Vibraphone Fantasy in Jazz + Jazz à la carte (2 LP on 1 CD)
  • Imperial LP-90
    Imperial LP-90
  • Crown CLP 5388
    Crown CLP 5388

Bob Harrington

Vibraphone Fantasy in Jazz + Jazz à la carte (2 LP on 1 CD)

Rare and Obscure Jazz Albums

Personnel:
Bob Harrington (vib, p), Jimmy Wyble (g), Bob Carter, Red Wooten (b), Lloyd Morales, John Markham (d)

Reference: FSRCD 1082

Bar code: 8427328610827

Fresh Sound Records presents:
Rare and Obscure Jazz Albums
A CD series created for the most discerning jazz collectors

· Hard to find albums in Collector's Edition
· 2 Original LPs on 1 CD
· Original Cover Art, Liner Notes
· Comprenhensive new notes
· Complete Personnel Details
· Mono Recordings
· Newly Remastered in 24-Bit

Pianist, vibraphonist, composer, and arranger Bob Harrington (1912-1983) was a gifted yet underappreciated musician whose career spanned over four decades in the jazz scene. Despite working with legends like Vido Musso, Charlie Barnet, and Stan Kenton, he never gained widespread recognition, even though his melodic sensibility and instrumental versatility set him apart.

In 1957, Harrington recorded 'Vibraphone Fantasy in Jazz,' his debut album as a leader, showcasing a modern, relaxed vibraphone style influenced by Red Norvo. Harrington's playing is melodic, demonstrating a keen awareness of the instrument's full capabilities. He brings vitality to up-tempo tunes and is equally adept at pausing for a meaningful ballad. A highlight of the album is the excellent guitar work of Jimmy Wyble, paired with the solid rhythmic foundation laid down by bassist Bob Carter and drummer Lloyd Morales.

A few years later, in 1961, he returned to the piano for 'Jazz à la Carte.' On this new album, he brought a refreshing conception and skill, playing a collection of tunes with varied tempos, in a session again featuring guitarist Jimmy Wyble and Red Wooten on bass. Beyond his instrumental work, Harrington was also a sought-after vocal coach, mentoring renowned singers such as June Christy, Peggy Lee, and Ann Richards.

Throughout his career, he split his time between Los Angeles, Santa Fe, and Hawaii, performing in small clubs until his final days. Though his recorded output was limited, his music remains a testament to an artist of remarkable sensitivity and talent.

Tracklist

01. Mountain Dew (Bob Carter) 2:29
02. Ticklish Situation (Bob Harrington) 3:51
03. Patio Pavanne (Bob Harrington) 2:04
04. I've Never Been in Love Before (Bob Harrington) 4:46
05. Let's Have Some Ribs (Bob Harrington) 4:24
06. Gone Nuclear Fishin' (Bob Harrington) 2:52
07. How Long Has This Been Going On? (G. & I. Gershwin) 2:59
08. Three-Fourts (Bob Carter) 4:03
09. Little Circumstances (Bob Harrington) 3:09
10. Indecision (Bob Harrington) 3:26
11. Wally Ballew (Bob Harrington) 5:15
12. Hulla Ballew (Bob Harrington) 3:23
13. Little Boy Ballew (Bob Harrington) 3:26
14. Ben Ballew (Bob Harrington) 5:03
15. Baby Ballew (Bob Harrington) 3:19
16. Emma Ballew (Bob Harrington) 5:28
17. Bob Ballew (Bob Harrington) 6:08
18. V.S. Ballew (Bob Harrington) 3:47

Album details

Sources:
Tracks #1-10, from the 12-inch LP “Vibraphone Fantasy in Jazz” (Imperial LP-90)
Tracks #11-18, from the 12-inch LP “Jazz à la Carte” (Crown CLP 5388)

Personnel on "Vibraphone Fantasy in Jazz":
BOB HARRINGTON QUARTET
Bob Harrington, vibes; Jimmy Wyble, guitar; Bob Carter, bass; Lloyd Morales, drums.
Recorded at Bob Harrington’s patio, Mount Washington, Los Angeles, January, 1957

Personnel on "Jazz à la Carte":
BOB HARRINGTON QUARTETTE
Bob Harrington, piano; Jimmy Wyble, guitar; Red Wooten, bass; John Markham or Lloyd Morales, drums (alternating).
Recorded in Hollywood, 1961

Original recordings produced by Lew Chudd and Jules Bihari
This compilation produced for CD release by Jordi Pujol
© 2025 by Fresh Sound Records

Mono · 24-Bit Digitally Remastered
Blue Moon Producciones Discograficas, S.L.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Notes:
Tracks #7 was mistakenly credited to Archie Bleyer & Johnny Mercer on the original Imperial LP label.

Although the front cover of the Imperial album "Vibraphone Fantasy in Jazz" states ‘Recorded in stereophonic sound,’ we want to clarify that the recording is monaural and a stereo release never existed. Regarding the Crown album Jazz à la Carte, both a mono version and a pseudo-stereophonic version were released, the latter artificially processed and further distorting the already poor and uneven sound quality. For this edition, we have chosen the mono version, as it provides a more balanced and pleasant listening experience.
Price:

10,95 €  (tax incl.)

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