Ernie Pikea

Ernie Henry - Seven Standards And A Blues (1957) {Riverside OJCCD-1722-2 rel 1992}
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© 1957, 1992 Riverside Records / Fantasy | OJCCD-1722-2
Jazz / Hard Bop / Saxophone

Recorded just three months before his unexpected death, this set by altoist Ernie Henry is his definitive album as a leader. Henry, pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Wilbur Ware and drummer Philly Joe Jones do indeed play seven standards (including "I Get a Kick Out of You," "Soon" and "I've Got the World on a String"), plus a Henry blues ("Specific Gravity"). Superior modern mainstream music, but there should have been much more from the potentially significant Ernie Henry."

The most unusual aspect to this Ernie Watts recording is that the great tenor is joined by a two-bass quartet. Eddie Gomez on acoustic and Steve Swallow on electric blend together quite well, are featured in a delightful version of Oscar Pettiford's "Tricotism" and (with pianist Geri Allen and drummer Jack DeJohnette) keep the accompaniment consistently stimulating. Ernie Watts is in top form throughout this fine modern mainstream date, playing with both passion and lyricism on a variety of standards and originals (which, in addition to four songs from the leader, include one apiece from DeJohnette and Swallow). There is just enough variety to keep the proceedings from ever getting predictable, making this one of Watts' finest sessions.

Ernie Henry - Last Chorus (1957) {Riverside OJCCD-1906-2 rel 1998} (featuring Lee Morgan)
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© 1956-57, 1998 Riverside / OJC / Fantasy | OJCCD-1906-2
Jazz / Hard Bop / Saxophone

Ernie Henry was one of Riverside's earliest "discoveries." He recorded for the label, as a leader and as a sideman with Thelonious Monk and Kenny Dorham, for little more than a year before his sudden death at the end of 1957. The brilliant and unrealized promise of the young alto saxophonist, which was just beginning to be recognized (he was with Dizzy Gillespie's big band when he died), was dramatically exhibited on this final collection, one side of which is from an unfinished album featuring good friends and colleagues like Lee Morgan, Benny Golson, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, and Philly Joe Jones.

The selections on this uncommonly strong CD (a collaboration featuring keyboardist Patrice Rushen, saxophonist Ernie Watts, bassist Alphonso Johnson and drummer Ndugu Chancler) alternate between soulful jazz, inventive R&B, a bit of funk and ballads. Watts is in top form, and Rushen (who recalls Chick Corea on "Tango" and Herbie Hancock in other spots) shows that she can play with creativity. The set is a pleasant surprise and is recommended to listeners who enjoy R&B-oriented jazz.