Jazz Fantasy

Doug Watkins Quintet - Soulnik (1960) {Prestige–New Jazz OJCCD-1848-2 rel 1994}
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© 1960, 1994 Prestige / New Jazz / Fantasy / OJC | OJCCD-1848-2
Jazz / Hard Bop / Cello

Bassist Doug Watkins only led two recording sessions before his death in 1962, and this set (which was cut for New Jazz and reissued on CD in the OJC series) has sometimes appeared under Yusef Lateef's name. Watkins doubles on cello (an instrument he had reportedly only begun playing three days earlier) during the set with Lateef (who triples on tenor, flute, and oboe), pianist Hugh Lawson, bassist Herman Wright, and drummer Lex Humphries. The quintet performs three standards, Watkins' "Andre's Bag," and a couple of Lateef tunes. The use of oboe and cello on some numbers makes the date stand out a bit from the usual hard bop sessions of the period and straight-ahead jazz fans will want to get this CD.

Mal Waldron - Impressions (1959) {Prestige–New Jazz OJCCD-132-2 rel 1992}
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© 1959, 1992 Prestige-New Jazz / Fantasy | OJCCD-132-2
Jazz / Hard Bop / Post Bop / Piano

This CD reissue brings back one of pianist Mal Waldron's lesser-known sessions from the 1950's. Teamed up in a trio with bassist Addison Farmer and drummer Al "Tootie" Heath, Waldron performs three originals from what he called his "Overseas Suite" along with a fine song by his wife ("All About Us") and three standards. Waldron's brooding Monk-influenced style is heard in its early prime on this excellent release.

Yusef Lateef - Other Sounds (1957) {New Jazz OJCCD-399-2 rel 1989}
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© 1957, 1989 New Jazz / Fantasy | OJCCD-399-2
Jazz / Hard Bop / World Jazz / Saxophone / Flute

Other Sounds was the first album on which Yusef Lateef looked beyond the confines of jazz and popular music to hear and perhaps "sing" the music he heard from the East. He hadn't yet embraced it, but it intrigued him enough to employ the use of an argol on this recording. Lateef's band on this date featured flügelhorn giant Wilbur Harden, pianist Hugh Lawson (who also played Turkish finger cymbals), bassist Ernie Farrow (who doubled on rebob), and drummer Oliver Jackson, who used an "earth-board" as well as his kit.

King Curtis - The New Scene Of King Curtis (1960) {Prestige-New Jazz OJCCD-198-2 rel 1992}
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© 1960, 1992 Prestige-New Jazz / Fantasy | OJCCD-198-2
Jazz / Hard Bop / Soul Jazz / Saxophone

When most listeners think of King Curtis, jazz comes to mind. It is instrumental jazz that has strong R&B and even rock 'n' roll sensibilities. Some might even consider what King Curtis played as simply instrumental R&B. Forget about all of that. Set aside the King Curtis that you thought you knew. This is the King playing straight jazz. As one of King Curtis' first albums, this is a serious, straight jazz effort. This 1960 release is a timeless gem.

Larry Young - Groove Street (1962) {Prestige New Jazz OJCCD-1853-2 rel 1994}
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© 1962, 1994 Prestige New Jazz / Fantasy | OJCCD-1853-2
Jazz / Hard Bop / Soul Jazz / Organ

Larry Young's third and final Prestige recording (reissued in the OJC series on CD) concludes his early period; he would next record as a leader two and a half years later on Blue Note, by which time his style would be much more original. For his 1962 outing, Young is joined by the obscure tenor Bill Leslie, guitarist Thornel Schwartz and drummer Jimmie Smith for some original blues and two standards ("I Found a New Baby" and "Sweet Lorraine"). Nothing all that substantial occurs, but fans of Jimmy Smith will enjoy the similar style that Larry Young had at the time.

Don Ewell - Man Here Plays Fine Piano! (1957) {Good Time Jazz GTJCD-10043-2 rel 1995}
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© 1957, 1995 Good Time Jazz / Fantasy | GTJCD-10043-2
Jazz / Stride / Classic Jazz / Piano

During a two-day period in 1957, pianist Don Ewell teamed up with clarinetist Darnell Howard, bassist Pops Foster, and drummer Minor Hall to record enough music for two albums, this one and Free 'N Easy. In addition to six fine quartet pieces (including "Everybody Loves My Baby" and "Keepin' out of Mischief Now"), there are four solo performances that fully showcase the underrated but talented New Orleans piano of Don Ewell. Easily recommended to fans of classic jazz.

Don Ewell - Free 'n Easy! (1957) {Good Time Jazz GTJCD-10046-2 rel 2000}
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© 1957, 2000 Good Time Jazz / Fantasy | GTJCD-10046-2
Jazz / Stride / Classic Jazz / Piano

This album, recorded the same two days as Man Here Plays Fine Piano, is the equal of its companion. Five pieces are taken as piano solos by Don Ewell (including Jelly Roll Morton's "Chicago Breakdown" and "Just You, Just Me"), "Blue Turning Grey over You" has Ewell joined by drummer Minor Hall and the remaining five numbers are quartet explorations by Ewell, Hall, bassist Pops Foster and the fine New Orleans-style clarinetist Darnell Howard; of the latter tunes "Wolverine Blues" and "Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives to Me" are most memorable.

Don Ewell - Music To Listen To Don Ewell By (1956) {Good Time Jazz GTJCD-12021-2 rel 1995}
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© 1956, 1995 Good Time Jazz / Fantasy | GTJCD-12021-2
Jazz / Stride / Classic Jazz / Piano

Stride pianist Don Ewell made three albums for Good Time Jazz during 1956-57 and all are quite enjoyable. This CD reissues the first of his LPs (great title!) and features Ewell on five solos and seven pieces with a trio that also includes clarinetist Darnell Howard and drummer Minor Hall. Ewell is in top form and the many highlights include "I Can't Believe That You're in Love with Me," Howard's "Bush Street Scramble," "You Took Advantage of Me" and "My Honey's Lovin' Arms.