Dexter Gordon: Dexter Calling (1961) Blue Note

This gallery contains 6 photos.

Selection: Modal Mood  (Kenny Drew) . Artists Dexter Gordon (tenor sax) Kenny Drew (piano) Paul Chambers (bass) Philly Joe Jones (drums) recorded Rudy Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, May 9, 1961 Dexter’s career (b.1923-1990) covers a lot of musical territory and … Continue reading →

Freddie Redd: Not The Connection (1961) Mosaic

This gallery contains 9 photos.

Selection: Somewhere . Selection 2: Old Spice . Artists: Benny Bailey (trumpet) Jackie McLean (alto sax) Tina Brooks (tenor sax) Freddie Redd (piano) Paul Chambers (bass)  (drums) recorded Rudy Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, January 17, 1961. Music The … Continue reading →

Freddie Redd “music from The Connection” (1960)

This gallery contains 5 photos.

Selected Track: “Wigglin’ ” I> BN 4027 Freddie Redd Music from The Connection: Jackie McLean (as) Freddie Redd (p) Mike Mattos (b) Larry Ritchie (d) Rudy Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, February 15, 1960 Following an upgrade to an original pressing, … Continue reading →

The Connection: Which Twin has the Toni?

Something new, a competition, and you get to decide which version you prefer! The stage is set for Freddie Redd’s Music from “The Connection”, the track, the poignant “Theme for Sister Salvation”

First contender the original New York cast soundtrack on Blue Note, with Jackie McClean (click the arrow below to hear audio player, click on bars to adust volume)

Next up we have the official understudy to Jackie in “The Connection” stage play,  Tina Brooks, in the alternative recording on Felsted Records (Close the flash audio player above by clicking the double-bar on its right, or it will play on top of the next audio sample)

Due to contractual problems Freddie Redd – the composer – performs under the pseudonym “I Ching”, Howard McGhee lead on trumpet, and Tina Brooks takes the honours on saxophone in place of Jackie McClean. Everyone knows the Blue Note 4027 from 1960. very few know the ultra rare Felsted alternative. Despite its poorer audio quality, the Felsted version showcases the extraordinary emotional  drive of Tina Brooks, and Freddie’s triumphant piano solo, which clutches at the heartstrings as it strains at holding the key

I know which I prefer. Any views out there?