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Backgrounder: Brazilian Jazz Quartet
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JazzWax by Marc Myers
Who were the musicians in the Brazilian Jazz Quartet? According to Wikipedia, the group featured José Ferreira Godinho Filho “Casé" on alto saxophone, Moacyr Peixoto on piano, Luiz Chaves Oliveira da Paz “Luiz Chaves" on bass and Rubens Alberto Barsotti “Rubinho" on drums. The reason I pose the question is the remarkable similarity in tone between saxophonist “Casé" and Art Pepper (and at times, Lee Konitz). So much so that only a careful ear can tell them apart. Pepper, of ...
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Backgrounder: Jimmy Forrest's 'Forrest Fire'
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JazzWax by Marc Myers
In the years leading up to World War II, tenor saxophonist Jimmy Forrest got his start in bands led by Jay McShann and Andy Kirk. After the war, he was with Duke Ellington and then was on his own. His big claim to fame was co-writing and first recording Night Train, which became a jazz and R&B standard. He also toured with Count Basie. Among my favorite albums by Forrest are those on the New Jazz and Prestige record labels. ...
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Five Thanksgiving Fireplace Albums
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JazzWax by Marc Myers
Today is Thanksgiving in the U.S., and if you're like me, you will likely find yourself in front of a fireplace either before or after dinner. Whether you're on a sofa alone or with someone else, or you're sitting with headphones on and reading, I have a gift that will wrap you in tranquility as you watch logs aflame, snapping and hissing. Here are five of my favorite fireplace albums for the holiday weekend, without ad interruptions. Happy Thanksgiving, and ...
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Backgrounder: Sammy Sings, Laurindo Plays, 1966
Source:
JazzWax by Marc Myers
One of Sammy Davis Jr.'s finest albums is Sammy Davis Jr. Sings and Laurindo Almeida Plays, an LP he recorded in June 1966 accompanied only by Brazilian guitarist Laurindo Almeida. Captured at United Recordings in Las Vegas and released on Reprise, the album of ballads allowed listeners to hear Sammy's voice exposed in an intimate, near-a cappella setting. In many respects, the album for Sammy was a return to a format that was successful in 1958, when he recorded Mood ...
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Five Video Clips of Sammy Davis Jr.
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JazzWax by Marc Myers
Sammy Davis Jr. was a tragic figure in many ways. Enormously talented as an actor, singer, dancer, musician, comedian and entertainer, he was born too soon in segregated America to be taken seriously as a powerhouse artist. So he worked doubly hard to stand out and often poked fun at himself to minimize hate as he rose to become a crossover star. As frustrating as it must have been, Sammy spent a great deal of time on TV trying to ...
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Modern Jazz Quartet: Nearly Forgotten
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JazzWax by Marc Myers
Time has a way of sweeping some jazz stars away while leaving others top of mind. One supergroup that seems to be disappearing from the public consciousness is the Modern Jazz Quartet. In the 1950s, when a more classically influenced style known as chamber jazz became popular at the start of the LP era, the MJQ began to attract attention. The group's esteem and status only grew in the late 1950s and early 1960s as their gentle, erudite music attracted ...
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The World's Greatest Garage Band
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JazzWax by Marc Myers
When it comes to Philadelphia soul, few are more knowledgeable than Daryl Hall. He was raised nearby and attended Temple University. He also was in a bunch of vocal harmony and soul groups, most notably the Temptones. As one half of Hall & Oates, Daryl brought his best Philly forward as the duo created one of the first white rock-soul groups in the early 1970s. In November 2007, he launched Live From Daryl's House, which was simply Daryl and fellow ...
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Backgrounder: Pepper Adams Quintet,' 1957
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JazzWax by Marc Myers
Stu Williamson was a gorgeous trumpeter and valve trombonist. His smooth tone and ease with which he played and soloed landed him in the Hollywood studios in the 1950s. Born in Brattleboro, Vt., Williamson moved to Los Angeles in 1949. Sadly, he struggled with drug addiction for much of his career. The younger brother of West Coast pianist Claude Williamson, Stu Williamson died in 1991 at age 58. Williamson played on just one album with baritone saxophonist Pepper Adams. Recorded ...
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