Be Gentle Please - Ernie Coleman

High On A Windy Hill

Be Gentle Please

Ernie Coleman Trio

Cover Photo: Jack Meehan

Warner Bros. Records W 1261

1959

From the back cover: To say that this is an unusual album would be simply understating the case. Like the legion of sharp witted advertising gentry who perpetually make claims extolling the virtues of their products, it might be natural for you the listener to accuse us of turning pitch man for sole reason of selling (in this case) the Ernie Coleman Trio's "Be Gentle Please" to you.

It's a risk we gladly, almost eagerly accept.

The sounds heard in this album are unique. They're unique for many reasons, among them, the instrumentation, and the fluid musical values; but more importantly because the rare combination of good musicianship, careful selection of repertoire, and new sounds have been delicately recorded and subsequently captured on disc by the ultimate in engineering skill.

The somewhat unorthodox combination of tenor, hammond organ and drums produce the sounds, with credits to Ernie Coleman, Danny DeVincent and Ted Sienkiewicz respectively. All three are exceptionally capable musicians, and should you happen to be visiting Las Vegas, you can see them live at the Sky Room Lounge at the Desert Inn Hotel. They've done exceptionally well as an act in a town where talent abounds, a fact attested to by their run of two years at the Sky Lounge.

The sounds heard come as a result of day in – day out work as a unit, and aptly enough, it's the trio's unison sounds that are succinctly exciting. At first earful it's a somewhat terrifying sound, for you naturally wonder how in heaven's name was the sound produced. You can't pin a label on it either, we've tried mood jazz, riff jazz, mood moderne and dozens of other cliches, all of which frankly come out quite trite. Attempts at describing it will fail miserably – you simply must hear it to believe it.

A word about the members of the Trio. Ernie Coleman, leader of the group is a veteran musician who has been plying his trade for more years than he frankly cares to remember. He started in Erie, Pa., and there's been a tremendous number of cash customers between Ernie and Las Vegas. Ernie's worked in the big clubs and the small during this term, he's worked with name bands and cocktail units, one niters and casuals and fortunately, settled with his present group some four years ago. You'll hear him doubling on tenor and flute in this package – take particular note of his work with the Hammond Organ for a real delight.

Danny DeVincent on Hammond has worked with Ernie for some fifteen years. They both came from Erie, and fondly remember walking horses back home, a far cry from the walking sound Danny exudes today. He used to play accordion back in the days when strolling musicians could make a living, and he looks back to that part of his life with a good deal of fondness and nostalgia. To show you how serious hi is about the sound he and Coleman get, he never plays a Hammond but his, and with good reason. DeVincent had a specially built bass register put into his Hammond, and we seriously doubt that anyone but he, could master its technique.

Ted Sienkiewicz is a relatively new member of the group, and comes well recommended with years of experience with a number of name bands.

That's the Ernie Coleman Trio. You're in for a pleasant surprise.

Say It Isn't So

High On A Windy Hill

Stars In My Eyes

You Call It Madness

So In Love

Have You Met Miss Jones

April In Paris

You Tell Me Your Dream, I'll Tell You Mine

Lullaby Of The Leaves

Deep Night

Stella By Starlight

Goodnight, My Someone