This is a rare combination of jazz a nd Nashville country.
Kai Winding – Modern Country –Verve Records V/V6-8602 (!965) Universal Music Group B0038000-01 Verve By Request Series 180-gram stereo vinyl, 29:13 ***1/2:
(Kai Winding – trombone, arrangements; Grady Martin – guitar; Harold Bradley – guitar; Ray Edenton – guitar; Wayne Moss – guitar; Gene Mullins – trimbone; William Watrous – trombone; Joe Zinkan – bass; Murray Harman Jr. – drums; Doug Kirkbom – drums; Anita Kerr singers – vocals)
Jazz is a very idiomatic expression of American culture. It has roots in folk, blues and even country music. Danish-born trombonist Kai Winding was part of the genre-expanding music scene since the 1940’s. He began as a session musician, playing for Benny Goodman and Stan Kenton, and became part of jazz history when he appeared on Birth Of The Cool. Winding had a minor hit with the song “More” from the film Mondo Cane. He recorded an early version of “Time Is On My Side”, preceding Irma Thomas and The Rolling Stones. His longtime collaboration with fellow trombonist J.J. Johnson was integral in developing Winding’s skill as a composer. and arranger. Many of his quintessential recordings were on the Verve label between 1962 and 1967.
Verve/Universal Music Group has released a 180-gram vinyl of the 1965 album, Modern Country. Using, the Nashville “A” list of session players, Winding recorded 12 country standards with his signature jazzy arrangements. Side One kicks off with the Eddy Arnold hit, “I Really Don’t Want To Know”. With the Anita Kerr Singers providing unison vocals, Winding eases into the lead with his mellow tonality. He is bringing the jazzy intonation into the highly structured template. The final verse combines horns and reeds. One of the highlights is the double trombone-led “Busted”. While it lacks the visceral energy of the Ray Charles version two years earlier, there are interesting elements, including soulful organ (with a nimble solo) and twangy electric guitar. “Wolverton Mountain” feels like traditional country with thicker lower register guitar and trombone counterpoint. Picking up the pace, “Bye Bye Love” exudes the breezy melancholy of the Everly Brothers hit. The singers join in on the second verse and distorted guitar licks make this stand out. A certain highlight is the eternal cowboy song, “Cool Water”. The modified 3/4 time and fuzzy guitar solo work in the relaxed, almost languid tempo. There is great vocal harmony, and the “cool water” vocal refrain (with the high-pitched final “water”) is catchy. “Wildwood Flower” has some honky tonkin’ accents with a note-bending banjo.
Side Two adapts the “moseying” pace of Bobby Bare’s “Detroit City” to jazz motifs. Winding harmonizes with the other brass and has a brief call and response with the singers. There is a rockabilly vibe. “I Walk The Line” exhibits a muscular brassy resonance like the original, as the singers take the first verse and Kai does the second. “Oh, Lonesome Me” is almost festive and showcases trombone trade-offs and rock and roll guitar. “Slippin’ Around” adopts a bluesy feel combined with Western swing accents. Perhaps the most interesting number on the album is “Gotta Travel On” with a deep baritone vocal lead with rollicking solos on piano and guitar. It feels like this jam is trying to break out of the precise structures. The irrepressible Roger Miller song, “Dang Me” maintains the inherent loping cadence and benefits from the omission of vocals.
Modern Country is a unique album. It appears to be aimed directly at both jazz and country audiences. The re-mastered sound mix (Ryan Smith/Sterling Sound) is crisp and has excellent stereo separation.
Modern Country
TrackList:
Side One: I Really Don’t Want to Know; Busted; Wolverine Mountain; Bye Bye Love; Cool Water; Wildwood Flower
Side Two: Detroit City; I Walk The Line; Oh Lonesome Me; Slippin’ Around; Gotta Travel On; Dang Me.
—Robbie Gerson
