Kenny Clarke and Francy Boland - The Golden 8 (1961) [2003 Japan Mini LP Limited Edition] CD-Rip

Reissue of the album recorded with Dusko Goykovich, et al. 24bit digitally remastered. Cardboard sleeve (mini LP). This is one of the rarest of all Blue Note albums, and one that is a must for record collectors. The Francy Boland/Kenny Clarke big band was one of the most exciting orchestras of the 1960s and ‘70s. Much less known but also brilliant was a unique octet co-led by Boland and Clarke just prior to the big band.

Called The Golden Eight, the group, in addition to pianist Boland and drummer Clarke, includes the dazzling hard bop trumpeter Duscko Gojkovic, alto sax, tenor sax, string bass and top musicians on both alto horn and baritone horn. The latter two horns were hardly ever featured in a jazz setting and they really add a great deal to the sound of the ensembles. The debut recording by the Golden Eight from 1961 is up to the level of the best Blue Note albums of the time even if few know about it. Mixing together inventive versions of standards with Boland’s memorable originals, this obscure classic will amaze today’s listeners.

Tracks:

01 - La Campimania
02 - Gloria
03 - High Notes
04 - Softly As In A Morning Sunrise
05 - The Golden Eight
06 - Strange Meeting
07 - You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
08 - Dorian
09 - Poor Butterfly
10 - Basse Cuite

Personnel:

Kenny Clarke - drums
Francy Boland - piano
Dusko Gojkovic - trumpet
Raymond Droz - alto horn
Derek Humble - alto saxophone
Karl Drevo - tenor saxophone
Chris Kellens - baritone horn
Jimmy Woode - bass