Cecil Payne - Cecil Payne performing Charlie Parker Music / The Connection (2012) [Charlie Parker Records]

Cecil Payne performing Charlie Parker Music (1961)
Baritonist Cecil Payne is one of the great bebop veterans, but he tends to be overlooked, since he didn't record that much as a leader. This obscure recording finds Payne matched up with trumpeter Clark Terry, pianist Duke Jordan, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Charlie Persip for renditions of six Charlie Parker songs, plus Payne's "Communion." The swinging interpretations (highlighted by "Shaw Nuff," "Relaxin' at Camarillo" and "The Hymn") are strictly straight-ahead and are most notable for the interplay between Payne and Terry.

Cecil Payne “The Connection” alternate score (1962)
The Connection was an off-Broadway play that centered around a number of dope addicts waiting to score a fix from their dealer, with a musical score contributed by pianist Freddie Redd. After Redd recorded an album for Blue Note and left the production, baritone saxophonist Cecil Payne and pianist Kenny Drew composed songs for a brand new score, with Payne taking over Redd's duties providing music for the play. Payne expanded to a sextet from a quartet for his LP (issued by the Charlie Parker label), though his recording has been unjustly overlooked. Joined by Clark Terry and Bennie Green in the front line, and a rhythm section consisting of Duke Jordan, Ron Carter, and Charlie Persip, Payne's album also has much to offer. While it is difficult to conceptualize what the play was like by just listening to this recording, the music stands on its own. All of the musicians shine throughout the sessions. Though Payne is a fine soloist, Terry's almost conversational solos tend to steal the show. Long out of print, this excellent disc will likely be found only on jazz auction lists.


Tracks:

Cecil Payne performing Charlie Parker Music
01 - Cool Blues
02 - Shawnuff
03 - Cheryl
04 - Bongo Bop
05 - The Hymn
06 - Communion
07 - Bongo Beep

Clark Terry (tp) Cecil Payne (bars) Duke Jordan (p) Ron Carter (b) Charlie Persip (d)
Recorded NYC, March, 1961.


Cecil Payne - The Connection
08 - Stop And Listen
09 - Born Again
10 - Dear People
11 - Kenny's One
12 - Sister Carol
13 - Mighty Fine Wine
14 - It's Your Life

Cecil Payne (bar/s) Clark Terry (t) Bennie Green (tb), Duke Jordan (p) Ron Carter (d) Charlie Persip (d)
Recorded NY 1962