Ralph Sutton And Dick Cary - Rendezvous At Sunnie's 1969

Styles: Piano And Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:33
Size: 123,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:58) 1. I Can´t Believe
(6:14) 2. S`Wonderful
(6:38) 3. Everything Happens To Me
(4:53) 4. Save It, Pretty Mama
(4:23) 5. Honky Tonk Train
(6:45) 6. Someday Sweetheart
(6:20) 7. I`ve Found A New Baby
(6:18) 8. Louisiana
(6:01) 9. A Hundred Years From Today
(3:40) 10. Echo Of Spring
(5:09) 11. In A Sentimental Mood
(7:48) 12. Undecided
(5:21) 13. Sweet Georgia Brown

The seventh volume in the Arbors label's Historical Series is a delightful live set from 1969, recorded at Sunnie's Rendezvous in Aspen, CO. Aspen was pianist Ralph Sutton's home turf, and trumpeter Dick Cary was driven 2,000 miles to the club by a pair of California-based jazz enthusiasts who intended to record the pair's musical summit meeting. It took more than 25 years for the resulting tapes to finally see commercial release, but they've been worth the wait. Cary and Sutton are a match made in heaven, two men of spectacular musical erudition, gentle musical wit, and uncompromising swing who are equally capable of spinning out sweet and elegant variations on "I Can't Believe That You're in Love with Me" and charging energetically through the barrelhouse boogie-woogie of "Honky Tonk Train".

" Sutton's soft but urgent introduction on "I've Found a New Baby" generates tremendous energy that only continues to build through his solos; listen carefully to his left-hand work and you'll hear a summary of the whole history of jazz piano. Cary has similar stylistic range, wailing and growling Louis Armstrong-style one moment and sighing lyrically the next -- his work on the rarely played alto horn is especially interesting and enjoyable. The producers apparently took special care with microphone placement on this live recording, resulting in unusually good sound quality. Highly recommended.~Rick Anderson https://www.allmusic.com/album/rendezvous-at-sunnies-1969-mw0000255438

Personnel: Piano – Ralph Sutton; Trumpet, Alto Horn – Dick Cary; Bass – Al Hall; Drums – Cliff Leeman

Rendezvous At Sunnie's 1969

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Ralph Sutton - It's So Nice It Must Be Illegal!

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 57:12
Size: 131.0 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[0:27] 1. Introduction By Ralph Sutton
[6:16] 2. Honeysuckle Rose
[6:07] 3. Love Lies
[5:12] 4. Echoes Of Spring
[5:22] 5. Everything Happens To Me
[4:02] 6. My Blue Heaven
[6:54] 7. Medley Squeeze Me, Ain't Misbehavin'
[3:35] 8. S'posin'
[6:44] 9. Medley Sophisticated Lady, I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart, Ring Dem Bells
[4:45] 10. Vipers Drag
[5:27] 11. Just One Of Those Things
[2:15] 12. I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter

The great stride pianist Ralph Sutton is featured throughout this previously unreleased concert, a set of duets with drummer Michael Silva, who Sutton had met just minutes before going on-stage. Silva is very much in the background as Sutton performs some of his favorite songs. The tempos are usually pretty relaxed and there are no real barnburners, so this set is not as exciting as some of the pianist's most stirring performances. Still, the music is well played and Sutton was clearly having a good time playing before the audience in France. The final two numbers are called "bonus tracks" because they were recorded earlier that day at a rehearsal/soundcheck. "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter" has a good-humored and rare Sutton vocal. All in all, a solid if not essential release from a timeless master. ~Scott Yanow

It's So Nice It Must Be Illegal

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Ralph Sutton - I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:12
Size: 113,4 MB
Art: Front

(8:02)  1. If I Could Be with You, Jitterbug Waltz, Say Yes, Slightly Less Than Wonderful
(3:07)  2. Morning Air
(7:48)  3. St. Louis Blues
(2:17)  4. I've Got The World On A String
(4:17)  5. Shine
(2:55)  6. Honky Tonk Train Blues
(4:30)  7. Old Fashioned Love
(2:46)  8. Handful Of Keys
(2:16)  9. Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do
(4:46) 10. I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter
(6:23) 11. I Got Rhythm

Ralph Sutton was the greatest stride pianist to emerge since World War II, with his only close competitors being the late Dick Wellstood and the very versatile Dick Hyman. Nearly alone in his generation, Sutton kept alive the piano styles of Fats Waller and James P. Johnson, not as mere museum pieces but as devices for exciting improvisations. Although sticking within the boundaries of his predecessors, Sutton infused the music with his own personality; few could match his powerful left hand. Ralph Sutton played with Jack Teagarden's big band briefly in 1942 before serving in the Army. 

