Customer Reviews

Seven

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Reviewer: Harvey P. Getz from Okinawa, Japan
When most modern jazz buffs browse the dusty record shop racks, they search, usually in vain, for previously unreleased tracks of their favorite trumpet players of the 1950's and 60's. Bop icons like Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Art Farmer, Chet Baker and Clifford Brown are the usual cast of valve pressers that head their dream list. Others like Red Rodney, Freddie Hubbard, Pete and Conte Condoli, Maynard Ferguson are also jewels to be possessed. On the other hand, I urge those of you who haven't listened to "The Jon Eardly Seven" to do so. In this musical masterpiece, Eardley's musical lyricism, ideas and technique are clearly evident in both his trumpet playing and original compositions. Incidently, much to the delight of the baritone saxophonist, it was Jon who took over Chet's trumpet chair when Baker exited Mulligan's pianoless ensemble. Because of the lack of musical space, Jon's bridled performances fall short of showcasing his incredible talent on the Mulligan California Concert albums, however, it is certainly worth listening to especially when Eardley managed to shine even when playing with the likes of Phil Woods, Bobby Brookmeyer, Zoot Sims, and Gerry Mulligan.

Jon moved to Germany in the early 60's where he was kept quite busy performing in jazz clubs, concerts and played with the Belgium and Germany Radio Orchestras. Jon Eardley died in France on April 4, 1997.

Harvey P. Getz
Okinawa, Japan

Addendum to the excellent Getz review: This was originally released as "Down East", a session headed by Zoot and Phil. I know this because I bought it in the 60`s under that title. I wore that LP out and replaced it with this recording a few years ago. Whatever title or leader credit it`s listed under, this is just plain great blowing, swinging, straight ahead jazz. Buy it!

OJC catalog is always full of fantastic surprises for the jazz lover that want to find obscure gems to spend his evenings with. This album from the trumpeter John Eardley is another one of those gem. A splendid example of west coast jazz, impeccably written, arranged and played by a remarkable septet which encorporate Zoot Sims and Phil Woods among the other fellows (Stabulas, Kotick, Gold). The album is from 1956. The program is made more or less by Eardley originals which are really delightful lines (they're all swingers apart from a single ballad). John was not only a fine writer but a really impressive trumpeter as well, with a muscular sound, great chops and balance in his solos. Really, you can pick my words for gold, this one is another gem you have to own. It is absolutly lovely from the very first listening session. A musthave in Jazz.

straight swinging jazz from Jon Eardley, Zoot Sims, Phil Woods, Milt Gold,.... a session full of warmth, and definitely worth listening over and over again.

When most modern jazz buffs browse the record shop racks, they search, usually in vain, for previously unreleased tracks of their favorite trumpet players of the 1950's and 60's. Bop icons like Chet Baker, Miles Davis, Art Farmer, and Clifford Brown are the usual cast of valve pressers that head their wish list. Second stringers like Red Rodney, Pete and Conte Candoli, Maynard Ferguson and a few others are also considered treasures to be had. I would strongly urge those of you who haven't listened to Jon Eardley to do so. His lyricism is surpassed only by his mastery of the trumpet and the seemingly unending inventiveness that defines his unique musical voice. I suppose the best way to compare Jon's playing with guys most of us are familiar with is to combine the lyricism of Chet Baker and the daring of bopist Dizzy Gillespie. Not to be overlooked is his writing. Jon's compositions, not unlike Marty Paich's, features the ensemble while leaving plenty of room for soloists. Eardley more than holds his own when playing with the likes of Phil Woods, Zoot Sims, Gerry Mulligan, and tenor saxophonist, JR Montrose. Jon moved to Germany in the late 60's where he performed in jazz clubs and recorded with the GDR Orchestra.