Personnel:
Hampton Hawes (p), Leroy Vinnegar (b), Bobby Thompson (b), Joe Turner (vcl), Harry Sweets Edison (tp), Sonny Criss (s), Teddy Edwards (s) // Les McCann (p,vcl), Jimmy Rowser (b), Donald Dean (d)
Reference: 2869002
SONNY CRISS WITH THE L.A. ALL-STARS:
Hampton Hawes (piano), Leroy Vinnegar (bass), Bobby Thompson (bass), Joe Turner (vocals), Sweets Edison (trumpet), Sonny Criss (saxophone) and Teddy Edwards (saxophone) filmed live at the Memory Lane Steak House, Los Angeles, 1970.
1. Memory Lane Blues
2. Feeling Happy
3. (vocal)
4. Shake, Rattle & Roll (vocal)
5. Teddy's Blues
The All Stars come on with a lot of vitality and Big Joe Turner has his usual galvanizing effect upon the group. 'Sweets' Edison is all relaxed authority, while Sonny Criss and Teddy Edwards blow hard and fast. This is a rare opportunity to see Criss in action and fortunately he is featured extensively.
LES McCANN TRIO:
Les McCann (piano and vocals), Jimmy Rowser (bass) and Donald Dean (drums) filmed live at Shelly's Manne Hole, Los Angeles, 1970.
1. Right On
2. Sunny
3. With These Hands
4. Compared to What
To be able to go back to the 1960s to see and hear Les McCann struttin' his considerable stuff is a special treat. Caught in a 1970 performance at Shelly's Manne Hole, McCann serves up the unique blend of jazz rhythm 'n' blues that made him one of the decade's hottest jazz acts. With solid support from bassist Jimmy Rowser and drummer Donald Dean, McCann leans into foot-tappers 'Right On,' a gospel-seasoned cooker, and 'Sunny,' Bobby Heebs' crossover hit. For contrast, there is McCann's vocalized paen to marital commitment, 'With These Hands.' The show-stopper is McCann's galvanizing 'Compared to What.' An earthy sizzler, it is also one of the great protest songs of the tumultuous 1960s, with pointed barbs at the hypocrisies of racism and the Vietnam war.
Total Time: 60 Min.
