Is Alive And Well in Mexico
MCD-1018
In 1967, George Wein took his passion, the Newport All-Stars, on a tour of Mexico. He assembled Ruby Braff, Bud Freeman and Pee Wee Russell, each one the leading exponent of mainstream jazz on his instrument and fueled the fire with bassist Jack Lesberg and drummer Don Lamond. The result was a loose, jaunty band that played its ass off. In preparation for reissuing the album, we reviewed the tapes of all three recorded concerts and came up with another 25 minutes of great jazz by these giants. These men came to play and their joy is infectious and their artistry awesome.
The Newport All Stars: Ruby Braff, cornet; Pee Wee Russell, clarinet; Bud Freeman, tenor sax; George Wein, piano; Jack Lesberg, bass; Don Lamond, drums.
Produced by Teo Macero
Jonah Jones
At The Ember
MCD-1017
Trumpeter Jonah Jones found a perfect sound of muted trumpet with piano, bass and drums that produced a slew of hit albums during the late 1950s. The concept was to present the subtle yet jumping small group jazz that Jones featured which was a smash at The Embers club in New York. At The Embers" was one of the best of those albums which was originally issued on the rare Groove label in 1956 but found new life as a re-issue in 1959 on RCA Victor.
Jonah Jones, trumpet; George Rhodes, piano; John Brown, bass; Harold Austin, drums.
Jonah prefers performing with a small group to anything he has ever done. It gives him a chance to swing, to play the subtle, sophisticated medleys and rousing jump style tunes in the way that he likes best." --Ben Kemper, 1956 Original liner notes
Produced by Bob Rolontz
For more information contact All About Jazz.