Search - Kenny Clarke :: Bohemia After Dark

First outing a gem

Bomojaz | South Central PA, USA | 02/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Recorded in 1955 under the leadership of drummer Kenny Clarke, these were Cannonball's first recordings (brother Nat's, too). They are a good indication of the masterful albums to come. "Chasm" is a real cooker and is the standout tune, but all the tracks reward repeated listening. A most enjoyable date."

This one COOKS!

JoeyD | los gatos, ca | 06/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Adderley brothers along with Kenny Clarke (drums), Paul Chambers (bass), Horace Silver (piano) and Donald Byrd (trumpet) really tear it up in this 1955 hard bop recording. This one is not just hot, it's SMOKING! This is JAZZ MUSIC at it's finest. Cannonball has a way of playing so damn sultry! His stunning performance on "Willow Weep For Me" is simply beyond definition, it's just that great. There was a fire burning in him when he made this recording and you can feel him emit those flames through that sax of his (listen to him on "With Apologies To Oscar" and tell me you can't imagine flames flying out of his instrument!) I also really enjoyed the brief guest appearance on flute from Jerome Richardson on the song "Late Entry", very, very nice (and this from a guy who is usually not always that crazy about that instrument). Horace Silver is solid throughout, but he really shines on "Hear Me Talkin To Ya". His playful solo at the start, really sets the table for the big boys - especially Donald Byrd! Man oh man, does that guy just reach for new heights on this song. Clarke and Chambers as seemingly always, are perfect. The more I listen to Chambers the more I truly grow to appreciate just how remarkable this man was. I have always loved the way Clark (a.k.a. Klook) plays on the drums with those soft brush strokes of his and he is definitely one of my top three favorite hard-bop drummers of all-time. Finally, be prepared to have Nat bloooooooooooow you away on "We'll Be Together Again". He along with Hank Jones (on piano for the finally two cuts) make this song my personal favorite of the album. It is much softer and much more serene than any of the previous six cuts, but it's a perfect way to wrap up this fine recording.



You can really tell these cats were young, starving, and yearning to prove themselves. And prove themselves they did! On top of that, they just sound as if they were having a hell of a good time creating this one. You will have a great time listening to this as well. I recommend turning up the volume for this gem to really get the most out of this stellar recording.



Five stars without even thinking twice about it.

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