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Dick Wellstood/ Cliff Jackson: Uptown & Lowdown
ByWellstood’s band stretches out beyond the usual time limits of most traditional New Orleans music on record and the added space is used judiciously. Relaxed ensemble sections give way to thoughtful solo musings, mostly from the leader’s sparkling syncopated keystrokes, but from his partners as well. The incredibly versatile Milt Hinton anchors the rhythmic end with his characteristic elegance and the esteemed Zutty Singleton holds modest court from behind his kit. Of the trio of numbers, Wellstood’s own “Blook’s Dues” stands out, a loping blues forwarded on snare rolls, throbbing bass and melancholy horns with cerulean solos from everyone involved. Several of the pianist’s duets with Benford are virtually solo outings with the drummer providing only light, unobtrusive accompaniment. But tracks like “Mule Walk” and “Liza” are notable exceptions where whisking brushes goad Wellstood to ever increasing speed and double-fisted syncopation, juggling contrasting tempos with adroit skill.
Jackson’s group may hold the disc’s closing slot, but his performances prove every bit as engaging as those of his younger neighbor. Arrangements are minimal, shifting emphasis to ensemble improvisation, and the band responds in kind. “The Sheik of Araby” contains a wealth of clever elements from Casey’s simple scritch-scratch washboard rhythm to Allen’s muted run down of the melody. Casey’s asthmatic kazoo takes a rare turn on “Blues in Englewood Cliffs” giving way to Snowden’s sparse rustic banjo plucks, which accompany the lazy drawl of Powell’s dusky reed. Jackson sits at the core of it all peeling off firm stride runs with gusto and panache that is both affirming and celebratory. Considered in its component parts as well as a unified whole this is indeed a tasty collection of traditional New Orleans inspired music.
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Track Listing
Yacht Club Swing/ Brush Lightly/ Blook
Personnel
Dick Wellstood
pianoDick Wellstood- piano; Herman Autry- trumpet; Gene Sedric- clarinet, tenor saxophone; Milt Hinton- bass; Zutty Singleton- drums; Tommy Benford- drums; Cliff Jackson- piano* Ed Allen- trumpet*; Rudy Powell- clarinet*; Elmer Snowden- banjo*; Abe Bolar- bass*; Floyd Casey- washboard, kazoo*. Recorded: July 27, 1961, July 20, 1961* and October 25, 1954.
Album information
Title: Uptown & Lowdown | Year Released: 2001 | Record Label: Prestige Records