WOW - only one review? This is a hidden classic: a 'tentet'
douglasnegley | Pittsburgh, Pa. United States | 09/09/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD reminds me a little of the Riverside (same label) recording "Budd Johnson and the Brass Giants". It has that same small brass 'orchestra' sound and feel (plus the addition of Cannonball), and, my God, what a line-up of talent! Clark Terry, Nat adderley, Cannonball, Tommy Flanagan and Cedar Walton, not to mention the other Heath brothers holding down the rhythm section. 'Tootie' is simply smokin' on this one for his big bro'. "Big "P" comes out like a bull in a china shop. "Old Fashioned Fun" is just that - a great up-tempo blues for Heath, Cannonball, and company to groove on, and again sounds like the "Johnson" date. That is followed by a beautifully arranged ballad, "Mona's Mood" (Jimmy arranged it, as well as "Big "P", and "Old Fashioned Fun"), where Cannonball grooves ever so mellowly before Dick Berg's french horn makes a quick romantic appearance, then Cannon takes a little more before Flanagan takes his, and Jimmy gets in towards the end. As you may notice, the arrangements are the focus on this session, not always long and hard-blowing solos - though there are some. Tom McIntosh, the trombonist, arranges Bobby Timmons' "Dat Dere", and Cedar Walton tips his hat to Bobby. The brass section (again with Cannon and Heath) gets to solo in chordal arrangement near the end. "Nails" starts with another great Heath arrangement; Jimmy solos, then gives Nat and Clark a chance to 'split' the chorus before the trumpet solos. Cannonball jumps all over alternating solos with the brass section, then Walton gets his, with Albert grooving on the rim. "Tootie' gets 8 bars too, and makes the most of it, the arrangement taking it out with the Afro-Latino groove. "Green Dolphin Street" gives Jimmy the spotlight first and he uses it to maximum effect, playing beautifully over the arrangement; then, again ripping up the solo. Adderley alternates solos with the section, too; and does the same. Clark Terry gets the bulk of the lead work on this CD, but Nat is represented well also. "My Ideal", another Heath arrangement, opens with Jimmy and Cedar in a quiet and lovely vein, Jimmy taking it to the finish. Both Jimmy and Cannon open the up-tempo "The Picture Of Heath", with Terry and Nat trading solos on the chorus - Terry playing fluglehorn. Walton then proceeds to give up his bluesy-est solo of the session. Recorded in 1962, this is an 'underappreciated' classic, ranking with the best work done at Riverside. Riverside also must have thought so, for half of these tracks were re-issued on the 'two-fer' featuring Heath on Milestone, titled "Fast Company". This is quintessential 5-star jazz at its best."
Little Big Band
Tyler Smith | Denver, CO United States | 03/20/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Here's a minor gem from 1960 that shows off the soloing, writing and arranging capabilities of tenor saxman Jimmy Heath, the middleman of the three great Heath brothers. Jimmy wrote five of the eight tunes on "Really Big!" and arranged them all, including fine non-originals such as Bobby Timmons' "Dat Dere" and the oft-recorded "Green Dolphin Street."Heath is a fine player in his own right, and he doesn't hide his own tough sound on the record. But what sets "Really Big!" apart from many other recordings is the quality of the players he assembled for his small orchestra (including Clark Terry, Cannonball and Nat Adderly, Tommy Flanaganm Cedar Walton and his brothers Al and Percy) and his always tasteful and unpredictable arrangements.Heath came of age when bebop took over, so if you think "swing" when you hear "big band" or "orchestra," discard the thought. These are punchy arrangements that allow plenty of room for soloing, and they never lapse into mere dance music. As a great example, listen to his take on the standards "Green Dolphin Street" and "My Ideal." The former makes use of a repeated bass figure, changing rhythms from drummer Al Heath, simmering ensemble playing and cooking solos, notably from Cannonball. The latter takes things at a far easier pace, and provides plenty of space for Jimmy himself and pianist Walton. A highlight is Jimmy's sensitive solo, delivered passionately while the other horns hum along, just far enough in front to provide a chorus without intruding on his work.Jimmy's originals all deliver something that sticks in memory, but my favorite in this session is "Old Fashioned Fun," which is just that, a bluesy romp with some unpredictable twists and turns from the orchestra, which stutter-steps through some great ensemble sections. "Really Big!" was part of a series of very fine albums that Jimmy originally cut on Riverside. Too long out of print, it's great to see this one and the others, including "Triple Threat," "The Quota," "Swamp Seed" and so on, reissued. If you haven't checked him out yet, this album is a great place to start."
Incredible...
Rolltide | Columbia, Tn | 01/31/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the 2nd of jimmy heath's riverside sessions and the only word to describe it is incredible. Heath's 4 riveride sessions are all classics but simply to say that doesn't do them justice. Simply some of the finest jazz you can ever hear!
This is his largest ensemble a take off on his classic "the thumper" but with an even bigger sound. The lineup is magical with my two favorite sax players in heath and cannonball adderly. A melding of the brothers heath with the brothers adderly and plenty of other help all around. Individual performance and solos are outstanding but it is the taut arrangements and great writing that make this so solid. Every song is like a best friend to me and i never tire of them.
Truly inspired hardbop-soul jazz that swings with the best of them!"
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1