Rare And Obscure Argo Recordings (II)

• The Jazz Exponents •

This first Argo LP by the "Jazz Exponents" serves as an introduction, nation-wide of a versatile Jazz group that has tremendous popularity in the northern Michigan territory. It is also my first introduction to them... After auditioning the LP for the purpose of composing these liner notes, I hope to have the opportunity of being able to hear them in person. They have some very rare qualities, an awareness of the latest happenings in the ever-changing Modern Jazz repertoire; the technical and artistic abilities necessary to convey successfully their interpretations to an audience; and an obvious in-born talent for improvisation, without which the other attributes would be nil!

The leader is Jack Gridley, a triple-threat man, no less, from Saginaw, Michigan. Vibes are his main instrument, but his piano comping, and trombone playing are very outstanding. His organizational powers have helped maintain the young unit through its "scuffle" days.

Bob Elliot, also from Saginaw, was formerly lead trombonist with one of Jerry Wald’s big bands, and now doubles on piano and trombonium. His is a lyrical style on piano and drivingly hot on trombone. His arranging talents are also in evidence in this LP.

The group is rounded out by Philadelphian, Norm Diamond on bass, and Dick Riordan, drums, from Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. Diamond has strength of tone, plays the right notes, and maintains a steady pulse for the group to swing on. Riordan plays lightly but firmly, and has the all-too-rare feeling of just when, and when not to, punctuate the proceedings.

The "Exponents" in general, have two major sounds. Dominating side one, and the first tune on side two, is the vibes/ piano and rhythm grouping, with the two-trombone, ala J & K, sound closing out the last three tunes of the album. *Joe Segal (liner notes)*

The versatile jazz group has a distinctive sound on a fine selection of tunes which include "Night in Tunisia", "The Preacher" and "Love Letters". Each member of the group wich features Jack Gridley on vibes, piano and trombone; Bob Elliot, trombonium and piano; Norm Diamond on bass, and Dick Riordan show fine control. It's a fine first album for the group, and the set can be a good programming set for op as well as jazz jocks. It rates exposure. *Billboard, September 8, 1958*

Side 1

1 - Love Letters

(Victor Young, E. Heyman)

2 - Doodlin

(Horace Silver)

3 - Minors Holiday

(Kenny Dorham)

Side 2

4 - Night In Tunisia

(Dizzy Gillespie)

5 - Button Up Your Overcoat

(De Silva, Henderson, Brown)

6 - Bob 'N Weave

(Bob Elliot)

7 - The Preacher

(Horace Silver)

Jack Gridley (vibes, piano, trombone), Bob Elliot (trombonium, piano),

Norm Diamond (bass), Dick Riordan (drums).

Recorded in Chicago, Illinois, 1958.