The Mastersounds - Introducing The Mastersounds: Water's Edge (2011)

Buddy Montgomery (vib), Richie Crabtree (p), Monk Montgomery (Fender electric bass), Benny Barth (d).

With almost the same instrumentation as the Modern Jazz Quartet, The Mastersounds burst on the late-50s scene when the MJQ was already established as the pre-eminent small group in jazz. But they were no imitators. Where the MJQ was all seriousness and sophisticated classical borrowings, the Mastersounds set out to get feet tapping, aided by the distinctive sound of Monk Montgomerys Fender bass. It worked. After securing a three-month booking at a club in Seattle during January 1957, the group went to play at San Franciscos Jazz Showcase, where producer Dick Bock discovered them. They were on their way, becoming the most successful quartet since the MJQs advent. Popular (and once voted best new small combo in Down Beats critics poll) they disbanded in 1961. This CD presents their debut recordings, redolent of the time when they first caught the moment.