Search - Johnny Coles :: Warm Sound

Get Some Coles In Your Stocking For Christmas

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 07/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Johnny Coles is an incredible and relatively unknown trumpet player who recorded some outstanding albums in the early 60s. "The Warm Sound" and "Little Johnny C.," recorded for Blue Note, are first rate jazz albums. On the former, Coles is joined by jazz stalwarts Kenny Drew and Charlie Persip, and by Peck Morrison on bass (this is the only recording I have him on). The band is in top form and they admirably support Coles' bright, chromatic, and truly "warm" trumpet lines. "The Warm Sound" not only is a rare opportunity to hear the playing of Coles, but it also a showcase for the writing talents of a young Randy Weston, who contributes four originals. This album was very rare and sought after as an LP, and now that it is available on CD, it should be purchased quickly."

The Warm Sound-The Johnny Coles Quartet

Stuart Jefferson | San Diego,Ca | 10/25/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Approximately 64 minutes. The sound is very clear and clean,but does not say whether it's remastered. This is Coles' first release with his own group and it is very fine indeed. For those of you who have heard Coles' release on Blue Note,this will fit right alongside. Collectively the players are: Kenny Drew,Randy Weston,Duke Pearson,and Jack Wilson on piano;Peck Morrison,Bob Cranshaw,and Richard Evans on bass;Charlie Persip,Walter Perkins on drums;and on two tracks Julien Priester-trombone,Eddie Chamblee-tenor sax,and Charles Davis-baritone sax.



It's nice to have the complete session alng with two tracks which feature Coles in another small group setting. Coles is one of those jazz players who never seem to get any(or little)recognition. His sideman credentials are very impressive. He has played with Gil Evans in his orchestra and with James Moody. He also played with Charles Mingus and Herbie Hancock,and many others. Someone with that kind of resume should have been recorded as a leader more than he was,but at least we have this and the Blue Note sides which are "of a piece". On this set,Coles is always out front with the band playing sympathetically behind and with him. The up-tempo tracks are good,however,it's the ballads(listen to Pretty Strange as an example)where he most shines.



This is trumpet playing at it's finest. Coles' trumpet tone is very warm and emotional,with just enough space between the notes to give his sound a real depth. As a bonus,the piano of Kenny Drew and Randy Weston really elevates the overall sound. The tunes are comprised of originals and standards. In some cases standards means not enough original material,which leads to boredom. This is not the case here-everything blends together nicely.



This is just another example of a good jazz musician playing(and recording)good music that for whatever reason relatively few hear. If you like jazz trumpet in a small group setting,pick this up along with Coles' Blue Note session. This is an example of jazz at it's finest. The booklet includes an overview of Coles and the original liner notes."