Earworthy

American Visions, April, 1996 by Bill Hasson

Davis Cup Walter Davis Jr. (Blue Note CDP 7243 8 32098 2 8)--A kinder and finer musician and family man could not have emerged from the hard-bop period. Always a winner, he deserved the Gold Cup. The late Walter Davis Jr. was 26 years old when he composed and recorded these tunes in 1959. He used the powerhouse resources of Jackie McLean, Donald Byrd, Sam Jones and Art Taylor. Fire and finesse,, He would go on to become a Jazz Messenger in more ways than one. Tributes and accolades should be in abundance.

Green Street Grant Green (Blue Note CDP 7243 8 32088 2 1)--Somebody had to speak up and make the leap for Charlie Christian and the other guitar pioneers, and Grant was qualified for the task. Plus, he brought the instrument up front to be heard in the solo context. This reissue from 1961 is of vintage quality. Ben Tucker, a Tennessee State University alumnus, was a stalwart during that period, and drummer Dave Bailey would go on to found Jazzmobile. Two nice standards and Green's own compositions round out this CD.

Hodge Podge Johnny Hodges (Legacy/Epic EK 66972)--He was the highest-paid member in the Ellington band and a master of sound and phrasing. His voice was distinct and much-admired. The notes he played talked, and the listener believed. He always complemented Duke's compositions and added a singular luster to the reed section.

Leeway Lee Morgan (Blue Note CDP 7243 8 32089 2 0)--His playing always sounds youthful, and his understatements are exceptionally mellow. Two tunes are by composer Cal Massey, and the artists for this date include ex-Messengers Jackie McLean and Bobby Timmons, as well as Art Blakey. More of Lee's depth will be revealed in an in-progress biography by Earl Gullins. While on the scene, his playing was unparalleled.

Love and Peace: A Tribute to Horace Silver Dee Dee Bridgewater (Reprise CDW 45422)--This is how Dee Dee should have continued her career when she first went to Paris to live. She had a rich experience in New York and a great voice and presence, and now we are exposed to her true talents. In other words, we now have the real Dee Dee. While continuing to delight the Parisians, she is gaining global stature.

Newport Jazz Festival, Live at Carnegie Hall, July 5, 1993 Ella Fitzgerald (Legacy/Columbia C2K 66809)--She's not performing these days, but when she was, she was tops. She was a great lady of song who sang from many composers' songbooks. She truly celebrated American music and was able to translate its meaning for many cultures. She was a master in any ensemble setting, whether she was scatting or grooving. Unchallenged first lady of distinction.

Ready for Freddie Freddie Hubbard (Blue Note CDP 7243 8 32094 2 2)--The indomitable Hub. More than brashness or ego. He has had a consistent following of die-hard boppers and laid-backs. He came on the scene when a musician's mettle was constantly tested by some upstart, and he always prevailed. He could play coast to coast in live recording studios and in the big concert festivals worldwide, and he could be dynamic in all settings. Wayne Shorter, McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, Art Davis and Bernard McKinney, who are on this date, would surely agree. "Ready" is right, because he always was.

`Round About Midnight at the Cafe Bohemia Kenny Dorham (Blue Note CDP 7243 8 33576 2 8)--I first heard KD in the summer of 1957 while I was in Detroit, working at my uncle's car wash. As fate would have it, I was more into the music than the work, and I lost my summer gig. That's the way it was with Kenny's music. Your total attention was required. Those seductive approaches to his and others' compositions endeared him to his peers.

Sessions Freddie Hubbard and Woody Shaw (Blue Note CDP 7243 8 32747 27)--Two bad brothers. Pushing life and music to the limits, yet being innovative along the way. You never have to wish for more from the music when you hear these guys play. Bam! These sessions are priceless memories from two of the music's classic creators of brimstone.

T-Time Stanley Turrentine (Music Masters 01612-65124-2)--More robust than ever. Calling him the Terrible T would not be a misnomer. He can do more with a pop tune than most of the younger crew and still make the tune swing. Puts muscles on weak compositions; turns most chartless songs into hits.

Bill Hasson is a freelance writer in Washington, D.C.