A rare 60s meeting
of groovy talents from both sides
of the Atlantic – and a record that matches the trumpet
of Dizzy Gillespie with the hiply swinging vocals
of The
Double Six Of Paris! The group were a wonderfully groovy precursor to the Swingle Singers – and sung in a scatting approach to jazz vocals that was very much in the tradition
of Lambert, Hendricks, & Ross – but also drew inspiration from the earlier work
of Eddie Jefferson, King Pleasure, and others. Their sound is great – much more 60s groovy than some other vocal groups – and pairing them with
Dizzy gives this record an added punch that some
of their other sessions are missing! Backing is small combo throughout – with either Bud Powell or Kenny Barron on piano, Kenny Clarke on drums, and James Moody on tenor – and with the presence
of Diz, most
of the material here is
of bop orientation – taken at a fast and lively clip! Lalo Schifrin arranged the whole session too – and titles include "One Bass Hit", "Blue N Boogie", "Emanon", "Groovin High", "Ow", "The Champ", "Tin Tin Deo", "Hot House", and "Con Alma".
(Stereo black label pressing with deep groove. Cover has edge wear, spot of clear tape, aging, notes in pencil on the back.)