As a teenager, my interest in pop music morphed to R&B as I had liked The Stones prior to discovering Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley. I got to like folk, blues, and from there, discovered Jimmy Yancey and the great blues and boogie-woogie pianists. The eureka moment came when a workmate played me Oscar Peterson’s Night Train album. He also played me Mingus’ Blues & Roots. Both iconic albums.
I had played a little R&B on guitar but left off playing for quite a few years but once I heard George Barnes with the Ruby Braff Quartet I was totally hooked on his style and went out and bought a cheap [Gibson] 335 copy and started practising along with albums, especially those by Barnes.
I remember a magical session at The New Orleans Club, Forth Banks, Newcastle, with the Zbigniew Namyslowski Quartet. That one session blew me away and widened my tastes and curiosity about the music considerably.
Another wonderful session was at the Corner House, Whitley Bay – Warne Marsh/Lee Konitz Quintet with our own Dave Cliff.
Two all-time favourite albums, one instrumental, one vocal both played with a great depth of feeling:
Richie Kamuca Quartet – ‘Tis Autumn.
Rebecca Kilgore with Bobby Gordon’s Trio - Remembering Maxine.
Roly.
6 comments :
George Barnes with the Ruby Braff Quartet - Absolute perfection.
Hello Roly, talking of Richie Kamuca, it was through him that I heard the beautiful"Dear Bix" which I know that you sing (with feeling!)
Thanks Liz - and Dave made 'Getting Some Fun Out of Life' a great album where he sings his own song 'Dear Bix' - that's where I first heard it. Then on 'Drop me off in Harlem' (another great album) Dave plays with Kamuca and Richie sings it. There are also some tracks on this album with a trio, Kamuca with Ray Brown and Herb Ellis. Delightful stuff.
Dear Bix was written by Dave Frishberg who also made a fine album with Rebecca Kilgore.
Zbigniew Namyslowski Quartet at New Orleans Jazz Club, An ' I was there' moment , never to be forgotten. Have a copy of the very rare LP they recorded in London (Decca) as well.
Ron Ainsborough
Herb Ellis was one of my late dad's favourites. "Drop me off in Harlem "what a great title for a great album!wish I lived nearer to you North East musicians Roly!
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