The Spirit Of Charlie Parker - Frank Wess / Bobby Jaspar / Seldon Powell

 

Marmaduke

The Spirit Of Charlie Parker

Frank Wess - Bobby Jaspar - Seldon Powell

Supervision: Ozzie Cadena

Album Design: Levy A. Agency

Engineer: Rudy Van Gelder

World Wide Records mGS-20003

1958

Frank Wess - Flute

Bobby Jaspar - Flute, Clarinet

Seldon Powell - Flute, Tenor Sax

Frank Rehak - Trombone

Eddie Costa - Piano, Vibraphone

George Donaldson - Drums

Billy Ver Planck - Arrangements

From the back cover: Utilizing 4 great themes composed and associated with the late, great Charlie "Bird" Parker, arranger Billy Veer Planck has created a mood album featuring 3 flutes. Since the growth of the popularity of the flute as an instrument of modern jazz is a later by product of the stream of jazz begun with the work of Parker, it is perhaps appropriate that this "new" instrument be given the assignment of interpreting Bird's memorable themes to a new generation of fans.

Sparkling in his technical virtuosity, superb in his sense of rhythm and harmony, and genius-brilliant in his expression of soul in performance, Parker stands untouched in today's improvisation have only been elaborated upon... never put far out of sight... in the handful of years since his untimely death. It is appropriate that his melodies be continually used as a fountain for experimentation in albums like this, for his contributions are as timely today as they were in the 10 productive years of his major jazz life, from 1945 to 1955.

The superb performers on this date represent the best of the mainstream of modern jazz in the middle and late 1950s. Frank Wess, star soloist of the great Count Basie band, has been a major contributor to the lore of the modern jazz flute. His excellence on the tenor sax (and, more recently, the alto sax are known to fans throughout the world. Bobby Jaspar, Belgian contribution to the world jazz scene, is an able and adept modernist, with skills on both tenor, flute, and (heard here for the first time in solo form) the clarinet. He has appeared extensively in Europe with groups led by Andre Hodeir and others, and has performed in the states with J. J. Johnson and his own groups. Seldon Powell, a greatly under-publicized tenor sax stylist has appeared with top modern bands and combos for many years. This is his first major excursion on the flute, and he generates great excitement. Frank Rehak, a biting, yet thoughtful trombonist, he has appeared with the Johnny Richards and Benny Goodman bands. Eddie Costa, new-talent award-winning piano and vibes star, is a prime example of the swinging, tasty young element in and around New York today. Eddie's work is done in small groups, his own and others, rarely over 5 pieces. George Duvivier, one of the most able bassists in the business today, is enjoying a welcome tour of the New York combo and recording scene, after many years on the road with the top modern jazz groups. His skill and intonation are marched only why his ability to "lift" a rhythm section. Bobby Donaldson, all-around drumming champ, boasts "dues paid" in the camp of the Dixielanders, Swingsters, although his man love and concentration is with the variety of modern gourds who demand his able services. – H. Alan Stein

Parker's Mood

Marmaduke

Now's The Time

Ah Leu-Cha