Analogue Productions - CPRJ 7117 - Hybrid SACD Mono 

Mastered By  Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio 

Limited Edition - Plays On ALL CD Players - Prestige 7117

We can only dream of being in the recording studio of Rudy Van Gelder when these tracks were laid down. Thanks to Analogue Productions, however, we can get as close to Rudy’s studio, as is legally permissible. For the sound quality and the band personnel, this SACD will get a lot of action on your home audiophile equipment - AudioPhileAudition

In 1956 drummer Art Taylor formed a group called Taylor’s Wailers. Donald Byrd and Charlie Rouse were members of the working group that debuted at The Pad, a Greenwich Village nightclub on Sheridan Square booked by Bob Reisner, the man who had run the legendary Open Door Sessions.

In 1957 Taylor recorded the Wailers for Prestige, adding the alto saxophone of Jackie McLean to the front line. Two of the highlights are the Thelonious Monk compositions, “Well, You Needn’t” and “Off Minor,” with arrangements by Thelonious himself. One track, “C.T.A.,” by Jimmy Heath, is from another session featuring John Coltrane backed by Red Garland, Paul Chambers, and Taylor, a potent Prestige studio combination in those days.

There have been many distinguished drummer-leaders in jazz. One expects their groups to be rhythmically exciting. Taylor’s Wailers are no exception to this swinging heritage.

Originally released in 1957

Art Taylor, drums
Donald Byrd, trumpet
Jackie McLean, alto saxophone
Charlie Rouse, tenor saxophone
John Coltrane, tenor saxophone
Ray Bryant, piano
Red Garland, piano
Wendell Marshall, bass
Paul Chambers, bass

1. Batland
2. C.T.A.
3. Exhibit A
4. Cubano Chant
5. Off Minor
6. Well, You Needn't

Recorded February 25 and March 22, 1957 at the Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey.