. The Sheik Of Araby
[5:48] 6. Thou Swell
[7:36] 7. Song Of The Islands
[5:15] 8. Stumbling
[8:26] 9. Tin Roof Blues
[4:47] 10. Muskrat Ramble
[3:56] 11. One Alone
[4:17] 12. Hindustan

Recorded Mar. 5 and 6, 1990 in Atlanta, Georgia. 12 tracks recorded 1990 by The Legendary Lawson-Haggart Jazz Band with Yank Lawson, trumpet, co-leader ; Joe Muranyi, clarinet, soprano saxophone; Bucky Pizzarelli, guitar; George Masso, trombone; John Bunch, piano; Bob Haggart, string bass, co-leader; Jake Hanna, drums; Barbara Lea, vocals.

Veteran trumpeter Yank Lawson often preferred to trade fours or eights with another horn player late in his career (four years before his death) rather than take full-length solos, but his fire and sound were very much unimpaired. For this date, he had a reunion with bassist Bob Haggart, coleading one of the last versions of the Lawson-Haggart Jazz Band.

Singin' The Blues

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George Masso Sextet - C'est Magnifique!

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 73:04
Size: 167.3 MB
Styles: Trombone jazz, Dixieland
Year: 2000
Art: Front

[ 9:40] 1. It's De-Lovely
[10:46] 2. It's All Right With Me
[ 4:48] 3. Why Shouldn't I
[ 7:05] 4. What Is This Thing Called Love
[ 5:47] 5. I Love You, Samantha
[ 9:38] 6. Get Out Of Town
[ 8:40] 7. C'est Magnifique
[ 4:51] 8. Night And Day
[ 7:16] 9. Just One Of Those Things
[ 4:28] 10. Ballad For A Friend

Recorded live at the Hanse-Merkur Auditorium, Hamburg, Germany on March 6, 1999. The fine swing trombonist George Masso leads a top-notch sextet through seven Cole Porter songs on a spirited live date recorded in Hamburg, Germany. Masso has long been a valuable sideman but he also excels as a leader and is generous in allocating solo space. Trumpeter Lou Colombo (long a legend in the Northeast) is heard on one of his best showcases, tenor saxophonist Harry Allen (who sounds quite close to Stan Getz in spots) swings hard, and the rhythm section (pianist Johnny Varro, bassist Phil Flanigan, and drummer Jake Hanna) sounds as good as they look. Easily recommended to swing, trad, and classic jazz collectors. ~ Scott Yanow

George Masso (leader, trombone); Harry Allen (tenor saxophone); Lou Colombo (trumpet, flugelhorn); Johnny Varro (piano); Phil Flanigan (bass); Jake Hanna (drums).

Recording information: Hanse-Merkur Auditorium, Hamburg, Germany (03/06/1999).

C'est Magnifique!

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