Search - Teddy Charles :: Word From Bird

Vibraphonist Teddy Charles, prominent in the 1950s and '60s but largely retired from music thereafter, studied at the renowned Juilliard School of Music in New York and played with Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Anita O'Day, and Charles Mingus before emerging as a leader. Word from Bird (1956) was his second album at Atlantic Records, and it's a musically intriguing collection of two large-ensemble pieces and four small-group performances. The title track, written by Charles, is an extended work for 12-piece band that has both classical and jazz flavors, performed by such acclaimed artists as trumpeter Art Farmer, guitarist Jimmy Raney, and trombonist Eddie Bert. After the opening classical-based fanfare, the appealing, airy work swings modestly, the music touching on both modern big-band sounds and classical chamber-group contrapuntal writing. Strong solos from Charles, Farmer, and alto saxophonist Hal Stein are added pleasures. The other large-group piece, Bob Brookmeyer's quick-paced "Show Time," is in a strictly modern-jazz frame of mind. With 10 players, "Show Time" features the composer's bravura writing and sports several thoughtful, percolating solos from the crew. The delightful small-group numbers feature bassist Mingus, pianist Hall Overton, and drummer Ed Shaughnessy. On both the medium-tempoed "When Your Lover Has Gone" and a speedier "Just One of Those Things," Charles plays attractive solos, revealing his deep bebop roots and affection for the great Milt Jackson. "Laura" is a poignant ballad offered succulently by Charles, Mingus, and Shaughnessy. --Zan Stewart