The Metronomes - And Now... The Metronomes + Something Big! (2 LP on 1 CD) (2023)

The Metronomes were a vocal group formed in 1959 in Philadelphia noted for their fresh and engaging sound based on expanded jazz-style harmonies.

Its members were: Paul Benson, first tenor, Julius Robinson, second tenor, Johnny Oglesby, baritone, and Charles “Woody” Woodford, bass. Although they were virtually unknown, pianist and producer Leroy “Lee” Lovett saw their talents and immediately decided to record them for his new Wynne label. For the recording, Lovett organized a sextet with himself as piano soloist, and with Sam Reed, another Philadelphia jazzman, featured on alto saxophone. The album “and now…TheMetronomes” was released in October 1959 and marked the introduction and beginning of the group. As time passed, the group gradually developed more cohesiveness and unity together, as they began to attract some attention in hometown engagements.

In 1961, Conrad Moore replaced Oglesby as baritone, and shortly thereafter the group made its debut at Philadelphia’s Peps Club. Melba Liston, a former trombonist and arranger for Dizzy Gillespie and Quincy Jones, was present for the performance. “They made a guest appearance at the club,” said Melba, “singing mostly standards, and we all noted that they had a really nice mix and what seemed like a pretty laidback, upbeat style.” So the manager of the group and Melba planned to record an album, and the Metronomes-Liston alliance went into action. Before recording for the Jazzland label, Miss Liston worked a long time on all the vocal and instrumental arrangements and also chose much of the repertoire for the “Something Big!” album. Pianist Junior Mance is also a brilliant contributor to the excellent rhythm quartet that Melba put together, and that provides appropiate and distinctive support to The Metronomes. As Melba said, “I think there’s plenty here for people to listen to and dig…” to and dig…”

—Jordi Pujol