Personnel:
Sandy Mosse, Ira Schulman (ts), Dave Mulholland (tp), Cy Touff (b-tp), Eddie Baker, Junior Mance, Eddie Higgins (p), Jimmy Gourley (g), Leroy Jackson, Bob Cranshaw (b), Dorrell Anderson, Marty Clausen (d)
Reference: FSRCD 845
Bar code: 8427328608459
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Many musicians on the 50s Chicago scene felt that Sandy Mosse (1929-1983) was among the most eloquent tenor men in jazz. But recognition and opportunity were lacking until, finally, in 1956 he signed with Argo Records. The first product of this association was Chicago Scene, featuring sessions where Mosse joined such Chicago luminaires as Ira Shulman and Eddie Baker.
This reissue also includes Relaxin with Mosse, his only album as a leader, recorded in 1958. It gave him the chance to be heard with an accomplished young quartet that included pianist Junior Mance, and with a string section background. In both settings Mosse showed his considerable potential and forceful approach, and though he admired many musicians, one was his idol. Al Cohn is the epitome of tenor players, he said.
That same year, Mosse was also featured on Touff Assigment, a well-conceived session with arrangement and two originals from Al Cohn and Ernie Wilkins, led by another Chicago legend, the bass trumpeter Cy Touff (1927-2003). Mosse and the leader assert themselves well, while pianist Eddie Higgins is notable in a looselimbed rhythm section that contributed much to the sessions success.
"Sandy Mosse was one of the lesser known Lestorians but older readers may remember some fine recordings he made with Henri Renaud and Bobby Jaspar when he was living in France during the 50s. On his return to the US he worked briefly with Woody Herman but unfortunately he never recorded with the band. His long elegant lines on tenor - reminiscent of Bob Cooper and Richie Kamuca - are a delight throughout.
Ira Schulmans Straight Life - not to be confused with an Art Pepper original of the same name - is a medium tempo swinger with Mosse and Jimmy Gourleys guitar creating a decidedly Stan Getz-Jimmy Raney sound in the ensembles. Im Old Fashioned taken a little faster than usual is a delight with Sandy at his most melodic. His tentative exploration of Birks Works aided and abetted by Junior Mance who was working with Dizzy Gillespie at the time is one of the albums highlights.
The August session with Cy Touff was originally released with Cy as the leader. It is perhaps not quite as memorable as his 1955 date with Richie Kamuca which produced the classic Keester Parade (FSR 2237) but there is still much to enjoy. Touff had spent three years with Woody Hermans Third Herd taking Frank Rehaks place in the trombone section. The bass trumpet sounds like a valve-trombone but with a swifter articulation allowing him to be extremely quick on his feet. The ballad feature How Long Has This Been Going On Is notable for Touffs immaculately controlled vibrato."
-Gordon Jack (Jazz Journal, March 2015)
http://www.jazzjournal.co.uk
