Bob Brookmeyer - Kansas City Sounds (2011)

Bob Brookmeyer (vtb), Al Cohn (ts), Paul Quinichette (ts), Nat Pierce (p), Jim Hall (g), Addison Farmer (b), Osie Johnson (d), Clarence Big Miller (#2,5 vc), Zoot Sims (ts), Hank Jones (p), Freddie Green (g), Eddie Jones (b), Charlie Persip (d).

Bob Brookmeyer’s early environment was in the jazz bedrock of his native Kansas City. As a player, he has been one of the most expressive and emotional of all modern trombonists… His specialty being the one with valves rather than a slide. But despite his style not being limited to any school or attitude, he have always been very conscious of the foundations of jazz—with a heavy emphasis on the wonderful, rolling swing that was so much a part of the Basie organization.

His ideas evolved from his own experiences. “I’m not afraid of being called regressive,” he said. “Music can be like love and painting. Just because a song and spirit have been around for awhile doesn’t mean it’s diminished in value.” On these two great 1958 sessions, Brookmeyer and friends revisit some old, swinging Kansas City sounds along with pleasant new tunes. Over-all, there is a wonderful rhythm and feeling replete with good solos that make for very rewarding listening.