Search - Booker Little :: Booker Little & Friends

Triumph Over Tragedy

05/25/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is a shame that Bethlehem did not abide by the censure expressed in the liner notes (those added for the reissue, NOT the embarrasing original) about the confusing album title "Booker Little and Friend" and opt for the original album title and cover , "Victory and Sorrow." That title quite aptly describes this magnificent last testament to a unique and vital force, a sensitive spirit whose soaring trumpet blasts and aching tenderness is more expressive than perhaps any other practioner of the instrument. The dominant mood expressed in this record (recorded months, if not weeks, before Booker's inexpressibly sad death from kidney failure) is of brave defiance against a cruel fate that would soon rob him at such a tender age of a life blessed by such gifts. The record plays well as a triumphant coda to the aching melancholy expressed in Booker's previous album, the better known "Out Front." For any serious lover of jazz, or for any other sensitive soul who is appreciative of fine music, this record (as well as its predecessor), quite literally the last musical statement of a doomed and profoundly gifted youth, is essential."

Lamentably, Little's Last

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 01/14/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This disc, "Booker Little and Friend," was the great trumpeter's last session. Cut for the Bethlehem label, it is just as brilliant as "Out Front" -- see my review. (By the way, if you are curious about who the "friend" is, it's not Eric Dolphy or some other luminary, it is instead his trumpet.) Just like the classic "Out Front," "Friend" derives its distinctive sound from Little's bright, chromatic three-horn arrangements, and Don Freedman's insightful piano flourishes and chords. In addition to Freedman, the remaining personnel joining Little on this recording are Julian Priester on trombone, George Coleman on tenor sax, Reggie Workman on bass and Pete LaRoca on drums. "Booker Little and Friend" is full of forward-looking Little compositions, particularly "Victory and Sorrow" and "Calling Softly," and a lovely, refreshingly slow version of the ballad "If I Should Lose You." The CD also features two alternate takes of "Looking Ahead," mistakenly identified on the CD cover and booklet as alternate takes of "Matilde." While I personally still find "Out Front" more polished overall, this is a great last look at a jazz great taken from us all too soon."

Eloquent

Allan Suchinsky | Kensington, MD United States | 12/29/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is another testimonial of how talented this tragic young man was. Everyone in the group stars, especially the leader. Booker Little's playing is articulate and precise. But this set also points up something about him that is frequently overlooked. He was a very fine composer. With a longer run, this guy and Clifford would have left all pretenders far back in the field."