Kelly Blue

Product Description:

Personnel: Wynton Kelly (piano); Bobby Jaspar (flute); Benny Golson (tenor saxophone); Nat Adderley (cornet); Paul Chambers (bass); Jimmy Cobb (drums).

Recorded in New York, New York on February 19, 1959. Originally released on Riverside (1142).

Wynton Kelly Trio & Sextet: Bobby Jaspar (flute); Benny Golson (tenor saxophone); Nat Adderley (cornet); Wynton Kelly (piano); Paul Chambers (bass instrument); Jimmy Cobb (drums).

Liner Note Author: Orrin Keepnews.

Recording information: 1959.

Jazz is ultimately based on the blues, or "blue notes." Consequently, KELLY BLUE couldn't be a more fitting play on words to describe pianist Wynton Kelly, an extremely bluesy jazz musician. His originals "Old Clothes" and "Kelly Blue" are both straight-up blues tunes. These tracks are carefree and bouncy, and Kelly plays exciting, colorful solos on both. Like any good jazz pianist, Kelly uses accents to create the needed syncopation in the music. But his punchy, almost percussive approach gives his solos even more dimension, power, and forward momentum.

"Green Dolphin Street" is another excellent track, where Kelly swings effortlessly, due in part to the fabulous rhythm section of Paul Chambers and Jimmy Cobb. Kelly's solo here has a superb ebb and flow. His snaky runs up and down the keyboard make this one of the album's true highlights. The horn players all keep pace with Kelly too. Tenor saxophonist Benny Golson is especially adroit, and plays some terrific solos on the title track and "Keep it Moving."