Happy Ground - Johnny Lytle

Lela

Happy Ground!
Johnny Lytle Trio
Johnny Lytle - Vibes
Milt Harris - Organ
'Peppy' Hinnant - Drums
Cover Art: Kenneth Deardoff
Jazzland 944S
Jazzland Recoreds are produced by Bill Grauer Productions, Inc.
Producers of Riverside Records
Recored in New York City; March 23, 1961

From the back cover: This group is one with which ex-drummer and ex-Golden Gloves champion Lytle has been touring the Eastern and Midwestern club circuit for some time, winning friends and return engagements just about everywhere. The Club Baby Grand, in Wilmington, Delaware, for example – which is where Orrin Keepnews, artist & repertoire chief for Jazzland (and Riverside) Records, first heard Lytle early in 1960 – is notable as a spot where an audience will not hesitate to let you know if they don't dig you, and is also a room where Johnny is always a welcome crowd-puller. Drummer "Peppy" Hinnant has been part of the trio since after Lytle's first LP was recorded, in June of '60. Organist Harris has an association with the vibist that is remarkable in this era of quickly shifting lineups. To begin with they have been friends almost as long as both can remember, having grown up together in Springfield, Ohio. In 1957 Milt, who had left music, for a while, returned to hook up with Lytle and they have remained inseparable ever since. Much of the close-knit unity of the group can be credited to the by-now almost instinctive mutual understanding and anticipation of these two, as well as that musical 'togetherness' that only much on-the-job experience can provide. The rest of their organized spirit comes from arrangements and routining provided by Harris.

Johnny Lytle is one of those who have been involved with music almost literally all their lives, his start as a drummer coming in a family orchestra assembled by his father, a trumpet player. (A sister, Ada Lee, has begun to attract attention as a singer.) Twice a Golden Gloves champion and loser of only three pro fights (two of them wins) changed his mind, as noted in a quote mentioned on the liner of his first LP but well worth repeating: "I can beat the vibes all week long and they won't beat back."

The swinging Mr. Lytle's decision to limit his swinging to jazz was undoubtedly a wise move for him. And it's getting to sound like a most enjoyable decision for the rest of us, too. – Peter Drew

From Billboard - September 11, 1961: An attractive abstract design in full color decorates this cover designed by Kenneth Deardoff. Prime item for display on jazz counters.

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