IKE QUEBEC
Blue And Sentimental (Blue Note)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

---

Ike Quebec was a tenor sax player along the lines of Coleman Hawkins and Ben Webster, which meant he had a big, heavy toned sound. Quebec first rose to prominence with several hit singles for Blue Note from 1944-46. Drug problems prevented Quebec from recording again until 1959, when he rejoined Blue Note and had a successful career until his death of lung cancer in 1963 at the age of 44. Blue and Sentimental is Quebec's best Blue Note recording. He teams up with Grant Green on guitar, Paul Chambers on bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums to play seven ballads, blues, and mid-tempo tunes. Quebec is on fire, his tenor playing is sensual, poignant, and wistful. On the title track, a Count Basie number, Quebec's playing always leaves me melancholic, longing for past loves and friendships. "Don't Take Your Love From Me" is a slow blues which, even at this tempo, grabs the listener and refuses to let go. The final number consists of Quebec and Green joined by Sonny Clark on piano, Sam Jones on bass, and Louis Hayes on drums. Quebec and Green's solos on the standard "Count Every Star" are definitive. I find it hard to believe anyone could play this song better. Quebec recordings are hard to find but will reward the listener with countless moments of pure aural pleasure.

© 2000 - Ron Saranich