Stu Phillips Sextet - A Touch Of Modern

Present times have witnessed what many believe to be the ultimate in the expressivity of jazz — what is commonly called "classical jazz". Jazz musicians of today have been deeply influenced by the so-called "longhair" ideas of composition which have come to us chiefly from Europe, which have been blended with the jazz beat, swing and improvisation more normally their heritage. This blend has, to be sure, brought a new dimension to jazz, added to it certain gravity of effect and expression hitherto grasped at but not fully enjoyed. But, Stu Phillips in this extraordinary album has proceeded one step further in the new "classicalizing" of jazz. Two important innovations : he has intro duced the English horn for the first time into the jazz medium and he has exploited more fully than ever before the French horn, alloting it more true jazz solos than has been usual. Up to present times, neitheir of these instruments has been recognized as a jazz instrument. This is probably due to the fact that the attitude toward these instruments has held quite strictly that so-called self-expression upon them is difficult and only carefully-prepared and rehearsed and classically — devised compositions are possible with them. The redoubtable Mr. Phillips, anything but a conservative, has broken resoundingly with these traditional and comfortable conceptions and prejudices. He has thought carefully in terms of both the color and the essential agility of these instruments, and, utilizing the brilliant talents of Jim Buffington on French horn and Ray Shiner on English horn, Phillips shows here to the world of music that the two instruments of these players can produce exciting jazz self-expression, all the while retaining their basic and pristine classical atmosphere.

Stu Phillips born in New York City in 1929, Stu is one of the youngest arranger-conductors in the country. Like several other members of the sextet, he also attended the Eastman School of Music, where he began his career by arranging for the Rochester Civic Orchestra. Until now, he has been known better in the field of lush mood music. A Touch Of Modern is his first album of jazz. In it, he displays his versatility through both his piano performances and his arrangements. The many talents of Stu Phillips assure him a bright future and you, the listener, of the highest of quality in music. 

Incidentally — but hardly the result of casual procedure — the result is jazz that's wonderfully easy on the ears. It's smoother than smooth and it swings oh, so quietly and relaxedly. Mr. Phillips' provocatively-chosen grouping of English horn, French horn, vibes, piano, bass and drums within remarkably apt arrangements of his own devising welds into one whole seemingly indivisible into its parts. The excellent arrangements integrate the component partners. Overall, this album features a swinging beat. Along the way in total of twelve numbers, you'll find four ballads, but even these are presented in swinging stylings. But, the pleasure of the experience rests in the testing. So, sit back, relax, listen and enjoy "A TOUCH OF MODERN". *(Liner notes)*

Stu Phillips is a pianist, arranger, and famous composer known for his work on American TV music soundtracks in the 1960s. A Touch Of Modern is the only work under his name. Jim Buffington plays the French horn, Raymond Shiner plays the English horn, Emil Richards plays the vibraphone, Terry Snyder plays the drums and other percussion instruments, and other great players who supported jazz in the 1950s gather together. The unified worldview is modern and elegant, as the title suggests. This is a masterpiece where you can feel how the jazz beat that has become popular music meets classical music that came from Europe. *turnonrecord.com*

Side 1

1 - One Two Three

(Coleman)

2 - Every Time

(Blane, Martin)

3 - Have You Met Miss Jones?

(Rodgers, Hart)

4 - Four Bars Short

(Shearing)

5 - How About You

(Lane, Freed)

6 - You Couldn't Be Cuter

(Kern, Fields)

Side 2

7 - Cheek To Cheek

(Berlin)

8 - You Stepped Out of A Dream

(Brown, Kahn)

9 - Delaunay's Dilemma

(Lewis)

10 - You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me

(Warren, Dubin)

11 - Stranger in A Dream

(MacPartland)

12 - It's You Or No One

(Styne, Cahn)

Stu Phillips (piano), Emil Richards (vibes), Jim Buffington (French horn), Ray Shiner (English horn, bass clarinet), Dick Romoff (bass), Terry Snyder (drums).

Recorded in New York City, 1956.