The Complete Imperial Sessions

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The Complete Imperial Sessions
The Complete Imperial Sessions.jpg
Compilation album by
Released2006
RecordedJanuary 25 & 31 and March 12 & 18, 1963 at United Recorders in Los Angeles, California
Genre Jazz
Length80:19
Label Blue Note
58293
Producer Michael Cuscuna

The Complete Imperial Sessions is a CD compilation of the two albums led by American jazz trombonist/composer Lou Blackburn, Jazz Frontier and Two Note Samba, which were recorded in 1963 and originally released on the Imperial label. [1] The albums contain the first recordings of pianist Horace Tapscott. [2]

Contents

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [3]
All Abou Jazz Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [4]

AllMusic reviewer Ken Dryden stated: "The musicianship throughout these dates is exemplary and it is a shame that the short-lived quintet didn't achieve greater recognition. Even bop fans who are not at all familiar with Lou Blackburn will enjoy this collection of his early work as a leader". [3] All About Jazz correspondent, Mike Keely said "The Complete Imperial Sessions presents a tight West Coast band with a bluesy East Coast sound. There is the best of both worlds in this fine quintet with its well-balanced soloists and outstanding rhythm section. Blackburn is a sharp band leader whose sophistication is evident throughout these sessions; he brings to the table eleven original compositions and a band that can turn on a dime". [4]

Track listing

All compositions by Lou Blackburn except as indicated

  1. "New Frontier" - 4:37
  2. "Perception" - 5:29
  3. "I Cover the Waterfront" (Edward Heyman, Johnny Green) - 3:05
  4. "17 Richmond Park" - 5:07
  5. "Harlem Bossa Nova" - 3:28
  6. "Luze Blues" - 3:11
  7. "The Clan" (Curtis Fuller) - 2:56
  8. "Scorpio" - 4:26
  9. "Jazz-a-Nova" - 3:46
  10. "Stella by Starlight" (Ned Washington, Victor Young) - 3:52
  11. "Manhã de Carnaval" (Luiz Bonfá, Antônio Maria) - 5:53
  12. "Jean-Bleu" - 4:43
  13. "Blues for Eurydice" - 4:45
  14. "Secret Love" (Paul Francis Webster, Sammy Fain) - 3:18
  15. "Two-Note Samba" - 4:09
  16. "Grand Prix" - 3:49
  17. "Song of Delilah" (Ray Evans, Jay Livingston, Victor Young) - 4:52
  18. "Dear Old Stockholm" (Traditional) - 4:43
  19. "Ode to Taras" - 4:52 Bonus track not on original albums

Personnel

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References

  1. Fitzgerald, M., Lou Blackburn discography accessed February 9, 2015
  2. Horace Tapscott discography accessed February 9, 2015
  3. 1 2 Dryden, K., Allmusic Review accessed February 9, 2015
  4. 1 2 Keely, M., All About Jazz Review September 9, 2009