Brown, Ray
Concord, 2003, SACD
Instrument: Guitar
Issue: 9.4
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 5
Sound: 4+
Score: 
O’s Notes: The trio is Gene Harris (p), Jeff Hamilton (d) and the legendary bassist and leader, Ray Brown. The superlative quality of this team is witnessed on “The Real Blues”. This could be a standard, uneventful blues tune but from Ray’s opening solo, these guys make you want an encore, even a repeat! But don’t stop there. A very soothing version of “Li’l Darlin'” follows with Gene tickling the ivory to the delight of the crowd. Jeff takes his turn to kick off “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing” and he’s up to the task. It is a live recording from July of 1988. Thanks to Concord for the SACD release of a classic performance!