A Mellow Bit of Rhythm

by Keith Ingham

Overview

While the situation has improved since the days when these songs were written, women jazz composers in general, and African-American women in particular, rarely had the opportunity to hear their music performed, unless they played it themselves. The kind of music composed by these very talented musicians is not played enough. A Mellow Bit of Rhythm goes a long way toward remedying this situation by paying tribute to some of the most talented songwriters, who happen to be women, of the 1920s, '30s, and '40s. In addition to tunes by better known performers/writers, such as Billie Holiday Lil Armstrong, and Bessie Smith, there are works by Alberta Nichols, Irene Wilson, and Una Mae Carlisle. But the writer whose works are most represented is the multi-talented Mary Lou Williams, not just with her popular "Roll 'Em," but with four compositions not as familiar. The music is played here in the style of the era when it was written. But these are by no means old-fashioned arrangements. Rather, this album is comprised of modern players applying their skills to the fine music of a great era. If one had to identify a predominant jazz style, it would be Chicago. But New Orleans is represented as well by "Down in the Dumps." The leader of the ensemble, an expatriate from England, Keith Ingham, made his first album as a leader in 1975 and, after a hiatus from the studios, has been recording fairly prolifically during the '90s with his own groups. He is a Dick Hyman type player, comfortable with all pianistic styles. A close listen evokes images of striding Fats Waller and Willie "The Lion" Smith, especially on "Down in the Dumps." This tune also highlights the group's excellent ensemble playing. Ingham's musical confreres are equally as capable. Bob Barnard's cornet is reminiscent of Ruby Braff's. Listen to his solo on Mary Lou Williams' "Little Joe from Chicago." Multi-reed player Scott Robinson's playing is wonderfully lyrical. Robinson also takes up the alto clarinet. The instrument has a woody timbre and a haunting mellow tone, and Robinson uses it to good effect on "Twilight" and "Yesterday's Kisses," both by Mary Lou Williams. James Chirillo's uncluttered, single-string guitar playing is reminiscent of Joe Pass, especially on "Don't Explain." Having performed with Claude Williams, Benny Goodman, and Bob Wilbur, Chirillo is very comfortable with the playing style featured on the session. Bass player Greg Cohen's presence amplifies his musical flexibility. He has recorded with the modernist John Zorn and traditionalist Ken Peplowski, and is equally comfortable playing with both. Veteran drummer Jackie Williams lays a steady beat keeping good time for whatever music the group is playing. A Mellow Bit of Rhythm is a collection of joyful jazz played by excellent musicians. ~ Dave Nathan

Product Details

Release Date:	12/15/1998
Label:	SACKVILLE RECORDS
UPC:	0778133306329

Tracks

1. Roll 'Em
2. Don't Explain
3. Down in the Dumps
4. I Just Couldn't Take It Baby
5. I'm Pulling Through
6. Perdido Street Blues
7. A Mellow Bit of Rhythm
8. This Will Make You Laugh
9. Twilight
10. Walkin' and Swingin'
11. Just for a Thrill
12. Little Joe From Chicago
13. Walking by the River
14. Preaching the Blues
15. Yesterday's Kisses
16. Some Other Spring/God Bless the Child
17. Struttin' With Some Barbecue

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Keith Ingham   Primary Artist,Piano
Greg Cohen   Bass
Scott Robinson   Clarinet,Sax (Tenor),Sax (Soprano),Sax (Baritone)
Jackie Williams   Drums
James Chirillo   Guitar
Bob Barnard   Cornet

Technical Credits

Bessie Smith   Composer
Doug Pomeroy   Assembly,Digital Editing
Robert Sour   Composer
Mary Lou Williams   Composer
Henry Wells   Composer
Lana Wilson   Composer
Irene Wilson   Composer
Mitchell Seidel   Photography
Herman Walder   Composer
Don Raye   Composer
Una Mae Carlisle   Composer
John Norris   Liner Notes,CD Release Supervisor
Lil Armstrong   Composer
Lil Hardin   Composer
Alberta Nichols   Composer
Mann Holiner   Composer
Arthur Herzog, Jr.   Composer
Irene Higginbotham   Composer
Billie Holiday   Composer
Bill Smith   Formatting,Design
Keith Ingham   Producer,Arranger