Bob Powers

MARIETTA, OH, USA - I sometimes wonder why (and you can fill in the blanks, since sometimes we all wonder why). The question this week is why Arbors Jazz, one of the best record companies I've ever encountered, sometimes waits for years before releasing a new CD? That's the question with their new package, "Flip Phillips Celebrates His 80th Birthday at the March of Jazz 1995."

Phillips, a terrific tenor sax performer who was one of the mainstays of swing and jazz from the 1940s on. Phillips for many years toured the country as one of the principals on tenor sax for the popular "Jazz at the Philharmonic." JATP received little acclaim from the jazz critics of that era, but served to carve a new body of enthusiasts for the music. I was one of those lads in the 1950s who thought Flip Phillips was a god of the tenor sax.

Listening to the new release from Arbors Jazz demonstrates the talent that continued to be hip and gorgeous in tone. The tenor seldom sounded more inviting and jazzy than when Phillips had his hands on those keys.

The three nights in 1995 when this concert was created brought out a large group of jazz enthusiasts who, from this CD, were having a wonderful time. Phillips, at ease with a stage microphone and full of fun, made jokes about his advancing age, thanking the audience for making it possible for him to take center stage.

Accompanying were some of the top names of the time, including such stars as Scott Hamilton on tenor, the magnificent Phil Woods on alto sax, longtime bandleader Buddy DeFranco on clarinet, Bob Wilbur on soprano sax, the magnificent Dick Hyman on piano, plus two other prime tinklers, Derek Smith and Ralph Sutton. Herb Ellis, Howard Alden, and Billy Bauer handled guitar duties expertly. Three of the best bassists ever to stand on stages were Milt Hinton, Sean Smith and the invincible Bobby Haggart. Wrapping up the cast are Butch Miles and Jake Hanna, two drummers who could do magical stuff with sticks.

Mat Domber of Arbors Jazz starts the program by introducing the guest of honor, who makes a crack about being honored for reaching 80. Phillips knows his way around a microphone, almost as professional as a talker as he was as a player.

Phillips, including "Great Scott," "When You Know You're Getting Old" and "If I Had a Penny", composed five of the 11 tracks on the album. Flip gets plenty of room to do solos that prove how good he still was on his chosen instrument.

Flip Phillips took a lead tenor spot in the Jazz Band in Heaven on Aug. 17, 2001. I'll look forward to hearing those special sounds when I finally make it to that special jazz stage in the sky.

Piano by Hersch and Pals

Several new CDs are worth your attention, especially if you are interested in outstanding work on the piano.

Fred Hersch makes his debut on the Palmetto Records label with "The Fred Hersch Trio: Live at the Village Vanguard," (MaxJazz) an impressive program of fine arraignments and originals. The Fred Hersch Trio came into being more than a decade ago, and Hersch and pals show that talent backed with taste can produce great times.

The album starts on a somewhat shaky footing, with a complicated though well-played composition called "Bemsha Swing," composed by Thelonius Monk. Drew Gress does expert work on bass and Nasheet Waits has the drum business well in control.

Six of the 10 tracks are Hersch compositions. Hersch handles the keyboard with the confidence and maturity of Tiger Woods on a golf course. While these pieces require attention, if you are willing to meet this trio, the rewards will be immense. I feel confidence in assuring you that Fred Hersch will be a name to remember in years to come.

Continuing in a magical piano mood is "Bruce Barth: Live at the Village Vanguard" (MaxJazz). Barth has come forth with several previous winners, but the new album should propel Barth into the top ranks of piano jazz trios. In an album with bountiful creativity, Barth shows that he's made impressive gains on his chosen instrument. And he receives wonderful accompaniment from drummer Al Foster (a great one) and Ugonna Okegwo on the bass. Barth plays originals on six of the ten tracks. And his choice of others' work is outstanding, including a piano solo on Monk's "Evidence."

Jessica Williams plays jazz piano in a solo stint for her latest album, "All Alone" (MaxJazz). Sometimes pianists who decide to go it alone on a recording think they have to demonstrate all their skills in the space of a single CD.  Jessica Williams has full confidence in his abilities, making this album one that will receive plenty of listens in your home's music room.

Four of the album's dozen selections are Williams originals. She does well by each track and shows confidence and plenty of ability on such standards as "As Time Goes By" and "They Say It's Wonderful."

If you love the piano, "All Alone" would make a fine addition to your home library.

Bob Powers always is interested in hearing from record distributors who deal in jazz, rock, folk, and anything that's good. For instructions on getting your album reviewed, contact him at oldbob@localnet.com.

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