Backgrounder: Mann and Rouse, Just Wailin'

On February 14, 1958, Bob Weinstock brought together a sextet to record for his New Jazz Records. Weinstock had founded New Jazz in 1949 as his first label just before launching Prestige later that year. Despite Prestige's success in the 1950s, Weinstock kept New Jazz alive for reasons that are unclear. He may have done so for tax-saving purposes or for jukebox distribution or just to have a label for jazz artists who wanted to take risks and try out new sounds or jam sessions.

Whatever the reason, he recorded Just Wailin' with Herbie Mann (fl), Charlie Rouse (ts), Mal Waldron (p), Kenny Burrell (g), Jamil Nasser (b) and Art Taylor (d). Mal Waldron composed three of the album's six tracks; Minor Groove, Blue Echo and Gospel Truth. The other three were Blue Dip by Kenny Burrell, Jumpin' With Symphony Sid by Lester Young and Trinidad by Cal Massey.

This jam session with jazz musicians who didn't need much rehearsal time had a lot of church-y soul. Most of all, the interplay between Mann's lyrical flute and Rouse's tough tenor saxophone is the highlight for me.

Here's the complete Just Wailin' without ad interruptions...