Search - Freddie Redd :: San Francisco Suite

Sweet suite

G B | Connecticut | 05/13/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Freddie Redd has never achieved the popularity or influence of other 50s jazz pianists, but for those eager to dig a little deeper into hard bop piano should check him out. Redd's style is definitely original, though at times recalling both Monk and Powell. His recording catalogue is a little skimpy and his Blue Note albums seem to be out of print, so this is probably the best place to start. (By the way, the label on this disc says it is a limited edition; not sure what this means, since it has been in print since 1990. Better safe than sorry, though.) The highlight of the October '57 recording (at least to a native northern Californian like me) is Redd's "San Francisco Suite" -- 14 minutes of Redd's impressions of the City by the Bay. Redd composes themes for various places: the view of the Golden Gate from Sausalito, Chinatown, an after-hours bar, etc., and the trio improvises in between. The celeste Redd plays on the Chinatown theme is a nice touch. The last six tracks are a mix of originals and standards, performed in a swinging fashion by the trio of Redd, bassist George Tucker and drummer Al Dreares. Anyway, if you want to explore 50s bop piano beyond Monk, Powell and Silver you should listen to this album."