Personnel:
Clifford Brown (tp), Max Roach (d), Teddy Edwards, Harold Land (ts), Carl Perkins, Richie Powell (p), George Bledsoe, George Morrow (b)
Reference: FSRCD 377
Bar code: 8427328603775
Jazz historian Robert Gordon in his book Jazz West Coast writes that there was considerable editing on the two 1954 California Concerts when they were released on record on the GNP label. This editing refers mainly to the tenor saxophone and piano solos. On comparing the original releases, we have also found an additional 35 seconds of Clifford Brown's trumpet solo on "Tenderly", which has been included here. We are also pleased to present the spoken introductions by Gene Norman and Max Roach from the first date.
Regrettably, the solos of both Teddy Edwards and Carl Perkins on "All God's Chillun Got Rhythm" were originally edited to one chorus each. This is the only available example of this recording. The full version has not been located and, half a century later, may be considered lost. All of the previous releases of these recordings have the same editing on three tracks from the second concert: On "Jordu", the tenor saxophone and piano were fully edited; on "I Can't Get Started" the piano intro was shorter; and the Richie Powell solo on "I Get a Kick Out of You" was deleted. These historic concerts are now issued in their most complete versions for the first time on the present CD.
"The Clifford Brown/Max Roach quintet was formed during the spring and summer of 1954 in Los Angeles. A concert by an early version of the group (with tenor saxophonist Teddy Edwards, pianist Carl Perkins and bassist George Bledsoe) resulted in four titles,as did the earliest documentation of the permanent group (with tenor saxophonist Harold Land, pianist Richie Powell, and bassist George Morrow). All of the titles on this Fresh Sound CD, The California Concerts 1954, were previously issued on a GNP/Crescendo LP, but these are the full-length versions, with more extensive tenor and piano solos.
In addition, 35 seconds of Clifford Brown's trumpet solo on "Tenderly" have also been restored, along with verbal introductions of the songs by drummer Max Roach. The music is as glorious as ever, with Brown consistently taking solo honors and being showcased on "Tenderly" and "I Can't Get Started." These versions of "All God's Chillun Got Rhythm," "Jordu," and Teddy Edwards' "Sunset Eyes" are definitive, but every selection is exciting. Highly recommended."
Scott Yanow -All Music Guide
