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Philly Joe Jones: Philly Mignon
ByThe tunes have a loose ‘blowing date’ ambience that contributes to feeling of good cheer. Bird’s “Confirmation” receives the royal treatment via Cables resplendent chord negotiations and Sullivan’s fluttery tenor brawn. Jones moves in for a solo that is surprisingly sedate before taking things out. Gordon keys the pace down a few notches on the ballad “Neptunis.” Blowing beautiful commentary with Cables colorful comping on the initial head he moves effortlessly into a signature solo bursting with healthy sentiments and confident poise. Carter’s walking gait is a little rubbery due to amplification, but Jones keeps the rhythm ambulating with strategically wedged cymbal accents. The absence of Cables and Sullivan’s exotic soprano on “Jim’s Jewel” again shifts the mood. It’s an interesting opportunity to hear Jones without the chordal safety net provided by the presence of a piano. Also unexpected and of interest is Gordon’s raspy vocal preface to the romantic run through of “Polka Dots and Moonbeams.” Old ground to be sure, but even a well-trodden tune such as this is ideal fodder for these musicians to uncover the magic just under the surface. As a mixed entrée of meaty vittles and nourishing musical greens this disc definitely hits the spot.
Track Listing
Confirmation/ Neptunis/ Jim
Personnel
Philly Joe Jones
drumsNat Adderly- cornet; Ira Sullivan- tenor & soprano saxophones; Dexter Gordon- tenor saxophone; George Cables- piano; Ron Carter- bass; Philly Joe Jones- drums. Recorded: November 29 & 30, December 1, 1977, Berkeley, CA.
Album information
Title: Philly Mignon | Year Released: 2001 | Record Label: Galaxy Music Group