Kwamina - Billy Taylor

 

Ordinary People

The Original Jazz Score Of Kwamina

As Played by The Billy Taylor Orchestra

Arrangements by Jimmy Jones

Music By Richard Adler

Mercury Records SR 60654

From the back cover: Early this past August I received the score to Kwamina, music and lyrics by Richard Adler, a show scheduled for October 20 opening on Broadway. It struck me as being only only as the best score I had heard since My Fair Lady, but as music which begged for jazz treatment. It would fit Billy Taylor like a glove.

A quick telephone call ascertained Taylor's availability and willingness to record it, dependent on whether or not he liked it. His reaction was as instantaneous as mine. "When do we cut?" he wanted to know.

We would cut as soon as we had it planned. First, an arranger, Jimmy Jones was our prime choice, and he said he could start writing at the beginning of September, after finishing some charts for Dinah Washington. Immediately, however, the three of us got together for two days to decide how the tunes should be treated, the size of the orchestra, and the men we wanted. September 12, 13 and 14 were set as session days – the latest dates we could record and still have the finished record ready for release coincidental with the Broadway opening.

Then we talked about the men. There was no question about Clark Terry. He'll do anything you ask of a trumpet player, and also will contribute the ultimate in enthusiasm and professionalism to any session. Jimmy Cleveland's trombone sound is like Clark's trumpet-tone – warm, a little furry, pungent. They would blend perfectly.

Julius Watkins, French horn, and Jay McAllister, tuba were quickly decided upon. They are exceedingly fine musicians.

Saxes? Jerome Richardson on baritone – probably the most underrated man now playing that instrument. Phil Woods on alto because he knows how to lead a section and plays exciting, imaginative solos. Frank Wess on tenor because he can play, and not enough people know about it.

The rhythm section next. Start with George Duvivier, because you can't find them any better, and pray he isn't already booked for the days you want him. Then Osie Johnson on drums, a pro among pros. Add Les Spann, to our ears the best young guitarist on the scene, and that takes care of that.

From Billboard - October 30, 1961: Billy Taylor and Mercury Jazz a&r man Jack Tracy have lined up a group of top-flight New York jazzmen for this reading of the score from the Broadway production "Kwamina." The interpretations of the music are light, airy and tuneful, and Richard Adler should be delighted with the tasteful, swingy readings. Solos, by Taylor at the piano, Phil Woods, alto sax, and Clark Terry, trumpet, have punch and humor. Of the tracks, "Coca Bean Song," "Ordinary People" and "Nothing To Look Forward Too" are standouts.

Something Big

I'm Seeing Rainbows

Ordinary People

The Cocoa Bean Song

What's Wrong With Me

Nothing More To Look Forward To

Another Time, Another Place

Happy Is The Cricket

Sun Is Beginning To Crow