Personnel:
Jimmy Rowles (p), Al Hendrickson (g), Red Mitchell, Ben Tucker, Joe Mondragon (b), Art Mardigan, Mel Lewis, Nick Fatool (d)
Reference: FSRCD1149
Bar code: 8427328611497
James George Hunter (1918-1996), known professionally as Jimmy Rowles, epitomized the countless talented musicians whose professional careers were interrupted by World War II. Despite this setback, Rowles swiftly resumed his trajectory upon re-entering civilian life in 1946, showcasing exceptional talent that foreshadowed a prominent position within the national jazz music scene. Inspired by Teddy Wilson, Rowles delved into exhaustive studies of the renowned pianist's styling and technique.
Throughout his extensive career, Rowles became one of the most sought-after pianists in the Los Angeles recording studios, collaborating with virtually all of the city's top jazz musicians. He also earned acclaim as an accompanist for singers, frequently playing and recording with icons like Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Carmen McRae, who praised him as "the guy every singer in her right mind would like to work with."
This 1954 Jimmy Rowles trio recording session was originally intended for release on the Nocturne label, but the company folded, and it remained unreleased until 1956, when it was issued by Liberty Records under the title "Rare but Well Done." Nat Hentoff of Down Beat magazine awarded it four stars, hailing it as "one of the most satisfying piano recitals in many months." Additionally, four bonus tracks recorded by Jimmy in trio, quartet, and solo piano settings from 1956-57 are included here.
Jimmy Rowles was undoubtedly one of the great piano jazz improvisers, his style immediately recognizable among the few. He cultivated a phrasing flexibility akin to that of a horn player, with a remarkable sense of time and solo construction, and moreover, he possessed the ability to intensely communicate every human emotion through music.
—Jordi Pujol
Ringer of the Week ★★★★★
"At one time, Los Angeles/Hollywood was the hub of jazz. Back in the 1950s-60s, with TV and radio soaring in popularity, studios were filled with jazz musicians playing things like the theme song to “Leave It To Beaver” and living a comfortable middle class life. Local clubs were packed, and even restaurants had piano bars with musicians like Johnny Guarnieri or Page Cavanaugh.
One of the stars of the 88s was Jimmy Rowles, best known for his work with Stan Getz. This pair of sessions from 1954 and 1956 have him in a trio with Red Mitchell/b and Art Mardigan/dr and a quartet with the addition of Al Hendrickson/gr and Goodman drummer Nick Fatool/dr with Joe Mondragon/b and a last trio with Ben Tucker/b and Mel Lewis/dr.
The trio collection includes standards with a dash of bop, as on “All The Things You Are”, but the joy of Rowles is the more mellow swing, as on “Chloe” and “Let's Fall In Love” all filled with classy lyricism. He is bouncy on “Let's Fall In Love” and has fun with “Topsy” and goes into a couple obscurities as in “So Far So Good” and “I Wouldn't Change You For The World”.
The quartet session includes a romantic “We'll Be Together Again” while the trio with Lewis digs into the obscure “Sonny Speaks.” The real reward is a pair of solo takes that takes you into Rowles' mind with lovely read of “That Ole Devil Called Love” and a shadey “The Blues”. This is when LA was LA!"
—George W. Harris (June 20, 2024)
https://www.jazzweekly.com
