Ron Jefferson - Love Lifted Me (Analog Source-Remastered Edition) (2023) [Hi-Res]

Ron Jefferson, the sensitive jazz drummer, was something of a paradox: a jazzman who, for several years, labored just below the level of general public recognition in the East, only to find, as a founding member of pianist Les McCann's successful trio, an enthusiastic audience and wholehearted recognition of his talents on the West Coast jazz scene. And with his album "Love Lifted Me" he also shone as the fine leader of a persuasively swinging and remarkably consistent quintet in which Bobby Hutcherson plays with a joie de vivre that harks back to a young Milt Jackson. Aside from the driving lines of Wilbur Brown's tenor, the most provocative soloist is Tricky Lofton, whose blithe, lusty trombone is a refreshing updating of the earthy style of an earlier jazz day. Tricky is also co-leader, with trumpeter Carmell Jones, of the second album here, "Brass Bag," on half of which he features with some fullbodied, four-trombone ensemble support, and in the other half shares solos with Lou Blackburn. Jones adds his consistent and lyrical solo voice, and Frank Strazzeri's piano contributions are bright and lively, while Gerald Wilson's deft arrangements make effective use of the trombone choir's rich, dark ensemble sound.

Bass – Leroy Vinnegar
Drums – Ron Jefferson
Piano – Frank Strazzeri
Tenor Saxophone – Wilbur Brown
Trombone – Lawrence "Tricky" Lofton*
Vibraphone – Bobby Hutcherson