Spend some time in The Golden Hour…
The Golden Hour – Compilation – Jazz Dispensary #CR 00809 – 180 gm “golden wave swirl” vinyl – Record Store Day release – Nov. 29, 2024
Although most of the country is entering the cold of the upcoming winter season, the boutique record label, Jazz Dispensary, (through the Craft Recordings/ Concord Records vaults) is keeping the warm weather groove alive a bit longer with a Record Store Day vinyl (Golden Wave Swirl!) release of groove favorites.
Hand picked for listeners’ listening pleasure are eight tracks that have stood the test of time. It begins with Hampton Hawes’ 1974 track, “Web,” that features bass icon, Carol Kaye, and the hidden, underrated talents of David Axelrod. Then, Johnny “Hammond” Smith displays his B-3 mastery from 1969, on “Soul Talk.”
The jazz master, Sonny Rollins, has a less serious, funky side, that he shows on “Newkleus.” Nat Adderley, who often stood in the shadow of his brother, Cannonball, has the leader role, on his cornet, on the hard bop stunner, “Fortune’s Child.
Side B has four distinctive tracks led by a “pot stirrer” version of “Cantaro,” by tenor sax legend, Gene Ammons. Opening with heavy congas, it then blasts with sax and electric guitar, as written by the inimitable David Axelrod, who produced many hits in the 70s, for a variety of artists and genres.
“Little Birdie,” honoring Peanuts’ hip bird, Woodstock has Vince Guaraldi, on a rare vocal. Drummer, Chico Hamilton, worked with folk rock stars, Little Feat, on the seductive, laid back, “Gengis.” Philly fusion stalwarts, Catalyst, never got the attention they deserved in the 1970s, and their talents are shown on their Middle Eastern influenced, “Suite for Albeniz,” that has some incredible, enticing violin sections, that bring to mind a call to prayer in the desert.
The folks at Jazz Dispensary deserve kudos for their eclectic tastes in setting a joyous mood. Watching the golden wave swirl on your turntable will just add to the cool vibe these tracks bring.
The Golden Hour – Compilation
Tracklist:
Side A:
Hampton Hawes – The Web;
Johnny “Hammond” Smith – Soul Talk;
Sonny Rollins – Newkleus;
Nat Adderley – Fortune’s Child
Side B:
Gene Ammons – Cantaro;
Vince Guaraldi – Little Birdie; Chico
Hamilton – Gengis;
Catalyst – Suite for Albeniz
—Jeff Krow