After World War II he appeared regularly on Rudi Blesh's This Is Jazz radio show and spent eight years as the intermission pianist at Eddie Condon's club, recording frequently. He spent time playing in San Francisco, worked for Bob Scobey, moved to Aspen in the mid-'60s, and became an original member of the World's Greatest Jazz Band with Yank Lawson, Bob Haggart, and Bud Freeman. In the 1970s, he recorded many exciting albums for the Chaz label and then cut albums for quite a few labels. Despite suffering a stroke in the early '90s, Sutton kept a busy schedule through the mid-'90s, playing at jazz parties and festivals. He died suddenly on December 29, 2001, in his car outside a restaurant in Evergreen, CO. Although he would have received much greater fame if he had been born 20 years earlier and come to maturity during the 1930s rather than the 1950s, at the time of his death it was obvious that Ralph Sutton had earned his place among the top classic jazz pianists of all time. ~ Scott Yanow  https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ralph-sutton/id1579569#fullText

I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart

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Ralph Sutton - Little Light

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 77:30
Size: 179,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:52)  1. My Monday Date
(6:01)  2. I've Found a New Baby
(4:00)  3. Indiana
(6:38)  4. West End Blues
(5:47)  5. Panama Rag
(8:28)  6. I Thought I Heard Buddy Bolden Say
(5:11)  7. Muscat Ramble
(2:37)  8. Clarinet Marmalade
(6:36)  9. After You've Gone
(5:28) 10. Basin Street Blues
(6:07) 11. On the Sunny Side of the Street
(4:56) 12. Down in Jungle Town
(5:09) 13. St. James Infirmary
(5:33) 14. Chinatown, My Chinatown

Ralph Sutton was the greatest stride pianist to emerge since World War II, with his only close competitors being the late Dick Wellstood and the very versatile Dick Hyman. Nearly alone in his generation, Sutton kept alive the piano styles of Fats Waller and James P. Johnson, not as mere museum pieces but as devices for exciting improvisations. Although sticking within the boundaries of his predecessors, Sutton infused the music with his own personality; few could match his powerful left hand. Ralph Sutton played with Jack Teagarden's big band briefly in 1942 before serving in the Army. After World War II he appeared regularly on Rudi Blesh's This Is Jazz radio show and spent eight years as the intermission pianist at Eddie Condon's club, recording frequently. He spent time playing in San Francisco, worked for Bob Scobey, moved to Aspen in the mid-'60s, and became an original member of the World's Greatest Jazz Band with Yank Lawson, Bob Haggart, and Bud Freeman. In the 1970s, he recorded many exciting albums for the Chaz label and then cut albums for quite a few labels. Despite suffering a stroke in the early '90s, Sutton kept a busy schedule through the mid-'90s, playing at jazz parties and festivals. He died suddenly on December 29, 2001, in his car outside a restaurant in Evergreen, CO. Although he would have received much greater fame if he had been born 20 years earlier and come to maturity during the 1930s rather than the 1950s, at the time of his death it was obvious that Ralph Sutton had earned his place among the top classic jazz pianists of all time. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/ralph-sutton-mn0000389980/biography

Little Light

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Ralph Sutton, Kenny Davern - Ralph Sutton & Kenny Davern

Styles: Piano, Clarinet Jazz
Year: 1980
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:43
Size: 156,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:15)  1. That's A-Plenty
(4:45)  2. Old Fashioned Love
(4:24)  3. Jazz Me Blues
(4:14)  4. Am I Blue
(6:16)  5. St. Louis Blues
(4:44)  6. Black And Blue
(2:33)  7. Take Me To The Land Of Jazz
(5:52)  8. All By Myself
(5:09)  9. My Honey's Lovin' Arms
(1:55) 10. 'Taint Nobody's Business
(5:48) 11. My Daddy Rocks Me
(4:53) 12. I Would Do Most Anything For You
(4:30) 13. Sweet Lorraine
(4:43) 14. Memphis Blues
(3:35) 15. A Porter's Love Song To A Chambermaid

