Chris Connor's Bright Third Turn
A bright, swinging set where Connor's cool phrasing rides a lean, tasteful band.
This Is Chris opens with a lightly swinging feel, Chris Connor's voice sitting cool and unhurried over a band that keeps things lean and tasteful. Tempos stay mostly mid-range, the rhythm section moves easily, and the horns come in with short, pointed fills rather than big ensemble swells. It is a record that rewards a relaxed listen on a weeknight more than a close study.
The set draws on the standards and newer songs of the mid-1950s, and four of the ten tracks are by Cole Porter, which gives the program a tidy, reliable spine. Milt Hinton's bass holds the pulse steadily underneath, Ralph Sharon's piano keeps the harmony clean, and J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding add trombone color that gives the arrangements a little bite without crowding Connor. Herbie Mann's flute appears in the mix as one of the lighter voices on the session, adding airy counterpoint rather than taking over.
As a placement, this is Connor's third studio album and an early step in the run of records that made her a fixture of the Bethlehem catalog. It is not the place to start if you want her most daring work, but it is a solid, enjoyable example of the mainstream vocal jazz of the period, and it received positive notices from Cash Box, DownBeat and AllMusic.
Who's playing
Milt Hintonbass
Ralph Sharonpiano
Joe Pumaguitar
J.J. Johnsontrombone
Kai Windingtrombone
Herbie Mannflute
Osie Johnsondrums
