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Les McCann / The Mitchell-Ruff Trio: 20 Special Fingers
ByRecorded with strings on July 22-24, 1968 in Atlantic’s New York studios, Les McCann’s project reflects cool acoustic piano jazz with a captivating beat. The music, remaining enjoyable and tasteful throughout, features excellent acoustic trio interplay from drums, bass, and McCann’s piano. Unlike the synth strings we are faced with in today’s market, the leader’s backup string section offers a rewarding and irreplaceable timbre.
Recorded July 21, 1961 before a congenial audience at the Playback Club in New Haven, Connecticut, The Catbird Seat presents an inspired piano trio and wholesome improvisation. Unfortunately, the club’s piano was rather sour that night, affecting pitch and tone quality. It’s one of the major factors that led artists such as Les McCann to adopt the electronic keyboard for good and to stop relying on club managers to keep their instruments in good shape.
Track Listingfor Much Les : Doin’ That Thing; With These Hands; Burnin’ Coal; Benjamin; Love For Sale; Roberta.
Collective Personnelfor Much Les : Les McCann- piano, vocal on "With These Hands"; Leroy Vinnegar- bass; Donald Dean- drums; Willie Bobo- timbales; Victor Pantoja, congas; Theodore Israel, Warren Laffredo, Richard Elias, Winston Collymore, Emanuel Green, Noel DaCosta- violin; Selwart Clarke- viola, concertmaster; Harvey Shapiro, Kermit Moore, Ron Carter- cello; William Fischer- string section director & arranger.
Track Listingfor The Catbird Seat : The Catbird Seat; Street of Dreams; So In Love; Con Alma; Gypsy in my Soul; I’ll Remember April.
Personnelfor The Catbird Seat : Dwike Mitchell- piano; Willie Ruff- bass; Charlie Smith- drums.
Track Listing
Disc One: (Les McCann)- Doin' the Thing, With These Hands, Burnin' Coal, Benjamin, Love for Sale, Roberta
Disc Two: (Mitchell-Ruff Trio)- The Catbird Seat, Street of Dreams, So in Love, Con Alma, Gypsy in My Soul, I'll Remember April
Personnel
Les McCann
piano
Disc One: Les McCann, piano; Leroy Vinnegar, bass; Donald Dean, drums; Willie Bobo, timbales; Victor Pantoja, congas; Ron Carter, Winston Collymore, Noel DaCosta, Richard Elias, Emanuel Green, Theodore Israel, Warren Laffredo, Kermit Moore, Harvey Shapiro, strings; William Fischer, arranger/director
Disc Two: Dwike Mitchell, piano; Willie Ruff, bass; Charlie Smith, drums
Album information
Title: Twenty Special Fingers | Year Released: 1999 | Record Label: 32 Records