Curtis Amy, Frank Butler - Groovin' Blue (2025) [Hi-Res]

Houston, Texas born tenor saxophonist Curtis Amy found his way to Los Angeles in the mid-1950s where he became embedded in the West Coast Jazz scene and began recording for Pacific Jazz in 1960. His second date for the label was Groovin’ Blue, a hard-swinging session co-led with drummer Frank Butler that was also one of the earliest recordings to feature vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, who was just 19 years old at the time. Rounding out the band on this excellent 6-song set of Amy originals are trumpeter Carmell Jones, who was making his recorded debut, along with pianist Frank Strazzeri, and bassist Jimmy Bond. Highlights include the hard-driving opener “Gone Into It,” the bluesy title track, and the ballad “Beautiful You” which serves as a showcase for Hutcherson’s stunning lyricism.

Tracklist:
1-1 Curtis Amy - Gone Into It [6:14]
1-2 Curtis Amy - Annsome [8:37]
1-3 Curtis Amy - Bobblin' [5:18]
1-4 Curtis Amy - Groovin' Blue [8:12]
1-5 Curtis Amy - Beautiful You [7:39]
1-6 Curtis Amy - Very Frank [1:48]