Clifford Brown - Memorial Album (Remastered)

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1953/2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:12
Size: 165,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:14)  1. Bellarosa
(3:56)  2. Carvin' The Rock
(3:14)  3. Cookin'
(3:46)  4. Brownie Speaks
(4:51)  5. De-Dah
(4:19)  6. You Go To My Head
(3:51)  7. Carvin' The Rock (Alternate Take)
(3:08)  8. Cookin' (Alternate Take)
(4:05)  9. Carvin' The Rock (Alternate Take #2)
(4:02) 10. Wail Bait
(4:07) 11. Hymn Of The Orient
(3:56) 12. Brownie Eyes
(3:27) 13. Cherokee
(3:44) 14. Easy Living
(4:34) 15. Minor Mood
(4:07) 16. Wail Bait (Alternate Take)
(3:42) 17. Cherokee (Alternate Take)
(4:01) 18. Hymn Of The Orient (Alternate Take)

Clifford Brown emerged fully formed in 1953, a trumpeter gifted with an ebullient swing and technical skills that added polish and precision to fresh invention. Foregoing both the manic pyrotechnics of Dizzy Gillespie and the laconic introversion of Miles Davis, he also provided a stylistic model for jazz trumpeters that has never gone out of style. This CD combines Brown's first two recording dates as leader, placing him in quintet and sextet settings with some of the core musicians of the New York bop scene. The first nine tracks have Brown in an inspired quintet, prodded by the twisting, off-kilter solos and comping of the brilliant and underrated pianist Elmo Hope and the sparkling complexity of drummer Philly Joe Jones. While altoist Lou Donaldson is deeply in the sway of Charlie Parker, Brown sets his own course, whether it's the boppish "Cookin'" or the standard "You Go to My Head." 

The final nine tracks have Art Blakey's drums driving the sextet, while altoist Gigi Gryce's understated concentration acts as an effective foil to Brown's joyous, dancing lines. Taken at a medium up-tempo, "Cherokee" is one of Brown's most effective vehicles. The alternate takes from each session highlight Brown's spontaneous creativity, while Rudy Van Gelder's remastering adds fresh focus to both his gorgeous tone and the explosive drumming. ~ Stuart Broomer - Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Memorial-Album-Clifford-Brown/dp/B00005MIZ6

Personnel: Tracks 1-9: Clifford Brown - trumpet; Lou Donaldson - alto saxophone; Elmo Hope - piano; Percy Heath - bass; Philly Joe Jones - drums. Tracks 10-18: Clifford Brown - trumpet; John Lewis - piano; Gigi Gryce - alto saxophone, flute; Charlie Rouse - tenor saxophone; Percy Heath - bass; Art Blakey - drums

Memorial Album

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Thelonious Monk Septet - Monk's Music

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1957
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:06
Size: 112,2 MB
Art: Front

( 0:52)  1. Abide With Me
(11:22)  2. Well You Needn't
( 5:24)  3. Ruby, My Dear
( 5:06)  4. Off Minor - Take 5
( 5:13)  5. Off Minor - Bonus Track
(10:44)  6. Epistrophy
( 4:36)  7. Crepuscule With Nellie - Take 6 / Mono
( 4:45)  8. Crepuscule With Nellie - Bonus Track

Many albums in the Original Jazz Classics reissue series include alternate takes or tracks recorded for, but ultimately not included on, the original vinyl LP. The label's 2011 Remasters edition of pianist Thelonious Monk's Monk's Music (Riverside, 1957) is no exception but is something of a first, in that "Blues For Tomorrow," the 13:33 minute bonus track, does not include a single note from the leader. The track was recorded on June 25, 1957, in the closing minutes of an otherwise unproductive session. Monk, unusually, arrived on time, but was distracted with worry about his wife, Nellie, who was in hospital. Drummer Art Blakey arrived an hour late and then had to assemble and mic up his kit. The band had difficulty following Monk's directions, leading Monk to exclaim to tenor saxophonists Coleman Hawkins and John Coltrane, "You're the great Coleman Hawkins, right? You're the guy who invented the tenor saxophone, right? Your'e the great John Coltrane, right? Well, the music is in the horn. Between the two of you, you should be able to find it." Eventually, towards the due end of the session, Monk threw in the towel and went home. Producer Orrin Keepnews, desperate to salvage some releasable music from the date, asked the remaining sextet to record a blues, which was quickly put together by alto saxophonist Gigi Gryce. "Blues For Tomorrow" was not included on the original Monk's Music, and was first released on a Riverside various artists compilation. (The alternate takes of "Off Minor" and "Crepuscule With Nellie" have long been included on reissues of Monk's Music). Happily, a second session on June 26 went resoundingly well, producing the other eight tracks which make up the Remasters disc which also includes, in the 00:55 minute opener, "Abide With Me," a second Monkless item, this one arranged by Monk for the horns only, as a curtain-raiser to the album proper. Monk's horns-rich arrangements, and the quality of the soloists to hand, has made Monk's Music a well-loved and important part of Monk's canon. Compositionally, however, it marked time. Putting aside its immediate predecessor, Thelonious Himself (Riverside, 1957), on which the mostly unaccompanied Monk focused on standards, it followed Brilliant Corners (Riverside, 1956), on which Monk led a quintet/septet on mostly freshly composed material. Most of the tunes on Monk's Music would have been familiar to the assembled musicians, who were thrown on June 25 by new and tricky arrangements and, very likely, by Monk's distracted mood.  Joe Tarantino's 24-bit remaster does Monk's Music proud, and it is appropriate to have "Blues For Tomorrow" on the same disc even if there's no Monk. ~ Chris May https://www.allaboutjazz.com/monks-music-thelonious-monk-original-jazz-classics-remasters-review-by-chris-may.php

