Al Grey - Having A Ball [Argo]

Al Grey - Having A Ball - Argo LP 718 - Original Argo Pressing, Grey Label, Mono

Al Grey - Trombone
David Burns - Trumpet
Hugh Lawson - Piano
Calvin Newborne - Guitar
Herman Wright - Bass
Otis Finch - Drums
Bobby Hutcherson - Vibes

Recorded - January 29, 1963, Rudy Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ

Supervision - Esmond Edwards
Engineer - Rudy Van Gelder
Cover Design - Don Bronstein
Cover Photo - Jim Marshall

Released - November 30, 1963

Here's some unfinished Argo business from my favorite era of the label - the Soul Jazz years of producer Esmond Edwards from 1962-67: Al Grey's Having A Ball! Grey was certainly one of the most prolific artists on Argo in the early sixties with seven sides as a leader, but he's largely forgotten these days. This is a nice energetic, bouncy and rather light Soul Jazz side with an appearance by a young Bobby Hutcherson on vibes.

This side is most notable for two things - it has remained officially unreleased on CD (an unofficial Spanish release in Hutcherson's name omits two tracks - A2 &B3 ) and it was released the week after JFK's assassination (which may account for it quickly fading from view).

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Al Grey - Boss Bone

Al Grey - Boss Bone - Argo LP 731 (Argo first pressing, but not in great condition, assorted scuffs and scratches)

Al Grey - Trombone
John Young - Piano
Leo Blevins - Guitar
Ike Isaacs - Bass
Phil Thomas- Drums

Recorded - December 17, 1963, Ter Mar Recording Studio, Chicago

Engineer: Ron Malo
Supervision: Esmond Edwards
Cover Photo: Don Bronstein

Released: May 9, 1964 (According to Billboard?)

Well here's another Argo/Cadet Rarity, this time from one of the more prolific artists on Argo (After Ramsey Lewis and Ahmad Jamal) with at least 7 led/co led dates on the label- the long time Count Basie sideman and Jazz trombonist Al Grey! Grey is largely forgotten these days, more than unfairly as he was a solid and proficient player; the type of player who is the backbone of a good and healthy jazz scene. Grey's work on Argo has largely been passed over for reissue in the CD/digital age; some limited issues here and in Japan, and of all the indignities, having 3 of his dates reissued and incomplete I might add, under his sideman Bobby Hutcherson's name on that dubious Spanish boutique/bootleg label, Lonehill Jazz, as 'The Dave Burns Sessions'.

However, this particular side however has not resurfaced or been reissued anywhere since its came out sometime in 1964. Another Lost Argo side rescued by this blog! This deserves a listen and a reappraisal! A spirited ensemble date with good tasteful accompaniment from pianist John Young and nice support from guitarist Leo Blevins. Unfortunately, due to this LP's obscurity, I acquired a copy which was in relatively poor condition; numerous scratches and scuff marks, bearing the consequences of sitting without care for forty odd years in someone's basement; record was skipping all over the place as I feared I couldn't post it in any listenable form. Fortunately, after a quick self-tutorial on digital sound restoration, I managed to salvage the LP and present it here. Once again, not in pristine listenable condition, but deserves a listen nonetheless.

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