Clifford Brown Albums (25)
'More Live at the Bee Hive'
Release Date 6/12/2006
Tracks 21
Label RLR
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What The Critics Say
Previously, a double-LP was released of the Clifford Brown/Max Roach Quintet live from Chicago's Bee Hive, dating from late 1955. It was historically important because it had Sonny Rollins sitting in with the band for the first time, a short time before he succeeded Harold Land as the quintet's tenor saxophonist; unfortunately it was erratically recorded. However that has nothing to do with this two-CD set, much of which was recorded June 30, 1955. The recording quality is better than expected, trumpeter Clifford Brown is in brilliant form, tenorman Harold Land is at the top of his game, and there are many fine spots for pianist Richie Powell. All of that music was previously unreleased and it includes a nearly 22-minute version of "After You've Gone" (which was not otherwise recorded by the group) and a 15-minute "Blues" among its highlights. In addition, the final five selections on this two-fer are from a live set in New York from February 1956. That set, which has Sonny Rollins on tenor, was previously released, but just on an Elektra/Musician LP in the '80s. Once again the recording quality is decent and Brownie sounds wonderful. Clifford Brown has a right to feel excited about this significant release. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Since Clifford Brown's unexpected and sudden death following a 1956 car crash, collectors have sought any previously unknown recordings to add to the already sizable legacy left by a trumpet genius who didn't reach his 26th birthday. The Last Concert was broadcast live just eight days prior to his passing, recorded by a listener. Brown, along with co-leader Max Roach on drums, tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins, pianist Richie Powell (who died in the accident with Brown), and bassist George Morrow, were in high spirits as they played in the Continental Restaurant in Norfolk, Virginia. The show starts off with Brown's only known interpretation of "Just One of Those Things," a lengthy workout showcasing Brown, Rollins, and Powell. The trumpeter's moving solo in "You Go to My Head" is also a highlight. A boisterous "I Get a Kick Out of You" (clocking in at 24:59) concludes this final show. Although there are some minor problems with the source material, including sporadic tape drop-outs and incomplete performances (the latter due to the fact that some of them run as long as 25 minutes, which would make it tough to judge when to change a tape reel), the recording quality is surprisingly good, even if it was made by someone in the audience. The remaining tracks on disc two come from a 1955 appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival, and may exist in better shape within the holdings of the Library of Congress, which has lots of live jazz originally broadcast behind the Iron Curtain by Voice of America. Harold Land is the tenor saxophonist on this occasion, with the remaining musicians the same. Brown and Land ignite fireworks with the trumpeter's still powerful "Daahoud." Powell's "Jacqui" demonstrates his potential as a composer. The final track features Brown sitting in with the Dave Brubeck Quartet, Gerry Mulligan, and Chet Baker in a rousing "Tea for Two" that unfortunately fades prior to completion, due to the tape running out. The sound flaws on this set are mainly from the rowdy audience, as the instruments are fairly distinct. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'Together: Recorded Live at Dolphy's Home, Los Angeles 1954'
Release Date 1/1/2005
Tracks 7
Label RLR
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What The Critics Say
The combination of Clifford Brown and Eric Dolphy together on any recording will likely have any serious jazz fan salivating. But this compilation, most of which was evidently recorded in the private studio that Dolphy had behind his parents' Los Angeles home, represents tapings of rehearsal sessions that were used to audition a new tenor saxophonist for the band that the trumpeter jointly led with drummer Max Roach. Evidently, Dolphy's participation was due to his friendship with Brown (not to mention providing the studio and, likely, the reel-to-reel recorder used), and he wasn't under consideration to join the band. Given that these tapes were only meant for Brown's use, the fidelity is not terrific and there are dropouts in places, no doubt from the age of the source material. But even though Dolphy's approach to the alto sax was still emerging (he was under the influence of Charlie Parker at the time and had not yet developed his distinctive style that often incorporated sudden interval leaps), it is interesting to hear him playing with what would become the working edition of the band (Brown, Roach, tenor saxophonist Harold Land, pianist Richie Powell, and bassist George Morrow) on two tracks, both of which are unusually long. The sound quality improves somewhat on another session, with Dolphy and Land joining Brown (playing piano) and an unknown drummer. On an unidentified track (credited