The Kai Winding Trombones, "Don't Panic", Sesac
Recordings #AD76 (196_).[Extended Play record]
Side A:
Don't Panic
A Waltz on the Wild Side
Side B:
The Raven
Blues for Indian Jim
From the back EP cover:
Kai Winding's rich, burnished trombone sound
has been a solidly acclaimed feature of the jazz scene for many
years. Benny Goodman, Charlie Parker, Stan Kenton and Charlie Ventura
are among the leaders he has worked for. In 1954, he cut a dual
trombone date with J.J. Johnson which eventually made the "J & K"
team "the most widely recorded duo in jazz history."
While
with Kenton, Kai created a "trombone
sound," the logical extension of
which, is featured in this album. After experimenting with many
different groups, Kai found that the "trombone sound" at its peak can
best be represented by four trombones and three rhythm. Each of the
four trombones, here, have individual characteristics. Performing
together, their instrumental byplay is fantastic; the muddied section
sound of yore is replaced by an enlightening, steady stream of
musical conversation that blends beautifully and blows up a big band
storm. The rhythm is equally deft and exhilarating. A colorful
compliment to the brass, the piano-bass-drums trio dispenses a
communicative spirit and a propulsive vitality that constantly keeps
things moving. Pianist Ross Tompkins, in fact, composed two of the
tracks - "A WALTZ ON THE WILD SIDE" and "THE RAVEN." So, contrary to
the album title - "DON'T PANIC" - you will be panicked by the
versatile Kai Winding Trombones in these modern-mannered selections
that are full-bodied and swinging. Which reminds one that Kai Winding
has been musical director of the Playboy Club in New York City, since
its inception in December, 1962.
Personnel: Trombones - Kai Winding,
Billy Byers, Tony Studd, Pete Vivona; Piano - Ross Tompkins; Bass -
Russell George; Drums - Gene Young. Note: on "BLUES FOR
INDIAN JIM" substitute Bill Watrous for Byers; Jake Hanna for
Young.