Dave Burns - 1962 Sessions (2022)

Dave Burns (1924-2009) was a vastly underrated trumpeter who was ignored by recording executives for years. In 1956, this veteran of Dizzy Gillespie's big band, Duke Ellington's band, and James Moody's group decided to give music a rest.

It was a short respite, and he was back in the scene four years later to great acclaim from a good deal of reviewers and fellow-musicians, mainly for his recordings as a sideman and for his performance with the Al Grey-Billy Mitchell Sextet in 1962, when he subbed for Donald Byrd. That summer, Vanguard became the label to finally recorded Burn's first album as a leader. At 38, Burns had turned into one of the more mature trumpeters in modern jazz. He played with fluency and authoritativeness in either open or muted context, and his solos were built with logic, strength and taste. There was another prominent musician present on this particular date: pianist Kenny Barron. Merely 18, Barron was already a consistent soloist who displayed depth and emotional maturity, and was able to project an air of honesty. Tenor saxophonist Herbert Morgan delivered some good solos, and Steve Davis and Edgar Bateman pair well together. This album itself is an impressive effort, especially when it comes to Burns and Barron.

On the remaining tracks (#8-13), we find Burns playing in two sessions as a sideman
with his fellows from the Grey-Mitchell sextet, which include the hard swinging saxophonist Billy Mitchell, as well as the talented vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson,
another outstanding 21-old young man who had recently arrived in NYC from the West
Coast.

Hearing Dave Burns surrounded by good company and really cooking is exhilarating.
The over-all unit feel of these 1962 sessions provides the listener with a rewardingand warm experience.

Tracks #1-7, from the LP “Dave Burns” (Vanguard VRS 9111)
Tracks #8 to 13, belong to two albums one led by Al Grey “Snap Your Fingers” (Argo LP 700), the other by Billy Mitchell “This Is Billy Mitchell” Smash (MGS 27027).
There are two different groups in each, and Dave Burns is in two of those four groups.
For this compilation, we have selected only the tracks that feature Burns as a soloist.

Personnel on #1-7:
Dave Burns, trumpet; Herbie Morgan, tenor sax; Kenny Barron, piano; Steve Davis, bass; Edgar Bateman, drums.
Recorded in New York City, June 1962

Personnel on #8 & 9:
Dave Burns, trumpet; Al Grey, trombone; Billy Mitchell, tenor sax; Bobby Hutcherson, vibes; Floyd Morris, piano; Herman Wright, bass; Eddie Williams, drums.
Recorded at Ter Mar Recording Studio, Chicago, February 19, 1962

Personnel on #10-13:
Dave Burns, trumpet; Billy Mitchell, tenor sax; Bobby Hutcherson, vibes; Billy Wallace, piano; Herman Wright, bass; Otis Finch, drums.
Recorded at Universal Studios, Chicago, October 30, 1962