Tag Archives: Louis Bellson

Johnny Hodges: The Blues

In October 1956, “Norgran” label released “The Blues”, the fifth Johnny Hodges album. It was recorded July 1952 – September 1953 – July 1954, at “Radio Recorders” in Los Angeles, in San Francisco and New York City, and was produced by Norman Granz.  

Personnel:

  • Johnny Hodges – alto saxophone
  • Emmett Berry, Shorty Baker – trumpet
  • Lawrence Brown – trombone
  • Arthur Clarke, John Coltrane, Ben Webster, Rudy Williams – tenor saxophone
  • Ted Brannon, Call Cobbs, Leroy Lovett – piano
  • Ray Brown, Red Callender, Barney Richmond, John Williams – bass
  • Louis Bellson, J. C. Heard, Al Walker – drums
  • Alex De Paola – cover photography
  • Phil Stern – photography
  • Norman Granz – supervision

Track listing:

All tracks by Johnny Hodges, except where noted.

  1. Rosanne – Glenn Osser, Edna Osser, Dick Manning
  2. Hodge-Podge – Johnny Hodges, Duke Ellington
  3. Jappa
  4. Through for the Night – Trummy Young
  5. The Sheik of Araby – Ted Snyder, Harry B. Smith, Francis Wheeler
  6. Latino
  7. Johnny’s Blues – Edith Cue Hodges
  8. Indiana – Ballard MacDonald, James F. Hanley
  9. Easy Going Bounce – Leroy Lovett
  10. Burgundy Walk

Barney Kessel

On May 6, 2004, Barney Kessel died aged 80. He was musician (guitar), noted for his inversions and chord-based melodies. In his successful solo career he has recorded 31 album as a leader, was member of the group of session musicians  The Wrecking Crew, and has performed with many famous musicians including Georgie Auld, Chet Baker, Louis Bellson, Benny Carter, Buddy Collette, Harry Edison, Roy Eldridge, Ella Fitzgerald, Hampton Hawes, Woody Herman, Billie Holiday, Milt Jackson, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Oliver Nelson, Anita O’Day, Art Pepper, Zoot Sims, Shorty Rogers, Sonny Rollins and Pete Rugolo.

James Brown: Soul on Top

In April 1970, “King” label released “Soul on Top”, the 32nd James Brown studio album. It was recorded November 1969, and was produced by James Brown.

Personnel:

  • James Brown- vocal
  • Oliver Nelson- arranger and conductor
  • Ernie Watts- alto saxophone
  • Joe Romano – alto saxophone
  • Maceo Parker- tenor saxophone
  • Buddy Collette- tenor saxophone
  • Pete Christlieb- tenor saxophone
  • Jim Mulidore – baritone saxophone
  • Al Aarons- trumpet
  • Chuck Findley- trumpet
  • John Audino – trumpet
  • Tom Porello – trumpet
  • Jimmy Cleveland- trombone
  • Nick DiMaio – trombone
  • Kenny Shroyer – trombone
  • Bill Tole – trombone
  • Frank Vincent – piano
  • Bill Pitman- guitar
  • Louis Shelton- guitar
  • Ray Brown- bass
  • Louis Bellson- drums, bandleader
  • Jack Arnold – percussion

Track listing:

  1. That’s My Desire – Helmy Kressa, Caroll Loveday
  2. Your Cheatin’ Heart – Hank Williams
  3. What Kind of Fool Am I – Leslie Bircusse, Anthony Newley
  4. It’s a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World – James Brown, Betty Jean Newsome
  5. The Man in the Glass – Bud Hobgood
  6. It’s magic – Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne
  7. September Song – Maxwell Anderson, Kurt Weill
  8. For Once in My Life – Ron Miller, Orlando Murden
  9. Every Day I Have the Blues – Memphis Slim
  10. I Need Your Key (To Turn Me On) – Louie Bellson
  11. Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag – James Brown