This CD reissue combines two full LPs originally recorded for the Chaz Jazz label, with pianist Ralph Sutton and clarinetist Kenny Davern joined by Gus Johnson on drums. Traditional jazz fans will delight in Sutton's powerful brand of stride piano (the bass is never missed), yet he is also a very effective accompanist who can play a soft ballad with the best of them. Davern's always lyrical clarinet explores a wider range than most trad jazz players. Things get underway at a fast clip with "That's A-Plenty," followed by a dreamy take of James P. Johsnon's "Old Fashioned Love." Each man has an individual vocal feature as well: Davern's approach to "Take Me to the Land of Jazz" is almost conversational, while Sutton adds an enthusiastic humorous vocal á la Fats Waller to his upbeat solo feature of "'Tain't Nobody's Bizness If I Do," and Johnson's voice is surprisingly similar to Doc Cheatham's in a warm rendition of "Sweet Lorraine." Marty Grosz's hilarious liner notes have been retained, and an amusing new cartoon cover has been added by George Booth, making this CD a desirable purchase even if you already own the two long unavailable LPs that first showcased this music. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/ralph-sutton-kenny-davern-complete-mw0000599345

Ralph Sutton & Kenny Davern

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Bob Scobey's Frisco Band - Swingin' On The Golden Gate

Styles: Trumpet Jazz, Swing
Year: 1899
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:31
Size: 89,3 MB
Art: Front

(2:48)  1. Sunny Disposish
(3:11)  2. Carolina In The Morning
(3:48)  3. Feet Draggin' Blues
(2:22)  4. It Happened In Sun valley
(4:07)  5. I Can't Get Started With You
(3:19)  6. Come Back Sweet Papa
(2:48)  7. Wabash Cannonball
(2:48)  8. New Orleans
(3:15)  9. Ain't-Cha Glad?
(3:19) 10. Let's Dance The Ragtime, Darlin'
(4:24) 11. Snag It
(2:18) 12. Waiting For The Robert E. Lee

Trumpeter Bob Scobey used an expanded version of his Frisco Jazz Band for this fine effort, last available as a now out-of-print LP. Matty Matlock's arrangements for the six horns (including three trombones), four-piece rhythm section and banjoist Clancy Hayes (who takes five vocals) are colorful and swinging. Some of the song choices are a bit off the wall (including "It Happened In Sun Valley," "Wabash Cannonball" and the recent "Let's Dance The Ragtime Darlin'"), but this brand of Dixieland avoids corn in favor of sincere swinging. In addition to Scobey (who is in fine form), the supporting cast has such strong players as trumpeter Dick Cathcart, clarinetist Matlock and pianist Ralph Sutton. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/swingin-on-the-golden-gate-mw0000896219

Personnel: Bob Scobey - leader, trumpet; Clancy Hayes - banjo, guitar, vocals; Matty Matlock - clarinet, arranger; Abe Lincoln - trombone; Warren Smith - trombone; Jack Buck - trombone; Ralph Sutton - piano; Bob Short - tuba; Sammy Goldstein - drums.

Swingin' On The Golden Gate

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Ralph Sutton - Ralph Sutton At Cafe Des Copains

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1987
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:51
Size: 126,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:13)  1. Laugh Clown Laugh
(4:30)  2. You Can Depend On Me
(3:30)  3. Poor Butterfly
(4:19)  4. Snowy Morning Blues
(4:48)  5. Russian Lullaby
(5:45)  6. Sweet Sue
(5:32)  7. This Is All I Ask
(3:44)  8. Somebody Stole My Gal
(5:43)  9. St. Louis Blues
(3:14) 10. My Blue Heaven
(4:23) 11. Exactly Like You
(4:05) 12. Christopher Columbus

Ralph Sutton is such a consistent pianist that virtually all of his releases are recommended. At the top of his admittedly small field (stride piano has become an almost extinct art form), Sutton always seems to sound inspired no matter how many times he has performed a particular number. This superior solo CD features Sutton live at Toronto's Cafe Des Copains, recorded live for radio during performances in 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1987. The stride pianist's style, which was fully formed by the mid-1950s, did not change during the era, so there is a strong unity to the music (as if it had all been played the same day). Highlights include "Laugh Clown Laugh," "You Can Depend On Me," "Somebody Stole My Gal" and "Christopher Columbus." ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/at-cafe-des-copains-mw0000873850

Ralph Sutton At Cafe Des Copains

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Ralph Sutton - The Second Set

