STANLEY TURRENTINE
Never Let Me Go (Blue Note)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

---

Oh yeah! Never Let Me Go is wonderful tenor sax and organ jazz performed by Stanley Turrentine and his then wife, Shirley Scott, respectively, joined by either Major Holley or Sam Jones on bass, Al Harewood or Clarence Johnston on drums, and Ray Barretto on congas. This CD cooks. Recorded in 1963 and just released this year as part of Blue Note's Rudy Van Gelder series, the music sounds fresh and exuberant even after 40+ years.

Turrentine and Scott collaborated well together; each one developed their own voice without dominating the proceedings. They both were talented yet driven. This CD is no exception. The songs, given a soul jazz or hard bop interpretation, are a good blend of standards, blues, popular music, and stage tunes. The highlight of the CD is a bittersweet version of Billie Holiday's "God Bless The Child" that burns with a smoldering passion. Turrentine on tenor does his best Ben Webster impression, nailing the song's emotional nuances and sending chills up and down the listener's spine. Don't mess with Mr. T.

I've said it before, but every jazz aficionado needs several sax/organ recordings to help them get down and dirty. Never Let Me Go is a worthy addition to any collection. Turrentine and Scott had a close personal and musical relationship. This CD highlights that interplay. Give it a listen.

© 2004 - Ron Saranich