Chris Connor - Sings Lullabys Of Birdland (Bethlehem, BCP-6004)

Chris Connor - Sings Lullabys Of Birdland (Bethlehem, BCP-6004)

This is an amazing vocal recording starring an Atlantic star of the late 50s Chris Connor. She's accompanied by three different bands, performing 14 wonderful standarts. The recording itself sounds absolutely brilliant, way better most of her later Atlantic ones. 










Originally issued on Bethlehem, BCP-6004, on thick shellac. That's quite important, because the sound difference between shellac and vinyl is easily heard.

Chris Connor (vocals)
1 Band is Ellis Larkins' Trio
2 Band is Vinnie Burke's Quartet
3 Band is Sy Oliver's Orchestra 

Songs are: 
A1 Lullaby Of Birdland
A2 What Is Where To Say?
A3 Try A Little Tenderness
A4 Spring Is Here
A5 Why Shouldn't I
A6 Ask Me
A7 Blue Silhouette
B1 Chiquita From Chi-Wha-Wha
B2 Cottage For Sale
B3 How Long Has This Been Going On
B4 Stella By Starlight
B5 Gone With The Wind
B6 He's Coming Home
B7 Goodbye

Album got this name due to the definite version of Shearing's "Lullaby Of Birdland", let's listen to this one.

Sonny Stitt - Plays Jimmy Giuffre Arrangements (Verve, MGV-8309)

Sonny Stitt - Plays Jimmy Giuffre Arrangements (Verve, MGV-8309)

The idea of this record, as stated by Jimmy Giuffre, the arranger, was to catch the complex, many-noted playing of Sonny with the help of brass. The record was done in one long session, Stitt chose themes he would like to play, some standarts, some tunes, written by himself or Giuffre.

As for me, some of his solos are definitely captivating, he manages to sound new, still carrying best Parker imitation. 

Originally issued on Verve MGV-8309, with trumpet label.

The players are:
Sonny Stitt (alto and tenor saxophones)
Jack Sheldon (trumpet)
Lee Katzman (trumpet)
Frank Rozolino (trombone)
Al Pollen (tuba)
Jimmie Rowles (piano)
Buddy Clark (bass)
Lawrence Marable (drums)

Also, Jimmy Giuffre joins the team on some spontaneous blues.

The tunes are:
A1. New York Blues
A2. Giuff
A3. Laura
A4. Sonny Boy
A5. Down Country
B1. Singin' In The Rain
B2. Uptown
B3. Downtown
B4. I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart
B5. Two For Timbucktu

The one I prepared is an old Charlie Parker favorite, called Laura. Stitt's version gets a bit away from the melody, but provides some great solos.

Vince Guaraldi Trio - Jazz Impressions Of Black Orpheus (Fantasy)

Vince Guaraldi Trio - Jazz Impressions Of Black Orpheus (Fantasy, 3337)

Jazz versions of broadway shows and movie melodies were very popular in the late 50s-at the start of 60s, this one  features jazz variations on Black Orpheus, movie highly influenced by bossa nova invasion in 60s. 

Though the music is not essential, this record contains some interesting chord combinations and clever moves from themes into modern jazz improvisations. 

Original Fantasy pressing is on red vinyl.

The trio:
Vince Guaraldi (piano)

Monte Budwig (bass)

Colin Bailey (drums)

The songs are:
A1. Samba De Orpheus
A2. Manha De Carnaval
A3. Musso Amor
A4. Generique

B1. Cast Your Fate To The Wind

B2. Moon River

B3. Alma-Ville
B4. Since I Fell For You

The featured composition is Moon River, written by Henri Manchini and widely known for the version, sung in Breakfast At Tiffany's.

Arnett Cobb - Party Time (Prestige, PR 7165)

First one, that we'll be listening to, is an Arnett Cobb recording, recorded in 1959 by Rudy Van Gelder and pressed by Prestige Records the same years. The record features some great relaxed music, the tempos are mostly slow, the players are clearly enjoying the session. Cobb gets a nice chance to show his warm tenor sound, a bit like Illinois Jacquet, but more modern.



The players are:
Arnett Cobb (tenor saxophone)
Ray Bryant (piano)
Wendell Marshall (bass)
Arthur Taylor (drums)
Ray Barretto (conga drum)

The tunes are:
Side A
1. When My Dream Boat Comes Home
2. Lonesome Road
3. Blues In The Closet
4. Party Time
Side B
1. Flying Home
2. Slow Poke
3. Cocktails By Two

The one we are listening to is called Slow Poke, a very nice slow tune, that features a great piano solo by Ray Bryant.

Hi.

I'm starting a new blog on jazz records, which is aimed to give you a better coverage of 50-60s jazz, currently a bit obscure. Being a jazz record collector, I will share with you the best recording of the great epoch of modern jazz, made by best jazz musicians ever born and recorded by world famous sound engineers. 

Although jazz is absolutely american culture there are lots of sincere lovers of it around the world, which includes my homeland - Russia.

Hope you'll enjoy it!