Personnel: Thelonious Monk: piano (2-8); Ray Copeland: trumpet (1, 2, 4-9); Gigi Gryce: alto saxophone (1, 2, 4-9); John Coltrane: tenor saxophone (1, 2, 4-9); Coleman Hawkins: tenor saxophone; Wilbur Ware: bass (2-9); Art Blakey: drums (2-9).

Monk's Music

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Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane - Thelonious Monk With John Coltrane

Styles: Piano And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1961
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:51
Size: 107,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:22)  1. Ruby, My Dear
(6:41)  2. Trinkle, Tinkle
(5:16)  3. Off Minor (take 4)
(6:40)  4. Nutty
(3:11)  5. Epistrophy (alt. take)
(9:46)  6. Functional (alt. take)
(7:52)  7. Monk's Mood

Universally regarded as one of the greatest collaborations between the two most influential musicians in modern jazz (Miles Davis notwithstanding), the Jazzland sessions from Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane should be recognized on other levels. While the mastery of the principals is beyond reproach, credit should also be given to peerless bassist Wilbur Ware, as mighty an anchor as anyone could want. These 1957 dates also sport a variety in drummerless trio, quartet, septet, or solo piano settings, all emphasizing the compelling and quirky compositions of Monk. A shouted-out, pronounced "Off Minor" and robust, three-minute "Epistrophy" with legendary saxophonists Coleman Hawkins, Gigi Gryce, and the brilliant, underappreciated trumpeter Ray Copeland are hallmark tracks that every jazz fan should revere. Of the four quartet sessions, the fleet "Trinkle Tinkle" tests Coltrane's mettle, as he's perfectly matched alongside Monk, but conversely unforced during "Nutty" before taking off. Monk's solo piano effort, "Functional," is flavored with blues, stride, and boogie-woogie, while a bonus track, "Monk's Mood," has a Monk-Ware-Coltrane tandem (minus drummer Shadow Wilson) back for an eight-minute excursion primarily with Monk in a long intro, 'Trane in late, and Ware's bass accents booming through the studio. This will always be an essential item standing proudly among unearthed live sessions from Monk and Coltrane, demarcating a pivotal point during the most significant year in all types of music, from a technical and creative standpoint, but especially the jazz of the immediate future. ~ Michael G.Nastos https://www.allmusic.com/album/thelonious-monk-with-john-coltrane-mw0000188439

Personnel:  Thelonious Monk — piano;  John Coltrane — tenor saxophone;  Ray Copeland — trumpet on "Off Minor" and "Epistrophy";  Gigi Gryce — alto saxophone on "Off Minor" and "Epistrophy";  Coleman Hawkins — tenor saxophone on "Off Minor" and "Epistrophy";  Wilbur Ware — bass on all except for "Functional";  Shadow Wilson — drums on "Ruby, My Dear", "Trinkle, Tinkle" and "Nutty";  Art Blakey — drums on "Off Minor" and "Epistrophy"

Thelonious Monk With John Coltrane

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Clifford Brown - New Star On The Horizon

Styles: Trumpet Jazz 
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 23:32
Size: 55,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:25)  1. Cherokee
(3:42)  2. Easy Living
(3:59)  3. Wail Bait
(4:33)  4. Minor Mood
(4:05)  5. Hymn Of The Orient
(3:46)  6. Brownie Eyes

2015 reissue from Blue Note Records' 75th Anniversary Vinyl Initiative series. New Star On The Horizon compiles some of American jazz trumpeter Clifford Brown's best moments for Blue Note. Brown died in a car accident at the age of 25, leaving only four years of recorded material. Within his short career, he managed to influence many future jazz trumpeters, like Freddie Hubbard and Lee Morgan. New Star On The Horizon is a part of Blue Note's 10" reissue series. Originally released in 1953. https://www.forcedexposure.com/Catalog/brown-clifford-new-star-on-the-horizon-10-/BN.5032LP.html

Personnel:  Trumpet – Clifford Brown;  Alto Saxophone, Flute – Gigi Gryce ;  Bass – Percy Heath ;  Drums – Art Blakey ;  Piano – John Lewis ;  Tenor Saxophone – Charlie Rouse

New Star On The Horizon

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Clifford Brown - Clifford Brown Big Band in Paris

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1953
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:13
Size: 110,5 MB
Art: Front

