LUCKY THOMPSON
Lucky Strikes (Prestige)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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What ever happened to Lucky Thompson? How could we loose track of such a superb jazz musician? Thompson, while in his prime, disappeared without a trace from the music scene during the 1970s, his whereabouts now only rumored. His absence is our misfortune.

Thompson was one of the great tenor saxophonists of the 40's, playing with Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, Billy Eckstine, and Lucky Millander. The next decade found him recording with Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and Milt Jackson. In addition to playing tenor, he is now considered to be the first modern soprano sax player.

Any session with Thompson present usually guaranteed excellence, and "Lucky Strikes" is no exception. With Hank Jones on piano, Richard Davis on bass, and Connie Kay on drums, this 1964 recording is a swinging, memorable session producing exquisite music. Lucky plays tenor on four tracks and soprano on the remaining four. Six of these songs are Thompson originals and two are standards.

The high point of the disc is the opening number, Duke Ellington's "In A Sentimental Mood." Thompson plays soprano, weaving emotional, imaginative, and dreamlike solos throughout this track. Other personal favorites include "Fly With The Wind" and "Invitation", which both feature Lucky on tenor.

On every song, the improvisation by the musicians is passionate, creative and brilliant. Lucky Thompson might have dropped out of jazz almost 25 years ago, but this music is as fresh and vital as any music made since then. Beg, borrow, or steal this highly recommended disc and discover for yourself Thompson's magic.

© 2000 - Ron Saranich