Rare work as a leader from drummer Osie
Johnson – two sessions recorded during the heyday of his career, when he was appearing as a sideman on countless other albums! The style here is similar to some of
Johnson's other session work – particularly his contributions to the labels RCA and Bethlehem – as most of the numbers are relatively tightly arranged, and given a playful, slightly modern spin that usually features a fair bit of interplay between the horns in the group. Players vary here – both between the albums, and the tracks on each set – and key musicians include Frank Wess, Thad Jones, Ernie Wilkins,
Dick Katz, and Benny Powell. The CD features both albums done for the Period label – and titles include "
Johnson's Whacks", "Osmosis", "Don't Bug Me Hug Me", "Midnight Mirage", "Cokernut Tree", "Blues For The Camels", "Osie's Oasis", "Cat Walk", and "Flute To Boot".
(Out of print.)