Jazz / Bop, Jazz Instrument, Trombone Jazz
Al Grey Trombone, Assistant
Armand Van Helden Engineer
Bobby Durham Drums
David Raksin Composer
Don Sickler Assistant
F. Wess Composer
Hank O'Neal Producer
J.J. Wiggins Bass
Jay Jay Wiggins Bass
Jean Bach Liner Notes
Joe Cohn Trumpet, Guitar
Leo Meiersdorff Design, Cover Design
Mike Grey Trombone
Rollo Phlecks Photography
Rudy Van Gelder Engineer
Veteran trombonist Al Grey leads an unusual quintet on this set from 1988 that, in addition to drummer Bobby Durham, features the sons of Al Cohn (guitarist Joe Cohn), Gerald Wiggins (bassist J.J. Wiggins), and his own Mike Grey on second trombone. The two trombonists have similar sounds, with the elder Grey getting the bulk of the solos. The repertoire mixes together swing standards with lesser-known jazz tunes by Thad Jones, Sonny Stitt, Hank Mobley, Al Cohn, Johnny Griffin, Art Farmer, and Al Grey himself. The relaxed straight-ahead music flows nicely and all of the musicians (other than Durham) have their opportunities to be featured. Worth searching for. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Al Grey
Active Decades: '40s, '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s
Born: Jun 06, 1925 in Aldie, VA
Died: Mar 24, 2000 in Phoenix, AZ
Genre: Jazz
Styles: Bop, Swing, Jazz Instrument, Trombone Jazz
Al Grey's trademark phrases and often humorous use of the plunger mute long made him quite distinctive. After getting out of the service, he was with the orchestras of Benny Carter (1945-1946), Jimmie Lunceford (1946-1947), Lucky Millinder, and Lionel Hampton (off and on during 1948-1953). Grey was a well-featured soloist with the classic Dizzy Gillespie globetrotting orchestra during 1956-1957 (taking an exciting solo at the 1957 Newport Jazz Festival on a blazing version of "Cool Breeze"). He was with Count Basie's orchestra on three separate occasions (1957-1961, 1964-1966, and 1971-1977), led a band with Billy Mitchell in the early '60s, and had a group with Jimmy Forrest after leaving Basie in 1977. In later years, Grey performed and recorded often with Clark Terry, made a CD with the Statesmen of Jazz, and for a time led a quintet that featured his son Mike Grey on second trombone. Al Grey recorded as a leader for Argo (1959-1964), Tangerine, Black & Blue, Stash, Chiaroscuro, and Capri, and co-led an excellent Pablo date in 1983 with J.J. Johnson. He died of complications from diabetes on March 24, 2000.
---Scott Yanow, All Music Guide |
