This release contains two complete consecutive albums by Bob Brookmeyer, "The Blues Hot and Cold" and "7X Wilder", both of which appear here on CD for the first time ever. Although the two LPs were recorded in a quartet format, they have different personnel.
The first one consists of a traditional trombone quartet, with piano, bass and drums, with a repertoire of jazz standards, original compositions by Brookmeyer and a variation on Stompin at the Savoy. While the second set is a more unconventional project: a collection of compositions by Alec Wilder (with the exception of Brookmeyers Blues for Alec) - with Brookmeyer alternating between trombone and piano, and Jim Hall as a second soloist on guitar.
Tracklisting:
01. ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET 6:04
02. STOPPIN AT THE SAVOY 5:54
03. LANGUID BLUES 7:21
04. I GOT RHYTHM 4:53
05. SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES 5:48
06. HOT AND COLD BLUES 7:57
07. WHILE WERE YOUNG 6:09
08. THATS THE WAY IT GOES 4:42
09. THE WRONG BLUES 4:32
10. ITS SO PEACEFUL IN THE COUNTRY 4:04
11. BLUES FOR ALEC 6:07
12. ILL BE AROUND 4:28
13. WHO CAN I TURN TO? 4:26
Total time: 72:30 min.
Tracks #1-6 originally issued as "The Blues Hot And Cold" (Verve MGV-8385).
Tracks #7-13 originally issued as "7x Wilder" (Verve V6 8413).
Personnel on #1-6:
Bob Brookmeyer (v-tb), Jimmy Rowles (p), Buddy Clark (b) and Mel Lewis (d). Recorded in Los Angeles, on June 16, 1960.
Personnel on #7-13:
Bob Brookmeyer (v-tb, p), Jim Hall (g), Bill Crow (b) and Mel Lewis (d). Recorded in New York, on June 29, 1961.
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Notes:
-The Blues Hot And Cold
"May there be more albums such as this; may there be more jazzmen as Bob Brookmeyer."
Don DeMicheal -Down Beat
"Bob Brookmeyer is thought of as a cool jazz stylist, though the valve trombonist throws everyone a curve with these 1960 small group dates.Accompanied by pianist Jimmy Rowles, bassist Buddy Clark, and drummer Mel Lewis, Brookmeyer delves into music from the swing era, utilizing a mute throughout most of the album, something he doesn't use all that often. He delivers a sassy "On the Sunny Side of the Street" and an imaginative reworking of "Stompin' at the Savoy" ("Stoppin' at the Savoy"). "I Got Rhythm," one of the most popular standards recorded by jazz musicians, benefits from Brookmeyer's arrangement, which at one point is a jig, then switches to bop, all with terrific accompaniment by the rhythm section and an intricate solo by Rowles. Also rewarding is his playful approach to "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes." This Verve LP, released in 1961, is extremely hard to find, so don't expect to find it quickly or at a cheap price."
Ken Dryden -All Music Guide
- 7x Wilder
"Chamber jazz of a high order results when this foursome explores the rewarding music of Alec Wilder."
John S. Wilson -Down Beat
"Another Brookmeyer gem from the Verve era, namely the 1961 release '7 x Wilder'. Working in a quartet setting, Brookmeyer matches personalities flawlessly with guitarist Jim Hall, bassist Bill Crow, and drummer Mel Lewis, while paying homage to iconoclast composer Alec Wilder. One of the best and most memorable tunes from the Wilder cannon is While Were Young, treated here as a waltz and finding Brookmeyer playing piano with a minimalist approach. The other line which might be familiar is Its So Peaceful In the Country, rendered ever so delicately this time with our leading man on trombone. Not lost on todays astute musicians, this melodic jewel can also be heard in a more recent version by pianist Bill Charlap.
Brookmeyer would pen Blues For Alec and it serves as one of the lengthier cuts, Hall and the trombonist stretching out in a bluesy vein that brings out the best solos of the set. Its also here that you really notice the way this ensemble breathes as one, Lewis and Crow never intruding on the generally restrained mood, but not failing either to support the soloists firmly. A sublime gem that deserves a reissue, along with the rest of his Verve sides, 7 x Wilder is Brookmeyer at his finest with an obscure performance from Jim Hall to boot."
C. Andrew Hovan -All About Jazz
