Although having performed and recorded with many of the top mainstream jazz artists of his time,
Osie Johnson rarely went into the recording studio as a leader. Original Jazz Classics has reissued two sessions
Johnson made for the Period label in February of 1955 while with the Count Basie Orchestra. Many of his sidemen are from the same Basie aggregation.
Thad Jones and
Frank Wess, the latter on both tenor and flute, were used to being in the spotlight, and their talents are fully utilized throughout this session. But there are solo opportunities for Basie players who rarely got a chance to show their wares while with the Count. For example, "Midnight Mirage" features Charlie Fowlkes and Ernie Wilkens on baritone and alto saxophones, respectively. Erstwhile trombonist Henry Coker solos on "The Desert Song," "Cokernut Tree," and "I Don't Want to Cry Anymore." Bill Hughes, Coker's playing partner in the Basie trombone section, gets time on "Cat Walk." One of the few participants not a member of the Basie bunch, pianist
Dick Katz glistens on "Jumpin' at the Water Hole." As one would expect, the ensemble work is excellent.
Johnson did most of the writing and arranging for this session. He also vocalizes on his "Don't Bug Me, Hug Me." With the exception of "Osmosis," where he and
Benny Powell exchange ideas,
Johnson does little soloing. It's apparent from the bright and lively playing that all participants are having a good time.
Osie's Oasis is a fine mainstream swinging session with gifted jazz professionals which will delight most fans. To help maintain to the authenticity of the reissue, Leonard Feather's original liner notes are included. ~ Dave Nathan