Amazon
BY AARON COHENHank Mobley, Newark 1953
A Monday night at the little-known Picadilly in Newark, N.J., would seem an unlikely spot for capturing a valuable part of musical history. But this club had more than a few things going for it: Even if Manhattan overshadowed the town, Newark had its own healthy contingent of jazz musicians and fans. One local advocate, Redd Foxx, hired some greats for a weekly gig at the Picadilly. Also, ace Savoy producer Ozzie Cadena would bring his recording equipment to tape some gigs. On Sept. 28, 1953, 23-year-old saxophonist Hank Mobley performed and proved that he already had a distinctive tone, even if it would be a few years before he started showing the world his strengths as a composer. Cadena was on hand that night, and the results finally have been released on this valuable two-disc set. Mobley swings beautifully here, particularly on “’S Wonderful.” As he always did, Mobley loaded his solos with a wealth of quotations (Bob Blumenthal’s thorough liner notes identify their origins). At this young age, the saxophonist essentially had mastered high-velocity bebop technique and the repertoire that preceded it. Versatile trombonist Bennie Green was an ideal foil for Mobley, especially on his own tune “Blues Is Green.” This release also provides an addition to the scant discography of bassist Jimmy Schenck, who worked on Max Roach’s 1960 classic We Insist! Freedom Now Suite.
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário