Gonsalves in the Middle Years
A solid mid-career session that shows Gonsalves comfortable in his own voice, neither reaching nor retreating.
By 1963, Paul Gonsalves was well-established as a tenor saxophonist with real chops and a reputation for blowing hard in any setting. He'd already logged serious time with Duke Ellington and knew his way around a bandstand. Cleopatra Feelin' Jazzy sits squarely in the middle of his career—not a debut statement, not a late surprise, but a working musician at ease with himself, making a straightforward jazz record.
The album leans into the kind of session work that was standard for a player of Gonsalves's stature: solid arrangements, good pocket, no fuss. The title track and surrounding cuts show a tenor player who swings naturally, who doesn't need a concept or a gimmick to sound like himself. There's no reaching for innovation here, and that's fine. Some listeners want to hear an artist push boundaries; others just want to hear someone play their instrument well in a comfortable setting. This record is for the second group.
It's worth noting that this isn't the place to start with Gonsalves if you want to understand his range or his peak moments. But if you've already spent time with his Duke Ellington work and want to hear what he sounded like on his own time, away from that orbit, this gives you a useful snapshot. It's the sound of a professional doing solid work.
Who's playing
George Duvivierdouble bass
Hank Jonespiano
Kenny Burrellguitar
Paul Gonsalvestenor saxophone
Dick Hymanorgan
Roy Haynesdrums
Where next?
More by Paul Gonsalves
All 17 albums →
The musicians on this record
Midnight Blue 1963
Kenny Burrell
plays guitar here
plays guitar here
Cracklin’ 1963
Roy Haynes
plays drums (drum set) here
plays drums (drum set) here
Here's Love 1963
Hank Jones
plays piano here
plays piano here
