Search - Johnny Lytle, Ray Barretto, Milt Hinton :: Got That Feeling

Two of Lytle's greatest LPs on one disc

Jasper | New England | 12/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This disc consists of the music from two LPs by master-vibist Johnny Lytle, recorded in 1962 & 1963. The LPs in question are "Moon Child" and "Got That Feeling." The music is spectacular and the musicianship impeccable. The Johnny Lytle trio consists of vibes, drums, and organ, and this core trio is augmented by additional talent on each LP, including Milt Hinton (bass) and Ray Barretto (congas). Lytle's playing is profoundly clear, bright and colorful. He was a true musician, and he places each delicious note in the exact perfect place every time, with his lightly funky swing always on the mark. Lytle could not have better accompaniment than the bluesy, churchy organ of Milt Harris, and the buoyant, sizzling drums of Peppy Hinnant. Together with the additional musicians, they create a sound that is magical and totally enveloping. This is swinging, sparkling, effervescent music; crisp and colorful, cool and bluesy, relaxed, exotic, and always refreshing. "Soul" should be worked into that description as well. The sequencing of the LPs could not be better either, as they shift from slow ballad to bluesy swing, to up-tempo workout without ever losing touch with the overall narrative spell. Lytle's chosen instrument is fitting, as he is all about creating a "vibe," and taking the listener away to someplace beautiful, joyous, and timelessly cool. I'm not kidding when I tell you that a mystic spell seems to be cast by these musicians, and it enchants from the infectiously optimistic groove of the first track, "Got That Feeling," straight through to the intense, gospel-fueled swing of the closer, "The House Of Winchester."



The Johnny Lytle Trio was; Johnny Lytle (vibes), Milt Harris (organ), Peppy Hinnant (drums).



GOT THAT FEELING (1963), featured the addition of Milt Hinton on bass.



MOON CHILD (1962), featured the addition of Steve Cooper on bass, and Ray Barretto on conga.



Over 75 minutes of music, and not a second worth skipping. This is a true gem, and a real reward for those of us who bother to search for such things. I rate this an absolute solid five, with no reservations and very high enthusiasm. In my humble opinion, this material is classic.



ENJOY!



P.S. - Lytle released an album called "Moonchild" (one word) in 1991, and it is a completely different recording from the "Moon Child" (two words) that makes up half of this set. Even the All Music Guide has this information messed up, so beware."

Harmonic Groove

Tom Without Pity | A Major Midwestern Metropolis | 02/25/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This review is for a Milestone CD reissue of two LPs entitled

"Got That Feeling" and "Moonchild" featuring trios led by the

remarkable vibist, Johnny Lytle (1932-1995).



Johnny Lytle's trios had the unusual instrumentation of his soulful vibes

featured with a Hammond B-3 organ, quite a sound and one once heard is

likely to be remembered for some time to come.



The first nine tracks are the album entitled "Got That Feeling."

The trio consists of Johnny Lytle on vibes, Milt Harris on organ and Peppy Hinnant on drums "plus MIlt Hinton on bass."



The second LP features the same basic trio plus Steve Cooper on bass and

Ray Baretto on conga drums except on two tracks. Both of these LPs were recorded in 1962 and 1963 for Riverside and its associated label, Jazzland.



"Lela" was a "jazz hit" in it's time and is still a very melodic and soulful

cut but I think what I like most about these 75 minutes on 17 tracks is the unusual atmosphere the vibes-organ harmonic sound provides. In some ways it's almost a

haunting sound and once heard, it's hard to forget.



I first heard it in the early sixties and it caused me to buy one of my first

"real" jazz albums and many years later I felt lucky to find this double CD still available at a very reasonable price. I give this CD an enthusiastic five stars."