The people behind the Lone Hill Jazz label deserve some kind of humanitarian award for reissuing two of
George Wallington's very best albums:
Live! At Cafe Bohemia (recorded on September 9, 1955, and subsequently issued on both the Progressive and Prestige labels) and
George Wallington Showcase (recorded in a studio for Blue Note on May 12, 1954). The band heard at the Bohemia -- trumpeter
Donald Byrd and alto saxophonist
Jackie McLean in front of
Wallington,
Paul Chambers, and
Art Taylor -- had the power and depth of ensembles led by
Charles Mingus and
Art Blakey during the mid- to late '50s. The
Showcase session, using
Quincy Jones arrangements, resulted in music that was equally inspired and exhilarating, if at times a bit more reined in. A magnificent front line of trumpeter
Dave Burns, trombonist
Jimmy Cleveland, and saxophonists
Frank Foster and
Danny Banks was securely backed by
Wallington,
Oscar Pettiford, and
Kenny Clarke.
Banks, a capable baritone saxophonist, doubled at times on the flute, intensifying the
James Moody-like aspect already suggested by the presence of
Burns and
Pettiford. This marvelous session acts as an organic counterweight to the sizzling live date. The inclusion of alternate takes from both albums adds ballast and excitement to a superb and satisfying stash of vintage hard bop.