Customer Reviews

Trane Whistle

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The inclusion of Eddie 'Lockjaw' Davis' "Trane Whistle" on "The Complete Prestige Recordings of Eric Dolphy" was a matter of some controversy. Technically the iconoclastic reedman did play on Davis' big band recording, but as he occupied one of five saxophone chairs and was not a featured soloist, it seemed superfluous. But I suppose complete means complete. In any event, Dolphy fans will be disappointed by his lack of a meaningful contribution, but if you can get passed that, "Trane Whistle" is a solid big band date. This September 1960 recording finds some big names, in addition to Dolphy, in Lockjaw's big band -- Clark Terry, Melba Liston, George Barrow, Roy Haynes and Oliver Nelson (who did the arrangements as well) to name a few. The album features a terrific version of Nelson's signature "Stolen Moments," and the title track and "Whole Nelson" aren't too shabby either. Overall, I would probably rate this disc three-and-a-half stars if I could since I'm not a huge big band fan, but those of you who are will thoroughly enjoy "Trane Whistle."

I have been listening to "Stolen Moments" since Oliver Nelson first recorded it in his album "Blues and the Abstract Truth". I'm sure I've heard twenty different arrangements of it and all use the same comping for the soloing musicians...generally playing around the base chord (C minor). My ears peaked up when I heard the comping move from the norm by the rest of the band playing a three chord progression. It opened the whole song up in a different way and gave it all new meaning and depth to me. (I have since incorporated it into my playing.)
This was the first time the song was recorded; the musicians were the top jazz musicans of the day. Bob Bryant gave a wonderful solo and Eric Dolphy's bass clarinet in the closing bars add dimension to the song. An interesting sidenote; in this original recording it is called "THE STOLEN MOMENT"; Oliver Nelson changed the name when he recorded it for himself. I personally think this is the best arrangement of Stolen Moments I have heard.

YOU ARE TOO BEAUTIFUL is a lovely ballad that is presented very beautifully. Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis's sound is mellow and romantic. The band supports him with a very nice arrangement by Ernie Wilkins. It's very, very clean and enjoyable.