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:31
Size: 170,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:53)  1. Sleep
(5:23)  2. Moonglow
(5:38)  3. Basin Street Blues
(5:24)  4. Perdido
(2:04)  5. Love Me
(6:15)  6. Always
(5:11)  7. Love Lies
(6:52)  8. Gone With The Wind
(5:10)  9. Tea For Two
(6:33) 10. Sweet & Lovely
(7:31) 11. If Dreams Come True
(2:33) 12. Honky Tink Trein Blues

Ralph Sutton was one of the few living masters of stride piano by the time this night club engagement was recorded in St. Louis. This is the second volume of music recorded during his March, 1999, gig at the Backstage Bistro, but it is by no means inferior to the earlier Gaslight CD. Accompanied by two seasoned veterans, bassist Jack Lesberg and drummer Frank Capp, Sutton is in top form. One doesn't normally think of "Moonglow" as part of a stride pianist's repertoire, but Sutton's jaunty interpretation should prompt other practitioners to include it in their books. "Basin Street Blues" features a delightful call-and-response between the artist and Lesberg in its introduction before the leader takes over to work his magic with this jazz standard. The pianist also is featured on several delightful solos, including an alternate take of "Love Me" (a tune all but forgotten by most jazz musicians), a tantalizing performance of "Love Lies," a jubilant "Tea for Two," plus the added bonus of a private recording made in 1950, in a fan's home, of Sutton's romp through the boogie woogie classic "Honky Tonk Train Blues." Highly recommended! ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-second-set-mw0000015355

Personnel: Ralph Sutton (piano); Jack Lesberg (bass); Frank Capp (drums).               

The Second Set

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Ralph Sutton - Ralph Sutton With Ted Easton Jazzband

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:51
Size: 114.1 MB
Styles: Piano jazz, Dixieland
Year: 1975/2002
Art: Front

[4:23] 1. I'll Be A Friend With Pleasure
[3:49] 2. The Curse Of An Aching Heart
[4:38] 3. Blues In My Heart
[4:54] 4. South Rampart Street Parade
[5:42] 5. Sunshine Of Love
[5:20] 6. Blue Turning Grey Over You
[4:36] 7. Ain't Misbehavin'
[2:39] 8. The Sheik Of Araby
[4:25] 9. Emaline
[2:55] 10. Keepin' Out Of Mischief Now
[2:39] 11. I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter
[3:46] 12. Hony Tonk Train Blues

The great stride pianist Ralph Sutton was in Europe when he recorded this live concert with Dutch drummer Ted Easton's quintet. The repertoire is mostly filled with Dixieland and New Orleans warhorses (the exceptions are Benny Carter's "Blues in My Heart," "Sunshine of Love," and "Emaline"), but the musicians make the music sound fresh and generally exciting. Sutton, who was always very consistent, excels as usual and there are fine solos along the way by trumpeter Bob Wulffers, trombonist Henk Van Muyen, and clarinetist Frits Kaatee. Highlights include "I'll Be a Friend With Pleasure," "South Rampart Street Parade," "Emaline," and "Honky Tonk Train Blues," the latter one of four unaccompanied Sutton piano solos. An excellent Dixieland date from the mid-'70s; the 1975 date is an educated guess. ~ Scott Yanow

Ralph Sutton With Ted Easton Jazzband

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Ralph Sutton - Easy Street

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:02
Size: 153.4 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 1991/2000
Art: Front

[5:24] 1. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone
[3:58] 2. Mary Lou
[4:16] 3. Easy Street
[4:06] 4. Clarinet Marmalade
[4:31] 5. June Night
[7:42] 6. When I Grow Too Old To Dream
[5:24] 7. Wolverine Blues
[5:11] 8. Tea For Two
[5:06] 9. A Hundred Years From Today
[4:43] 10. Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gave To Me
[4:35] 11. Handful Of Keys
[6:34] 12. T'ain't So Honey T'ain't So
[5:27] 13. China Boy

During a 1991 tour of Australia, the great stride pianist Ralph Sutton teamed up with the talented cornetist Bob Barnard and drummer Len Barnard. There are a pair of duets apiece by Sutton with just one Barnard at a time and the pianist takes Fats Waller's "Handful of Keys" unaccompanied in addition to performing eight trio numbers. Sutton mixes together obscurities (such as J. Russell Robinson's "Mary Lou" and "June Night") and more familiar but superior numbers such as "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone," "Wolverine Blues" and "China Boy." Bob Barnard sounds in particularly inspired form, making this a delightful set that classic jazz fans will certainly enjoy. ~Scott Yanow

