Introducing Duke Pearson’s Big Band
Over the past few years I’ve become a big fan of Duke Pearson’s piano playing, composing and arranging. My introduction to his music came via David “Fathead” Newman who always liked to play Cristo Redentor, a piece arranged several times by Duke Pearson. Pearson played on many classic sides and some of those records have become personal favourites of mine. “Mean What You Say” with the Thad Jones/Pepper Adams Quintet and Duke Pearson “Dedication” have both spent time in heavy rotation on the Rega.
Lately I’ve really been into Duke’s 1968 date “Introducing Duke Pearson’s Big Band”. It goes without saying that the writing and arranging is outstanding but there’s also some fine playing from a few guys I’m less familiar with like Burt Collins and Lew Tabackin (both of whom make solo appearances on “New Girl”).
And of course lets not forget Roker and Cranshaw! Check out Roker’s ensemble playing on “New Girl”. So tough.
Introducing Duke Pearson’s Big Band
Blue Note, 1968
Piano, arranger-Duke Pearson
Trumpets-Jim Bossy, Randy Brecker, Burt Collins, Joe Shepley, Marvin Stamm
Trombones-Garnett Brown, Jimmy Cleveland, Benny Powell, Julian Priester
Bass trombone-Kenny Rupp
Alto saxophone, flute, piccolo-Jerry Dodgion
Alto saxophone, flute, bass clarinet-Al Gibbons
Tenor saxophones-Lew Tabackin, Frank Foster
Tenor saxophone-Pepper Adams
Bass-Bob Cranshaw
Drums-Mickey Roker
Enjoy!!!
