Gene Ammons, Twisting The Jug

Gene Ammons - The Gene Ammons Story. Organ Combos (1977) {Prestige}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC+CUE+LOG -> 512 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 189 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 37 Mb
© 1992 Prestige / Fantasy | 00025218547123
Jazz / Hard Bop / Soul Jazz

Gene Ammons recorded frequently for Prestige during the 1950s and early '60s and virtually all of the tenor's dates were quite rewarding. This two-LP set reissues Twistin' the Jug plus part of Angel Eyes and Velvet Soul. Ammons, a bop-based but very versatile soloist, sounds quite comfortable playing a variety of standards and lesser-known material in groups featuring Jack McDuff or Johnny "Hammond" Smith on organ and either trumpeter Joe Newman or Frank Wess on tenor and flute. This version of "Angel Eyes" became a surprise hit.

Ammons, whose studio recordings of the period were somewhat commercial, is heard in excellent form playing a blues and three standards with the backing of a fine rhythm section: Hampton Hawes (who unfortunately sticks to electric piano), electric bassist Bob Cranshaw, drummer Kenny Clarke and Kenneth Nash on congas. Best of all is a 17-minute blues on which Ammons welcomes fellow tenor Dexter Gordon, cornetist Nat Adderley and altoist Cannonball Adderley; the four horns all get to trade off with each other. This is one of the better late-period Gene Ammons records.