James Clay- hard bop master underrecognized like Tina Brooks
C. Katz | Peoples Republic Of Massachussettes | 11/16/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Read my review of "Tenorman" (nominally led by Lawrence Marable)and you'll get more of gist.But this incredible re-issue ad's a cut with Clay playing with Timmons.Jimmy Bond and Peter Littman.They play "In A Sentimental Mood".But what makes this so incredible is it ad's one whole extra LP "Presenting Red Mitchell" with Lorraine Geller (Herb Geller's wife who was a superb bop pianist died tragically young was a superb bop pianist) with one cut from TV "Stars Of Jazz Series" in band led by Geller in one quartet with Frank Capp on Drums and playing "It's Alright With Me".Then you get "Scrapple From The Apple" by Bird,"Out Of The Blue"By Miles,"Sandu" by Brownie,and "Cheek To Cheek.That LP/CD is a gem in it's entirety but it's great that you have that added to the nine cuts on "Tenorman" which include Clark's standard "Minor Meeting" but less known "Three Fingers North" (only time I think it appeared)and his tune "Marbles".This is a great disc with James Clay as star so his 20 year absence until he was rediscovered and had a 6 year revival before his death is one of those bittersweet stories.And here you get great Sonny Clark and the tragically unknown and under recorded Lorraine Geller.You can hear her on a a few LP's with her Alto playing husband Herb and one great LP she did on Dot called Lorraine Geller "At The Piano".If you see and original and can afford it or can find the also rare Japan LP (might have made a short run on disc) buy it.It's a gem.See my review of Tenorman.
Cheers
Chazz
P.S. given the Clay story another great time to say yet again [...] an give an then pass it on.They help those known and unknown young and old who have legitimate need for aid so they can play this uncomercial art."
