Alvin "Red" Tyler Albums (3)
What The Critics Say
One of the mainstays of the legendary Cosimo Studio session regulars along with Earl Palmer, Allen Toussaint, Lee Allen, Justin Adams, James Booker, Chuck Carbo and others, Alvin "Red" Tyler played and arranged on many a classic record session in the heyday of New Orleans rock & roll. Playing on hit recordings with Fats Domino, Little Richard, Lloyd Price, Smiley Lewis, Shirley and Lee, Joe Turner, Jimmy Clanton, Frankie Ford and Bobby Mitchell, Tyler's resumé is the recorded history of '50s New Orleans music. By 1961, he got to record his own album (Rockin' & Rollin') for Johnny Vincent's Ace imprint, collected here along with six previously unissued alternate takes ("Peanut Vendor," "Classy Lassie," "Walk On," "Tonking" and two versions of "Hey Mama") and a 1958 single of "Snake Eyes" and "Walk On." A classic instrumental album in the Bill Doggett tradition with a distinct N.O. slant to it, other highlights also include "Stinky" (aka "Happy Sax"), "Dippy," "Long Ride," "Lonely For You," "Junk Village," and "Tonking," making this 18-track collection a fine tribute to this Crescent City sax giant, who passed away in April of 1998, just as this reissue was seeing the light of day. ~ Cub Koda, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This was the second of two late-'80s straight jazz dates by Alvin "Red" Tyler, better known for his years toiling in the city's R&B studios. Tyler savored the opportunity to do more than play short bursts, demonstrating his expansive skills on the disc's eight cuts. While the soulfulness remained in his tone, Tyler proved he could handle hard bop chord changes, build and complete ideas and head a jazz combo. The cuts "Dreamsville," "Here's That Rainy Day" and "Like So Many Others" emphasized the jazz connection, but the R&B and blues base came through on "Cutie Pie" and "Count 'Em." This was nicely played, at times above-average, jazz from a celebrated veteran getting to show another side of his musical personality. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
1986 release of first foray into straight jazz on record from longtime R&B session king Alvin "Red" Tyler. He plays crisply, with distinction, but is much more animated on vintage New Orleans R&B. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
