The Quintessence [SHM-CD]

by Quincy Jones

Overview

The Quintessence is perhaps the most accurate title ever given to a Quincy Jones & His Orchestra recording. Issued in 1961 for Impulse!, this is the sound of the modern, progressive big band at its pinnacle. Recorded in three sessions, the core of the band consists of Melba Liston, Phil Woods, Julius Watkins, and bassist Milt Hinton and pianist Patricia Brown on two sessions, with bassist Buddy Catlett and pianist Bobby Scott on another. The trumpet chairs are held alternately by players like Freddie Hubbard, Clark Terry, Thad Jones, and Snooky Young, to name a few. Oliver Nelson is here, as are Frank Wess and Curtis Fuller. Despite its brevity -- a scant 31 minutes -- The Quintessence is essential to any appreciation of Jones and his artistry. The deep swing and blues in his originals such as the title track, "Robot Portrait," and "For Lena and Lennie" create staggering blends. They are beautifully warm, with edges rounded, but the brass section is still taut and punchy. The reeds cool the heat enough to give the rhythmic dialogue in these tunes its inherent strolling swing. Elsewhere, on Thelonious Monk's "Straight, No Chaser," the time is speeded up to nearly dizzying intensity, and it's played like a big band popping bebop with incredible counterpointed double solos happening between trombone, muted trumpet, and Brown's piano. Though only 2:27 in length, the piece packs an entire harmonic universe into its furious pace. Benny Golson's "Little Karen," is, by contrast, held in character: lithe, limpid, and fluid, it's the ultimate laid-back, midtempo ballad. That said, with the brass charts being notched up just enough, it's got the kind of finger-popping groove that makes it irresistible. The solo spot taken by Nelson is pure knotty bop. What is beautiful about this recording -- and every second of the music -- is that because of its brevity, there isn't a wasted moment. It's all taut, packed with creativity and joy, and without excess or unnecessary decorative arrangement. It doesn't get much better than this. ~ Thom Jurek

Product Details

Release Date:	06/06/2025
Label:	Decca Uk
UPC:	0602567222194

Tracks

1. Quintessence
2. Robot Portrait
3. Little Karen
4. Straight No Chaser
5. For Lena And Lennie
6. Hard Sock Dance
7. Invitation
8. The Twitch

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Quincy Jones & His Orchestra   Primary Artist
Quincy Jones   Primary Artist,Vocals,Trumpet,Conductor
Thad Jones   Guest Artist,Trumpet
Clark Terry   Guest Artist,Trumpet
Curtis Fuller   Guest Artist,Trombone
Freddie Hubbard   Guest Artist,Trumpet
Oliver Nelson   Reeds,Saxophone,Sax (Tenor)
Ray Alonge   French Horn
Melba Liston   Trombone
Osie Johnson   Drums
Milt Hinton   Bass
Al DeRisi   Trumpet
Stu Martin   Drums
Buddy Catlett   Bass
Clyde Reasinger   Trumpet
Bobby Scott   Piano
Ernie Royal   Trumpet
Julius Watkins   French Horn
Phil Woods   Reeds,Saxophone,Sax (Alto)
Patricia Brown   Piano
Jimmy Johnson, Jr.   Drums
Patricia H. Bown   Piano
Harvey E. Phillips   Tuba
Eric Dixon   Reeds,Saxophone,Sax (Tenor)
Tommy Mitchell   Trombone
James "JJ" Johnson   Drums
Gloria Agostini   Harp
Earl Chapin   French Horn
Paul Faulise   Trombone
Thomas Mitchell   Trombone
Jerry Kail   Trumpet
Rod Levitt   Trombone
Patti Bown   Piano
Snooky Young   Trumpet
Billy Byers   Trombone
Billy Gene English   Drums
Frank Wess   Reeds,Saxophone,Sax (Tenor)
James Buffington   French Horn
Joe Newman   Trumpet
Jerome Richardson   Reeds,Saxophone,Sax (Alto),Sax (Tenor)

Technical Credits

Michael Cuscuna   Reissue Producer
Thelonious Monk   Composer
Bronislaw Kaper   Composer
Harry Weinger   Reissue Supervisor
Cameron Mizell   Production Coordination
Paul Francis Webster   Composer
Lena Horne   Liner Notes
Hollis King   Art Direction
Isabelle Wong   Package Design
Jack Bradley   Photography
Bill Byers   Composer
Bobby Arnold   Engineer
Bob Thiele   Producer
Kevin Reeves   Mastering
Billy Byers   Composer
Benny Golson   Composer
Frank Abbey   Engineer
Erick Labson   Remastering
Robert Flynn   Cover Design
Lennie Hayton   Liner Notes
Quincy Jones   Arranger,Composer,Producer,Performer
Quincy Jones & His Orchestra   Performer