Sam Jones: The Soul Society / The Chant / Down Home auf 2 CDs

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When he made “Soul Society”, his impressive leader debut on record in 1960, Sam Jones (1924-1981) was best known as the bassist in the Cannonball Adderley Quintet. But, like Oscar Pettiford, he also had cello in his armoury and used it effectively on “Soul Society” to showcase his ideas and assertive presence as a soloist. Surrounded by sympathetic, like-minded musicians, particularly the frontline soloists Blue Mitchell, Nat Adderley and Jimmy Heath, he also had the benefit of a fine, responsive rhythm section anchored by Louis Hayes and the soulful Bobby Timmons. On his second leader album, “The Chant,” from 1961, Jones, again on bass and cello, fronts some middle-sized studio lineups which include an on-form Blue Mitchell and Jimmy Heath at his best. Four, a Jimmy Heath arrangement, is played at precisely the right pace, with everyone caught up in its compelling momentum. The tributes, to Oscar Pettiford on Sonny Boy, and Ray Brown on I Walked Ray, are excellent, and Jones carries the melody delightfully on Blue Bird.

On 1962’s “Down Home”, the third album of this set, Jones features in two settings; a relatively large band arranged by Ernie Wilkins, and a chamber-sized combo comprised of his cello with flute and a rhythm section. Both swing lightly and engagingly, with Jones’ bass solos, direct, melodic and blues-flavoured, and his cello approach just as powerful and imaginative.

(freshsoundrecords. com)

Featuring: Nat Adderley (cnt), Blue Mitchell (tp), Jimmy Heath (ts), Charles Davis, Tate Houston (bs), Melba Liston (tb), Bobby Timmons, Wynton Kelly (p), Victor Feldman (vib), Keter Betts (b), Sam Jones (cello), Louis Hayes (d)