Clark Terry And His Orchestra – Featuring Paul Gonsalves Decca Records (1960) = DECCA 153.924/ Sam Records (2019) 180-gram mono vinyl ****1/2:
(Clark Terry – trumpet; Paul Gonsalves – tenor saxophone; Raymond Fol – piano; Jimmy Woode – double bass; G.T. Hogan – drums)
Clark Terry has blazed a formidable trail as a jazz pioneer. The St. Louis native became known as a top-flight swing and bebop trumpeter. He played with Charlie Barnet, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Quincy Jones and Oscar Peterson. As a mentor, Terry is unequalled in the annals of jazz. His devotees include Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Pat Metheny and Dianne Reeves. Terry broke through in popular culture as a featured member of The Tonight Show Band, under Skitch Henderson and Doc Severinsen. He was also influential in the popularization of the flugelhorn. His staggering discography (as a sideman and band leader) is legendary. The awards he garnered are too numerous to detail (everything from 16 honorary doctorates to a Knighthood in Germany). More than musical accomplishments, his innate good humor and sensitivity made him a national treasure, beloved by all.
Sam Records has released a 180-gram vinyl re-master of Clark Terry And His Orchestra – Featuring Paul Gonsalves. This album was recorded during a Duke Ellington tour in 1959. Paul Gonsalves (tenor saxophone) and Jimmy Woode (double bass) were with the touring band and are joined by G.T. Hogan (drums) and Raymond Fol (piano). First issued on French Decca Records, it is a great opportunity to hear this quintet come to life. Side 1 opens with the low-key “Blues For The Champ Of The Champs”. Terry’s saucy trumpet is center stage, aided by Fol’s bluesy licks. Terry’s relaxed trumpet style draws the listener in slowly and has the right amount of flourishes. His horn flows gently like a river. Fol offers counter notation on the piano. Then Gonsalves enters on a cool vibrato sax run that is vampy. Fol executes articulate runs with trills and right hand notation and Woode contributes a solo. The extended jam is in a groove and then out of nowhere there is a nuanced swing transition. Terry and Gonsalves insinuate their version of call and response at the finish. Switching gears, “Clark Bars” (one of three original Terry compositions) adopts a finger-snapping medium-swing tempo. Trumpet and tenor sax coordinate a precise dual lead. Terry’s trumpet is mellifluous, with deft timing. Gonsalves is crisp and evocative on tenor as he and Terry engage in spirited exchanges. Fol’s piano glides soulfully with descending chords. The return to dual leads is reminiscent of the big band pedigree of these musicians.
Side 2 has twice the cuts. On ‘Serenade To A Bus Seat” (Terry’s homage to life as a jazz troubadour), the unison horn/reed lead reignites the large ensemble feel. Terry’s sultriness and Gonsalves’ bop-like fluidity (including trading licks) lead a quintet that is in lockstep. Fol’s toe-tapping syncopated piano meshes perfectly and G’T’ Hogan’s drum breaks are notable. The cover of Thelonious Monk’s epic “Pannonica Ou Les Liaisons Dangereuses 1960-No. 2” is breathtaking. A delicate piano sets the stage for a melancholic late night reverie. In this complicated arrangement, Gonsalves solos first with sensual tonality. Fol channels the melodic complexity and unusual phrasing of Monk on an extended run. Then Terry slides in with supple tenderness. “Lonely One” is as advertised. There is a deeper, “noirish” resonance that is framed by sharp trumpet lines. Gonsalves adds a deeper, “blue” texture that adds to the overall mood. For those craving some Ellington, the finale should suffice. “Satin Doll” is an American musical institution. Muted trumpet and sax play together in a faithful rendition. Terry and the band keep close to the melody and why not…it’s brilliant! There is a hushed, “no frills” Ellington-esque piano that leads into the cohesive quintet conclusion. It is a great way to end a great album.
Sam Records has done a superior job in re-mastering this obscure release to audiophile vinyl. Trumpet tonality is polished and silky, while the tenor rumbles with deep texture. There is a full-sized color photograph of Terry playing the horn. The quality of the pressing is excellent.
TrackList:
Side 1:
Blues For The Champ Of The Champs
Clark Bars
Side 2:
Serenade To A Bus Seat
Pannonica Ou Les Liaisons Dangereuses
Lonely One
Satin Doll
-Robbie Gerson