(6:06)  1. Brown Skins (take 1)
(6:09)  2. Brown Skins (take 2)
(7:06)  3. Keeping Up with Jonesy (take 1)
(6:29)  4. Keeping Up with Jonesy (take 2)
(3:12)  5. Bum's Rush
(7:52)  6. Chez Moi
(5:20)  7. All Weird (take 1)
(1:58)  8. All Weird (take 2)
(3:56)  9. No Start, No End

Although Lionel Hampton forbid his sidemen from recording during their trip to France in 1953, many of the musicians fortunately ignored his orders; the band broke up soon anyway. Trumpeter Clifford Brown is heard on this LP mostly with a big band actually put together by Gigi Gryce. A few of these tracks are excerpts but the two takes of "Brownskins" and "Keeping up with Jonesy" are fairly long as is a nearly eight-minute "Chez Moi." The music is not essential but Brownie did not live long enough to record anything less than excellent. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/clifford-brown-big-band-in-paris-mw0000199986

Personnel:  Trumpet – Art Farmer, Clifford Brown, Quincy Jones, Walter Williams;  Alto Saxophone – Anthony Ortega, Gigi Gryce;  Baritone Saxophone – William Boucaya;  Bass – Pierre Michelot;  Drums – Jean-Louis Viale;  Piano – Henri Renaud;  Tenor Saxophone – Andre Dabonneville, Clifford Solomon;  Trombone – Al Hayes, Benny Vasseur, Jimmy Cleveland

Clifford Brown Big Band in Paris

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Don Byrd, Gigi Gryce - Jazz Lab

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:29
Size: 95.0 MB
Styles: Bop
Year: 1957/2011
Art: Front

[3:39] 1. Speculation
[8:17] 2. Over The Rainbow
[5:28] 3. Nica's Tempo
[4:59] 4. Blue Concept
[6:59] 5. Little Niles
[7:13] 6. San Souci
[4:52] 7. I Remember Clifford

Alto Saxophone – Gigi Gryce; Baritone Saxophone – Sahib Shibab; Bass – Wendell Marshall; Drums – Art Taylor; Horn – Julius Watkins; Piano – Tommy Flanagan, Wade Legge; Trombone – Benny Powell, Jimmy Cleveland; Trumpet – Don Byrd; Tuba – Don Butterfield.

Alto saxophonist arranger Gigi Gryce and trumpeter Donald Byrd's innovative, but unfortunately short lived Jazz Lab Quintet recorded several sides during 1957, seven of which were released on this excellent Columbia album a handful of other titles were collectively made for Riverside, Verve, and RCA. The nucleus band of Gryce, Byrd, pianist Tommy Flanagan a spot also filled by Wade Legge and Hank Jones, bassis and drummer Art Taylor are augmented on four cuts here by trombonists Benny Powell and Jimmy Cleveland, French horn player Julius Watkins, baritone saxophonist Sahib Shihab, and tuba player Don Butterfield. The expanded ensemble turn in fleetly swinging renditions of Horace Silver's "Speculation" and Gryce's "Nica's Tempo" while varying the mood a bit with a ballad reading of Benny Golson's "I Remember Clifford" and a Far East-tinged waltz take on Randy Weston's "Little Niles" shades of Miles Davis' Birth of the Cool group are heard in the complex, yet featherweight arrangements by Gryce. The quintet tracks include Gryce's "Sans Souci" and a provocative version of "Over the Rainbow." With some of the best arrangements heard in jazz and excellent solos by Gryce, Byrd, and Flanagan, Jazz Lab makes for an excellent introduction to the hard bop catalog.

Jazz Lab mc
Jazz Lab zippy

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Gigi Gryce - The Hap'nin's

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1960
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:51
Size: 91,6 MB
Art: Front

(7:37)  1. Frankie And Johnny
(5:40)  2. Lover Man
(6:36)  3. Minority
(8:06)  4. Summertime
(4:07)  5. Nica's Tempo
(7:43)  6. Don't Worry 'Bout Me

Altoist Gigi Gryce, who would retire from playing altogether within a couple of years, leads his promising 1960 quintet on this CD reissue. Trumpeter Richard Williams and pianist Richard Wyands take fine solos on the six jazz standards (two of which, "Minority" and "Nica's Tempo," were Gryce's best-known tunes) while bassist Julian Euell and drummer Mickey Roker are fine in support. The hard bop set has its strong moments even this group was largely forgotten after Gryce's retirement. Worth investigating.

~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-hapnins-mw0000177199

Personnel:  Gigi Gryce (alto saxophone); Richard Williams (trumpet); Richard Wyands (piano); Julian Euell (bass); Mickey Roker (drums).

