Jim Hall: Jazz Guitar
The young Jim Hall’s first and probably best album as a leader has had a bizarre history. First released in 1957, it contained 10 tracks, six of which were later edited and reissued with an (overdubbed) Larry Bunker on drums – but not included by producer Richard Bock – who also reduced the solos of pianist and bassist Red Mitchell on the third reissue. Later the original versions of the six mindlessly edited tunes were restored, but minus Too Close For Comfort and Things Ain’t What They Used to Be, which were separately released on the Pacific Jazz label. Are you still with me?
No matter, this is still a hugely enjoyable and rewarding session, with the three participants already near the top of their respective games. A happy Thanks For The Memory, a speedy 9.20 Special and a loping Things Ain’t are only three of 10 captivating swing-era standards. An original liner note by Hall’s former employer Jimmy Giuffre commends Hall’s “exceptional technique combined with the confidence to use or not to use [it] in creating the mood depending on the individual situation”, while Perkins is rated one of the “tastiest” pianists of the day, someone gifted with “a rare combination of drive and lightness”. Hall is quoted as saying of Mitchell “Red approaches the bass as though he’d never heard or seen another bassist play.” This remains a classic album and one now restored to its original glory.
Discography
Stompin’ At The Savoy; Things Ain’t What They Used To Be; This Is Always; Thanks For The Memory; Tangerine (23.20) – Stella By Starlight; 9.20 Special; Deep In A Dream; Look For The Silver Lining; Seven Come Eleven (23.48)
Hall (g); Carl Perkins (p); Red Mitchell (b). Los Angeles, 10 & 24 January, 1957.
WaxTime 771888
Oscar Peterson: Around The World
Kelly Peterson continues to bring to the surface more of her late husband’s previously unreleased concert performances between 1969 and 1981. Aptly titled Around The World, this one features him in solo, duo and trio settings in Basel, Detroit, Michigan and Auckland. Kelly is quoted as follows: “I’ve wanted Oscar’s fans, dedicated and new, to experience all aspects of his artistry by releasing music previously unavailable to the public. It’s my hope this will inspire new generations of musicians, and encourage all that love his music to celebrate his life and joy.” There is news that by the end of 2026, Mack Avenue will release a six-volume boxed set of more previously unreleased live recordings, with a 40-page booklet of photographs.. More information would be welcome.
The seven performances here are equally impressive and receive appropriate audience applause. A fleet and propulsive The Lamp Is Low (propelled by Bobby Durham and Sam Jones) and an Oscar original, L’Impossible, has the trio perfectly balanced and synchronized. A Child Is Born/Rainy Day are ruminative, inventive and tasteful Peterson solos. Stella By Starlight, a duet with (“stellar”) guitarist Joe Pass, is yet another highlight of these seminal and well-recorded performances, as is a partly “boogiefied” rendition of Reunion Blues. The only shortcomings of this album are the lack of informative or analytical sleeve notes, a badly designed and unattractive album sleeve and the “modest” playing time of an allegedly long-player.
Discography
The Lamp Is Low; L’Impossible; Reunion Blues; Place St. Henri (19.59 ) – Stella By Starlight; A Child is Born/Here’s That Rainy Day; Cute (17.16)
Peterson (p); Joe Pass (g); Sam Jones (b); Michel Donato (b); Bobby Durham or Louis Hayes (d). Basel (1969), Detroit (1969), Toronto (1981) and Auckland, NZ (1972).
Mack Avenue/Two Lions Records MAC 1223
Nat ‘King’ Cole: Penthouse Serenade
To most of his admirers, Nat King Cole (1917-1965) is remembered (and celebrated) as a “popular” 1950s vocalist to be ranked alongside Crosby, Sinatra, Dean Martin and (not least) Sammy Davis, Jr. A smaller number are either unaware of or unmoved by his jazz credentials as a pianist. Inspired by Earl Hines, Teddy Wilson and Oscar Peterson, he led an excellent trio in the 1940s and 50s, but then largely abandoned jazz, apart from a couple of brief returns to the scene. This LP, recorded in 1952 and 1955, was made after he had formally disbanded his trio and, accompanied by guitarist John Collins, bassist Charlie Harris and drummer Bunny Shawker, recorded an eight track 10”LP Penthouse Serenade. Reissued in 1955, it added four tracks from a revamped combo with Lee Young replacing Shawker.
Throughout, the mood (reflecting the song titles) is delicate, pensive or gently swinging. An example of the last named is Somebody Loves Me. The title track proceeds at a restrained tempo, with sensitive support from Collins, Harris and Shawker. While undoubtedly pleasant, none of the 14 tracks (all in excellent sound) really sustain one’s interest – and I admit to having peacefully dozed off (complaint or compliment?) at moments during the sometimes soporific proceedings. One title did make a favourable impression: It Could Happen To You. And I did wake up to hear the two versions of I Surrender Dear, and a sprightly Rose Room.
Discography
Penthouse Serenade; Somebody Loves Me; Laura; Once In A Blue Moon; Don’t Blame Me; Laugh! Cool Clown; (?) Polka Dots And Moonbeams; Down By The Old Mill Stream; If I Should Lose You; I Surrender Dear; It Could Happen To You; I Surrender Dear (alt)
Cole (p); John Collins (g); Charlie Harris (b); Bunny Shawker/Lee Young (d); Jack Costanzo (bgo, cga). Los Angeles, 18 July 1952 and 14 July 1955. New York, 22 March 1949.
WaxTime 772260