Easy Street

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Ralph Sutton Trio - Home Again

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:25
Size: 149,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:07)  1. St. Louis Blues
(5:57)  2. Mean To Me
(4:54)  3. Crazy Rhythm
(4:32)  4. Fine And Dandy
(3:34)  5. I Want A Little Girl
(4:10)  6. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
(4:23)  7. Farewell Blues
(3:31)  8. Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?
(6:42)  9. Georgia On My Mind
(5:40) 10. Ain't Misbehavin'
(3:52) 11. S'posin'
(3:32) 12. Don't Let The Sun Catch You Cryin'
(5:15) 13. Basin Street Blues
(3:10) 14. Honky Tonk Train

This CD may very well contain the final recordings by Ralph Sutton, who died just over a year after these concerts in St. Louis, which included a rare opportunity to record with his sister, Barbara Sutton Curtis. Eight of the numbers feature the twin pianists, fueled by bassist Keter Betts and drummer Frank Capp. Appropriately enough, a hard-driving "St. Louis Blues" is the potent introduction. The quartet also glides through a lightly swinging "On the Sunny Side of the Street," a very playful "Ain't Misbehavin'" (complete with the all too often omitted verse), and a take-no-prisoners up-tempo romp through Meade Lux Lewis' boogie-woogie classic "Honky Tonk Train." 

Barbara, who is nowhere near as well known as her famous brother, is clearly no slouch at the piano; her features include a poignant "Brother Can You Spare a Dime?" and a well-crafted solo take of "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'." Ralph glides effortlessly through "Fine and Dandy," "Farewell Blues," and "S'posin." Fans of stride piano and classic jazz will definitely want to snap up this thoroughly delightful live CD. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/home-again-mw0000658296

Personnel: Ralph Sutton (piano); Barbara Sutton-Curtis (piano); Frank Capp (drums).

Home Again

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Ralph Sutton Trio - Swings St. Louis

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:03
Size: 138,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:16)  1. I Found A New Baby
(5:11)  2. One Morning In May
(4:45)  3. I Thought About You
(6:13)  4. How High The Moon
(3:56)  5. Sweet Sue
(3:26)  6. In The Dark
(4:30)  7. Honeysuckle Rose
(4:13)  8. Lady Be Good
(5:30)  9. Sugar
(5:02) 10. Back Home Again In Indiana
(2:24) 11. Love Me
(6:26) 12. Thou Swell
(5:07) 13. St. Louis Blues

The great stride pianist Ralph Sutton struts his chops on this series of live dates recorded at the Backstage Bistro in St. Louis. Sutton is joined by veterans Jack Lesberg on bass and Frank Capp on drums on ten of the 13 tracks, starting with the swinging "I Found a New Baby." The snappy foot-tapping takes of "Sweet Sue" and "St. Louis Blues" are also outstanding. Sutton's three solo features are also gems: Bix Beiderbecke's infrequently heard "In the Dark," "Love Me," once a favorite of Art Tatum, and the obligatory Fats Waller favorite "Honeysuckle Rose." 

~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/swings-st-louis-mw0000010380

Personnel:  Ralph Sutton – piano;  Jack Lesberg – bass;  Frank Capp – drums

Swings St. Louis

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Ralph Sutton - Echoes Of Swing (2-Disc Set)

Although stride piano master Ralph Sutton has recorded steadily throughout his career, this double CD (which contains all the music from two sets played at a Hamburg, Germany concert) was his first at the head of a medium-size group since 1981. Joined by trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso, trombonist Bill Allred, Antti Sarpila on clarinet and soprano, bassist Jack Lesberg, and drummer Gregor Beck, Sutton is in fine form and seems to enjoy the role of being an occasional accompanist. With the exception of the pianist's showcase on Fats Waller's "Clothesline Ballet," the music is dominated by warhorses. However, the fine solos and spirited ensembles make such tunes as "California Here I Come," "Limehouse Blues," "Some of These Days" and "Shine" sound fresh and colorful. ~Scott Yanow

Album: Echoes Of Swing (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:27
Size: 131.5 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 1997

