Jiggs Whigham - Hope (Remastered) (2016) [Hi-Res]

'Hope is really a fantastic jazz album from one of the best trombonists I know. And what’s probably most remarkable about Jiggs Whigham (trb) is the way he manages, with his very special sound, to influence all that he’s playing. There is a really relaxed expression, a very special warmth which he pours over everything with his instrument... Together with this band (Ferdinand Povel - sax, flt; Rob Franken - p, rhodes; Nils-Henning Oersted Pedersen - b; Grady Tate - dr) he actually manages to completely draw you in to each of the pieces. I really hope that you feel this way too when you hear this album, this music!'

This is Bill Watrous who is talking so enthusiastically about his colleague Jiggs Whigham and his album 'Hope'. The two exceptional trombonist, both of whom played in the 'Johnny Richards Orchestra' in NYC in the late 1960s, had almost lost track of each other. 'It really was a great loss for us New York cats, as Jiggs just disappeared off to Europe' said Watrous, 'but I’ve never forgotten his tone and his energetic expression with his instrument!'

It’s no wonder then, that Bill Watrous immediately recognised his former bandmate by his sound when he by chance heard the first recordings from the album in a renowned New York big band agency. “Hope“ is therefore also the story of two musicians who were able to revive their friendship!

„An excellent trombonist who has not received the attention that he is due, Jiggs Whigham is in top form on this 1976 studio session, accompanied by a top-notch band, including keyboardist Rob Franken, multi-reed player Ferdinand Povel, bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen and drummer Grady Tate. Five of the album's eight tracks are originals by the leader, with the haunting ballad 'Bodge' and the funky 'Owa Tagu Siam (Oh What a Goose I Am)' (in which he plays through a King Multivider) standing out. Franken switches to an electric piano for a dreamy interpretation of the spiritual 'Goin' Home.' Initially issued by Pausa, this recommended release was finally reissued on CD by the German Mons label nearly two decades after its first appearance.“ (Ken Dryden, AMG)

Jiggs Whigham, trombone, percussion
Rob Franken, piano, Fender Rhodes
Ferdinand Povel, saxophone, flute
Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, bass
Grady Tate, drums

Tracklist:
01. Jiggs Whigham - Bodge (03:37)
02. Jiggs Whigham - The Healer (06:00)
03. Jiggs Whigham - Hope (04:56)
04. Jiggs Whigham - Absolutely Knot (05:51)
05. Jiggs Whigham - Owa Tagu Siam (04:46)
06. Jiggs Whigham - Sunflower Chant (06:48)
07. Jiggs Whigham - Chant (04:45)
08. Jiggs Whigham - Going Home (02:38)