Benny Lewis

The Jazztet had been in existence for two years when they recorded what would be their final LPs, Here and Now and Another Git Together. The personnel, other than the two co-leaders, flugelhornist Art Farmer and tenor-saxophonist Benny Golson, had completely changed since 1960 but the group sound was the same. The 1962 version of the Jazztet included trombonist Grachan Moncur III, pianist Harold Mabern, bassist Herbie Lewis, and drummer Roy McCurdy. It is remarkable to think that this talent-filled group wasn't, for some reason, snapped up to record even more albums together. Highlights of their excellent out-of-print LP include Ray Bryant's "Tonk," "Whisper Not," "Just in Time," and Thelonious Monk's "Ruby My Dear." A classic if short-lived hard bop group.

Avid Jazz continues with its Four Classic Albums series with a second re-mastered 2CD set release from Benny Carter, complete with original artwork, liner notes and personnel details. For our Second Set from the instantly recognisable horn of Benny Carter we have selected four more albums for you to enjoy as we again pay tribute to one of the true legendary giants of the jazz world.
“The Tatum, Carter, Bellson Trio”, “Makin’ Whoopee”, “B.B.B & Co.” and “Further Definitions”.
Jazz greats heard on these four phenomenal selections include some of the greatest names in the jazz world, Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Art Tatum, Louis Bellson, Jo Jones, Barney Bigard, Shorty Sherock, Jimmy Rowles, Leroy Vinnegar, Mel Lewis, Phil Woods, Charlie Rouse, Dick Katz and Jimmy Garrison.

Pianist Benny Green proves himself to be a seasoned composer on this collection of originals. "The Sexy Mexy" nods to Horace Silver with some crisp unison guitar from Russell Malone. The upbeat "Central Park South" features Stanley Turrentine, while the pianist's hypnotic "Thursday Lullaby" shows off his considerable chops. Ron Carter and Lewis Nash round out the capable rhythm section.

With the popularity of jazz slipping and sliding in its native America, many players have over the years chosen to relocate in Europe. Those who do are following in the footsteps of Willie Lewis. Born William T. Lewis, this historic jazz clarinetist and bandleader grew up in Dallas where he began his music career on the variety theater circuit. While some of his peers opted for on the job training on tour, Lewis chose the academic route and headed east to study at the New England Conservatory of Music. He had success in this period trying out for an open spot in the Will Marion Cook Orchestra and, as is sometimes the case with joining bands, there were unpredictable long-range consequences…

Willie Lewis invaded Europe in 1925 as a member of Sam Wooding's explosive jazz orchestra, making hot records and stunning audiences throughout Berlin, Barcelona, and Paris. When Wooding's organization disintegrated, Lewis returned to New York in 1931 and assembled a group of musicians for the purpose of a brief European tour the following year. Willie Lewis & His Entertainers played the Merry Grill in Brussels, and made one wild phonograph recording. A 13-piece orchestra composed almost entirely of European musicians and augmented with a vaudevillian vocal quartet (including Lewis himself) presents "Who Taught You That?" This is funny stuff, something like the frantic singing heard on certain records by Sam Wooding, Fats Waller & His Buddies, or Bix Beiderbecke with Paul Whiteman…

Essence, released in 1962, allows space for improvising around the charts provided by vibraphonist Gary McFarland. Arranged by Lewis, it featuring an array of jazz greats including Eric Dolphy, Phil Woods, Freddie Hubbard, Benny Golson, Jimmy Giuffre, and Jim Hall.