Ike Quebec

Ike Quebec released a string of albums for blue note (for whom he was an A&R man as well as friend to owner Alfred Lion) during the early sixties, all of which are fantastic showcases for the deepest tenor sound this side of Ben Webster. Keeping in mind the overall greatness of the entire series of these albums the question becomes, for the Quebec fan who is looking to pick through his discography or the uninitiated looking for a place to start, what setting would you prefer to hear him in? ~ Amazon

Ike Quebec's timeless, big-toned tenor was a frequent visitor to Rudy Van Gelder's studio in the early sixties. But this album from December 1961 with spare, soulful backing from Grant Green, Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones is his masterpiece. The leaner setting works perfectly, evoking an aura of relaxation and monumentality, with the deepest blue of accents.

Ike Quebec was something like Ben Webster in his ability to play lush ballads or to scream like a smokestack when the band was cooking. After working for Roy Eldridge and Frankie Newton, Quebec became Cab Calloway's star tenor man in 1944, making everyone sit up and take notice when he wailed over Cab's band in a wonderfully raspy tone utilizing the instrument's extremities for maximum effect. Each of Quebec's sessions as a leader produced staggeringly potent records. J.C. Heard is the drummer on all 20 tracks - check him out on "Indiana" - and for bassists you have Milt Hinton, Grachan Moncur II, or Oscar Pettiford. While Roger Ramirez was an excellent pianist, it is a gas hearing Johnny Guarnieri on the Savoy session. Guest horn players are Buck Clayton, Keg Johnson, Jonah Jones, and Tyree Glenn. Guitarist Tiny Grimes is present on three of these dates…

Soul Samba (aka Bossa Nova Soul Samba) is an album by American saxophonist Ike Quebec recorded in 1962 and released on the Blue Note label. It was Quebec's final recording before his death in January 1963. Though not as well known as giants Ben Webster and Don Byas, the late Ike Quebec was a major stylist whose specialty was the big-toned, cozy, breathy, romantic tenor saxophone. Quebec made a series of soul-jazz sessions for Blue Note, as well as this 1962 rarity on which he had a go at the au courant bossa nova sound. Accompanied by the burnished guitar of Kenny Burrell and the Latin spice of Willie Bobo, Quebec brings his emotive approach to the sly, cool expression that is bossa nova. The contrast is exhilarating, making for a pleasant surprise for fans of the Brazilian style as well as for Quebec fans accustomed to his usual bluesy groove. This 2007 remastered edition includes three alternate takes.