Osie Johnson - The Happy Jazz Of Osie Johnson (1955) [2014 Bethlehem Album Collection 1000] CD-Rip

Osie Johnson looks a bit blurry on the cover, but the music on the record is razor-sharp – a great demonstration not only of Johnson's skill on the drums, but also his rare talents as a leader! Osie graced countless top-shelf sessions in the 50s, but only got a rare few chances to work up front – and he does a great job here with a shifting lineup that includes Thad Jones on trumpet, Frank Wess on tenor and flute, Henry Coker on trombone, and Ernie Watkins on alto – all players used in differently-sized groups throughout the length of the set. Most tunes have a nice groove – a bounce that might refer to the "happy" in the title – and Johnson also sings at a few points, with this great raspy R&B style. Titles include "Osmosis", "Cat Walk", "Johnson's Whacks", "The Desert Song", "Osie's Oasis", and "Flute To Boot".


Tracks:

01 - Osmosis
02 - Don't Bug Me, Hug Me
03 - Flute To Boot
04 - Cat Walk
05 - Johnson's Whacks
06 - The Desert Song
07 - Blues For The Camels
08 - I Don't Want To Cry Anymore
09 - Osie's Oasis
10 - Jumpin' At The Water Hole
11 - Midnight Mirage

Personnel:

Osie Johnson - Drums, Vocal, Leader
Thad Jones - Trumpet
Frank Wess - Tenor Sax, Flute
Bill Hughes - Trombone
Dick Katz - Piano
Milt Hinton - Bass
Henry Coker - Trombone
Chiefy Salaam - Trumpet
Ernie Wilkins - Alto Sax
Charlie Fowlkes - Baritone sax
Wendell Marshall - Bass
Benny Powell - Trombone
Eddie Jones - Bass