A dream jazz quintet session, now on remastered 180 gm vinyl…
The Cats – (Quintet of Tommy Flanagan, John Coltrane, Idrees Sulieman, Kenny Burrell, Doug Watkins, Louis Hayes) – OJC/New Jazz/Craft Recordings # CR00614 – Mono 180 gm vinyl – 4/18/57 – ****
(Tommy Flanagan – piano; John Coltrane – tenor sax; Idrees Sulieman – trumpet; Kenny Burrell – guitar; Doug Watkins – bass; Louis Hayes – drums)
There was a time, largely in the 1950s, that jazz labels put together “one-off” recording dates using label mates for single day recording sessions. Many of them were “jam sessions” using jazz standards that the musicians knew already, and did not need rehearsal time. The results were largely successful and jazz fans were glad to hear their idols being able to play together as a group.
The Original Jazz Classics label, thru their producer, Bob Weinstock, was well known for these efforts, and had great success with Miles Davis’ one day sessions needed by Miles to complete his contract before moving on to Columbia Records.
One of the better single day recordings on OJC was The Cats, a dream quintet put together of mostly Detroit based jazz musicians, led by pianist, Tommy Flanagan. Tommy got most of his acclaim as the first choice piano accompanist for Ella Fitzgerald. With piano skills comparable to Teddy Wilson and Hank Jones, Flanagan went on to a long career of forty five years, recording over 35 albums as a leader and over 200 as a sideman.
Here for an April 18, 1957 date, Tommy led a quintet of then young, but future super stars. With a front line of tenor saxophonist, John Coltrane, and trumpeter, Idrees Sulieman, the rhythm section was made up of fellow Detroiters, guitarist, Kenny Burrell, bassist, Doug Watkins, and drummer, Louis Hayes. Flanagan was only 27 at the time of this recording, and Coltrane was just breaking out into future acclaim after playing with Miles Davis.
The boutique label, Craft Recordings, has just released this mono album, remastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearant Audio, and pressed on 180 gm vinyl at RTI. Originally recorded at Rudy Van Gelder’s studio at Hackensack, New Jersey, the acoustics are spot on, with a superb mix.
The song list of five extended tracks (four Flanagan originals, and a piano trio version of the standard, “How Long Has This Been Going On?”) gives plenty of time to appreciate the talents of this group. Highlights include the trio standard, where Tommy’s tasty lines charm, as well as a swinging “Minor Mishap,” and “Eclypso,” with Tommy soloing over a Caribbean type vibe. On the nearly twelve minute blues, “Tommy’s Tune,” guitarist, Kenny Burrell, shines, a prelude to his burgeoning career as a soloist and leader.
This is a great introduction to the jazz that came from the talents of musicians from Detroit, the Motor City, a jazz mecca rivaling that of New York City.
The superb remastered vinyl acoustics on this release just sweeten the pot for a must-have purchase.
—Jeff Krow
The Cats
Tracklist:
Side A:
Minor Mishap
How Long Has This Been Going On (Flanagan trio)
Eclypso
Side B:
Solacium
Tommy’s Tune
More information through Acoustic Sounds
