JJ Johnson - A Touch Of Satin

[Tom 1960]

I happened to see a vinyl copy today at a local flea market selling for $20. I don't know much about the date except it was recorded in the very early 60's for Columbia and features Johnson with Victor Feldman, Sam Jones and Louis Hayes. Since I was unaware of the date, I was wondering what the more knowledgable folks here might know of this session?

[J.A.W.]

It was recorded on December 15 and 21, 1960 and January 12, 1961 with a quartet: Johnson, Victor Feldman on piano, vibraphone and celeste (on 1 track), Sam Jones on bass and Louis Hayes on drums. The LP has 9 tracks. The date was included in the OOP J.J. Johnson Mosaic set, with 3 extra tracks (1 with Feldman on organ).

The LP was released in mono (Columbia CL 1737) and stereo (Columbia CS 8537).

[sidewinder]

and it's on the JJ Johnson Columbia Mosaic box set !

Like most of the sessions on that box, recorded at Columbia's 30th St studios, so excellent sound.

Edited August 9, 2010 by sidewinder

[J.A.W.]

and it's on the JJ Johnson Columbia Mosaic box set !

As I posted above, but you're right, it can't be emphasized enough!

[jlhoots]

and it's on the JJ Johnson Columbia Mosaic box set !

As I posted above, but you're right, it can't be emphasized enough!

Yep - it's on the Mosaic.

BTW, I like the whole box set a lot!!

[Peter Friedman]

I also have it on the Mosaic set. It's a very good session. In fact just about everything on the JJ Johnson Mosiac

set is prime music.

[Bill Nelson]

The $20 price would be about right for a mint 6-eye stereo from a used record store.

The $20 asking price by flea market dealer is a bit audacious -- I'd offer $15 at the most.

And the vinyl would have to be a minty-mint 6-eye stereo.

'Touch of Satin' is mostly standards (i.e. 'Satin Doll') by JJ with Adderley's rhythm section.

The LP notes should've printed "all supporting musicians courtesy of Riverside Records".)

This album consists of standards, very well played. None of the tracks are blazingly brillant.

I could've done without 'Gigi' and 'When the Saints Go Marching In'.

[Bill Nelson]

Upon Further Review -- "This album consists of standards..."

...AND two brief originals by JJ -- 'Flat Black' (4:17) and 'Bloozineff' (3:38)

Considering JJ's previous Columbia LP 'Trombone and Voices' (arr. by Frank DeVol),

'Touch of Satin' isn't the 'polite jazz' Columbia's marketing czars may have wanted.