The talent of Jack Montrose (1928-2006) was an exceptional one. He proved to be a prolific writer and a lucid player of his own music, as well as of that of others. But two can play the game of jazz, and one recalls most fondly that Jacks main artery of expression was in the recordings in which he joined soul and sound with his friend Bob Gordon. So inextricable was their relationship of minds, horns, being, that death alone could break it. It did, on a tragic Sunday of August 1955, when Bob met eternity head-on in an automobile. For Jack the shock was intense. He later said Bob was more than just an inspiration, he was my other half and together we formed a musical whole.
Tracklisting:
CD1
1. Meet Mr. Gordon 2:37
2. Tea For Two 3:03
3. Modus Operandi 3:44
4. Onion Bottom 3:25
5. What A Difference A Day Makes 3:36
6. For Sue 3:46
7. Love Is Here To Stay 2:22
8. Two Can Play 2:28
9. Two Can Play (alternate) 2:25
10. A Little Duet 4:57
11. Paradox 4:03
12. When You Wish Upon A Star 3:32
13. Have You Met Miss Jones 5:14
14. Dots Groovy 4:40
CD2
1. Im Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town 5:46
2. Cecilia 4:33
3. Aprils Fool 5:02
4. The News And The Weather 4:16
5. Listen, Hear 5:33
6. Pretty 5:16
7. Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered 5:28
8. Credo 5:25
9. Fools Rush In 5:34
10. Speakeasy 4:12
11. That Old Feeling 4:28
12. Some Good Fun Blues 5:07
Personnel and dates:
CD1 #1-9: Bob Gordon Quintet
Jack Montrose (ts), Bob Gordon (bars), Paul Moer (p), Joe Mondragon (b), Billy Schneider (d). Hollywood, May 6 and 27, 1954
CD1 #10-14 & CD2 #1-4: Jack Montrose Quintet
Jack Montrose (ts), Bob Gordon (bars), Paul Moer (p), Red Mitchell (b), Shelly Manne (d). Hollywood, May 11 & 12, 1955
CD2 #5-12: Jack Montrose Sextet
Conte Candoli (tp), Jack Montrose (ts), Bob Gordon (bars), Paul Moer (p), Ralph Peña (b), Shelly Manne (d). Hollywood, June 24 and July 6, 1955.
