Leo Wright - Blues Shout - 180g LP

Product no.: PPANSD1358

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Leo Wright - Blues Shout - 180g LP
£29.99
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AAA 100% Analogue This LP was Remastered using Pure Analogue Components Only from the Master Tapes through to the Cutting Head

Pure Pleasure / Atlantic  - PPAN SD1358 180 Gram Virgin Vinyl 

AAA 100%  Analogue -  Pressed at Pallas Germany - Limited Edition

Mastered by Ray Staff at Air London - Atlantic SD-1358

The sonic aesthetics captured in the vinyl re-mastering are stellar. The gossamer tonality of the flute and supple richness of the alto saxophone (without any shrillness) are exemplary (Of course legendary engineers Tom Down and Phil Iehle provided excellent source material). The stereo separation (especially for 1960) is top-notch. None of the instruments get lost in mixing.g. Equipment aficionados will be pleased with the high fidelity recording details. Audiophile Audition

Leo Wright's Atlantic debut, Blues Shout, effectively summarizes his career as a sideman, embracing the expressionist sensibilities of longtime boss Dizzy Gillespie as well as the Latin inspirations of longtime bandmate Lalo Schifrin to create a fiercely modern and uncommonly impassioned sound all its own. Joined by pianist Junior Mance, trumpeter Richard Williams, bassist Art Davis, and drummer Charlie Persip, Wright divides his attention between his signature alto sax and flute, delivering a series of thoughtful and lyrical solos that positively radiate energy. The blues referenced in the title are more a feeling than a sound, underscoring the emotional intensity that bristles below the surface of every note.

Many jazz greats emerged from their days with Dizzy Gillespie. Charlie Parker, John Lewis, Milt Jackson, Percy Heath, Kenny Clarke, James Moody, Quincy Jones  and Les Spann all participated in various combos with Gillespie. In 1959 a young Texan named Leo Wright took over for Spain. In the Army, Wright had developed an assortment of musical skills, playing jazz, big band and was part of the symphony. He became proficient on alto saxophone, clarinet and flute. While attending San Francisco State, he got to sit in with Dizzy. After several recordings as a sideman, he was signed to Atlantic Records as a frontman. Here, Wright would develop as an arranger, composer and instrumentalist.

Wright’s brilliant Atlantic debut, Blues Shout has been re-mastered to 180-gram vinyl by Pure Pleasure Records. And this analog upgrade is worth it. Both sides of the album utilize a slight lineup adjustment that distinguishes it from the other. Side 1 opens with a Wright original, “Sigi”. A unison lead of flute (Wright) and violin (Harry Lookofsky) brings an exotic worldly glow as the song gets underway. The initial flute solo is crisp and jaunty. The stellar rhythm section (Junior Nance/piano; Art Davis/double bass; Charlie Persip/drums) is completely locked in. Lookofsky contributes a breezy violin solo that is fresh. When he and Wright reunite at the end, their chemistry is palpable. “Angel Eyes” (one of five arrangements by fellow alto saxophonist/ flutist Gigi Gryce) changes things with a slow-walking blues vamp (introduced by Davis). Nance’s first solo displays intricate phrasing and soulful elegance. Wright follows with a soaring run that elevates the jamming. Davis interacts with flute and violin effortlessly.

Changing the dynamic, “Autumn Leaves” is arranged for quartet (no violin). The melancholic classicism is captured in the intro as Wright reaches emotional depth. There is a potent transition to swing mode as the rhythm section joins in. Davis’ hard-charging double bass drives the cadence. Wright and Nance reconnect on a slower interlude at the end. Wright brings a rare artistry to his flute solos. “Autumn Leaves” has been covered in a wide array of styles. With flair, Wright and Davis explore the meditative romanticism as they open in tandem. A gentle swing break ensues, before Lookofsky’s solo. Davis gets an extended solo (32 bars according to the liner notes) with just a touch of accompaniment by Persip. Coming full circle, Wright and Davis team up after Nance’s piano riffs.

Trumpeter Richard Williams joins the ensemble on Side Two, changing the direction of the band. The title track kicks off with a cool, finger-snapping doublebass. Nance executes some trademark blues chops leading into Williams’ succinct, minimal vibrato trumpet. Wright switches to alto saxophone in a commanding, muscular representation. It is blues & soul jazz. The group combines for big band-reminiscent punctuations with a sly Count Basie ending. Paying homage to Dizzy Gillespie, “Night In Tunisia” is a complex wild ride. Touches like counterpoint between alto and muted trumpet are innovative and non-derivative. But the explosiveness of the bop masterpiece is front and center as the band unites. All the players get their moment to shine individually. The arrangement manages to showcase originality and embrace Gillespie. “The Wind” is another unexpected piece. It has a cinematic (film noir), haunting ambiance, with a wistful saxophone and elegant piano. The piece was first recorded in 1953 by Chet Baker as part of the West Coast Jazz movement. The finale (Two Moods”) is intriguing and creative. A moody ballad opens and closes the jam with an emphatic swing break in the middle. Williams unleashes a potent bop-influenced solo, and Persip offers an expanded solo.

The sonic aesthetics captured in the vinyl re-mastering are stellar. The gossamer tonality of the flute and supple richness of the alto saxophone (without any shrillness) are exemplary (Of course legendary engineers Tom Down and Phil Iehle provided excellent source material). The stereo separation (especially for 1960) is top-notch. None of the instruments get lost in mixing. The album notes by Leonard Feather are incisive and entertaining. Equipment aficionados will be pleased with the high fidelity recording details.

Musicians:
Leo Wright, alto saxophone, flute
Harry Lookofsky, violin
Junior Mance, piano
Richard Williams, trumpet
Art Davis, bass
Charlie Persip, drums

Selections:
Side 1:
1. Sigi
2. Angel Eyes
3. Autumn Leaves
4. Indian Summer
Side 2:
1. Blues Shout
2. Night In Tunisia
3. The Wind
4. Two Moods

Recorded May 25 & August 29, 1960. The arrangements for Sigi, Autumn leaves & Two Moods are by Leo Wright. All other arrangements are by Gigi Gryce

Recording Engineer: Tom Dowd & Phil Iehle - Supervised by Nesuhi Ertegun

Leo\u0020Wright\u0020\u002D\u0020Blues\u0020Shout\u0020\u002D\u0020180g\u0020LP

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180g Vinyl Mastered From The Best Available Sources

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Pure Analogue Audiophile Mastering
 
Plated and Pressed at Pallas in Germany on 180 Gram Virgin Vnyl
 
Released in Limited Quantities

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Audiophile Vinyl - Made in Germany  For over 60 years the family business in the third generation of the special personal service and quality "Made by Pallas" is known worldwide. Our custom PVC formulation produces consistently high pressing quality with the lowest surface noise in the industry. Our PVC complies with 2015 European environmental standards and does not contain toxic materials such as Lead, Cadmium or Toluene. Our vinyl is both audiophile and eco-grade! 

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