King Fleming Trio - Misty Night - Argo LP 4004 - Original Argo Pressing, , Blue Teal Label, Mono
King Fleming - Piano
Rail Wilson - Bass
Aubrie Jones - Drums
Recorded - Fall 1960, Chicago [ only date listed]
Production - [uncredited]
Cover - Don Bronstein
Released - 1961?
UPDATE 7/17/11: Finally, a bonus reposting and rerip of a true Argo classic:King Fleming's Misty Night! I recently acquired another much better condition copy of the original and quite scarce Argo vinyl and the improved fidelity is noticeable, although the original recording itself wasn't the greatest. This side has become of my favorite Argos ever; Fleming is such a great player and original stylist, with some quite beautiful original compositions. Fleming, who's probably best known as the arranger of Lorez Alexandria's first non-Argo sides, was an example of the ultimate Chicago scene veteran, a player who just gigged incessantly locally. He chose to not make the trek to New York and consequently didn't get that many chances to record.
Yet given the scarcity of Fleming's discography, he sure made every date count. This is the first of his three sides on Argo/Cadet, recorded in the fall of 1960 and issued sometime in 1961; a fantastic subdued yet soulful date of mostly Fleming originals, unfortunately buried in Argo's Blues-Pop-Folk series, and largely forgotten. I can't think of any good reason why this side wasn't issued in the main Jazz series, except perhaps there's a bit of a blues-pop vibe in Fleming's playing. The side really kicks off with a fantastic groover ,'Overt, ' which is just begging to be sampled.... This side also has a wonderful Don Bronstein cover, one of best cover designs for Chess - a shot of a brooding midnight Chicago/CTA platform ; the cover art perfectly distills an atmosphere/ mood to enjoy the record...
Get it (flac only for this subtle masterpiece, warning:large file)
KING FLEMING - MISTY NIGHT
ReplyDeleteThis and the next Argo album, "Stand By", have both been on Japanese CDs. The third, "Weary Traveler", by this time on Cadet, has never been on CD.
According to Lord, Fleming also made a couple of singles in 1954, including one for Chess.
Some jazz was released in the 4000 series, in addition to Fleming, also Sam Lazar, Dodo Marmarosa and Howard McGhee for example. What was behind the decision to put them there rather than in the regular 6/700 series I dont know though.
Back to jazz!! Yeah! Thank you
ReplyDeleteThanks once again, another lost and interesting album. Your blog has become essential reading.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!! - brian
ReplyDeletethanks for the unknown Fleming
ReplyDeletesunbop
merci
ReplyDeleteI got to tell you, I downloaded all three King Fleming lps from you months ago, and I have to say that not a week goes by I don't play one or all of them, and usually more than once per session too!
ReplyDelete'Misty Night' is a particular favourite, and I am delighted to say that I have played it through three times today alone. I doubt that I will ever tire of this terrific music. And I have *never* heard of The King before encountering him on your blog.
I'd pay good money for properly remastered cds of these sides.
You have done me a great service, quite unknowingly. Thank you!
Thank you. I really enjoy your commentary for each album.
ReplyDeleteYou are peerless, man. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteBravo and sincere thanks.
ReplyDeleteExcellent music. A pity that it sounds like through a telephone line.
ReplyDeleteI didn't even know this artist by name. It is just me, or there's more than a hint of an Ahmad Jamal-like approach, especially clear in the second track? I'd love to hear your opinion.
ReplyDeleteReally looking forward to this and yep that cover is great.Thanks for your hard work.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this. Your high praise is reason enough, so I'm looking forward to this.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, thank you!
ReplyDeleteGreat to have a lossless version this time.