Brilliant 1956 recordings with Art Farmer, Gigi Gryce, JR Montrose, Mal Waldron and co doing Gil Evans, Bob Brookmeyer and co’s arrangements of Charles originals, Jimmy Giuffre, George Russell, Nature Boy…
The great tenor saxophonist’s two 1961 albums for Contemporary — with stellar West Coast sidemen like Art Pepper, Phineas Newborn, Frank Butler, Frank Rosolino — showcasing singer Helyne Stewart on the first.
The first official 12’ release of these two walloping classics by one of the very greatest soul singers of all time. Undimmed after forty years.
We love this LP; it’s an old favourite. You can hear Teddy adjusting the influences of Hawk and Bird to meet the challenge of Rollins and Coltrane. You can’t go wrong with any of his West Coast albums from 1960-67, for Pacific, Contemporary and Prestige. Classy, bluesy, no frills West Coast jazz; cultured but tasty and with-it. This one has the warmth, purposefulness and swing of a classic Blue Note. Phineas Newborn plays a blinder, too.
Here’s the Penguin Guide: ‘One of the best mainstream albums of its day… beautifully and almost effortlessly crafted.’