The Hap'nin's

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Gigi Gryce, Clifford Brown - Jazz Time Paris Vol 11

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:36
Size: 122.7 MB
Styles: Bop
Year: 1998/2016
Art: Front

[ 4:15] 1. Strictly Romantic
[ 5:44] 2. Baby (Master Take)
[11:44] 3. No Start, No End
[ 5:25] 4. Minority
[ 5:41] 5. Salute To The Band Box
[ 4:56] 6. It Might As Well Be Spring
[ 2:43] 7. You're A Lucky Guy
[ 2:49] 8. The Song Is You
[ 4:08] 9. Come Rain Or Come Shine
[ 2:57] 10. I Can Dream, Can't I
[ 3:09] 11. Blue And Brown

An incredible pairing of two of the most important modern jazz talents of the 50s  trumpeter Clifford Brown and altoist Gigi Gryce whose sense of structure on these tunes really gives Brownie a whole new space in which to shine! Gryce really seems to get at the mixture of sweetness and bite that Clifford can deliver when he's at his best which comes through brilliantly in his solos, which are then matched by these raspy, soulful lines from Gryce on his alto. The group's a French one and swing, but really let the American horn players take the lead with Henri Renaud on piano, Jimmy Gourley on guitar, Pierre Michelot on bass, and Jean Louis Viale on drums. Tracks include "Baby", "Minority", "Salute To The Band Box" and "Strictly Romantic". CD also features a full second 10" album a quartet date with Brown's trumpet in the lead in front of a Parisian trio that features Henri Renaud on piano, Pierre Michelot on bass, and Benny Bennett on drums.

Jazz Time Paris Vol 11

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Gigi Gryce, Donald Byrd & Cecil Taylor - At Newport

Styles: Trumpet, Saxophone And Piano Jazz
Year: 1957
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:49
Size: 113,7 MB
Art: Front

( 7:13)  1. Johnny Come Lately
( 7:40)  2. Nona's Blues
(10:26)  3. Tune 2
( 8:32)  4. Splittin'
( 7:21)  5. Batland
( 7:34)  6. Love For Sale

At first combining a set by Cecil Taylor with another by the Gigi Gryce-Donald Byrd Jazz Laboratory seems like an odd pairing, but it ends up working rather well. These live recordings, which come from the 1957 Newport Jazz Festival, have stood the test of time rather well. Taylor's style of piano playing is not that far removed from Thelonious Monk in his interpretation of Billy Strayhorn's "Johnny Come Lately," though his dissonant, angular approach is a bit busier; Steve Lacy's nasal-toned soprano sax and solid rhythmic support from bassist Buell Neidlinger and drummer Denis Charles fuel Taylor's fiery playing. Both Taylor's "Nona's Blues" and "Tune 2" are fairly accessible in comparison to his works in the decade which followed. The Gigi Gryce-Donald Byrd Jazz Laboratory with pianist Hank Jones, bassist Wendell Marshall, and drummer Osie Johnson is firmly rooted in hard bop. Oddly enough, none of the three pieces were written by either Gryce or Byrd, though they were both already budding composers at this point in their respective careers. But their brief program -- which includes Ray Bryant's "Splittin' (Ray's Way)," the blues "Batland," and a rousing rendition of "Love for Sale" is a good representation of this unfortunately short-lived and under-recorded group. Reissued as a part of Verve's limited-edition series in the summer of 2002, this valuable CD will be available until the summer of 2005. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/at-newport-mw0000222261

Personnel: Donald Byrd (trumpet); Gigi Gryce (alto saxophone); Steve Lacy (soprano saxophone); Hank Jones , Cecil Taylor (piano); Osie Johnson (drums).

At Newport

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Gigi Gryce - Nica's Tempo

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1955
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:09
Size: 99,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:07)  1. Speculation
(4:26)  2. In a Meditating Mood
(2:46)  3. Social Call
(3:42)  4. Smoke Signal
(3:29)  5. (You'll Always Be) the One I Love
(3:03)  6. Kerry Dance
(5:03)  7. Shuffle Boil
(4:47)  8. Brakes Sake
(5:30)  9. Gallop's Gallop
(6:11) 10. Nica's Tempo

Oh...if these sessions could have only been issued in separate long forms with the bands that are included. Nica's Tempo comprises six tracks with Gigi Gryce's groundbreaking big band, and another four ostensibly as a member of the Thelonious Monk quartet, all from 1955. Each band showcases the estimable compositional and arranging genius of Gryce, as well as his unique sound on the alto saxophone. In this CD format, the music serves a purpose in displaying Gryce's many talents, but ultimately leaves the listener wanting more. What the orchestra tracks offer in terms of an advanced concept paired with extraordinary musicianship is indisputably brilliant. The combination of Gryce with Monk is unparalleled in another way, the brief but fruitful joining of jazz masters that helped both of them grow, while attaining a symbiosis that Monk only reached briefly with Coleman Hawkins, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, and later in extensia with Charlie Rouse. Gryce is perfectly situated in his element, able to not only exploit the individualism of his bandmates, but play his slightly tart alto sax in a manner that very few have ever imagined. His shining charts emphasize lower octave tones by baritone saxes, trombones, French horns, tuba, the lone trumpet of Art Farmer, and no extra woodwinds. This larger band, averaging ten pieces, is influenced by Duke Ellington during the fully flowered ballad "In a Meditating Mood," or traditional Irish music on the short and sweet, perfectly layered, bluesy swinger "Kerry Dance." Dizzy Gillespie's complex bop visage is present for the nifty, sub-toned, dynamically controlled in mezzo piano, hard surfaced and simmering "Smoke Signal," with clever meter switchings from 4/4, 3/4, or 2/4, while Bill Barber's tuba lurks underneath. 

