The Blue Ace label must have been trying to capitalize on the popularity of Lester Young at the time (the song became a signature tune for Prez) because the real star soloist here is Buster Bailey on clarinet. Fast, fluid and full of swing, Bailey cuts the rest of the Wilson orchestra, though it’s always a pleasure to hear Teddy at the keys, Buck Clayton on trumpet and other moonlighting Basie-ites driving the rhythm home with panache.
Lester Young with Teddy Wilson’s Orchestra
I Found A New Baby
Blue Ace 78 RPM Record
194?
FREEDOM JAZZ DANCE DUSTY GEMS
This is a gorgeous recording I recently plucked from my archives. Lesser known alto saxist Charles McPherson taking on Monk’s “Eronel” is a the type of treat to be taken in on a Sunday afternoon. McPherson’s slightly tart tone offers a smart foil to Clifford Jordan’s warm tenor and when they intertwine it is pure magic. Also listen for the thick chords of the great Barry Harris on piano and some surprising inside/outside work by Geoge Tucker on bass.
Charles McPherson
Eronel
Con Alma!
Prestige Records 1965
One of the great sounds in the history of jazz is the pure, elegant tone of trumpet/flugelhorn master Art Farmer. Overshadowed by the more popular Miles Davis throughout much of his career, Farmer was a genius in his own right, crafting an enduring legacy as a superb band leader, top notch bopper and peerless ballad player. His lyrical genius is in full glow here as he employs the mute with sublime brilliance. Buy as many of his recordings as you can.
Buster “Bus” Moten was the piano and accordion (!) playing nephew of Kansas City territory band leader Bennie Moten. He specialized in boogie woogie novelties and melancholy R&B like the track you’ll find here. I love the light bounce of the rhythm on this one, the jive lyrics and Bus’s off-the cuff manner. They don’t make ‘em like this any more! Part of a solid 3-CD Capitol Blues Collection series.
