Gonsalves Swings Hard in London
Gonsalves, Tracey and Hayes trade fire on a session that rewards the listener who leans in.
This is a 1965 British session, cut with a crew of London players and built around the tenor of Paul Gonsalves, the saxophonist who spent most of his working life in Duke Ellington's band. Pulled out of that setting and placed in a smaller group, he sounds looser and more direct, and the arrangements leave him room to stretch out rather than slot into a section.
The rhythm section is anchored by Lennie Bush on double bass and Ronnie Stephenson on drums, with Stan Tracey on piano giving the date its harmonic color. Tubby Hayes on vibraphone adds a bright, rippling texture alongside the horns, and the brass and reed front line of Les Condon, Jimmy Deuchar, Keith Christie and Jack Sharpe gives the ensemble passages some weight. Gonsalves himself is the reason to play it: his phrasing is big-toned and unhurried, with an easy confidence that makes the ballad-style material feel like conversation.
For a listener coming to Gonsalves cold, this is a good way in, though it is not his definitive statement. The Ellington years, and especially his famous 1956 Newport solo, are where his reputation was made. This record is worth hearing for what it shows of him away from that band, with a session that is more relaxed and more personal than a big-band showcase.
Who's playing
Lennie Bushdouble bass
Stan Traceypiano
Paul Gonsalvestenor saxophone
Jack Sharpebaritone saxophone
Les Condontrumpet
Jimmy Deuchartrumpet
Keith Christietrombone
Ronnie Stephensondrums
Tubby Hayesvibraphone
Where next?
More by Paul Gonsalves
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