The opener "Speculation" reflects its title, with the composer Horace Silver's piano solo intro nicely drawn out, merging into warm simple horn charts with off-minor flourishes a great jazz composition especially engaging considering this is an emerging Silver at age 27. Ernestine Anderson's Sarah Vaughan styled dusky voice is featured in slight echoplex production on the all-time classic "Social Call" about a left behind lover still hoping for a reconnect, while her confessional balladic rendition of (You'll Always Be) "The One I Love" is as passionate as any romantic love song ever. The Monk quartet tracks are as precious as can be, with the dynamite rhythm section of Percy Heath and Art Blakey really on top of it. The pianist is happy to hand the spotlight to Gryce on selections made more famous later on by Herbie Nichols or the Steve Lacy and Roswell Rudd bands. He's comfortably animated during "Shuffle Boil" cutting loose with flurries of notes, using staccato and staggered phrases for "Brake's Sake," and traverses the treacherous, slippery melody of "Gallop's Gallop" as if it had no degree of difficulty. Gryce's Nica's Tempo concludes in off-minor and obtuse angles as Monk liked it, with Heath and Blakey swinging expertly as only they could. These performances are nothing short of flawless, and though one might wish for additional tracks or outtakes, this album remains highly recommended with no reservation, and one for the ages. 

~ Michaael G.Nastos http://www.allmusic.com/album/nicas-tempo-mw0000092265

Personnel: Gigi Gryce (alto saxophone); Ernestine Anderson (vocals); Danny Bank, Cecil Payne (baritone saxophone); Art Farmer (trumpet); Gunther Schuller, Julius Watkins (French horn); Eddie Bert, Jimmy Cleveland (trombone); Bill Barber (tuba); Horace Silver, Thelonious Monk (piano); Oscar Pettiford, Percy Heath (bass); Kenny Clarke, Art Blakey (drums).

Nica's Tempo

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Gigi Gryce Orch-tette - Reminiscin'

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1960
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 33:09
Size: 77,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:25)  1. Blue Light
(4:26)  2. Caravan
(4:00)  3. Reminiscing
(4:46)  4. Yesterdays
(3:21)  5. Gee Blues Gee
(5:13)  6. A Night In Tunisia
(4:20)  7. Dearly Beloved
(3:35)  8. Take The ''A'' Train

Gigi Gryce was a fine altoist in the 1950s, but it was his writing skills (including composing the standard "Minority") that were considered most notable. After growing up in Hartford, CT, and studying at the Boston Conservatory and in Paris, Gryce worked in New York with Max Roach, Tadd Dameron, and Clifford Brown. He toured Europe in 1953 with Lionel Hampton and led several sessions in France. After freelancing in 1954 (including recording with Thelonious Monk), Gryce worked with Oscar Pettiford's groups (1955-1957) and led the Jazz Lab Quintet (1955-1958), a band featuring Donald Byrd. He had a quintet with Richard Williams during 1959-1961, but then stopped playing altogether to become a teacher. During his short career, Gigi Gryce recorded as a leader for Vogue (many of the releases have been issued domestically on Prestige), Savoy, Metrojazz, New Jazz, and Mercury. ~ Scott Yanow https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/reminiscin-orch-tette/id590705894

Personnel:  Alto Saxophone – Gigi Gryce;  Bass – George Duvivier , Julian Euell , Reginald Workman;  Drums – Bob Thomas,Walter Perkins;  Piano – Richard Wyands;  Trumpet – Richard Williams;  Vibraphone – Eddie Costa

Reminiscin'

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Gigi Gryce - Gigi Gryce

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:03
Size: 80,7 MB
Art: Front

(3:36)  1. In A Sentimental Mode
(3:04)  2. Blues March
(2:32)  3. Sea Breeze
(2:48)  4. Bangoon
(3:16)  5. It Don't Mean A Thing
(2:39)  6. Cold Breeze
(3:32)  7. Rich And Creamy
(2:50)  8. My Ideal
(3:01)  9. Baba's Blues
(2:28) 10. Little Susan
(2:32) 11. Lullaby For Milkman
(2:39) 12. Somewhere

Prior to this album, saxophonist Gigi Gryce had never recorded on anything but his celebrated alto. We wanted to get on tape sounds and styles that have never been associated with him, said producer Jack Lazare. So, for the first time, Gryce recorded on flute, clarinet, tenor and baritone sax- in addition to alto, playing several of these instruments in the same tune through multiple tracking.  Gryce also provided his group with provocative arrangements of some well known jazz standards and some originals. The rhythm section offers strong support, with pianist Hank Jones contributing not only as pianist and composer, but also in doing much to make this challenging musical venture a successful one. http://www.freshsoundrecords.com/gigi-gryce-albums/5017-gigi-gryce-quartet.html

Personnel:  Gigi Gryce - alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, clarinet, piccolo, flute;  Hank Jones - piano, celeste;  Milt Hinton – bass;  Osie Johnson - drums

Gigi Gryce

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Gigi Gryce - The Rat Race Blues

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1960
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:32
Size: 93,2 MB
Art: Front

