Quasimado

"So Nice" from above CD ... this Blue Note disc is a compilation of 2x10" records from '53 (trio) and '54 (quintet with Frank Foster and Freeman Lee), PLUS 3 additional tracks recorded by Pacific Jazz in LA 1957, with Harold Land, Stu Williamson, Leroy Vinnegar and Frank Butler. "So Nice" comes from this group of 3 tracks, all of which are superb and feature fine compositions and arrangements (Elmo's) and swinging, imaginative solos of the highest order. Elmo has it all together, Land was at a peak at this time, and this may be the best Williamson on record ... plus Leroy and Frank Butler! Pity they didn't record more ...

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Er, Ken ... isn't it Zeitlin?😊

Lee has some interesting comments in Hamilton's book 217-19 ...

Caught Tootie live once - what a joy!

Many thanks for the article ... wonderful musician.

Thanks Bill.

Donation sent by PayPal: Regards ...

Always enjoyed his site - RIP

Welcome back, Larry. You were missed ...

👍Some great Lee here ...

Tadd Dameron group with Clifford Brown from "Clifford Brown Memorial" on Prestige doing "Theme of no Repeat". The writing is just fine, Clifford is excellent, the rhythm section of Philly Joe and Percy Heath is perfect - and Tadd is incredible! He often gets dissed as playing "arrangers piano" but here that ain't near the truth - think Monk with a touch of Bud, but completely Tadd!

Many thanks for this! San Francisco's black jazz scene in the 50's tends to be overlooked in comparison to LA's Central Avenue, but it was jumping, and Jimbo's was at its heart. In this film musicians and patrons (and Jimbo himself) reminisce about his legendary club and the scene at the time. There are some some great photos and stories of Bird, Dexter, Billie etc. As Brad says, you can still see it through to Sunday. Follow the links above. Don't miss it!

Wonderful musician - one of the very best of the so-called Lester tenors - swing, melody, imagination, feeling - he had it all. Check out this from Smalls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EA5gYjaCo8 Thank you Larry. RIP

Live, of course, there were solos galore (Warne Marsh, Med Flory, Jay Migliori, Frank Rosolino, Conte Candoli etc., depending on the various incarnations). Med was also a very hip, witty MC.

You mean alternate takes? Aren't they valuable? And especially with Fats Navarro - If you haven't heard the rare alternative take of Fats on "Nostalgia" (issued Savoy SJL 2216), you have missed out on a valuable listening experience - and there are many other similar examples ....

A little late, but thanks, Freddie. This is a beautiful disc ... the horns are perfect, and the writing/ arrangements tie everything together, directed by Freddie...

Plus it's in Stereo!😮

1953-4. Arrangers: Bill Russo & Bill Holman. Soloists include Sam Noto, Dave Schildkraut, Frank Rosolino, Buddy Childers, Charlie Mariano, Bill Perkins, Lee Konitz (get the cd with the 3 extra Konitz tracks), plus Stan Levey on drums. The music speaks for itself ...

adh1907 and Steve - many thanks! Betty is/was one fascinating lady - gigged around, studied with LT, made a mysterious 78, played for Bird and then ... gone! Great information and photos from Bill Crow - (that cat had a life!).

Interesting - seems even earlier to me - maybe '47/'48 (?) ... I see she sings too - same site has her doing "Gone with the Wind" ... What did Bill Crow have to say about her? I couldn't find any reference ...