Duke Pearson

AN AMAZING NEW FING: DUKE PEARSON'S 1969 BIG BAND LIVE IN BALTIMORE

ALL TRACKS PREVIOUSLY UNISSUED!!

Uptown Records has recently issued yet another previously unknown jewel which must be added to the many they have unearthed so far. The Duke Pearson Big Band -Baltimore 1969 (UPCD 27.72) presents a never before heard formation of Pearson's orchestra.

The pianist had first presented his big band in late 1967 on a Blue Note LP. Great musicians who were on that and subsequent recordings by the band, such as Julian Priester, Frank Foster, and Pepper Adams, are still here, as well as the wonderful rhythm section consisting of Pearson himself on piano, Bob Cranshaw, and Mickey Roker on drums, but to them we must add on this live set non other than Donald Byrd on trumpet (featured notably on "Eldorado") and Eddie Bert on trombone.

Furthermore, this relaxed live setting presents long performances of eight numbers which allow the soloists to stretch out, and even presents some numbers which are unique in Pearson's complete discography, such as his only known versions of the brilliant Pearson arrangements of Randy Weston's composition "Hi-Fly", and Cole Porter's "In the Still of the Night" (the later showcasing a lengthy and glorious solo by Pepper Adams).

PERSONNEL:

BURT COLLINS, JOE SHEPLEY, DONALD BYRD, JIM BOSSY, trumpet, flugelhorn
JULIAN PRIESTER, JOE FORST, EDDIE BERT, trombone
KENNY RUPP, bass trombone
JERRY DODGION, AL GIBBONS, alto sax, flute
FRANK FOSTER, LEW TABACKIN, tenor sax
PEPPER ADAMS, baritone sax
DUKE PEARSON, piano
BOB CRANSHAW, accoustic & electric bass
MICKEY ROKER, drums

Recorded at Left Bank Jazz Society Concert, Famous Ballroom,
Baltimore, Maryland, Sunday April 27th 1969

TRACKS:

01. Hi-Fly
02. New Girl
03. Eldorado
04. In The Still Of The Night
05. Tones For Joan's Bones
06. Straight Up And down
07. Ready When You Are C.B.
08. Night Song (Theme From Golden Boy)