Louis Bellson

GREETINGS

 

Personnel:

Louis Bellson (d), Charlie Shavers (tp), Zoot Sims, Seldon Powell (ts), Don Abney, Lou Stein (p), George Duvivier, Wendell Marshall (b)

 

Reference: FSRCD 555

 

These superbly swinging Louis Bellson quintet sides are a showcase for some outstanding soloists. On the first date, Zoot is in top form, with 'Love for Sale' offering some of his best playing on record, while Shavers stays within the bounds of good taste and conceptual interest, blowing with his characteristic verve. Duviviers bass is a lithe, swinging asset, marked by his usual wonderful tone and great rhythmic power, while Don Abney plays apt piano throughout. Louies exercise, too, is unusually interesting and should be a must for drum students.

 

On the second session, Seldon Powell is on tenor, playing with soul, ease and lightness, but always with authority. Wendell Marshall provides a full, solid and dependable bass, and Lou Steins piano transmits his signature strong beat. The final result is a relaxed but combustible blend of swing era and mainstream modern jazz that still retains its freshness and enjoyment.

 

 

Tracklisting:

01. Charlies Blues

02. Ill Remember April

03. Buffalo Joe

04. Stompin At The Savoy

05. Love For Sale

06. The Man I Love

07. Basically Speaking, Duvivier, That Is

08. Concerto For Drums

09. Basie

10. Charlie-O

11. (All Right) Jump It Man

12. Greetings

 

Tracks #1-8 from the album "Concerto for Drums (Verve MGV-8016).

Reissue of Norgran MGN-1011, entitled "Louis Bellson And His Drums".

 

Tracks #9-12 taken from the album "The Hawk Talks" (Verve MGV-8186).

Reissue of Norgran MGN-1020, entitled "The Driving Louis Bellson".

 

Personnel on #1-8: Charlie Shavers (tp), Zoot Sims (ts), Don Abney (p), George Duvivier (b) and Louis Bellson (d). Recorded in New York City, on June 21, 1954.

 

Personnel on #9-12: Charlie Shavers (tp), Seldon Powell (ts), Lou Stein (p), Wendell Marshall (b) and Louis Bellson (d). Recorded in New York City, on February 2, 1955.