JUNIOR MANCE — Sweet and Lovely (2004) WV (image+.cue), lossless

In the ‘60s, the terms "soul-jazz" and "organ combo" went hand-in-hand -- frequently, but not always. Although organ combos dominated soul-jazz in the ‘60s, there is another valuable part of ‘60s soul-jazz that isn't discussed quite as much: piano trios led by funky, soulful players like Ray Bryant, Bobby Timmons, Ramsey Lewis, and Gene Harris. All of those artists demonstrated that earthy down-home soul-jazz didn't have to have an organ, and Junior Mance was also well aware of the piano's possibilities as a soul-jazz instrument. The Chicago native has often made it clear that piano jazz (to borrow Marian McPartland's term) can also be soul-jazz -- a fact that is quite evident on Sweet and Lovely. This 2004 release unites two of Mance's early-‘60s sessions on a single 77-minute CD: The Soulful Piano of Junior Mance and Big Chief (minus the Big Chief track "The Seasons," which Fantasy omitted due to space limitations). Both albums were produced by Orrin Keepnews for Jazzland/Riverside, and both of them find Mance leading cohesive piano trios. Whether Mance is joined by bassist Ben Tucker and drummer Bobby Thomas on Soulful Piano, or bassist Jimmy Rowser and drummer Paul Gusman on Big Chief, the pianist is in fine form throughout Sweet and Lovely. Mance excels on 12-bar blues themes, and he is equally convincing on standards that range from George Gershwin's "Summertime" and Cole Porter's "Love for Sale" to Thelonious Monk's "Ruby, My Dear". Occasionally, Mance ventures into cerebral territory; "Love for Sale" and the original "Swish," for example, underscore the Chicagoan's ability to play tough, complex, demanding bop changes at a fast tempo. But most of these trio performances thrive on groove-oriented accessibility and will easily appeal to those who prefer their jazz on the melodic side. Alex Henderson
Tracklist :
# 1-9 originally released as 'The Soulful Piano of Junior Mance' (Jazzland 930)
1    The Uptown    4:02
Written-By – Julian Mance
2    Ralph's New Blues    4:20
Written-By – Milt Jackson
3    Main Stem    4:21
Written-By – Duke Ellington
4    Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup    3:38
Written-By – Anna Socenko
5    Playhouse    4:14
Written-By – Julian Mance
6    Sweet And Lovely    3:35
Written-By – Daniels, Arnheim, Tobias
7    In The Land Of Oo-Bla-Dee    4:36
Written-By – Mary Lou Williams
8    I Don't Care    4:27
Written-By – Ray Bryant
9    Swingmatism    5:12
Written-By – McShann, Scott
# 10-17 on 'Big Chief!' (Jazzland 953)
10    Big Chief!    4:16
Written-By – Junior Mance
11    Love For Sale    4:55
Written-By – Cole Porter
12    Fillet Of Soul    4:27
Written-By – Larry Gales
13    Swish    3:38
Written-By – Junior Mance
14    Summertime    4:09
Written-By – George And Ira Gershwin
15    Ruby, My Dear    5:55
Written-By – Thelonious Monk
16    Little Miss Gail    4:45
Written-By – Junior Mance
17    Atlanta Blues    5:51
Written-By – W. C. Handy
Credits :
1-9 originally released as 'The Soulful Piano of Junior Mance' (1969, Jazzland 930)
Bass – Ben Tucker
Drums – Bobby Thomas
Piano – Junior Mance
10-17 on 'Big Chief!' (1961, Jazzland 953)
Bass – Jimmy Rowser
Drums – Paul Gusman
Piano – Junior Mance

THE MONTGOMERY BROTHERS Groove Yard (1961-1994) RM | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Wes Montgomery was reunited with his brothers Monk and Buddy on this 1961 Riverside session, which also features drummer Bobby Thomas. The guitarist and his brothers are in great form throughout the session in spite of the less-than-ideal piano provided. According to producer Orrin Keepnews, Buddy Montgomery originally intended to split his time on the date between vibes and piano, but the failure of the motor on the former instrument caused him to spend most of his time at the keyboard. The highlight of the evening in the studio is a foot-tapping version of Carl Perkins' "Groove Yard," followed closely by a wild ride through Harold Land's "Delirium." The leader contributed the soulful hard bop work "Doujie." The pianist wrote the driving "Just for Now" and the easygoing blues "Back to Bock." The contents of this CD reissue, all of which are present within the 12-CD set The Complete Riverside Recordings, unfortunately doesn't include several valuable alternate takes later added to the boxed set. Like most of Wes Montgomery's Riverside recordings, this release is an essential part of his discography and is highly recommended. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Bock To Bock (Back To Back)    6:45
 Buddy Montgomery
2    Groove Yard    3:01
 Carl Perkins
3    If I Should Lose You    5:49
 Ralph Rainger / Leo Robin
4    Delirium    3:38
 Harold Land / Arthur Schutt
5    Just For Now    4:57
 Buddy Montgomery / Dick Redmond
6    Doujie    4:37
 Wes Montgomery
7    Heart Strings    4:35
 Milt Jackson
8    Remember    5:37
 Irving Berlin
Credits :
Wes Montgomery - Guitar
Buddy Montgomery - Piano
Monk Montgomery - Bass
Bobby Thomas - Drums