Search - J.J. Johnson :: Eminent J.J. Johnson 1

The liberation of the trombone

Ricard Giner (cootie@cootiesjazz.co | Brighton, UK | 06/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Together with its companion disc, Volume 2, this Blue Note series of early J.J. Johnson studio recordings contains definitive evidence that the trombone had found in J.J. its liberator. J.J.'s illustrious predecessors -Kid Ory, Honoré Dutrey, Jack Teagarden, Tricky Sam Nanton, Jimmy Cleveland- had played key roles in the development of the instrument's possibilities in the early years of jazz. But J.J. squeezed a life out of the trombone that no one had suspected was there: a vibrant tone, loquacious phrasing, percussive attack, nimble ornamentation. He used these devices to refine a rare clarity of melodic ideas and a passion for complex counterpoint into great jazz.Check out Clifford Brown's solo on the first take of "Turnpike": it's a gem. J.J.'s delivery on "It Could Happen to You" is swollen with emotion and solemnity.The first of the two bands on Volume 2 play two J.J. Johnson originals, "Jay" and "Coffee Pot", containing some fiery exchanges between Kenny Clarke's cymbals, J.J.'s staccato notes and Wyn Kelly's blues phraseology, driven by Charles Mingus on bass and the congas of Sabu Martinez."

Pure Trombone Goodness

Ricard Giner (cootie@cootiesjazz.co | 05/28/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I find myself listening to this marvelous CD day in and day out. You will not soon grow tired of listening to J.J's fanatstic sound and simply superb improvisational skill! He is easily one of the best jazz trombonists ever."

Some really good stuff

Ricard Giner (cootie@cootiesjazz.co | 02/08/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Not quite desert island material, but still quite good. Pianist John Lewis had a big hand in the session. Kenny Clarke swings, Clifford Brown is stellar, Heathe bros Jimmy and Percy fill out the band. Most importantly, J.J's in great form. Capri alone is worth the price.Tracks: 1. Capri - (previously unreleased, alternate take)2. Capri3. Lover Man4. Turnpike5. Turnpike - (previously unreleased, alternate take)6. Sketch 17. It Could Happen To You8. Get Happy9. Get Happy - (previously unreleased, alternate take)"