Jazz Confidential

 

Jazz Confidential

Jazz Confidential

Cover Design: Hobco Arts

Crown Records 5056

1958

From the back cover: The big thing about Jazz Confidential is that the 'confidentially' this is the greatest line-up of giants in the jazz world ever put on one disc. The 'Who's Who' of the field of music populate this LP and their famous solos and talents are here for your listening pleasure.

In the reed section are such greats a Ben Webster, the king of the Tenors; Stan Getz, who was a forerunner in the field of modern jazz; Paul Desmond, the alto man of the Brubeck quartet; modernist, Jimmy Giuffre; the late Wadell Gray who  played with all of the big bands; Willie Smith, who started with the "Harlem Express" – then Jimmy Lunceford who is now with Harry James' band; and the young modern swinger, Sonny Criss, who starts with the Buddy Rich quintet.

Three famous drum stars are featured... Louis Bellson with his two, not one, but two bass-drums. Another star in the percussion filed starred with the Stan Kenton band and has recently been featured with his own trio or quartet, Shelly Manne. (Also another real swinger on drums, Jack Mills.) And to cover the entire field of percussion, Sabu Martinez is featured on Bongo's and Congo's.

Turning to other rhythm instruments... on Bass you'll hear one of the great young stars. He started with Jerry Fielding and has since become one of the most sought-after musicians in Hollywood, Red Callander.

The guitar scene is well covered with two great artists. Irving Ashby and the original guitarist with Nat "King" Cole, Oscar Moore.

Rhythmic too are the vibes and two of the greatest are here. The venerable star of the Benny Goodman Sextet and his own groups, Red Norvo. And along with Red Norvo, a young and talented modernist with a sometimes latin beat, San Francisco's Cal Tjader.

In the brass section are two of the greatest. From out of the late Tommy Dorsey band, the tricky trumpet of Charlie Shavers. And from the field of the moderns, he with the 'Giants', the goateed, Shorty Rodgers.

Finally on piano two tremendous talents with opposite backgrounds and talents. First, Erroll Garner, who never took a music lesson in his life and to this day can't read music. And, secondly the erudite and fabulously trained Dave Burbeck.

From Billboard - March 3, 1958: For the most part, tracks in set were recorded at jazz concerts held in California over last 10 years. In addition, studio sessions featuring the Dave Brubeck Quartet, Cal Tjader's unit, and a group led by bongoist Sabu Martinez are included. Plethora of "names" – Erroll Garner, Stan Getz, C. Shavers, Red Norvo, B. Webster are included in concert jam sessions. Most impressive tracks, "Blue Lou" and "Groovin' Hight" both feature the late Wardell Gray on tenor. Former alto spots Garner' later, soloist Sonny Criss. In essence, a modern package that is a real barging $1.49

Crazy Time

Blue Lou

Cold Night

Big Boy

Journey's End

Groovin' High

Wash Out