[ 5:58] 1. Fine And Dandy
[ 7:16] 2. Moonglow
[ 7:27] 3. California, Here I Come
[ 4:58] 4. Clothes Line Ballet
[10:38] 5. Song Of The Wanderer
[ 6:15] 6. Sweet Lorraine
[ 5:34] 7. Medley: Happy Birthday/Blame It On My Youth
[ 9:16] 8. Limehouse Blues

Echoes Of Swing (Disc 1)

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Album: Echoes Of Swing (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:20
Size: 122.1 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 1997
Art: Front

[11:33] 1. My Gal Sal
[ 9:04] 2. Beale Street Blues
[ 5:04] 3. Some Of These Days
[ 7:10] 4. Runnin' Wild
[ 5:41] 5. Thanks A Million
[ 8:20] 6. Shine
[ 6:25] 7. Buddy Bolden Blues

Echoes Of Swing (Disc 2)

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The World's Greatest Jazzband Of Yank Lawson & Bob Haggart - Hark The Herald Angels Swing

Styles: Holiday, Christmas
Year: 1972
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 32:46
Size: 56,8 MB
Art: Front

(2:36)  1. Hark, The Herald Angels Swing!
(2:53)  2. Little Drummer Boy
(2:50)  3. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
(3:52)  4. Silent Night
(2:45)  5. Joy To The World
(3:11)  6. Jingle Bells
(3:24)  7. White Christmas
(1:49)  8. I'll Be Home For Christmas
(3:17)  9. The Christmas Song
(3:10) 10. Winter Wonderland
(2:53) 11. Deck The Halls

This is one of the happier Christmas jazz LPs ever released. Filled with delightful performances of Yuletide favorites including "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer," "Joy to the World," "Jingle Bells," and "Winter Wonderland," showing that many Christmas songs lend themselves well to Dixieland. The hot music is performed by trumpeters Yank Lawson and Billy Butterfield, trombonists Vic Dickenson and Eddie Hubble, Bob Wilber on clarinet and soprano, tenor saxophonist Bud Freeman, pianist Ralph Sutton, bassist Bob Haggart, and drummer Gus Johnson. Recommended. ~ Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/Hark-Herald-Angels-Swing-Christmas/dp/B002SFGESM

Personnel:  Bass – Bob Haggart;  Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone – Bob Wilber;  Drums – Gus Johnson;  Piano – Ralph Sutton;  Tenor Saxophone – Bud Freeman;  Trombone – Eddie Hubble, Vic Dickenson
Trumpet – Billy Butterfield, Yank Lawson

Hark The Herald Angels Swing

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Stride Piano Summit: A Celebration of Harlem Stride & Classic Piano Jazz

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:54
Size: 144,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:25)  1. Ain't Misbehavin'
(2:43)  2. Bach Up To Me
(4:34)  3. Old Fashioned Love
(2:12)  4. Eye Opener
(4:39)  5. Dinah
(5:34)  6. Confessin' The Blues
(3:42)  7. Persian Rug
(3:12)  8. Thou Swell
(5:41)  9. Clothes Line Ballet
(3:34) 10. 'Deed I Do
(5:16) 11. Sunday
(2:34) 12. Could It Be I'm Falling In Love
(2:46) 13. Am I Blue
(5:51) 14. Sweet Lorraine
(5:04) 15. All Of Me

Stride Piano Summit was an annual concert with a special group of pianists who gathered to celebrate the genre in San Francisco beginning in 1988; the 1990 edition was the first gathering recorded, featuring a rotating cast of musicians, including Dick Hyman, Ralph Sutton, Mike Lipskin, and, finally, Jay McShann, who is better known for his Kansas City blues. Hyman and Lipskin pair up on several numbers, including a strutting take of "Ain't Misbehavin'" (during which they are also joined by the muted trumpet of Harry "Sweets" Edison) and a rambunctious duo piano take of "'Deed I Do"; Hyman switches to the powerful organ at Davies Symphony Hall to accompany Lipskin (still on piano) for "Persian Rug" and "Thou Swell," two of the numbers Fats Waller recorded on pipe organ during a 1928 session. 

