John Handy - In the Vernacular `59 / No Coast Jazz `60

Altoist John Handy's debut as a leader (which was originally part of the two-LP set of the same name) was recorded when he was still a member of Charles Mingus' group. Teamed with trumpeter Richard Williams, pianist Roland Hanna, bassist George Tucker and drummer Roy Haynes, Handy (who doubles on tenor) shows the influence of John Coltrane in spots and also the fury and heat of playing with Mingus. He performs six originals (the best-known is "Dance to the Lady"), "I'll Close My Eyes," and a lyrical rendition of "I'll Never Smile Again." Excellent advanced hard bop music.

Tracks:

In the Vernacular (1959):
01. I'll Close My Eyes (Keyes-Reid) - 3:05
02. First Time (Handy) - 7:03
03. Suggested Line (Handy) - 5:29
04. Problem Too (Handy) - 4:26
05. Quote, Unquote (Handy) - 3:08
06. Blues in the Vernacular (Handy) - 5:08
07. Dance to the Lady (Handy) - 5:15
08. I'll Never Smile Again (Lowe) - 3:39

No Coast Jazz (1960):
09. To Randy (Handy) - 6:19
10. Tales of Paradise (Handy) - 4:56
11. Boo's Ups and Downs (Handy) - 8:17
12. Hi Number (Handy) - 7:01
13. Pretty Side Avenue (Handy) - 5:32
14. No Coast (Handy) - 6:30

Personnel:

John Handy Quintet - In the Vernacular (1959)
Richard Williams - trumpet
John Handy - alto saxophone, tenor saxophone (#1,2,4,6)
Sir Roland Hanna - piano
George Tucker - bass
Roy Haynes, Bobby Fuhlrodt (#2) - drums
Recorded in New York in late 1959.

John Handy Quartet - No Coast Jazz (1960)
John Handy - alto saxophone
Don Friedman - piano
Bill Lee - bass
Lex Humphries - drums
Recorded in New York in summer 1960.