Rare And Obscure Bob Harrington Albums

 A copy of Vibraphone Fantasy in Jazz by Bob Harrington on the Imperial label would represent a find of great importance in the used record pile, setting off shock waves through the vinyl icons. The side would be especially dear to fans of modern jazz vibraphone, yet Harrington himself would have been capable of delivering the sound of an entire rhythm section if necessary, not just good vibes. He was proficient as well on piano and drums, both related to the vibraphone on the instrumental family tree. Nonetheless, Harrington's finest playing may have been as part of a band after all, not just any band but the legendary Jazzpickers featuring cellist Harry Babasin.

Harrington experienced plenty of music in his family, as his father was a violinist. The son started to become known on the jazz scene in the early '50s as a pianist for bandleader Charlie Barnet; Harrington had also studied bass in high school. He performed and recorded through the decade with Georgie Auld, Buddy DeFranco, and Vido Musso, but when working with both Red Nichols and Bud Freeman in the mid-'50s was seated behind the drums. In the latter part of the '50s he could be heard as both an accompanist and arranger for vocalist Ann Richards as well as in a straight-out swing context with magnificent tenor saxophonist Ben Webster. Harrington continued recording through 1970. *Eugene Chadbourne*

Bob Harrington

Rare and Obscure Jazz Albums

Pianist, vibraphonist, composer, and arranger Bob Harrington (1912-1983) was a gifted yet underappreciated musician whose career spanned over four decades in the jazz scene. Despite working with legends like Vido Musso, Charlie Barnet, and Stan Kenton, he never gained widespread recognition, even though his melodic sensibility and instrumental versatility set him apart.

In 1957, Harrington recorded Vibraphone Fantasy In Jazz, his debut album as a leader, showcasing a modern, relaxed vibraphone style influenced by Red Norvo. Harrington's playing is melodic, demonstrating a keen awareness of the instrument's full capabilities. He brings vitality to up-tempo tunes and is equally adept at pausing for a meaningful ballad. A highlight of the album is the excellent guitar work of Jimmy Wyble, paired with the solid rhythmic foundation laid down by bassist Bob Carter and drummer Lloyd Morales.

A few years later, in 1961, he returned to the piano for Jazz À La Carte. On this new album, he brought a refreshing conception and skill, playing a collection of tunes with varied tempos, in a session again featuring guitarist Jimmy Wyble and Red Wooten on bass. Beyond his instrumental work, Harrington was also a sought-after vocal coach, mentoring renowned singers such as June Christy, Peggy Lee, and Ann Richards.

Throughout his career, he split his time between Los Angeles, Santa Fe, and Hawaii, performing in small clubs until his final days. Though his recorded output was limited, his music remains a testament to an artist of remarkable sensitivity and talent. *Jordi Pujol*

1 - Mountain Dew

(Bob Carter)

2 - Ticklish Situation

(Bob Harrington)

3 - Patio Pavanne

(Bob Harrington)

4 - I've Never Been In Love Before

(Bob Harrington)

5 - Let's Have Some Ribs

(Bob Harrington)

6 - Gone Nuclear Fishin'

(Bob Harrington)

7 - How Long Has This Been Going On?

(George and Ira Gershwin)

8 - Three-Fourths

(Bob Carter)

9 - Little Circumstances

(Bob Harrington)

10 - Indecision

(Bob Harrington)

11 - Wally Ballew

(Bob Harrington)

12 - Hulla Ballew

(Bob Harrington)

13 - Little Boy Ballew

(Bob Harrington)

14 - Ben Ballew

(Bob Harrington)

15 - Baby Ballew

(Bob Harrington)

16 - Emma Ballew

(Bob Harrington)

17 - Bob Ballew

(Bob Harrington)

18 - V.S. Ballew

(Bob Harrington)

 #1 to #10: from the LP Vibraphone Fantasy in Jazz (Imperial LP-90)

Bob Harrington (vibes), Jimmy Wyble (guitar), Bob Carter (bass), Lloyd Morales (drums).

Recorded at Bob Harrington's patio,

Mount Washington, Los Angeles, California, January, 1957

#11 to #18: from the LP Jazz À La Carte (Crown CLP 5388)

Bob Harrington (piano), Jimmy Wyble (guitar), 

Red Wooten (bass), John Markham or Lloyd Morales (drums [alternating]).

Recorded in Hollywood, California, 1961

Fresh Sound Records Note:

Although the front cover of the Imperial album Vibraphone Fantasy in Jazz states "Recorded in stereophonic sound"’ we want to clarify that the recording is monaural and a stereo release never existed. Regarding the Crown album Jazz à la Carte, both a mono version and a pseudo-stereophonic version were released, the latter artificially processed and further distorting the already poor and uneven sound quality. For this edition, we have chosen the mono version, as it provides a more balanced and pleasant listening experience.