Both of them are featured on a pair of piano solos apiece, with the expected first-rate results. Sutton joins forces with McShann and a rhythm section for "Old Fashioned Love," although they clearly don't mesh together as well as Hyman and Lipskin. Sutton fares better as a soloist in a brief run through "Eye Opener" and a crowd-pleasing rendition of Waller's "Clothes Line Ballet." McShann, who is clearly the odd man out in what is billed as a stride piano event, fares better in his playing of "Sunday" (with Hyman and Edison) and shines with yet another version of his well-known "Confessin' the Blues." In retrospect, a rhythm section seems superfluous when a true stride master is at the piano, but it is likely that the concert producers were trying to add a little variety. This enjoyable date is recommended for stride fans, with Hyman taking top solo honors for the evening. ~ Ken Dryden  http://www.allmusic.com/album/release/stride-piano-summit-a-celebration-of-harlem-stride-classic-piano-jazz-mr0000118088

Personnel: Dick Hyman (piano, organ), Mike Lipskin, Jay McShann (piano, vocal), Ralph Sutton (piano), Harry "Sweets" Edison (trumpet)

Stride Piano Summit

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Ralph Sutton - Partners In Crime

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:27
Size: 108.6 MB
Styles: Piano jazz, Swing
Year: 1983/1999
Art: Front

[4:04] 1. Swing That Music
[4:44] 2. One Morning In May
[5:03] 3. Old Folks
[5:03] 4. Rain
[4:43] 5. I Never Knew
[4:37] 6. On A Slow Boat To China
[4:16] 7. It's Wonderful
[5:15] 8. How Can You Force Me
[5:29] 9. West End Avenue Blues
[4:08] 10. Diga Diga Doo

Through the years, the great stride pianist Ralph Sutton has recorded a surprising number of albums in quartets with trumpeters. For this CD, he teams quite successfully with the talented Australian trumpeter Bob Barnard, bassist Milt Hinton and drummer Len Barnard for a wide-ranging set of swing tunes, most of which are not performed that often. In addition to Bob Barnard's "West End Avenue Blues," the group is heard at its best on "Swing That Music," Hoagy Carmichael's "One Morning In May," "It's Wonderful" and "How Can You Face Me," but all ten selections are rewarding and swinging. Recommended. ~Scott Yanow

Partners In Crime

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Ralph Sutton - Alligator Crawl

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:16
Size: 151.7 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 1976/1992
Art: Front

[3:05] 1. Alligator Crawl
[6:37] 2. Ain't Misbehavin'
[4:45] 3. Can't We Be Friends
[3:38] 4. Honky Tonk Train Blues
[4:49] 5. Squeeze Me
[3:58] 6. Honeysuckle Rose
[4:35] 7. Rose Room
[3:42] 8. Echoes Of Spring
[4:53] 9. Love Lies
[1:56] 10. Eye Opener
[2:50] 11. Two Sleepy People
[3:24] 12. Muskrat Ramble
[3:39] 13. I've Found A New Baby
[4:54] 14. Memories Of You
[3:22] 15. Viper's Drag
[4:28] 16. Dinah
[1:33] 17. Handful Of Keys

Recorded the same day as the equally successful Off the Cuff, this solo set by pianist Ralph Sutton finds him exploring his usual repertoire, including quite a few tunes associated with Fats Waller. No matter how many times Sutton plays these veteran standards, he always seems to come up with fresh variations and enthusiastic (yet melodic) improvisations. Highlights of the Jazzology recording include "Alligator Crawl," "Ain't Misbehavin'," "Honky Tonk Train Blues" and "Honeysuckle Rose." ~Scott Yanow

Alligator Crawl

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Ralph Sutton & Jay McShann - Last of the Whorehouse Piano Players

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1989
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:32
Size: 141,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:50)  1. Honey
(6:23)  2. Old Fashioned Love
(3:10)  3. 'Fore Day Rider
(5:25)  4. On the Sunny Side of the Street
(3:43)  5. Sweet Georgia Brown
(3:53)  6. Do Wah
(3:56)  7. Indiana
(4:48)  8. 'Deed I Do
(4:18)  9. Crazy Rhythm
(6:19) 10. Cherry
(3:54) 11. Pretty Baby
(3:55) 12. I've Found a New Baby
(6:53) 13. JazzSpeak - a spoken interview

Not to be confused with the CD reissue of the same name (Chiaroscuro 206) recorded in 1979, this reunion encounter by pianists Ralph Sutton and Jay McShann (in a quartet with bassist Milt Hinton and drummer Gus Johnson) is up to the same level of the original dates, with plenty of heated moments on songs such as "Old Fashioned Love," "Sweet Georgia Brown," "Cherry," and "I've Found a New Baby." While Sutton is the definitive stride pianist of the past half-century, McShann (who also takes a couple of vocals) finds space to infuse the music with a strong dose of blues and Kansas City swing. A seven-minute "Jazzspeak" wraps up the enjoyable outing with some reminiscing about the sessions. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/last-of-the-whorehouse-piano-players-mw0000269534

Personnel: Ralph Sutton (piano); Jay McShann (piano); Gus Johnson (drums).

