Clark Terry-Bob Brookmeyer Quintet A.K.A. Straight No Chaser A.K.A. Tonight (1964 Mainstream) CD 1991 Mainstream

Roger Kellaway, piano
Bill Crow, bass
Dave Bailey, drums
Bob Brookmeyer, valve trombone
Clark Terry, trumpet

1. Tete A Tete
2. Pretty Girl
3. Blue China
4. Hum
5. Blindman, Blindman
6. Step Right Up
7. Weep
8. Straight No Chaser
9. Sometime Ago
10. Hymn

Genius work from one of the most solid groups in 60s jazz -- the quintet co-led by trumpeter Clark Terry and trombonist Bob Brookmeyer -- a legendary ensemble that drew on the best talents of both players, but grew into something greater! Brookmeyer's playing valve trombone throughout on the tunes -- played in a fluid, trumpety way that matches perfectly with Terry's own phrasing -- and which almost creates a sense of counterpoint on the head arrangements, yet which never falls into styles that are too academic or modern. There's a fluid easy grace here that's really surprising -- with none of Terry's gutbuckety tricks or Brookmeyer's too experimental moments -- and overall, the group have a solid, soulful quality that almost reminds us of the Art Farmer-Benny Golson Jazztet, or of some of Farmer's other key recordings of the 60s. Rhythm is by the trio of Roger Kellaway on piano, Bill Crow on bass, and Dave Bailey on drums -- and the album features 10 numbers in all, including "Tete A Tete", "Pretty Girl", "Blue China", "Blindman, Blindman", "Sometime Ago", "Hymn", "Step right Up", "Weep" and "Straight No Chaser". Dusty Groove America, Inc.


Review by Scott Yanow
Flugelhornist Clark Terry and valve trombonist Bob Brookmeyer made for a very complementary pair in their mid-'60s quintet. Both had distinctive but similar sounds, impressive technique, the ability to swing anything and plenty of wit. On this Mainstream LP with pianist Roger Kellaway, bassist Bill Crow and drummer Dave Bailey, C.T. and Brookmeyer explore such songs as Herbie Hancock's Blindman, Blindman, Charlie Parker's Hymn, Thelonious Monk's Straight No Chaser and a variety of originals. Unfortunately, all ten selections clock in at around three minutes, so there is no real stretching out, but what is here is excellent.