JIMMY HEATH QUINTET
On The Trail (Riverside)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Recorded in 1964, On The Trail, the last of Jimmy Heath's six albums for the Riverside label, is a great introduction to an underrated musician. Originally part of the 1940s bebop scene, Heath not only was an excellent tenor saxophone player, he also was a top-notch composer and arranger.

On this cd, he enlisted an all star group consisting of Wynton Kelly on piano, Kenny Burrell on guitar, Paul Chambers on bass, and his brother Al "Tootie" Heath on drums. From the opening number, the band is into the music, playing with a passion, warmth, and togetherness that quickly draws the listener in. For example, the title cut, a seldom recorded movement from Ferde Grote's Grand Canyon Suite, is accorded a western arrangement by Heath that establishes the song as an instant jazz classic. Heath lays down an infectious, hypnotic beat, immediately matched by Kelly and Burrell. If your not tapping along to the song after the first joyful chorus, you're comatose. Other favorites include "All The Things You Are" and "I Should Care." In addition, check out the bluesy "Gingerbread Boy," a song Miles Davis recorded and made a part of his play list and that has since become a jazz standard.

Heath, from Philadelphia, was a contemporary of John Coltrane, and perhaps that's why his career has been overshadowed. At his best, Heath's playing and arranging deserved wider acclaim. His passionate, fiery playing was always heartfelt. One listen to On The Trail should make you a fan of Jimmy Heath.

© 2000 - Ron Saranich