Tenor Fire in a Prestige Trio Session
Arnett Cobb's tough, flexible tenor takes the lead on a lean, swinging session that rewards a straight-ahead listen.
By 1959 Arnett Cobb had already spent years as a tenor saxophonist in the Texas-bred, honking, big-band-rooted tradition, and Party Time finds him working in a smaller, more direct setting for Prestige. This is Cobb doing what he does best: blowing hard, with a big sound and little ornament, over a rhythm section that keeps things moving without getting in the way.
The focus stays on Cobb's tenor throughout. AllMusic reviewer Stacia Proefrock called it tough yet flexible and gave the record four stars, noting that most of the focus is on Cobb and calling it highly recommended. The rhythm section is solid rather than showy, with pianist Ray Bryant keeping the harmonic footing secure, Wendell Marshall anchoring the bottom on bass, and Art Taylor driving the time on drums. Ray Barretto's congas add extra rhythmic color.
This isn't a record that reinvents anything, and it isn't the place to start with Cobb if you want his most famous work. It's a good example of his straight-ahead trio-style playing for listeners who already know the basics and want a loose, fun, uncluttered session. Start with the album's most famous sessions first, then come back to this one for a relaxed evening of swinging tenor.
Who's playing
Wendell Marshalldouble bass
Ray Bryantpiano
Arnett Cobbtenor saxophone
Art Taylordrums
Ray Barrettocongas
Where next?
More by Arnett Cobb
All 22 albums →
The musicians on this record
Their own records, close in time