( 6:38)  1. The Rat Race Blues
( 7:49)  2. Strange Feelin'
( 7:03)  3. Boxer's Blues
( 7:48)  4. Blues In Bloom
(11:12)  5. Monday Through Sunday

Altoist Gigi Gryce's next to last album before permanently dropping out of jazz has been reissued on this CD. With trumpeter Richard Williams, pianist Richard Wyands, bassist Julian Euell, and drummer Mickey Roker also part of what was a working quintet, Gryce (underrated as a soloist and a particularly strong composer) had one of his finest bands. The group swings its way through two of Gryce's lesser-known originals and three then-recent obscurities. Interesting and generally fresh straight-ahead jazz. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-rat-race-blues-mw0000263253

Personnel:  Gigi Gryce - alto saxophone;  Richard Williams – trumpet;  Richard Wyands – piano;  Julian Euell – bass;  Mickey Roker - drums

The Rat Race Blues

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Mal Waldron Quintet - Mal-1

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1956
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:07
Size: 88,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:55)  1. Stablemates
(7:50)  2. Yesterdays
(7:19)  3. Transfiguration
(5:52)  4. Bud Study
(7:02)  5. Dee's Dilemma
(5:07)  6. Shome

Mal Waldron's recording debut as a leader presents the pianist with his many gifts already well developed. For the 1956 quartet date, he takes charge to strike a balance between the sound of a blowing session and the refinement of a more polished date. The spontaneity is there, but the set also benefits from Waldron's thoughtful charts. At this stage of his development, Waldron was a distinctive bop pianist whose occasional sputtering, knotty phrasing revealed the acknowledged influence of Thelonious Monk, as well as similarities with contemporaries Al Haig and Bud Powell. For this set, though, the focus is not on Waldron's playing, but on his ability to lead from the piano bench. The horn players top-flight boppers Idrees Sulieman on trumpet and Gigi Gryce on alto sax contribute hot solos played with class and authority, and disciplined ensemble work supports the overall structure of Waldron's charts. Some of the arrangements seem written with a larger ensemble in mind, but they also work in the quartet setting, with Waldron's effective use of staggered horn entries, dynamics, interesting harmonies, and occasional countermelodies adding color and variety to the performances. 

The tracks comprise a bright, focused performance of Benny Golson's "Stablemates," a sparse, bluesy take of the standard "Yesterdays," a pair of good Waldron originals and one from Sulieman, along with Lee Sears' "Transfiguration." Bassist Julian Euell and drummer Arthur Edgehill supply a strong and reliable bop pulse. ~ Jim Todd http://www.allmusic.com/album/mal-1-mw0000188794

Personnel: Mal Waldron (piano); Gigi Gryce (alto saxophone); Idrees Sulieman (trumpet); Julian Euell (bass); Arthur Edgehill (drums).

Mal-1

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Lucky Thompson, Gigi Gryce - Street Scenes

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1993
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:01
Size: 159,0 MB
Art: Front

(2:41)  1. Quick as a Flash
(2:14)  2. The Parisian Knights
(2:59)  3. Street Scene
(3:16)  4. Angel Eyes
(3:12)  5. To You Dear One
(4:00)  6. But Not For Tonight
(3:00)  7. A Distant Sound
(2:51)  8. Once Upon a Time
(3:01)  9. Still Waters
(3:08) 10. Theme for a Brown Rose
(3:32) 11. A Sunkissed Rose
(3:44) 12. Portrait of Django
(4:16) 13. Paris the Beautiful
(2:52) 14. Purple Shades
(3:36) 15. La Rose Noire
(3:34) 16. Anne Marie
(4:20) 17. Hello
(3:57) 18. Evening in Paris
(3:59) 19. Strike up the Band
(2:40) 20. Serenade to Sonny

Tenor saxophonist Lucky Thompson recorded enough material as a leader during the first half of 1956 (mostly in Paris) to fill up 12 LPs. This CD has music from two of his rarer sessions, featuring Thompson playing 12 songs (ten of which are his originals) with a French octet that includes pianist Martial Solal and some fine sidemen; these sessions were last available as the Xanadu LP Brown Rose. Thompson's warm tenor is well showcased at a variety of tempoes during the high-quality music. None of the songs caught on but the performances are quite enjoyable. In addition, this CD reissue features altoist Gigi Gryce on six numbers cut in France in 1953 when he was touring with Lionel Hampton's Orchestra; those selections are from the same sessions that resulted in classic recordings by trumpeter Clifford Brown although Brownie (who appears on one of these numbers) is not heard from here. The CD concludes with two selections from the same period featuring the young trumpeter Art Farmer in a sextet/septet with trombonist Jimmy Cleveland and altoist Anthony Ortega. Although not essential, this reissue is easily recommended to collectors of 1950s straightahead jazz. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/lucky-thompson-and-gigi-gryce-in-paris-mw0000172915

Featuring : Gigi Gryce (saxophone), Lucky Thompson (saxophone), Art Farmer (trumpet), Quincy Jones (trumpet), Anthony Ortega (saxophone), Martial Solal (piano)

