Gene Ammons - Boss Tenor [1960] OJM / Prestige/Fantasy / 1987 / FLAC

The great tenor saxophonist Gene Ammons was of the generation of swing-era players that easily adapted to bop. But though he was a modernist, Ammons maintained that breathy, old-school romantic approach to the tenor. Boss Tenor, a quintet session from 1960, is one of Ammons' very best albums. Ray Barretto's congas subtly add a bit of Latin spice, but otherwise this is a collection of standards rendered with a gorgeous late-night bluesy feel. Accompaniment by Tommy Flanagan, one of the best mainstream pianists ever, certainly doesn't hurt, either. A gem.

Track list:

1. Hittin' the Jug

2. Close Your Eyes

3. My Romance

4. Canadian Sunset

5. Blue Ammons 

6. Confirmation

7. Savoy

Personnel:

Gene Ammons (ts) 

Tommy Flanagan (p) 

Doug Watkins (b) 

Art Taylor (d) 

Ray Barretto (cga)

Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on June 16, 1960.

Digital remastering: Kirk Felton, 1987

First issue: Prestige PRLP 7180 (1960)

O Púbis da Rosa