Rolf Ericson And His All American Stars

 

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Rolf Ericson

And His All American Stars

EmArcy - Mercury Records MG 36106

1958

From the back cover: About The Musicians 

The personnel of the Rolf Ericson Combo certainly reads like a Who's Who at Birdland. To give the front line that vital strength, so typical of today's New York jazz, Rolf sought the services of Cecil Payne and his powerful baritone. Cecil, of course, became widely known during the later forties as a prominent anchor in the Dizzy Gillespie sax section and has lately been active around New York doing several record dates and nightclub gigs with different star combinations.

Being a Charlie Parker disciple Cecil Payne shares this source of inspiration with pianist Duke Jordan, a steady member of different combos under the late great "Bird". Duke is undoubtedly one of the most original keyboard minds in modern jazz and his capacity both as a soloist and writer of catchy jazz themes has been truly appreciated.

Together with Duke Jordan drummer Art Taylor and bassist John Simmons form one of the greatest rhythm sections ever heard in Sweden. A highly sensitive and inventive drummer Art Taylor has already shown his remarkable talent working with Bud Powell and the Gigi Gryce-Art Farmer Quintet, John Simmons, a veteran in the jazz field since 20 years back, has always held a reputation for being one of the most driving bass men around and his work in the Rolf Ericson group certainly offers convincing proof.

About The Leader

Rolf Ericson made his first trip to the States in 1947. At first located on the west coast he soon made the big band circuit touring with Benny Carter, Charlie Barnet, Elliott Lawrence and Woody Herman. Upon his return to Sweden in 1950 he formed an excellent band with alto player Arne Domnerus but again left for the U.S.A. two years later. During 1955 he mainly worked with Harry James and shortly before the Swedish tour Rolf held the solo choir in Les Brown's trumpet section.

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