In January 1958, producer Orrin Keepnews brought pianist Wynton Kelly
and guitarist Kenny Burrell into the studio. Although he had for years
been a highly regarded sideman with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Lester
Young and Dinah Washington, Kelly had only cut one date as a leader
prior to this -- and that had been seven years earlier. Whisper Not
showcases Kelly and Burrell in a trio setting with bassist Paul
Chambers, and for one side adds drummer Philly Joe Jones. The tunes
include Harold Arlen's "Ill Wind," Billie Holiday's "Don't Explain," and
the title track, penned for the Gillespie band by Benny Golson.
Unfortunately, Kelly is not given an opportunity to shine in the
conventional piano trio setting -- with only bass and drums -- a format
in which he excelled. His distinctive drive and buoyant swing feel is in
evidence, however, and despite a less than perfect audio mix (a bit
dry), Whisper Not is recommended as an important recording in the oeuvre
of Wynton Kelly. Lee Bloom
Tracklist :
1 Whisper Not 7:12
Benny Golson
2 Action 7:12
Wynton Kelly
3 Dark Eyes 5:59
Traditional
4 Strong Man 5:17
Oscar Brown, Jr.
5 Ill Wind 4:25
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
6 Don't Explain 5:36
Billie Holiday / Arthur Herzog, Jr.
7 You Can't Get Away 6:24
Wynton Kelly
8 Dark Eyes 5:19
Traditional
Credits :
Bass – Paul Chambers
Drums – Philly Joe Jones
Guitar – Kenny Burrell (tracks: 1 to 3, 8)
Piano – Wynton Kelly
