Milt Buckner - Play Chords (1966/2015) Hi-Res

Innovative pianist and organist Milt Buckner originated the "locked hands" technique, emulated by his and future generations from George Shearing to Red Garland to Oscar Peterson and beyond. This album features Buckner with an all-star rhythm section of bassist Jimmy Woode, a Duke Ellington alumnus, and great swing drummer Jo Jones of the Count Basie Orchestra. Play Chords was awarded the Hot Club de France’s prestigious Grand Prix de Jazz for the best album of 1967.
Buckner’s Play Chords won the Hot Club de France’s prestigious Grand Prix de Jazz for the best album of 1967. No wonder: Jimmy Woode, bassist on some of the greatest Duke Ellington recordings of the 50’s, and the legendary Jo Jones, engine of the Count Basie Orchestra, and arguably the greatest drummer of the Swing Era, were along for the ride. Feeling Sorta Villingen, Chitline A La Carte, Hamp’s Boogie Woogie, and Saba House Party are all blues pieces by Buckner. The first two are mastered in medium tempo. The boogie is a dancing, down-to-earth classic, and “Saba” portrays the kind of slow blues played late at night with the lights down low and the party getting down and dirty. Cute shows off Jo Jones’ drumming magic, and Alec Lovejoy presents an up-tempo romp with a smoking bass intro prefacing a blistering piano solo. I Only Have Eyes for You and Pick Yourself Up have loping medium swing grooves. The early bop classic Robbin’s Nest has a relaxed feel, with Milt at his “locked hands” best. Bruckner plays the ballad Yours is My Heart Alone with a “light music” touch. You can’t go wrong with this all-star trio.

Tracks:

01. Feeling Sorta Villingen (5:08)
02. Chitline A La Carte (3:01)
03. Cute (3:00)
04. Alec Lovejoy (3:18)
05. I Only Have Eyes For You (8:00)
06. Pick Yourself Up (4:25)
07. Robbins Nest (4:36)
08. Hamp's Boogie Woogie (2:32)
09. Saba House Party (3:45)
10. Yours Is My Heart Alone (4:50)

Personnel:

Milt Buckner - piano
Jimmy Woode - bass
Jo Jones - drums