Search - Gene Ammons :: Live in Chicago

Good live date for Ammons

Bomojaz | South Central PA, USA | 11/02/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This session was originally issued on two different competing labels, Argo and Prestige. Ammons recorded for Argo while still under contract with Prestige; a law suit forced Argo to hand over the tapes Ammons had made, in some cases after they had already been issued. So this album made the rounds a couple of times, which is okay - it's a good one.



The recording is a live date from Chicago in 1961, and Gene is joined by Eddie Buster (org) and Gerald Donovan (d). The proceedings get off to a swinging start with a version of Charlie Parker's SCRAPPLE FROM THE APPLE; all play well (Buster has the quirky mannerism of humming along with his solos, a la Oscar Peterson). The ballad PLEASE SEND ME SOMEONE TO LOVE is given a very bluesy treatment by Ammons, and JUG'S BLUE BLUES is the real deal with Gene delivering a way down-home performance.



FALLING IN LOVE WITH LOVE is taken up-tempo, which is unusual, and the track suffers because the feelings don't go beneath the surface - the musicians seem to be just playing notes. Another minor quibble is that the portable in-club recording equipment doesn't capture Gene's lyrical, full tone as well as studio recordings have. Despite all that, however, this is another fine date for Ammons. Worth checking out."

Another good album from "THE JUG"

FILIP HADZI-STEFANOV | Port Washington, NY United States | 09/28/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"No surprise that "Bomojazz" reviewed this rare album that no one seems to know about...you're a legend man. Yes a good date for Ammons indeed. The sound quality is not perfect, but good enough to enjoy thoroughly. This band souns very big for a trio, but when you have a decent organ player on stage it always sounds bigger. Gene plays well thoughout the whole show, especially on C Jam Blues. There is a nice "flight of the bumblebee" insert at the end of his solo on that track. Don't know how many copies are left out there, but it is worth picking up. I tend to play it loud."