Eddie Jefferson (2)

EDDIE JEFFERSON - THINGS ARE GETTING BETTER (1974)

1. Bitches Brew    
2. Things Are Getting Better    
3. Freedom Jazz Dance
4. A Night in Tunisia    
5. Trane's Blues    
6. I Just Got Back in Town    
7. Billie's Bounce    
8. Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)

Singer Eddie Jefferson's first album in five years finds him doing his best to keep up with the times. Somehow he manages to sing Miles Davis' "Bitches Brew" (a nearly impossible melody to make much out of) and he also performs "Freedom Jazz Dance" and "Trane's Blues" in addition to more boppish material (including an exuberant "Things Are Getting Better," "Night In Tunisia" and "Billie's Bounce"). The Sly Stone tune "Thank You" is the only trivial selection among the eight reissued on this CD while "I Just Got Back In Town" is based on James Moody's improvisation to the ballad "I Cover The Waterfront." The master of vocalese (who was at the peak of his powers during this period) is assisted by trumpeter Joe Newman, Billy Mitchell (on tenor, flute and bass clarinet), keyboardist Mickey Tucker, bassist Sam Jones and drummer Eddie Gladden. A worthy effort.

EDDIE JEFFERSON - LETTER FROM HOME (1962)

1. Letter From Home   
2. Take The "A" Train   
3. Billie's Bounce (Take 4)   
4. Billie's Bounce (Take 3)   
5. I Cover The Waterfront (Back In Town)   
6. Soft and Furry   
7. A Night In Tunisia   
8. Things Are Getting Better   
9. Keep Walkin' (Take 4)   
10. Keep Walkin' (Take 1)   
11. Body And Soul (I Feel So Good)   
12. Parker's Mood (Bless My Soul)

Personnel: Eddie Jefferson (vocals); Eddie Jefferson; Sam Jones (bass instrument); Barry Galbraith (guitar); James Moody (flute, alto saxophone); Johnny Griffin (saxophone, tenor saxophone); Arthur Clarke (baritone saxophone); Clark Terry, Ernie Royal, Joe Newman (trumpet); Jimmy Cleveland (trombone); Joe Zawinul, Junior Mance, Wynton Kelly (piano); Louis Hayes, Osie Johnson (drums).