4.0 out of 5 stars
Jazzin' the Blues - a Jam Session and a Tutorial, February 8, 2012
This review is from: Night Mist (Audio CD)
~ During the late 1970's into the early 1980's Norman Granz recorded numerous all-star jam sessions with a core group of musicians he had under contract. "Night Mist", recorded on 14 April 1980, is typical of these all-star jam sessions - not his best jam session; not his worst. This one features Milt Jackson (vibes) supported by Harry Sweets Edison (trumpet), Eddie Lockjaw Davis (tenor sax), Eddie Cleanhead Vinson (alto sax), Ray Brown (bass), Art Hillery (piano), and Lawrence Marble (drums) - all of whom played on many of Norman's other jam sessions. The arrangements are rather straight-ahead with a head statement followed by a sequence of soloists. As such, it is an enjoyable CD, although the recording quality is not the greatest. In some places soloists come in overly load and in some places the drums are too load. Having said that, Ray Brown's bass is clear and perfect throughout, as is Milt Jackson. Sound separation is also excellent, and each of the musicians contributes excellent solos.
~ The program, as one would expect for a Milt Jackson jam session, consists of the blues in various forms and shades. It is this variation of the standard 12-bar and 8-bar blues form from track to track that makes this CD special. Some tracks are not strictly the blues in terms of structure, but with these musicians they certainly feel like the blues.
~ For anyone interested in jazzin' the blues, this CD is a 46 minute tutorial.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
