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CLARK TERRY  / BOB BROOKMEYER QUINTET - Complete Recordings
 
Phono 870232 (Two CD Set)

Clark Terry ( tpt / fl horn ) Bob Brookmeyer ( val tmb ) Roger Callaway ( pno  ) Bill Crow ( bass ) Dave Bailey ( drs )
Recorded New York,  November 1964 & March 1965
On CD One  & CD Two tracks 1 to 4
For CD Two tracks 5 to 13
Omit Roger Callaway & Bill  Crow, add Hank Jones ( pno ) & Bob Crenshaw ( bass )
Recorded New York  1966

Over the years Bob Brookmeyer has forged several successful partnerships with a number of talented performers, including Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, Al Cohn and Gerry Mulligan. With Mulligan he eventually took over the role vacated by Chet Baker and was essential member of Mulligan’s Sextet and Concert Jazz Band.
This collaboration with Clark Terry is just as successful as his other partnerships and in this case Clark Terry has the advantage of playing both trumpet and flugel horn which can add variety to the group.

There is a change of pianists on the final album, “Gingerbread Men” but this not affect the overall quality of the group, Roger Kellaway is possibly the more percussive pianist but Hank Jones has other qualities.

Nearly half the numbers on the release are penned by members of the group but in this case all are talented composers and it adds to the interest.
Both Clark Terry and Bob Brookemyer have such control over their respective instruments and play with fluency and style. It is difficult to pick out individual tracks as their playing is so consistent.

Most of the numbers are either medium or Up tempo pieces so it is rewarding to come across a beauty of a ballad such as Bob Brookmeyer’s” Pretty Girl” which finds both instrumentalists  investing so much feeling into the tune. “Girl In Calico” is such a catchy number at any time but the group give it that extra zing which makes it into a faultless track.

“My Gal”   is a down home blues which gives Clark Terry a chance to employ his vocal talents and as usual he does so with his tongue firmly in his cheek, whilst Bob Brookmeyer adds suitable comment with some blues laden trombone.

“Morning Mist” is an atmospheric composition which is highlighted by a beautiful Hank Jones solo and some sparkling Clark Terry.

“Bye Bye Blackbird” is a suitable closer with some free flowing trumpet by Clark Terry which is suitably matched by Bob Brookmeyer on valve trombone it is taken at just the right tempo to get the best out of the number. Dave Bailey’s is immaculate behind the two horns as it is on both CDs.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable release and is probably best sampled a CD at a time to get the most out of the music.

Reviewed by Roy Booth

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