Butch Warren - bass
Freddie Redd - piano
Matt Wilson - drums
Brad Linde - tenor saxophone
01. Prelude (Freddie Redd) (1:25)
02. Nothing But The Blues (Freddie Redd) (8:41)
03. I Can't Get Started (Vernon Duke/Ira Gershwin) (7:01)
04. I Remember Monk (Butch Warren) (6:41)
05. A Little Chippie (Butch Warren) (5:33)
06. I Hear You (Butch Warren) (7:50)
07. Among Friends (Freddie Redd) (9:09)
08. Barack Obama (Butch Warren) (4:26)
09. There Will Never Be Another You (Harry Warren/Mack Gordon) (4:38)
credits
released February 16, 2021
Recorded live to 4-track at An Die Musik, Baltimore, MD Jan. 25, 2013
Engineering, Mixing, Production : John Cook
Production Assistance : Marc J. Goodman
Mastering : Scott Reams at Maplewood Studios, Sacramento,CA
Produced by Brad Linde and John Cook
This music comes from a performance complementing a session that was organized to record unheard compositions from Freddie Redd. The album title recognizes a kinship with the informal loft sessions of the fifties and sixties where a special style of jazz was refined. Present here from that golden age are two of the most singular voices on their instruments who, over fifty years hence, retain the relentlessly creative spirit that forged this music. Both have a signature sound that is instantly identifiable, and both are outstanding, though under recognized, composers. The group is completed by two players who have consistently linked the past and future of this music. The genesis of this effort was Matt Wilson's desire to meet and make music with Butch Warren, though it was Brad Linde's organizational abilities and contacts that brought it all together. Despite being contemporaries on the New York scene of the early 60's and sharing a recording label then by both their memories Butch and Freddie first played together at a joint event in December 2010 and since then did perform together several times in the greater Washington, DC area. Sadly these songs reflect their last performance together, as Butch passed to ancestry on October 5, 2013.
What you will hear is a spontaneous and joyous selection of music performed on a snowy evening in Baltimore - without rehearsal or set list or in most instances lead sheets - and with no overdubs, retakes or "do-overs". The intimate atmosphere lent itself to a sense of musical exploration and adventure that held the audience spellbound through a special evening. Fine examples of Freddie's characteristic inventiveness abound as he teases melodic ideas from each other and his limitless musical imagination. When Matt is not leading the exchange of ideas (Butch's style lends extra space to creative drummers) his attentive and sympathetic counterpoints draw rhythmic interactions from both of the masters. Butch's deceptively easygoing walking quarter note pulse provides the swinging foundation that also highlights his punctuation and solos. Brad deftly managed the stand throughout an open-ended evening and contributed strategic statements to enhance the musical framework. Together the group brought new inspiration to a particular style of jazz that remains timeless in their hands.
Tracks 1 and 2 are indeed the first notes the core trio played together and exemplify the melodically rooted improvisation that defines Freddie's musical conception (here within a remarkable spontaneous composition that seems to have leaped from his mind fully formed). With this show being Butch's evening, several of his most notable compositions are featured, along with another spontaneous creation and a standard or two. This date was not planned for a release since the performance was scheduled primarily as an opportunity for Matt to get acquainted with Butch. The recording captured some of the joy of that moment and reflects the cohesion in a different approach to making music than a practiced formal repertoire. Perhaps the most difficult thing for a musical collective is to freely improvise over structure. Within this set the spirit never wanes while the creative spark flickers and burns. With the foresight to leave recording equipment in place we are pleased to have the opportunity to present this unique insight into the musicians' collective artistry.
We wish to thank the musicians, Henry of An Die Musik for providing an outlet for fine music in Baltimore, Sean, Michael Formanek, Bertrand, Marc Goodman, and all fans and supporters of this music, present that night or not.
Brad Linde is a saxophonist, bandleader, and presenter in the Washington DC metro area.
In 2010, he
founded and began co-directing the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra - a 17-piece big band in residence at the historic club.
He was a participant in the Banff International Jazz and Creative Music Workshop 2013 and he studied with Barry Harris and Lee Konitz, among others....more
supported by 11 fans who also own “Baltimore Jazz Loft”
This is a wonderful album! Dave Douglas is one of my heroes. He's more than a great musician. He has a vision for the music and a feeling for putting together a group which is unique. So, beside Joey Baron (another heavyweight and one of my absolute favourite drummers) he invited some young cats to this session. They play just great and make sure that this music sounds totally fresh, whilst at the same time being deeply rooted in the jazz tradition. Florian Arbenz
supported by 11 fans who also own “Baltimore Jazz Loft”
Ward's swirling, breezy sax feels very close and intimate - listening to it I pictured myself in a small basement room as the band played - but the 10 tongues paint a joyful and sophisticated urban fairytale that changes scene cinematically and builds to a satisfying finale. Tom Colquhoun
This schorching live set from legendary trumpet player Freddie Hubbard captures the bebop icon at the peak of his powers. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 8, 2023