The Joe Holland Quartet - Klipsch Tape Reissues Vol.II (2013) [DSD128]

In July of 1955 when the music in this album was recorded, none of the principals concerned
had any idea that the tapes would one day nd themselves on the market. The purpose was
merely to record material suitable for demonstrations. As a result the performers were under
no strain whatever, and the playing clearly shows a spontaneity and vitality that one seldom
hears outside of live and informal performances. In keeping with the nature of the music,
intimate microphone placement was employed with the result that certain extra-musical
sounds are clearly audible at times. The usual practice of recording engineers is to edit out
sounds of this sort, replacing them with portions of later "takes" of the same piece in which
"errors" of this sort do not occur. While editing of this sort might result in a note perfect
performance, it is in no sense a natural one. Since we believe that these sounds enhance
rather than detract from the performance, and, since they are actually a part of what did
take place, we wouldn't think of cutting them out.
To be specic, the drummer's suspension seat, as he bobs up and down on it, emits a
sometimes audible squeak if one knows what to listen for. In addition there are breathing
sounds and occasional key clicks from the clarinet as well as a few random subdued
comments from the players. And perhaps the best of all occurs in the introduction of one of
the numbers where one player, somewhat in doubt as to what the piece is, looks around
quizzically and says, "What is this, Blue Moon?" (Whereupon one of his fellows nods
armatively telling him that it is Blue Moon.) The performers are: Joe Holland, drums;
Fred Rogers, clarinet; Bill Wallace, piano; Howard Ward, bass.