Alto Madness

Richie Cole | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 16, 1994)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Muse Records
• ASIN: B000008ALA
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #483,281 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Cole's Nocturne

2. The Price Is Right

3. The Common Touch

4. Last Tango in Paris

5. Island Breeze

6. Big Bo's Paradise

7. Remember Your Day Off

8. Moody's Mood '78

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Alto Madness is a classic, January 13, 2001

By 

Doug Wahl (Cleveland, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alto Madness (Audio CD)

Richie Cole's crisp, clean sound will knock you back from the opening riffs of "Cole's Nocturne" all the way through to "Moody's Mood". I have owned this record since it was first released in 1977 and I still think it sounds as fresh as the first time I played it. This was also one of vocalist Eddie Jefferson's last recording appearances prior to his untimely death. Cole and Jefferson have some great melodic chemistry going as evidenced on "The Common Touch"

5.0 out of 5 stars Madness Made Great!, January 28, 2011

By 

jazz lover since 1960 (Tampa, Fl. and Franklin, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alto Madness (Audio CD)

This CD is a joy from start to finish. Richie has played "in the tradition" from the days he grew up as the child of a father who owned a jazz nightclub in New Jersey. What a childhood education!
Richie plays straight ahead bop in his own unique style. I'll match him against any alto player you have ever heard! I hope he is doing well right now.
This CD recorded in 12/77, contains 8 tracks beginning with "Cole's Nocturne." I hope this first track will turn you into a Richie Cole lover, like me. But wait! The second track is the theme music from the TV game show popular at the time, "The Price Is Right." Whether you remember this TV show or not, Richie's interpretatin is joyful. The third track "The Common Touch" adds Eddie Jefferson's marvelous vocals. Except for this track, Eddie is not a significant presence on this CD, as he is on many of Richie's other CD's from this period.
Track 4 is the highlight of this CD in my opinion. I have been fascinated by the theme from the X-rated Marlon Brando movie, "Last Tango In Paris" from the time I saw it. I loved this composition penned by Gato Barbieri. It is rare to hear anyone interpret this composition, but Richie does it up in exciting style.
The sidemen accompanying Richie on this CD are a significant presence. Richie calls Eddie Gladden his favorite drummer. I am not one to disagree. On bass is Steve Gilmore, the longtime bassist to Phil Woods. Phil is Richie's teacher and mentor, so it is appropriate that Steve should be on bass.
Guitarist Vic Juris has had a long term relationship with Richie. His big,fuzzy guitar sound adds to the swing of this CD. Legendary pianist Harold Mabern, and percussionist Ray Mantillo are also on this recording. If you enjoy the joyous energy of jazz, get this CD.