Personnel:
Grant Green (g), Jimmy Forrest (ts), Harold Mabern (p), Gene Ramey (b), Elvin Jones (d).
Reference: 69268
Bar code: 8436028692682
Note:
This CD has been replaced by its recent reissue as part of the Phoenix label. Reference #131571
Green's first ever recorded solos, playing in the company of Jimmy Forrest, Elvin Jones, Harold Mabern & Gene Ramey!
Tracklisting:
01. Dog It
02. But Beautiful
03. Caravan
04. All The Gin Is Gone
05. Sunkenfoal
06. Laura
07. Myra
08. All The Gin Is Gone (Alt. Take)
09. Sunkenfoal (Alt. Take)
10. You Go To My Head*
11. Black Forrest*
12. What's New?*
13. These Foolish Things*
14. Black Forrest (Alt. Take)*
15. What's New? (Alt. Take)*.
(*Bonus Tracks. Same sessions but Grant Green out or plays rhythm guitar only).
Recorded: New York, December 10 & 12, 1959.
Musicians, critics and aficionados alike concur that Grant Green was one of the most remarkable guitar players in jazz history. He started playing professionally at 13, and during his career he played a variety of styles -including rock & roll during his later years. He went to Chicago in 1959, following the advice of tenor sax player Jimmy Forrest, with whom Grant would make his very first recordings, which are contained on this amazing CD.
When these sessions took place, all of the other musicians involved were with the well-known trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison's group. It becomes clear from the beginning that, although he had yet to develop a style of his own (the influence of Charlie Christian is very noticeable on these tracks), his musical talent, expressivity and fire are already present, as well as a very personal sound on the electric guitar.
Despite the fact that these were his first sessions ever, he doesn't seem a bit nervous; he is given ample space to solo, and even has a solo guitar feature on the ballad "But Beautiful".
Total Time: 78:30 min.
