NORMAN GRANZ' J.A.T.P.
Carnegie Hall, 1949 (Pablo)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Large jazz extravaganzas such as Norman Granz' Jazz At The Philharmonic (J.A.T.P.) series are like NBA all-star games. Lots of stars, some extraordinary individual moments, a lighthearted approach to the actual game, and very little teamwork. However, every once in a while, the planets all line up in the heavens and we have a great game urged on by the participating professionals who take their craft seriously. Pablo has just released one of those defining moments in all-star jazz, the J.A.T.P. concert called Carnegie Hall, 1949.

This session featured two sets of soloist. The first group consisted of the one and only Charlie Parker on alto saxophone, Sonny Criss also on alto, Flip Philips on tenor saxophone, the exquisite Fats Navarro on trumpet, and Tommy Turk on trombone. The second pairing had "the man" Coleman Hawkins on tenor saxophone and Fats Navarro once again on trumpet. The rhythm section for both sets was Hank Jones on piano, Ray Brown on bass, and Shelly Manne on drums.

All the musicians sound determined not to let the proceedings slip into the usually mundane jam session. However, Parker absolutely sizzled this night, stealing the show with his remarkably inventive solos that avoided easy choices. Nor did he opt to grandstand. Instead a focused Parker played with an urgency that is riveting. Listen to his work on "Leap Here." Coleman Hawkins and Fats Navarro are the two other musicians that were on their game, playing one admirable solo after another. In fact, Navarro's solo on "The Things We Did Last Summer" is a masterpiece of soulful, evocative trumpet playing.

Though this music is over 50 years old, it deserves your attention. Bop was in its infancy and this concert brought together the top performers from this new approach alongside veterans of the swing era. The results linger like memories from the classic NBA all-star games.

Track List:

Leap Here * Indiana (Back Home Again In) * Lover Come Back To Me * Rifftide * Sophisticated Lady * The Things We Did Last Summer * Stuffy

© 2002 - Ron Saranich