Bob Brookmeyer And Friends

The Wrinkle

Bob Brookmeyer And Friends
Stan Geta, Herbie Hancock, Ton Carter, Gary Burton & Elvin Jones
Relaxed and Unified and Warm
Produced by Two Macero
Cover Art: Bob Cato
Columbia STEREO CS 9037
1965

From the back cover: Bob Brookmeyer And Friends is a wholly appropriate title for this record. The album features musicians to whom the much-abused term "all-stars" could be applied without fear of contradiction, and yet – because of the performers' mutual respect and sympathy – the prevailing atmosphere is remarkably relaxed and unified and warm.

Of course, Bob Brookmeyer and Stan Getz have made music together before. The valve-trombonist (who is also a gifted composer, arranger and pianist) was a member of The Stan Getz Quintet, vintage 1953, a group fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of hearing it – on records or in person. This recording marks one of their infrequent reunions since then, but through their individual conceptions have matured and developed, the old empathy remains.

One reason of this is that both men are essentially melodic improvisers. They don't just play around with chord changes; they give the melodic lines a chance it sing. And both Brookmeyer and Getz have ideas in which the production of a warm and appealing sound plays a considerable role.

The supporting cast assembled by Brookmeyer for himself and his erstwhile boss is much more than just that, and all its members get a chance to step out on their own. Miles Davis' pianist and bassist, John Coltrane's drummer, and Stan Getz's vibraharpist is not a bad lineup, to say the least.

It is interesting to hear these men out of their usual context, and they all prove their adaptability to new surroundings with flying colors. Fanciers of Elvin Jones' work with Coltrane, for example, will be intrigued by his playing on this session, which is quite different from his norm and yet bears the unmistakable stamp of his highly individual musical personality. Carter's bass is solid as a rock, and his ear is exceptional. Herbie Hancock and Gary Burton, the youngsters of he assembly, both have a strongly lyrical vein to their playing, making their background and solo work a perfect foil for the horns. – Dan Mogenstern

From Billboard - March 27, 1965: Two great names on a great album! Bob Brookmeyer and Stan Getz. A winning combination if there ever was one and they win all the way. Wonderfully lyric jazz that draws you in and makes you part of it. The sound of tenor sax and valve trombone are innately complimentary but in the hands of these two they really sing.

Jive Hoot
Misty
The Wrinkle
Braclet
Skylark
Sometime Ago
I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face
Who Cares