Charlie Rouse – Yeah! (1961) https://youtu.be/RsAzZao2s-k Original Liner Notes: One of the problems facing the growth of jazz as a whole is the matter of myths and legends, which appear almost daily. These legends usually concern themselves with jazz musicians who suddenly arise as demi-gods on the scene. Every month, a new young player "arrives" and becomes the center of recording activity. During these frantic moments it becomes imperative to listen to those who, over the years, have proven themselves to be masters of their particular instruments. When all is said and done, one must still look to people like Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Bud Powell, and their peers.
Tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse is a member in good standing of this "never-to-be-forgotten" school. His playing has impressed critics and fans for many years. Recent and further proof of Charlie's stature was an invitation to join Thelonius Monk's group.
Charlie's tenor is aggressive, without the usual strident, piercing tone to which listeners have become inured. His sense of swing is uncomplicated, and there is an easy-riding quality to his playing. He is urgent and powerful. Many times he seems to be "floating" on top of his rhythm section. For all these reasons, I feel it is high time Charlie was recorded as a soloist.
This recording also marks the debut of an exciting new pianist—Billy Gardner. As Charlie says, "He sure plays nice things behind you." Billy's playing is very much in the Red Garland-Winton Kelly groove, yet there is a definite individuality to his approach. Dave Bailey on drums and Peck Morrison on bass form the
rest of the rhythm section, and their playing is superb throughout.
Charlie's "floating quality" first becomes apparent in You Don't Know What Love Is. Listen for Billy Gardner's delicate, yet punchy, piano fill. Charlie plays very romantically here, but always urgently.
Lil Rousin' is a swinger in the true sense of the word.
Dave Bailey is particularly impressive. Charlie plays with no holds barred, and Billy's solo adds to the excitement. Stella By Starlight closes the first side. Here Charlie's sax sings with a warmth that one rarely hears on any recording. After the opening statement of the melody, a gentle swing develops. Billy's block chord solo is an exercise in tasty driving that makes this one of the definitive and memorable versions of Stella.
The opener on the second side is Billy's Blues, an original by Billy Gardner. Billy performs the opening theme, then Charlie enters with an explosion. The medium-slow tempo produces one of the most relaxed blues performances on record. Rouse's Point has a very intricate opening; Charlie builds his solo beautifully, demonstrating wonderful command of his horn. His statements are short and to the point. Peck gives Charlie great support here. There Is No Greater Love is another example of Charlie Rouse in a romantic mood; Charlie digs into his bag of blues to give his solo deeper meaning. Billy picks up this cue and offers a superb solo.
This is Charlie Rouse's first album for Epic. We think you will agree with us that there should be many more to come.
- MIKE BERNIKER
Charlie Rouse was born in Washington, D.C. After studies on the clarinet, he turned to the tenor sax and became a highly inventive soloist. He has played with Billy Eckstine, Dizzy Gillespie, and Duke Ellington, and more recently with Buddy Rich and Thelonious Monk.
Dave Bailey was born in Portsmouth, Va. Moving to New York in 1947, he studied at the Music Center Conservatory, then played with Johnny Hodges, Charlie Mingus, Horace Silver, and others. He has made four European tours with Gerry Mulligan.
Peck (John) Morrison, from Lancaster, Penna., studied at the Hartnell School of Music. He has played with Horace Silver, Jay and Kai, Duke Ellington, Gerry Mulligan, and many others.
New York-born Billy Gardner is presently a student at the City College of New York, majoring in psychology and criminology. He was discovered when he sat in with the combo at Small's Paradise in the summer of 1960. This album marks his recording debut.
Lil Reusin' and Stella by Starlight were recorded in New York City on December 20, 1960. You Don't Know What Love Is, Billy's Blues, Rouse's Point, and No Greater Love were recorded on December 21.
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Charlie Rouse – Yeah! (1961)
https://youtu.be/RsAzZao2s-k
Original Liner Notes:
One of the problems facing the growth of jazz as a whole is the matter of myths and legends, which appear almost daily. These legends usually concern themselves with jazz musicians who suddenly arise as demi-gods on the scene. Every month, a new young player "arrives" and becomes the center of recording activity. During these frantic moments it becomes imperative to listen to those who, over the years, have proven themselves to be masters of their particular instruments. When all is said and done, one must still look to people like Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Bud Powell, and their peers.
Tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse is a member in good standing of this "never-to-be-forgotten" school. His playing has impressed critics and fans for many years. Recent and further proof of Charlie's stature was an invitation to join Thelonius Monk's group.
Charlie's tenor is aggressive, without the usual strident, piercing tone to which listeners have become inured. His sense of swing is uncomplicated, and there is an easy-riding quality to his playing. He is urgent and powerful. Many times he seems to be "floating" on top of his rhythm section. For all these reasons, I feel it is high time Charlie was recorded as a soloist.
This recording also marks the debut of an exciting new pianist—Billy Gardner. As Charlie says, "He sure plays nice things behind you." Billy's playing is very much in the Red Garland-Winton Kelly groove, yet there is a definite individuality to his approach. Dave Bailey on drums and Peck Morrison on bass form the
rest of the rhythm section, and their playing is superb throughout.
Charlie's "floating quality" first becomes apparent in You Don't Know What Love Is. Listen for Billy Gardner's delicate, yet punchy, piano fill. Charlie plays very romantically here, but always urgently.
Lil Rousin' is a swinger in the true sense of the word.
Dave Bailey is particularly impressive. Charlie plays with no holds barred, and Billy's solo adds to the excitement. Stella By Starlight closes the first side. Here Charlie's sax sings with a warmth that one rarely hears on any recording. After the opening statement of the melody, a gentle swing develops. Billy's block chord solo is an exercise in tasty driving that makes this one of the definitive and memorable versions of Stella.
The opener on the second side is Billy's Blues, an original by Billy Gardner. Billy performs the opening theme, then Charlie enters with an explosion. The medium-slow tempo produces one of the most relaxed blues performances on record. Rouse's Point has a very intricate opening; Charlie builds his solo beautifully, demonstrating wonderful command of his horn. His statements are short and to the point. Peck gives Charlie great support here. There Is No Greater Love is another example of Charlie Rouse in a romantic mood; Charlie digs into his bag of blues to give his solo deeper meaning. Billy picks up this cue and offers a superb solo.
This is Charlie Rouse's first album for Epic. We think you will agree with us that there should be many more to come.
- MIKE BERNIKER
Charlie Rouse was born in Washington, D.C. After studies on the clarinet, he turned to the tenor sax and became a highly inventive soloist. He has played with Billy Eckstine, Dizzy Gillespie, and Duke Ellington, and more recently with Buddy Rich and Thelonious Monk.
Dave Bailey was born in Portsmouth, Va. Moving to New York in 1947, he studied at the Music Center Conservatory, then played with Johnny Hodges, Charlie Mingus, Horace Silver, and others. He has made four European tours with Gerry Mulligan.
Peck (John) Morrison, from Lancaster, Penna., studied at the Hartnell School of Music. He has played with Horace Silver, Jay and Kai, Duke Ellington, Gerry Mulligan, and many others.
New York-born Billy Gardner is presently a student at the City College of New York, majoring in psychology and criminology. He was discovered when he sat in with the combo at Small's Paradise in the summer of 1960. This album marks his recording debut.
Lil Reusin' and Stella by Starlight were recorded in New York City on December 20, 1960. You Don't Know What Love Is, Billy's Blues, Rouse's Point, and No Greater Love were recorded on December 21.
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