EAC rip | FLAC + CUE + LOG | Scans(*) | FileSonic/FileServe
Genre ~ Bop | Label ~ Black&Blue Records
Major Holley was best known for using the Slam Stewart trademark of singing along with his bowed bass solos, although he sang in unison while Stewart vocalized an octave above his bass. Otherwise, Major Holley (known as "Mule") was a fine supportive bassist. He originally played violin and tuba, but switched to bass while playing in Navy bands. He played with Dexter Gordon, Charlie Parker, and Ella Fitzgerald in the mid- to late '40s, and in 1950 did a series of duet recordings (never reissued) with Oscar Peterson. After a period working for the BBC in England, he toured with Woody Herman (1958), played with the Al Cohn-Zoot Sims quintet (1959-1960), and worked in the studios, in addition to appearing on some jazz recordings and having a stint with Duke Ellington (1964). Major Holley taught at Berklee (1967-1970), freelanced in New York, and recorded with everyone from Roy Eldridge and the Lee Konitz Nonet, to Quincy Jones; he even met up on two records with Slam Stewart. ~Allmusic
As Scott Yanow said above, Major Holley uses his voice to combine an unison (exactly the same music nota's played at the same time) with his bass, both on main melodies and on his improvisations. If you didn't listen Major Holley before; try this album, I believe you'll enjoy his unusual style. ~Cal Mayber
Tracklist:
01. Mack the Knife 4:04
02. There Will Never Be Another You 4:37
03. Realm of Love 6:18
04. Wig, Thig, Bad, and Major Too 4:56
05. Miss Mule 3:45
06. Angel Eyes 5:36
07. Recado Bossa Nova 5:53
08. Elum 3:22
09. No Place Like Home 4:42
10. Just a Closer Walk With Thee 2:49
11. There Will Never Be Another You (alternate) 4:34
12. Elum (alternate) 2:56
Personnel:
Major Holley - bass, vocals (unison with his bass)
Gerry Wiggins - piano
Ed Thigpen - drums
Gerard Badini - tenor saxophone
Recorded in Paris, France; on March 21, 1974
(*) Scans: front cover + tray + CD
Thanks to the original uploader.
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