Last of the Whorehouse Piano Players

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Ralph Sutton, Jim Galloway, Don Vickery - Pocketful Of Dreams

Styles: Piano And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:54
Size: 151,2 MB
Art: Front

(5:34)  1. Sleep
(7:50)  2. Farewell Blues
(7:33)  3. Sweet And Slow
(6:05)  4. Blue Skies
(4:54)  5. I've Got a Pocket Full of Dreams
(7:01)  6. You've Changed
(5:59)  7. Baby Won't You Please Come Home
(7:12)  8. Poor Butterfly
(6:49)  9. If Dreams Come True
(6:51) 10. She's Funny That Way

Ralph Sutton was the greatest stride pianist to emerge since World War II, with his only close competitors being the late Dick Wellstood and the very versatile Dick Hyman. Nearly alone in his generation, Sutton kept alive the piano styles of Fats Waller and James P. Johnson, not as mere museum pieces but as devices for exciting improvisations. Although sticking within the boundaries of his predecessors, Sutton infused the music with his own personality; few could match his powerful left hand. Ralph Sutton played with Jack Teagarden's big band briefly in 1942 before serving in the Army. After World War II he appeared regularly on Rudi Blesh's This Is Jazz radio show and spent eight years as the intermission pianist at Eddie Condon's club, recording frequently. He spent time playing in San Francisco, worked for Bob Scobey, moved to Aspen in the mid-'60s, and became an original member of the World's Greatest Jazz Band with Yank Lawson, Bob Haggart, and Bud Freeman. 

In the 1970s, he recorded many exciting albums for the Chaz label and then cut albums for quite a few labels. Despite suffering a stroke in the early '90s, Sutton kept a busy schedule through the mid-'90s, playing at jazz parties and festivals. He died suddenly on December 29, 2001, in his car outside a restaurant in Evergreen, CO. Although he would have received much greater fame if he had been born 20 years earlier and come to maturity during the 1930s rather than the 1950s, at the time of his death it was obvious that Ralph Sutton had earned his place among the top classic jazz pianists of all time. ~ Bio  https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ralph-sutton/id1579569#fullText

An excellent swing soprano player with a lighter tone than Sidney Bechet, Jim Galloway has made many recordings with like-minded veterans. He played locally in Scotland on clarinet and alto before emigrating to Canada in 1965. He soon began specializing on soprano, led the Metro Stompers (1968), put together the Wee Big Band (1978), and hosted the weekly jazz radio program Toronto Alive! (1981-1987). Galloway, who has appeared at many jazz festivals and jazz parties, has recorded for Sackville, Hep, and Music & Arts along with several smaller Canadian labels with such pianists as Dick Wellstood, Art Hodes, and most often with Jay McShann. ~ Bio  https://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/jim-galloway/id110727063

Personnel: Ralph Sutton (piano); Jim Galloway (soprano saxophone); Don Vickery (drums).

Pocketful Of Dreams

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Dick Hyman & Ralph Sutton - Just You Just Me

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:30
Size: 152,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:43)  1. Just You Just Me
(6:13)  2. Out Of Nowhere
(5:05)  3. I'm Crazy 'Bout My Baby
(5:53)  4. Lover Come Back To Me
(6:07)  5. 'Deed I Do
(5:12)  6. Viper's Drag
(5:20)  7. Truckin'
(5:55)  8. Echoes Of Spring/Passionate
(3:46)  9. Changes
(9:46) 10. St Louis Blues
(7:26) 11. After You've Gone

The two living stride pianists, Dick Hyman and Ralph Sutton, had only recorded one earlier album together, a set for the Concord label. This encore performance is on the same high level. Among the tunes that Hyman and Sutton romp through are "Just You, Just Me," "'Deed I Do," "Truckin'" and "After You've Gone." The complex but hard-swinging "Changes" is another one of the highlights. Sutton takes a pair of Willie "The Lion" Smith tunes as his feature while Hyman stretches out solo on "Out Of Nowhere." Classic music from a pair of keyboard masters. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/just-you-just-me-mw0000588598

Personnel: Dick Hyman (piano); Ralph Sutton (piano).

Just You Just Me

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