1960 · Album
Kelly Great
Recorded 1959 · Vee-Jay · Produced by Not specified in source material
A Brief Session That Rewards Patience
Rarely heard for decades, Kelly Great finally revealed itself as a record worth tracking down.
Kelly Great arrived in 1959 as a Vee-Jay release that most listeners never heard. It was brief, out of print quickly, and forgotten — the kind of album that existed more in rumor than in anyone's collection. That rarity worked against it. Without wide distribution or critical attention at the time, the record had no chance to build a reputation in the way albums do when they circulate. It simply vanished into the obscure corners of discography.
When the session finally resurfaced, critics took notice of what had been lost. AllMusic reviewer Scott Yanow recognized that despite its brevity, the material here was solid enough to matter to serious collectors. The Penguin Guide to Jazz awarded it three out of four stars — a genuine endorsement that suggested the album held up well against scrutiny. These were not rapturous reviews, but they were honest ones: this was a session worth hearing if you could find it.
What made it worth hearing was Kelly's straightforward approach to the piano trio. No frills, no overreaching — just a player in command of his instrument, working through standards and originals with the kind of ease that only comes from absolute confidence. For anyone interested in Kelly's work beyond his better-known recordings, this album offers a glimpse of him in a rare, stripped-down setting. It remains a record for committed listeners rather than casual listeners, but that was always its nature.
Who's playing
Paul Chambersdouble bass
Wynton Kellypiano
Wayne Shortertenor saxophone
Lee Morgantrumpet
Philly Joe Jonesdrums
Where next?
The musicians on this record
Super Nova 1960
Wayne Shorter
plays tenor saxophone here
plays tenor saxophone here
The Cooker 1958
Lee Morgan
plays trumpet here
plays trumpet here
Kenny Drew Trio 1957
Philly Joe Jones
plays drums (drum set) here
plays drums (drum set) here