to Dolphy and Brown, though that's at best a guess), the alto saxophonist's sound is more easily recognizable. Land shines in the Latin setting of Charlie Parker's "Crazeology," while Brown's prowess as a bop pianist might surprise some of his fans. The brief take of "Old Folks" is a bit labored, as if the musicians aren't very familiar with the tune; Brown plays most of it alone, with Dolphy joining in around its midpoint. The final two songs feature Brown on trumpet with an unknown pianist who obviously doesn't seem to be in his league as a performer. It would be interesting to learn who had these long hidden tapes in their possession before they made their way to the RLR label, as no details are provided within the liner notes. This is an interesting new chapter in jazz history that will be worth exploring for hardcore collectors of the works of Clifford Brown and Eric Dolphy, while the audio problems will be of minor concern. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'Clifford Brown Quartet in Paris'
Release Date 1/13/1992
Tracks 12
Label Prestige/OJC
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What The Critics Say
This straight CD reissue of a Clifford Brown LP features the great trumpeter with a quiet rhythm section consisting of pianist Henri Renaud, bassist Pierre Michelot and drummer Benny Bennett. There are six songs and six alternate takes (including three versions apiece of "I Can Dream, Can't I" and "You're a Lucky Guy") but each of Brownie's solos are different and his tone is so warm that every performance is well worth hearing. Ironically the finest solo, a classic version of "It Might as Well Be Spring," was improvised in one take. Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This is an '86 reissue of the vinyl album previously reviewed. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
'Compact Jazz: Clifford Brown'
Release Date 1/1/1990
Tracks 12
Label EmArcy
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What The Critics Say
One of most enthralling bodies of work from the post-bebop years, Clifford Brown's sides for the Verve and Blue Note labels deserve a spot in every serious jazz collection. But where to start? For those wanting to just sample the goods, there are a handful of fine budget discs out there, especially on Verve; this edition of their Compact Jazz series certainly ranks high, thanks to a balanced program of the trumpeter's varied output. Mostly cut in the few years before his tragic death in 1956, the 12 tracks include some of Brown's cornerstone combo work with drummer Max Roach ("Jordu") and sideman sessions for both Sarah Vaughan ("It's Crazy") and Dinah Washington ("I've Got You Under My Skin"). Add to that a taste of Brown's lovely strings date with Neil Hefti, more vocals (this time with Helen Merrill), and the solo contributions of Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, Harold Land, and many others. A fine overview, indeed. ~ Stephen Cook, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This CD, a straight reissue of the original LP, has some incredible music. Trumpeter Clifford Brown is heard at the beginning of his tragically brief career, taking solos on a pair of R&B sides by Chris Powell's Blue Flames. The remainder of the package features Brown on the last night of his life, just a few hours before his death in a car accident. Performing in his hometown of Philadelphia before a loving crowd, the 25-year-old is heard playing at his absolute peak. He performs "Walkin" with a local sextet that includes Billy Root on tenor and pianist Sam Dockery (a future member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers), "A Night in Tunisia" with a quintet, and concludes both his night and his career with a quartet rendition of "Donna Lee" that is simply brilliant. Brownie's death was one of the great tragedies of jazz history and his "goodbyes" to the audience are ironic and in retrospect quite sad; don't listen to it twice. But Clifford Brown's playing on this date is so memorable that the CD is essential for all jazz collections. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The last official album by the Clifford Brown/Max Roach Quintet is the only one that featured the great Sonny Rollins on tenor. With pianist Richie Powell and bassist George Morrow completing the group, this CD reissue is a hard bop classic. Brownie and Rollins fit together perfectly on memorable versions of "What Is This Thing Called Love," "I'll Remember April," and a witty arrangement of "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing." Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This CD reissue features the 1955 version of the Clifford Brown/Max Roach Quintet, a group also including tenor-saxophonist Harold Land, pianist Richie Powell and bassist George Morrow. One of the premiere early hard bop units, this band had unlimited potential. Highlights of this set are "Cherokee" (during which trumpeter Brownie is brilliant), "Swingin"' and "Sandu." All of the group's recordings (which have been included in the Clifford Brown ten-CD box set) are well worth acquiring. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