Street Scenes

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Benny Golson - New York Scene

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1957
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:02
Size: 101,2 MB
Art: Front

(6:05)  1. Something In B Flat
(6:01)  2. Whisper Not
(6:54)  3. Step Lightly
(4:12)  4. Just By Myself
(6:52)  5. Blues  It
(4:22)  6. You're Mine You
(3:59)  7. Capri
(5:34)  8. B.G.'s  Holiday

Benny Golson's debut as a leader was recorded at a time when he was better known as a composer than a tenor saxophonist. This album, reissued during the CD era with "B.G.'s Holiday" added to the original LP program as a bonus track, features Golson in a quintet with fellow future Jazztet co-leader Art Farmer on trumpet, pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Charlie Persip on five selections, and with the same group plus four horns on three other songs. The set is most significant for including an early version of Golson's "Whisper Not" (which soon became a jazz standard) along with "Step Lightly," as well as for the leader's inventive and swinging arrangements; plus, there are some excellent solos from Golson and Farmer. Overall, this underrated gem served as a strong start to Benny Golson's influential solo career. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/new-york-scene-mw0000202937

Personnel: Benny Golson (tenor saxophone); Gigi Gryce (alto saxophone); Sahib Shihab (baritone saxophone); Art Farmer (trumpet); Julius Watkins (French horn); James Cleveland (trombone); Wynton Kelly (piano); Paul Chambers (bass); Charlie Persip (drums).

New York Scene

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Earl Coleman - Earl Coleman Returns

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1956
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:16
Size: 135,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:42)  1. Say It Isn't So
(5:53)  2. Reminiscing
(6:31)  3. Social Call
(5:23)  4. It's You Or No One
(4:17)  5. Come Rain Or Come Shine
(5:24)  6. No Love, No Nothin'
(2:46)  7. This Is Always (bonus track)
(2:52)  8. My Last Affair (bonus track)
(3:42)  9. Ghost Of A Chance (bonus track)
(3:38) 10. I Haven't Changed A Thing (bonus track)
(4:23) 11. My Ideal (bonus track)
(7:38) 12. Two Different Worlds (bonus track)

Singer Earl Coleman, who had an early hit with "This Is Always" (cut with Charlie Parker in 1947), had a rather sporadic recording career. The music reissued on this CD (which adds four bonus cuts to the original Prestige LP) was, with the exception of a couple selections on Sonny Rollins and Elmo Hope albums, the singer's only recordings during 1949-1966 and (other than an obscure Atlantic album) his only sessions from 1949-1976. Coleman, who had a deep baritone voice influenced by Billy Eckstine, clearly deserved better. Although not an improviser, Coleman could swing, as he shows on these performances with the assistance of such fine players as trumpeter Art Farmer, altoist Gigi Gryce, and pianist Hank Jones; highlights include "It's You or No One," "Social Call," and a remake of "This Is Always." ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/earl-coleman-returns-mw0000664310

Personnel: Earl Coleman (vocals); Gigi Gryce (alto saxophone); Gene Ammons (tenor saxophone); Gene Easton, Cecil Payne (baritone saxophone); Nate Woodyard, Art Farmer (trumpet); Henderson Chambers, Ed Moore (trombone); John Houston, Hank Jones , Lawrence Wheatly (piano); George Brown , Shadow Wilson, Wilbert G.T. Hogan (drums).

Earl Coleman Returns

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Richard Williams & Leo Wright Quintets - New Horn In Town + Blues Shout

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:07
Size: 142.2 MB
Styles: Trumpet jazz, Saxophone jazz
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[6:16] 1. I Can Dream Can't I
[6:25] 2. I Remember Clifford
[4:58] 3. Ferris Wheel
[4:45] 4. Roucous Notes
[4:37] 5. Blues In Quandary
[8:43] 6. Over The Rainbow
[5:27] 7. Renita's Bounce
[5:00] 8. Blues Shout
[5:22] 9. A Night In Tunisia
[4:40] 10. The Wind
[5:51] 11. Two Moods

Tracks #1-7 are from the album “New Horn in Town” (Candid Stereo 9003). Recorded at Nola Penthouse Sound Studio, New York City, on November 19, 1960: Richard Williams, trumpet; Leo Wright, alto sax, flute, Richard Wyands, piano; Reggie Workman, bass; Bobby Thomas, drums.

Tracks #8-11 are taken from the album “Blues Shout” (Atlantic SD1358). Recorded in New York City, on May 25, 1960. Richard Williams, trumpet; Leo Wright, alto sax, Junior Mance, piano; Art Davis, bass; and Charlie Persip, drums. Gigi Gryce, arranger.

This CD features the leader recording premieres of trumpeter Richard Williams and reedman Leo Wright, whose emergence created quite a stir on the late Fifties jazz scene. Both played on each other’s debuts. Williams, whose power, range and ideas had impressed hugely with the Oliver Nelson and Gigi Gryce groups, made his expected appearance as leader with “New Horn in Town”, while Wright, whose direct, exciting alto and flute were showcased when he joined Dizzy Gillespie’s quintet in 1959, debuted with “Blues Shout”. Both were made in 1960 and fulfilled expectations of two rising young talents.

