Duke Pearson's "Wahoo", forgotten masterpiece?

[ep1str0phy]

Pearson's small group sessions are good fun, in the least. I like Wahoo quite a bit--it rides on the energy of the ensemble (and--any way you cut it--these guys don't sound tired). Pearson was hardly an innovator--and albums like this one just smack of archetypal Blue Notisms--but there's no denying the potency of his writing and leadership. He was a fine pianist, but it's even more notable that he was capable of wrangling this sort of ensemble into something his own. And the Henderson/Spaulding duo is a favorite of mine.

[kh1958]

I saw James Spaulding in person three or four years ago, in a group led by Wallace Roney, with Antoine Roney and Geri Allen. He sounded damn good to me, the best of anyone in the group, with only Geri Allen even close.

[mikeweil]

Always loved Pearson's Blue Notes, and think that Spaulding would have deserved one of his own!

Another for Whaoo - got me the French LP in the 1980's, and later the CD.

[Shawn]

Let's not forget that Pearson was A&R guy and "house arranger" at Blue Note from 1963 onwards. Alot of sessions bear his stamp (even if he's not credited on the cover)...in fact we might have him to thank for some of the "Blue Note-isms" of the 60's that we enjoy.

Okay, back to Wahoo. Man, just check out the in-fuckin-credible arrangements on this sucker. Pearson had the wonderful ability of making a sextet sound like a nonet...or a nonet sound like an entire orchestra...his albums always sound LARGE. But I think the word that best describes Duke is "taste" (or tasty if you prefer). Pick the best musicians the label had to offer, throw in superb originals like "Amanda", "Bedouin" (brilliant), ESP and the title track (...and boy does Duke DRIVE that rhythm section!) and then give your players the space they require to deliver the goods. Take Joe Henderson's solos for example, he's REAL inspired on this date, cranking it that extra notch. You can tell that Duke's really leading this group, not just in the arrangements, but his playing. That's another thing...Duke may not be a "master" piano player, but he's a seriously SOULFUL player who took the Wynton Kelly-ish thing and expanded on it.

Anyway, definitely worth an import price...and hopefully an RVG or something one day. This album deserves to be in print...and Pearson's writing needs to garner the respect it should.

[Noj]

For visual reference.

Niiiiiiiiiice, Noj!

Google images, Buzzzzz. I don't have this one...yet.

[ep1str0phy]

Let's not forget that Pearson was A&R guy and "house arranger" at Blue Note from 1963 onwards. Alot of sessions bear his stamp (even if he's not credited on the cover)...in fact we might have him to thank for some of the "Blue Note-isms" of the 60's that we enjoy.

Okay, back to Wahoo. Man, just check out the in-fuckin-credible arrangements on this sucker. Pearson had the wonderful ability of making a sextet sound like a nonet...or a nonet sound like an entire orchestra...his albums always sound LARGE. But I think the word that best describes Duke is "taste" (or tasty if you prefer). Pick the best musicians the label had to offer, throw in superb originals like "Amanda", "Bedouin" (brilliant), ESP and the title track (...and boy does Duke DRIVE that rhythm section!) and then give your players the space they require to deliver the goods. Take Joe Henderson's solos for example, he's REAL inspired on this date, cranking it that extra notch. You can tell that Duke's really leading this group, not just in the arrangements, but his playing. That's another thing...Duke may not be a "master" piano player, but he's a seriously SOULFUL player who took the Wynton Kelly-ish thing and expanded on it.

Anyway, definitely worth an import price...and hopefully an RVG or something one day. This album deserves to be in print...and Pearson's writing needs to garner the respect it should.

Right on the money with the Pearson as A&R guy/producer--and yeah, a phenomenal (and underrated) composer). This is the guy who gave us 'Cristo Redentor' and 'Idle Moments.'

[White Lightning]

I love this session and this thread has given me an excuse to take it out of the shelf and give it a spin. I never did mind James Spaulding. In fact, I always thought his playing is very interesting and challenging. What's the objection all about, his Alto Sax acidic tone?

[etherbored]

i haven't given it a good listen in at least 18 months. last time i did, however, i remember thinking that i'd given such a seemingly great date so many chances to impress me and all it did was underwhelm me due most entitrely to spauldings offbeat musings... easily my least favorite of all duke's sessions for the label. however, i'll pull it out and give it a spin just to see if i can catch the groupthink zeitgest.

-e-

ps: for those who haven't, check out "honeybuns" + "prairie dog"...

Edited July 9, 2006 by etherbored

[Soul Stream]

When I hear Byrd, Spaulding and Henderson on this date....I hear 3 distict ways to make it through the changes. Byrd has a "convential" approach, Henderson is "modern" and Spaulding brings the unexpected and unconventional. I enjoy hearing how these 3 players make their way.

For example...just check out how the soloing unfolds on "Amanda"...Spaulding plays and there's a searching quality...trying to break out of the normal patterns one might go to. Byrd's next and takes his usual hard bop route, When Joe Henderson picks it up, he's taking figures, playing with them in half steps...doing what he did the hell out of so well. Some of it rubs off even on the normally conservative Pearson...listen to the riff he keeps repeating in the beginning of his solo ala'Henderson. The spirit of creativity is in full force, rubbing off and against each of the players. Ain't that what it's all about?!

Edited July 11, 2006 by Soul Stream

[BruceH]

For visual reference.

Oh...THAT one! Thanks.

Another album to keep an eye out for. I like Pearson, so I think I'll enjoy this.