Search - Wardell Gray :: Memorial 2

A memorable memorial collection.

Music lover | Burnsville, MN United States | 07/12/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It's always exciting to discover a new (to these ears) jazz artist and this CD will prove to be a real treat for tenor sax fans as Wardell Gray blows with the best of them in various quartet, quintet, sextet and septet settings recorded between 1950 and 1952. The selections here are upbeat and there are really no disappointing numbers or performances in the lot. The digital remastering provides excellent sound quality and are a joy to listen to.If you were to categorize WG's playing, it would most closely reflect the styles/influences of Lester Young and Charlie Parker, two of the greatest sax players of all time. I'd refer to Wardell Gray as an unsung great as he is an outstanding player which many people may not have even heard of which is too bad, and unfortunately, their loss. WARDELL GRAY MEMORIAL VOL. 2 also treats us to some fine performances by such jazz notables as Art Farmer who can be heard getting his first chance and springboarding his career on 5 of these numbers. We also hear Wardell with Clark Terry, Sonny Criss and Dexter Gordon playing to a very appreciative live audience at the Hula Hut Club (love that name!) in L.A. on two of the numbers.The only negative thing I'd even bother to mention is the 6 alternate takes of only 3 songs. (9 versions of 3 songs breaks up the flow of the CD) It's a minor beef, and to some, may even be a positive. Even so, if you program around the alternate takes, you get over 48 minutes of great jazz. (Alternate take fans get 65 minutes.) I'd rate this 4-1/2 stars and highly recommend it. Turn yourself or someone else on to Wardell Gray today!"