Customer Reviews

Let's Hang Out

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"Let's Hang Out" isn't well known, isn't in high demand; ... it hasn't even received any reviews to date. Naturally, then, I was surprised when I slipped it into my stereo and began hearing the cohesive, poignant playing contained within it. The cd continued to surprise me. Johnson, in soloing, moves seamlessly from phrase to phrase; his trumpter, in particular, struck me with his acrobatic licks and aggressive approach. Also striking is the interplay between saxophone and trombone on track 4. It is difficult to label "Let's Hang Out." Surely it is jazz, and yet it contains introspective ballads ("It Never Entered My Mind"), high-strung shuffles (the stand-out "Kenya"), even breathtaking solo works ("Beautiful Love"). The compilation, then, is a varied journey through a vast palette of moods and styles, united only by the quality with which they are rendered. This is an obscure album that will, like most good things--friendship, wine, art--get better with age. Highly recommended.

I bought this album some years ago and features J J Johnson still playing at the top of his game. Their are some great tracks on this album and whilst J J does'nt play crazy technical stuff like some modern trombonists you get much more from J J, a great velvety tone and wonderfully mastered melodic improvisations. The section playing is really tight too.

James Louis Johnson combined an exceptional ear with absorption of European classical music to create an elegant sound compatible with the fundamental elements of jazz. He composed unmindful of title or theme, fine-tuning the embryo until it evoked a certain feeling, and the final product named itself.

All arrangements are his: a solo vehicle, and compositions for quartet, and two and three- horn ensemble. Kenya is the centerpiece; its relaxed improvisation allows the artists to stretch and gives the whole symmetry, a plucked bass/piano dialogue leading nicely into the closeout. The Friendship Suite opens with a searching trombone figure and subtle rhythmic support, moves into festive ensemble display, transitions into a mellow groove, and closes with drums introducing a modal tone akin to a medium-paced version of So What.

Dis Dance adds funk, soprano swinging hard, with trombone/drums sparring playfully. The leader's warmth and grace permeate the Rodgers/Hart ballad as he surrounds the poignant tenor of Jimmy Heath. His affinity for the blues and depth of emotion shine on Got it Bad, and he captures the essence of rapture on Beautiful Love. The fast pace of Jason showcases his control and agility. His rendition of the set's four standards blends nostalgia and romance, his deft touch making each fresh and vital.

My first exposure to J.J. Johnson on Horace Silver's Cape Verdean Blues made me a fan for life. This is as enjoyable as any music by him I have been privileged to hear.