Journey back to 1958 with the masterful live performance of Oscar Pettiford & Friends captured in "Blues In My Mind." This album, recorded in Hamburg's Studio 10, is a sublime blend of modern mainstream, cool jazz, and hard bop, showcasing Pettiford's exceptional prowess on the bass. A key figure in the development of bebop, Pettiford's influence resonates throughout this recording, which features a stellar lineup of musicians, each bringing their unique flair to the session.
Oscar Pettiford, born in 1922 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, was a prodigious talent whose contributions to jazz were immense. His early career saw him playing with Duke Ellington's band, and he quickly became a pivotal figure in the New York jazz scene, collaborating with legends like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Thelonious Monk. Pettiford was known for his innovative approach to the bass and cello, carving out a niche that influenced generations of jazz musicians.
"Blues In My Mind" is a testament to Pettiford's genius, recorded during his European tour in 1958. The album features compositions that span the emotional spectrum of jazz, from the energetic "Moanin'" to the reflective "Autumn Leaves." Each track is a showcase of the band's tight interplay and Pettiford's commanding presence. The ensemble includes notable talents like Hans Koller on tenor saxophone and clarinet, Dusko Goykovich on trumpet, and Attila Zoller on guitar, creating a rich tapestry of sound that is both timeless and captivating.
Tracklist:
00:00 - 1. Moanin'
06:50 - 2. Minor Meeting
11:24 - 3. Are You Real?
15:08 - 4. Tune Up
19:59 - 5. Sometimes I'm Happy
24:45 - 6. Long Ago And Far Away
29:58 - 7. H.E.C. Blues
38:17 - 8. Blues Around Joe
45:32 - 9. How About You?
50:35 - 10. Autumn Leaves
55:13 - 11. Rue Dauphine
58:36 - 12. Blues In My Mind
01:10:51 - 13. After You've Gone
01:16:08 - 14. Happy Afternoon
Members:
Oscar Pettiford - Bass
Jimmy Pratt - Drums
Hans Koller - Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet
Dusko Goykovich - Trumpet
Attila Zoller - Guitar
Michel Hausser - Vibraphone
Roger Guerin - Trumpet
Armin Rusch - Piano
Additional Credits:
Produced by Ekkehart Fleischhammer
Final mastering in 2015 by Roskow Kretschmann at Audiomoto Berlin
Photos by Susanne Schapowalow
Cover artwork by Patrick Haase