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The Best Tenor Bebop Ever ?!?!?

John L. EISENHAUER | Brinklow, MD United States | 01/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Anyone who has become acquainted with Wardell Gray understands the wonderful and joyous swing his tenor brought to bebop that is hard to find anywhere else. Wardell's sound is somewhere between Lester Young and Dexter Gordon. He swings with such ease and emotion that you can't help but smile when he plays -- much the way Charlie Parker can brighten a cloudy day.So what's so special about this CD? Plenty!While his memorial albums are generally thought to be his best -- and with good reason -- THIS album finds Wardell in a live setting that transports you to the quintessential jam session of the bebop era. "One O'Clock Jump" is perhaps one of the liveliest bebop jaunts ever that shows off Gray's ability to blow with grace, energy, and restraint. His solo reminds me of Paul Gonzalves' solo with Duke Elllington at Newport (although a bit shorter). Add Sonny Criss and Benny Carter to the mix, and you have a top notch group of saxes that compete with any line up. "Blue Lou" is a another stand out that gets your fingers popping and your feet moving.Note that the sound quality of this recording is marginal to average, but certainly no worse than many Charlie Parker recordings. I am confident that if this recording were cleaned up and released on CD today on a major label, it would be hailed as a bebop treasure. Alas, it will remain in obscurity except for the lucky few (YES YOU) who will share in the warmth and magic of this concert."

Go Wardell!

Lefty O'doul | 08/13/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This live recording has two great, long and driving solos by Wardell: "Blue Lou" and "One O'Clock Jump". On "Jump" he's poppin' a groove so strong you can imagine the rhythm section lifting off the ground. An absolute must for any Wardell fan and a revelation to jazz tenor fans unfamilar with his beautiful round tone and melodic Lestorian lines. The drawback lies in sound quality which is nowhere near live recording standards these days and the drumming is almost inaudible at times. If not for that I'd give it the full five."

Great bebop energy

nadav haber | jerusalem Israel | 10/31/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The name Wardell Gray should be known and loved by all jazz fans, especially those who love the short and explosive bebop era.The cd contains four long tracks performed live, where Gary has a chance to play extended improvisations and show his immense talent for melody and swing. On One Oclock Jump he swings so hard, it's one of the most exciting moments I have heard on record.
The sound quality is good for the time, and the cd is a great reward for the money. Indispensible for jazz people."