The 'Jazz Haunts & Magic Vaults' of Resonance Records Yields Major Surprises [REVIEW]
Subtitled "The New Lost Classics of Resonance Records Volume #1," this exquisite 14-track 78-minute compilation even includes three newly discovered yet-to-be-released nuggets of pure gold jazz history by guitarists Wes Montgomery and Funk Brother Dennis Coffey as well as keyboardist Gene Harris. Plus, how can you go wrong with Sarah Vaughan, Shirley Horn, Freddie Hubbard, Charles Lloyd, Bill Evans, Larry Young, Scott Lafaro and Stan Getz?
Zev Feldman is the jazz archeologist who digs and digs and finds the precious extracts. Opener "Low Down" has the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra from 1966 the very first time it ever performed at the Village Vanguard in New York City. Resonance label owner George Klabin was, in '66, a 19-year old amateur sound engineer who just happened to stumble upon greatness that fateful night. Pianist Bill Evans [1929-1980] recorded only one studio album with drummer Jack DeJohnette and bassist Eddie Gomez. "How About You" is from that iconic 1968 German session in the woods of the Black Forest.
"Fuzz" stands out from the rest of the entries (you can check it out for yourself below). Hotshot Detroit guitar slinger Dennis Coffey, part of what became known as The Funk Brothers, who played on oh so many of those Motown hits, sets his controls for the heart of the sun and burns bright with organ and drums in a zesty funky fuzz-toned psychedelic way. "Blue Genes" will drop next year as part of a Gene Harris 2017 release of his Seattle gigs at The Penthouse from '64-'68. It's a rockin' little record you'll want your DJ to play. Wes Montgomery [1923-1968] came out of Indianapolis to further pioneer jazz guitar like Django Reinhardt and Charlie Christian before him. His breakthrough came in '58. But here, in '57, still a local phenomenon, he performs Edward Redding's "The End of a Love Affair," thus representing the earliest known Montgomery recording.
Can't wait for Volume #2!
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