DUKE PEARSON
Dedication (Prestige/Original Jazz Classics)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Another of the recently remastered and re-released sessions on Original Jazz Classics, Dedication was initially issued in 1961. This recording, led by Duke Pearson on piano, featured the unusual mix of trumpet (Freddie Hubbard), trombone (Willie Wilson), and baritone saxophone (Pepper Adams). Rounding out the group was Thomas Howard on bass and Lex Humphries on drums. It was intended to be a feature for Willie Wilson, the trombonist, but Wilson, a childhood friend of Pearson in Atlanta, died soon afterwards. Hence the appropriate name for this session.

Pearson was a sensitive and disciplined pianist whose style was considered somewhat logical and a bit cautious. However, I enjoy listening to his warm playing and arranging. Dedication is a good place to start discovering Pearson's playing.

For this date, all the soloists were in fine form, especially Hubbard and Adams, two of the best on their chosen instruments. They played with passion and commitment, and the music is often moving. Few notes are wasted in their lyrical approach. Wilson also sounds great, especially on the ballads, and I wonder how good he could have become if he had lived longer.

In the liner notes, Pearson stated that he did not like to play ridiculous up-tempo songs "...because I believe that then most of what you have to say goes by before you have a chance to think about it." This gives you an idea regarding the pace of the music. It is honest, unpretentious, and heartfelt jazz played by a group of capable professionals. Dedication is good bop utilizing an interesting configuration of horns. Check it out.

© 2001 - Ron Saranich