Shades Of Redd (180gm)

£24.99

Format: LP, Vinyl

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Out of stock

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Format: LP, Vinyl
Grade: New (About gradings)
SKU: 54781
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‘Shades Of Redd’ was recorded on 13th August 1960, one of only three albums that pianist Freddie Redd recorded for Blue Note. Alongside Freddie in the quintet are alto saxophonist Jackie McLean, tenor man Tina Brooks, plus Louis Hayes on drums and bassist Paul Chambers. With that line-up the session cooks. Chambers and Hayes in the core rhythm section are especially powerful, whilst McLean delivers his customary fire and fury, which contrasts with Brooks’ smooth and more soulful sound. Redd composed all seven pieces. The opener, ‘The Thespian’ is a masterful composition, commencing in dark, slowish manner before changing up a couple of gears to full-on Hard Bop groove. The mid-tempo ‘Blues Blues Blues’ shows plenty of it in a soulful manner. The sombre and introspective ‘Shadows’ is a melancholy ballad of no little beauty. ‘Melanie’, named after a friend’s new born, has a childish simplicity and joyous bounce. The appropriately named ‘Swift’ is taken at Blakey/ Jazz Messengers pace that challenges both horn players. Redd’s playing is equally fluid and pacy. In contrast ‘Just A Ballad For My Baby’ is dead pan slow and quietly romantic. The Latin flavoured ‘Ole’ allows Louis Hayes to take centre stage with some inspired percussion work, whilst the swinging melody is attacked with abandon by Brooks, McLean and then Redd. ‘Shades Of Redd’ is not one of Blue Note’s most generally revered albums but is certainly up there with its best.

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