Leonard Feather Presents… ★1956 • 1958★

 In the late 1950s, Leonard Feather (1914-1994), a jazz historian and critic, and occasional composer, and pianist and bandleader Dick Hyman (1927) had an influence on American jazz that bordered on mastery.

The two men owed their success to their almost encyclopedic knowledge of all the successive styles, from the beginning. Thus they formed an all-star group bringing together the cream of East Coast musicians, at a time when cool jazz was flourishing in California.

This album brings together three sessions recorded between 1956 and 1958 by a brilliant ensemble, capable of showcasing inspired soloists, served by Dick Hyman's subtle and effective arrangements. The latter, who also wrote several compositions with Feather, is the cornerstone of groups propelled by rhythms of astonishing flexibility. As for the value of the soloists, a single glance at the composition of these combos is enough to get an idea. Virtuosity and inspiration are the order of the day, not to mention the audacity and innovations, both on the melodic and rhythmic levels. Finally, it is necessary to underline the relevance of a booklet which provides a most complete insight into the whole. *Jacques Aboucaya*

Leonard Feather & Dick Hyman

East Coast All Stars

This musical journey features four captivating East Coast All Stars jazz ensembles, guided in collaboration by the talented Leonard Feather and Dick Hyman, who, through their compositions and arrangements, present a diverse repertoire brimming with stimulating solos.

The first session highlights a six-piece unit, boasting a front line drawn entirely from the Count Basie band: Thad Jones, Benny Powell, and Frank Wess. From the rhythmic vitality of "The Goof 'n' I" to the refined elegance of "Beverly Hills" and the timeless charm of "The Sidewalks of New York", each track exemplifies the ensemble’s cohesion and the creativity of soloists.

Delving into the Hi-Fi Suite, Feather and Hyman lead two nine-piece orchestras on a sonic exploration. With contributions from Joe Newman, Jerome Richardson, Benny Powell, and Don  Elliot, the orchestrations offer a captivating blend of textures and tones, with various reed instruments providing a fascinating display of soundscapes, from the inventive "Feedback Fugue" to the lively "Squawker" and the flavorful "Hi-Fi Pie".

The subsequent line-up showcases the rhythmic intricacies of "Bass-Reflex", the melodic allure of "Tweeter", the resonant depths of "Woofer", and the ethereal beauty of "Reverberation". Here, Thad Jones, Benny Powell, Oscar Pettiford, Jerome Richardson, Frank Wess, and Bill Barber deliver compelling solo performances.

Concluding this set, the fourth All Stars band presents a dynamic rendition of Jay Livingston’s "Keep It Simple", arranged by Dick Hyman. Featuring all horns in a captivating six-minute workout, the ensemble's virtuosity shines through, offering a fitting conclusion to this exciting musical journey. *Jordi Pujol*

1 - The Goof 'n' I

(Al Cohn)

2 - Beverly Hills

(Leonard Feather)

3 - The Sidewalks Of New York

(Lawlor, Blake, P.D.)

4 - Here's Pete

(Pete Rugolo)

5 - Feedback Fugue

(Feather, Hyman)

6 - Squawker

(Leonard Feather)

7 - Hi-Fi Pie

(Leonard Feather)

8 - Bass-Reflex

(blues in 5/4, P.D.)

9 - Tweeter

(Feather, Hyman)

10 - Woofer

(Feather, Hyman)

11 - Reverberation

(Feather, Hyman)

12 - Keep It Simple

(Livingston, Evans)

#1 to #4: from the album West Coast Vs. East Coast (MGM Records E3390)

Thad Jones (trumpet), Benny Powell (trombone), Frank Wess (tenor sax, flute),

Dick Hyman (piano, organ), Oscar Pettiford (bass), Osie Johnson (drums).

Recorded in New York City, January 1956

#5 to #11, from the album Hi Fi Suite (MGM Records E3494)

#5 to #7: 

Joe Newman (trumpet), Benny Powell (trombone), Jerome Richardson (alto sax, piccolo), 

Frank Wess (tenor sax, flute), Romeo Penque (baritone sax, clarinet), Dick Hyman (piano),

Oscar Pettiford (bass), Osie Johnson (drums), Don Elliott (vibes, miscellaneous percussion).

Recorded in New York City, June 16, 1956

#8 to #11:

Thad Jones (trumpet), Benny Powell (trombone), Bill Barber (tuba [except on #8]),

Jerome Richardson (alto sax, piccolo), Frank Wess (tenor sax, flute),

Phil Bodner (baritone sax, oboe), Dick Hyman (piano),

Oscar Pettiford (bass), Kenny Clarke (drums).

Recorded in New York City, July 11, 1956

#12: from the album Oh, Captain! (MGM Records E3650)

Art Farmer (trumpet), Jimmy Cleveland (trombone), Sahib Shihab (alto sax, baritone sax),

Tony Scott (clarinet, baritone sax), Jerome Richardson (tenor sax, baritone sax, alto flute),

Dick Hyman (piano), Milt Hinton (bass), Osie Johnson (drums).

Recorded in New York City, February 14, 1958