Duke's Big 4

[fasstrack]

This recording, which I listen to once and I while,, usually 2x in a row and with a big grin, is a total delight. It's great to hear the master in a small group. He always was a favorite pianist of mine. Joe Pass just plays his tits off. He's so swinging, bluesy, and exciting with his chops and ability to always mix it up playing double time. Ray Brown's sliding figures and blues-based solos make me want to take him home. The drummer, if memory serves, is Mickey Roker, and he fits right in. It's also so off-the-cuff you can hear Duke call out changes to Pass on the Hawk Talks. I don't think Joe knew a lot of these tunes, but his ears are so fast it really doesn't matter. These aren't Duke's hardest tunes, anyway.

If this ain't what jazz is about I quit. Back to selling storm windows..........

Edited April 16, 2009 by fasstrack

[Tom Storer]

I concur, but the drummer was Louie Bellson. In a similar timeframe, also on Pablo, with Roker and also with Brown and Pass, was "Dizzy Gillespie's Big 4." Beautiful, relaxed playing, even at the ridiculous tempo of "Bebop (Dizzy's Fingers)."

[jazzbo]

You should get the Granz DVD with the recording session on film!

[Hot Ptah]

I also like Duke and Ray Brown's album, "This One's For Blanton", also on Pablo from the same time period.

[Tom Storer]

You should get the Granz DVD with the recording session on film!

What the - ?? What's the title of it?

[Big Al]

You should get the Granz DVD with the recording session on film!

Link please?

[jazzbo]

[Big Al]

Sweet! Thanks, Lon!

[Free For All]

That's a nice video, Al. You'll enjoy it.