Recorded at The Bit on the Sunset Strip
Complete recordings for the first time on CD
In the early 60s, the newest, strongest, most pervasive influence in jazz was the Gospel music of southern Negro church congregations, and few personified this more succinctly than pianist Les McCann.
This in-person recording at The Bita coffee house on Hollywoods Sunset Stripis a great example of his returnto-the-roots style, with McCann and his trio speaking directly from the musical heritage of his people immediate, emotional, and very communicative.
With the leaders off-hand announcements and remarks, this album seems almost an inside performance for friends. With the splendid support of Leroy Vinnegar and Ron Jefferson, the trio brings out the deep feelings of the American Negro music.
Were just trying to play good, happy music, said McCann. We try for a group pulsation. Most music you hear is so tense, it makes you feel twisted up inside. Now, so far weve never tried to impress anybody; we dont want to impress anybodyjust to get a happy feeling on the stand. As these recordings show, they do that and much more besides.
—Jordi Pujol
Tracklist
Total time: 64:29 min.
01. But Not for Me (G. & I. Gershwin) 6:52
02. Les McCann talks to the audience 1:23
03. A Foggy Day G. & I. Gershwin) 8:23
04. This Is the Way We Shout A.k.a. The Shout (Les McCann) 5:04
05. Set Call: Sonar (Gerald Wiggins) 1:00
06. C Jam Blues (Duke Ellington) 7:26
07. Jubilation (Junior Mance) 3:35
08. Night in Tunisia (Gillespie-Papparelli) 6:14
09. Set Call: Cute (Neal Hefti) 2:44 *
10. Tellin' 'Em About It (Les McCann) 7:30 *
11. Three Slaves (Les McCann) 7:07 *
12. On Green Dolphin Street (Kaper-Washington) 5:04 *
13. Set Call: The Champ (Dizzy Gillespie) 1:55 *
Album details
(*) Bonus Tracks
Original sources:
Tracks #1-9, from "Les McCann Ltd. Plays The Shout" (Pacific Jazz Stereo-7)
Track #10, from "This is the Blues, Vol. 1" (Pacific Jazz PJ-13)
Track #11-13, from "From the Top of the Barrel" (Pacific Jazz ST-20120)
Personnel on all tracks:
Les McCann Ltd.
Les McCann (piano), Leroy Vinnegar (bass), Ron Jefferson (drums).
Recorded Live at The Bit, Hollywood, July 16 & 17, 1960
Original recordings produced by Dick Bock
This CD release produced by Jordi Pujol
© 2011 by Fresh Sound Records
Stereo · 24-Bit Digitally Remastered
Blue Moon Producciones Discograficas, S.L.
Dedicated to Dirk Vandeman
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Additional notes:
The original album notes (ST-20120) mention tunes 11 to 13 were recorded at "The Jazz Workshop" in San Francisco, but they were recorded at "The Bit" in Los Angeles. Leroy Vinnegar was replaced by Herbie Lewis shortly before they played in San Francisco.
