Search - Frank Foster & the Loud Minority Band, Elvin Jones :: Well Water

Well Water
Frank Foster & the Loud Minority Band, Elvin Jones
Well Water
Genres: Jazz, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (7) - Disc #1

Discovered 30 years after its master tapes were thought to be lost, Frank Foster and The Loud Minority's "Well Water" (Piadrum) finds the two-time Grammy Award winning tenor saxophonist, composer, arranger and jazz educato...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Frank Foster & the Loud Minority Band, Elvin Jones
Title: Well Water
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Piadrum Records
Original Release Date: 1/1/2006
Re-Release Date: 3/13/2007
Genres: Jazz, Pop
Style: Swing Jazz
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 822235070128

Synopsis

Product Description
Discovered 30 years after its master tapes were thought to be lost, Frank Foster and The Loud Minority's "Well Water" (Piadrum) finds the two-time Grammy Award winning tenor saxophonist, composer, arranger and jazz educator leading a roaring big band performing his own compositions and those of Clifford Brown, Elvin Jones and Frank's brother-in-law, David Jones. A former member of Count Basie's orchestra (1953-1964) and Basie Band director (1986-1995), Frank Foster, who composed such Basie classics as "Shiny Stockings", "Blues In Hoss' Flat" , "Blues Backstage", "Back To the Apple" and "Four Five Six", is heard at an artistic peak on "Well Water", surrounded by 17 strongly supportive musicians in a clearly joyous and inspired performance. Recorded more than a decade before Foster took the helm of Count Basie's band, and shortly after he had been a member of Elvin Jones group, "Well Water" presents the sound of a forward thinking 1970s big band pushing the boundaries, with the legendary drummer firing the musicians to all-around great performances. Recorded on a blustery Manhattan weekend in the fall of '77 while a major hurricane threatened the City (and in between sessions for debut LPs from Blondie and the Ramones), "Well Water" documents a big band performing at the zenith of its powers as Foster and his 20-piece Loud Minority Big Band reveled in a thrilling atmosphere that is clearly felt and heard. After full restoration and remastering "Well Water" is finally ready for its proper unveiling. As an added bonus, the album's liner notes contain Foster's wonderfully detailed and vivid descriptions of the band member's contributions and interplay in the various album selections. "Well Water" is a double treasure, a historical document of a special weekend in 1977 and a thrilling testament to the talent, skill and perseverance of Frank Foster and The Loud Minority Big Band.
 

CD Reviews

TOP SHELF
Henry S. Brent | Marietta, GA USA | 05/25/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have not heard a better album in the past year. Charles Tolliver, take notes-- your new big band album is good, but Frank's is THE BOMB. And who is dropping the bomb?--none other than Mr. Jones himself. Elvin is in the driver's seat, constantly pushing and tastefully, musically contributing. The most musical drummer who ever was, co-piloting this remarkable session. The recording quality is superb-- hats off to the remastering team. Too many hilites to go into detail-- just get it. You gotta have this one. I've been playing it for a week straight now.

Whoever said jazz was dying (and big band in particular was done for) in the 70s was sorely mistaken. Check it out."
Rediscovered Gem
P. Burmeister | 11/26/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are at least three things to be recommended in this release. 1. Well Water is another sample of Elvin Jones' ability to simultaneously settle in behind a big sound and to propel the sound. 2. Well Water features a lot of great solos within a big band sound; Frank Foster's soloing is especially strong. 3. Well Water closes with Three Card Molly, a long-time favorite among Elvin Jones' fans but little heard elsewhere.

From start to finish this CD does not disappoint. Play it loud and pay attention, or put it on when your ambience needs to be lively."
Amazing discovery from the vaults
Marcus Migliore | Falls Church Va. | 07/31/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Best big band recording I have heard in a while. Jones arrangements are really fresh and creative and Elvin Jones firing the band gives it a Coltrane like feel at times. Wonderful recording and highly recommended."