Gene Ammons sure had a nice group of “All Stars” with him when he recorded this 1958 album. The album is appropriately named “Groove Blues” because it is exactly how you will feel like when listening to it. As for the all stars, you will get John Coltrane, Art Pepper, Jerome Richardson (Flute) and Mal Waldron playing together. Rounding off this Mini-Big Band, you also have Art Taylor (drums), George Joyner (bass) and Paul Quinichette (Tenor Sax). Great album, not overabundant with improvisation but very entertaining and not one bit boring. It will be featured for a week or so, check the schedule link for play times. ENJOY!
About the album:
On January 3, 1958, Gene Ammons had a good day-a very good day. Recording sessions from that date resulted in two albums with his All Stars, GROOVE BLUES and the equally impressive THE BIG SOUND. On GROOVE BLUES, the All Stars stretch out on four tunes: Ammons’ own “Jug Handle,” two numbers by pianist Mal Waldron, and one song by Rogers & Hammerstein. The All Stars boast four saxophonists and represent the cream of the post-bop crop. John Coltrane’s alto, Pepper Adams’ baritone, and Paul Quinichette’s tenor trade off with Ammons’ tenor with fire and grace. Their massed sound, along with Jerome Richardson’s flute, is a dazzling force as it flies over the piano and rhythm section gently pushing “Groove Blues.” The closing ballad, “It Might as Well be Spring,” is built around the lush tones of Ammons’ solitary horn and the piano-anchored trio, its 11 minutes of passionate romanticism drifting by like a hypnotic reverie. Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey on January 3, 1958……Read More
