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J.J. Johnson Jay and Kai [Columbia] Label: Jazzbeat Recorded in a single session, this edition of the J.J. Johnson/Kai Winding group -- otherwise known as the Jay and Kai Quintet -- was caught on a rare 10" Columbia LP, eventually finding its way into a Mosaic boxed set. In general, Johnson's trombone is heavier in texture and more commanding than the lighter-colored tone of Winding, though the issue is sometimes minimized when one or both use mutes. The capable rhythm section features Dick Katz on piano, Milt Hinton on bass, and Shadow Wilson on drums, with the mildly Latin "Caribe" adding the congas and bongos of Candido Camero. "The Song Is You" is the most energetic cut, taking off at a fast bop clip with Johnson taking more imaginative flights in his solo. But the only real surprise on this record is the tick-tock opening and closing with chimes that lend a special ambience to -- of course -- "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning." Not a classic jazz set, but comfortable enough for the fans of the duo. Richard Ginell, All Music Guide Tracks: Title Composer Time 1 Blues for Trombones Johnson 2 What Is This Thing Called Love? Porter 3 Lament Johnson 4 Major Johnson 5 Bernie's Tune Leiber, Stoller, Miller 6 Reflections Johnson 7 Co-Op Johnson 8 Blues in Twos Johnson 9 Yesterdays Harbach, Kern 10 Speak Low Nash, Weill 11 Carioca Johnson 12 Boy Next Door Youmans, Harbach, Greene Releases: Year Type Label 2008 CD Jazzbeat

Member Of: Jayne County & the Electric Chairs The Birdlanders More >> Similar Artists: Curtis Fuller Jimmy Cleveland Slide Hampton Carl Fontana Jimmy Knepper More >>

Influenced By: Charlie Parker Earle Hagen Dizzy Gillespie Trummy Young Dicky Wells More >> Followers: Tom "Bones" Malone Jimmy Cleveland Kai Winding Steve Turre Frank Rosolino More >>

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