Kenny Drew/Undercurrent (1960) -- Funk-Cosity

I'm back. The amps & preamp were getting HOT, so decided to shut them down and give them a breather.

Kenny Drew's seventh recording as a leader is significant for many reasons, not the least of which that it is one of the finest Blue Note hard bop statements in either of their catalogs. Teamed with rising young star, trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, and the wonderful tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley fresh off stints with Donald Byrd and Art Blakey, Drew is joining the ranks of the premier mainstream jazz pianists just prior to moving permanently to Europe. He's a complementary piece of the puzzle as a player, but stirs the drink as the composer of all of these very fine hard bop vehicles. Bassist Sam Jones and especially drummer Louis Hayes contribute mightily to the beats that keep Hubbard and Mobley flying on this recording, whose energy runs contrary to the more subtle, suggestive title. The band is roaring out of the gate on the title track in a Blakey-like stance, where Drew's rambling piano fortifies the under-the-surface horns. There's no messing around during the straight-ahead, fleet "Lion's Den," as the steady Hayes drives the combo, and Jones masterfully commands held tension-and-release segments. Toning it down into the blues spectrum, "Funk-Cosity" offers a beautiful melodic line where the identity might be typical, but the individualism of the performers is not. There's deft unison playing between the very compatible Hubbard and Mobley during the simplified "Groovin' the Blues," and even more pronounced on the ultra-melodic "The Pot's On," a gem of a tune that swings with a religious fervor via the adept drumming of Hayes. The lone downtempo track, "Ballade," is a real beauty as the trumpeter and tenor saxophonist wax poetic, but it is Drew whose cascading piano and deeply emotional romantic forays come across symphonically, like a young Erroll Garner. This is an extraordinary recording that reveals more upon repeat listenings.

Art Pepper & Eleven/Modern Jazz Classics (1959) -- Four Brothers

This is a true classic. Altoist Art Pepper is joined by an 11-piece band playing Marty Paich arrangements of a dozen jazz standards from the bop and cool jazz era. Trumpeter Jack Sheldon has a few solos, but the focus is very much on the altoist who is in peak form for this period. Throughout, Pepper sounds quite inspired by Paich's charts which feature the band as an active part of the music rather than just in the background. Highlights of this highly enjoyable set include "Move," "Four Brothers," "Shaw Nuff," "Anthropology," and "Donna Lee," but there is not a single throwaway track to be heard. Essential music for all serious jazz collections.

Steve Gadd Band/70 Strong (2015) -- The Long Way Home

Another beautifully smashing listening session this afternoon. With the TRefs in the forefront, sonic brilliance is a Given.

70 Strong ain’t no ‘drum clinic’ album, or an ‘ensemble album’ or a ‘great tunes’ album…it’s all of the above rolled into a solid whole.

The Four Seasons/Happy, Happy Birthday, Baby!

Happy Birthday, Rick!
Wishing you the Very Best on Your Special day!
Have a GOOD "UN"!!...

Is it Bro Rick's Birthday?????
Happy Birthday Bro Rick, all the best of God's blessings today and all this year!!!!!
May all your songs be happy ones!!!!!
God Bless,
Wayne

Thanks, guys!!!!

Our TX son and family were here yesterday. Today is a school day for our two grandsons, so a day early. I get to celebrate two days in a row!!!!

Rick