| Much Les | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1969 | |||
| Recorded | July 22–24 and November 20, 1968 | |||
| Studio | Atlantic Studios and RCA Studios, New York | |||
| Genre | Jazz | |||
| Length | 37:09 | |||
| Label | Atlantic SD 1516 | |||
| Producer | Joel Dorn | |||
| Les McCann chronology | ||||
| ||||
Much Les is an album by jazz pianist Les McCann, recorded in 1968, and was his first released, in 1969, on the Atlantic label. [1] [2]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |  [3] |
AllMusic gives the album 5 stars stating "One of Les McCann's greatest albums, Much Les encapsulates much of what McCann did best in his early years, while adding a few novel embellishments – like a string section and Latin percussionists – that enhance his core sound. The results are winning, likable, and consistently engaging, making for an underrated classic. ...the program is nicely varied, and the richer, more expanded arrangements serve to highlight – not obscure – the McCann trio's command of the groove. That's what makes Much Les such an enjoyable, essential listen". [3]
"With These Hands" was issued as a single (b/w "With These Hands"), as Atlantic 45-2615, in March 1969. [4]
All compositions by Les McCann except as indicated
Leroy Vinnegar was an American jazz bassist. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States, the self-taught Vinnegar established his reputation in Los Angeles, California, during the 1950s and 1960s. His trademark was the rhythmic "walking" bass line, a steady series of ascending or descending notes, and it brought him the nickname "The Walker". Besides his jazz work, he also appeared on a number of soundtracks and pop albums, notably Van Morrison's 1972 album, Saint Dominic's Preview.
Theodore Marcus Edwards was an American jazz tenor saxophonist.
Swiss Movement is a soul jazz live album recorded on June 21, 1969 at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland by the Les McCann trio, with saxophonist Eddie Harris and trumpeter Benny Bailey. The album was a hit record, as was the accompanying single "Compared to What", with both selling millions of units.
"Compared to What" is a protest song, composed and with lyrics by Gene McDaniels. It was recorded by Roberta Flack in February 1969 for her debut album First Take, but became better known following a performance by Les McCann and Eddie Harris at the Montreux Jazz Festival in June of that year, which appeared as the opening track on their album Swiss Movement. The album was certified Gold in sales in the United States. The song has been recorded by more than 270 artists, including Ray Charles and Brian Auger.
Stormy Monday, also known as I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water, is the debut album of R&B singer Lou Rawls, released in 1962 on Capitol Records. Recorded in two sessions in February 1962, the album features a number of blues and jazz standards chosen by Rawls and backed by the Les McCann Trio. Stormy Monday was reissued in 1990 by Blue Note records.
Second Movement is an album by American jazz saxophonist Eddie Harris and pianist/vocalist Les McCann recorded in 1971 and released on the Atlantic label. The album was a follow-up to the duo's highly successful live collaboration Swiss Movement.
Leroy Walks! is the debut album by American jazz bassist Leroy Vinnegar recorded in 1957 and released on the Contemporary label.
Leroy Walks Again!! is the second album by American jazz bassist Leroy Vinnegar recorded in 1962 and 1963 and released on the Contemporary label.
Martians Come Back! is an album by American jazz trumpeter, composer and arranger Shorty Rogers, released on the Atlantic label in August 1956.
Way Up There is an album by American jazz trumpeter, composer and arranger Shorty Rogers, released on the Atlantic label in 1957.
Les McCann Ltd. Plays the Truth is the debut album by pianist Les McCann recorded in 1960 and released on the Pacific Jazz label. Liner notes were by Frank Evans and album photography was by Ivan Nagy.
It's About Time is an album by saxophonist Teddy Edwards with Les McCann's trio recorded in 1959 and released on the Pacific Jazz label.
Les McCann Ltd. Plays the Shout is a live album by pianist Les McCann recorded in 1960 and released on the Pacific Jazz label.
On Time is an album by pianist Les McCann recorded in 1962 and released on the Pacific Jazz label. It was McCann's first album to feature guitarist Joe Pass.
From the Top of the Barrel is a live album by pianist Les McCann recorded in 1960 and released on the Pacific Jazz label in 1967. The album features additional tracks from the performances that produced Les McCann Ltd. Plays the Shout and Les McCann Ltd. in San Francisco.
Les McCann Plays the Hits is an album by pianist Les McCann recorded in 1966 and released on the Limelight label.
Bucket O' Grease is an album by pianist Les McCann recorded in late 1966 and released on the Limelight label.
Live at Bohemian Caverns - Washington, DC is an album by pianist Les McCann recorded at the Bohemian Caverns nightclub and released on the Limelight label.
Comment is an album by pianist/vocalist Les McCann recorded in 1969 and released on the Atlantic label.
Live at Montreux is an album by pianist Les McCann recorded at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1972 and released on the Atlantic label.
