J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding “Jay & Kai + 6” (1956, Columbia)

In the late ‘50s, trombone groups were all the rage; do a quick check of discographies and see if you don’t believe me. Aside from The Jay & Kai Trombone Octet stars, Johnson and Winding are backed by an all-star rhythm section of Hank Jones, Milt Hinton, and Osie Johnson. Perhaps one the main reasons to listen to this album is the ‘trombonium’, an upright valve trombone (see below).
The playing here is simply terrific, as one would expect from these outstanding trombonists. My only problem is that after a while, I find myself wishing for some sax, or clarinets or trumpets, to get a change in the harmonics. Nonetheless, I think the playing, both solo and in ensemble, is brilliant and is a good example of how the trombone had evolved from an auxillary instrument that could execute fast-moving bop tunes – check out these incredibly controlled vibratos and tones on slower numbers! There is plenty to choose from both categories throughout this session ~ enjoy!
Set Highlights:
- rather inventive arrangements of standards; foretelling of what Winding would develop in his late-‘50s and early-‘60s groups
- “The Peanut Vendor” - cleverly arranged and my favorite track
- don’t miss the trombonium on “A Night in Tunisia” & “Piece for Two Tromboniums”
(The Jay & Kai Trombone Octet)
2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11:
J.J. Johnson, Kai Winding (tb/trombonium), Urbie Green, Bob Alexander, Eddie Bert, Jimmy Cleveland (tb), Bart Varsalona, Tom Mitchell (b-Tb), Hank Jones (p), Milt Hinton (b), Osie Johnson (d); recorded in New York in 2 & 4 April, 1956
1, 4, 7, 10, 12:
Ray Brown (b) replaces Milt Hinton; Candido Camero (bgo/cga/d); recorded in New York in 6 April, 1956
01. Night in Tunisia
02. Piece for Two Tromboniums
03. Rise 'n' Shine
04. All at Once You Love Her
05. No Moon at All
06. The Surrey with the Fringe on Top
07. The Peanut Vendor
08. You're My Thrill
09. Jeanne
10. Four Plus Four
11. You Don't Know what Love Is
12. The Continental