Norman Granz – Jazz At The Philharmonic Vol 11 (Charlie Parker, Ray Brown, Milt jackson, m.fl)

JAZZ AT THE PHILHARMONIC - volume 11 (3 skivor)

Mercury 1951

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This is the eleventh Volume in the series of Jazz At The Philharmonic albums. It features seven great jazz artists, five of whom take solos on the classic Man I Love. For those collectors who purchased the previous JATP albums, particularly the so-called "dido" series; i.e., Vol- ume Eight's Perdido, Volume Nine's Mordido, and Volume Ten's Endido, this album is a decided contrast in mood, tempo, and atmosphere. Its leisurely story-telling is devoted to the theory that jazz can be pretty, soulful, and pleasing.

This album was recorded during a concert given in 1946, a time when Dizzy Gillespie was leading a small band featuring such stalwarts as Charlie Parker, Ray Brown, and Milt Jackson, who were dedicated to a new form of music variously called "Be-Bop," "Re-Bop," "Modern," "Progressive" and other similar expressions designed to show the musicians' attempts to advance the art of jazz. Gillespie, then, was probably playing the best trumpet of his career. He opens this album with an almost modest solo and a very close hewing to the melodic line. He is followed by Lester Young. Pres plays a particularly poignant solo and, 1 think, one of the finest things he's done. The whole solo hangs together and the backing of the group (led by Willie Smith) on Lester's second chorus is just right.
Mel Powell's Man is a free thinking, loved one, and demonstrates the remarkably facile technique with which Mel is endowed. Charlie Ventura, then with Krupa, plays a typically lush and emotional solo, and, incidentally, com- pared to his current playing, I think with a far larger and fuller tone. His Man sounds most amorous and, almost, erotic. The only complaint I have of the Willie Smith solo is that he didn't continue and take two or three more choruses. His Man is so intelligent musically and exciting in feeling that it's too bad, as I said, he didn't give us more of the gentleman. Diz returns to double time the last two choruses and with the entire group riffing behind him, completes this story of a Man Loved. The rhythm section, be- sides Powell's piano, has the string bass of Billy Hadnott, (heard previously on Volume 2 and 3 of JATP), a fine West Coast musician, and Lee Young on drums. Lee, Lester's younger brother, has played with Hampton, Ellington, and led his own small group. (Incidentally, he too, can be heard on various JATP albums; e.g., Volumes 4, 5 and 7.)
I think you'll find Volume 11 one that you will play most for yourself and your friends when you want quiet, contemplative, mood-music. It's a nice, warm mood too.
NORMAN GRANZ