Some Blues

Amazon.com

Kansas City pianist Jay McShann’s place in jazz history is secure if only because he was Charlie Parker’s first significant employer, but he’s also a gifted musician and vocalist who has retained his vigor through more than 60 years of performing. His blues-drenched piano is in full romp on these sessions recorded between 1990 and 1992, with groups that range from duos with bassist Major Holley through different trios to an all-star quintet recorded in Norway with trumpeter Clark Terry, trombonist Al Grey, bassist Milt Hinton, and drummer Ben Riley. The repertoire is wonderful, with Don Redman’s “Gee, Baby, Ain’t I Good to You” standing out in a very strong program. Holley and Terry join in on the vocals at various points in a recording that’s as joyous as it is masterful. As with McShann’s other Chiaroscuro recordings, this one concludes with an engaging track of the pianist recounting his experiences. –Stuart Broomer