In these quintet sessions Williams displays his capacity for explosive and inventive playing, with the scope, sweep, conception, technique and the versatility of an assured young lion. Wright’s excellence is also self-evident, regardless of instrument; his style is straight-ahead, warm and emotional, uncluttered and flowing. To complete the success of these debut sessions, both rhythm sections provide vigorous, swinging support, with pianists Richard Wyands and Junior Mance adding further solo voices idiomatically on the button.

New Horn In Town + Blues Shout                

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Art Farmer - When Farmer Met Gryce

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1954
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:09
Size: 100,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:09)  1. A Night At Tony's
(5:01)  2. Blue Concept
(5:48)  3. Stupendous-Lee
(4:23)  4. Deltitnu
(6:08)  5. Social Call
(5:02)  6. Capri
(5:19)  7. Blue Lights
(5:16)  8. The Infant's Song

When Farmer Met Gryce features trumpeter Art Farmer, altoist Gigi Gryce and two rhythm sections with either Horace Silver or Freddie Redd on piano, Percy Heath or Addison Farmer on bass, and Kenny Clarke or Art Taylor on drums. The early hard bop music is highlighted by "Social Call" (one of Gryce's best-known compositions), "Capri," "A Night at Tony's" and "Blue Concept" but all eight numbers will easily be enjoyed by straight-ahead jazz fans. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/when-farmer-met-gryce-mw0000234769

Personnel: Trumpet – Art Farmer; Alto Saxophone, Bass – Addison Farmer (tracks: 5 to 8), Percy Heath (tracks: 1 to 4); Drums – Arthur Taylor (tracks: 5 to 8), Kenny Clarke (tracks: 1 to 4); Piano – Freddie Redd (tracks: 5 to 8), Horace Silver (tracks: 1 to 4)

When Farmer Met Gryce

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Gigi Gryce - Doin' The Gigi

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:20
Size: 157,2 MB
Art: Front

(11:24)  1. Blues In Bloom
( 4:40)  2. A Premoniton Of You
( 7:37)  3. A Night In Tunisia
( 5:34)  4. Down Home
( 3:01)  5. Blues In Bloom
( 2:30)  6. Dancing the Gigi (A.K.A Strange Feelin')
( 3:32)  7. Sonor (A.K.A Sonar)
( 4:15)  8. Down Home
( 3:59)  9. Take The A Train
( 2:37) 10. Stompin' at the Savoy
( 4:31) 11. I'll Walk Alone
( 4:57) 12. Caravan
( 1:46) 13. All The Things You Are
( 0:08) 14. Announcements By Al 'Jazzbo' Collins & Hugh Downs
( 0:19) 15. Movin'
( 2:34) 16. There Will Never Be Another You
( 2:45) 17. Man Of Moods
( 2:02) 18. The Blues Walk (A.K.A Somebody Done Stole My Blues, Loose Walk)

Gigi Gryce had a short but productive career, which lasted roughly a decade before he abruptly left jazz in the early 1960s to become a teacher. This compilation of unissued performances is an important addition to his legacy, particularly the 1961 Birdland broadcast, which features the working band he used for his Rat Race Blues album (pianist Richard Wyands, trumpeter Richard Williams, bassist Julian Euell, and drummer Mickey Roker), plus the addition of vibraphonist Eddie Costa (who died tragically in a car wreck the following year). Beginning with an extended workout of Norman Mapp's "Blues in Bloom" (though it is actually a modal work, not a blues), the sextet's loping treatment is full of inventive solos. Gryce tackles "A Night in Tunisia" at a brisk clip, taking a sparkling two chorus solo, while also featuring each member of the band in turn. The sextet is also heard in two studio tracks from 1961, a brief "Blues in Bloom" and Gryce's sassy blues "Doin' the Gigi" (also known as "Strange Feeling"). 

The credits have been lost to another studio date with Williams and Wyands, though the bassist and drummer are unknown. The introduction of Gryce's setting of "Take the 'A' Train" transforms the famous theme from a subway to a locomotive, showcasing Williams and Wyands before the leader opens his solo with a humorous, unexpected quote from "Dixie." Gryce's ballad playing is the highlight of "I'll Walk Alone" (a Sammy Cahn-Jule Styne piece from a '40s film), with a fine open horn solo by Williams and muted work behind the saxophonist at the conclusion. A 1957 TV broadcast is the source of several performances, featuring Gryce leading a band with baritone saxophonist Cecil Payne, pianist Duke Jordan, bassist Wendell Marshall, and drummer Art Taylor. 

They are all fairly concise due to the time constraints of the television program, but they hint at the strengths of the quintet. Stand-out tracks include the abbreviated version of Gryce's brisk "Movin'," and a midtempo rendition of the standard "There'll Never Be Another You." The detailed liner notes by Noel Cohen and Michael Fitzgerald, which were adapted from their biography of Gigi Gryce, plus the numerous photos, are added bonuses to this valuable collection of essential bop. ~ Ken Dryden  http://www.allmusic.com/album/doin-the-gigi-mw0002166656

Doin' The Gigi

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