Bleep

Press Release

The first release on Black Jazz was by pianist and label producerGene Russell; for the label's second release, Russell chose another piano man of impeccable taste, Walter Bishop, Jr. But while much of Russell's record consisted of songs composed by others, Bishop's record features all originals, most notably "Soul Turn Around," a groover that later turned up on Freddie Hubbard's 1969 LPA Soul Experiment. Bishop had helmed several releases before this one, including dates withJohn Coltrane bassist Jimmy Garrison and MilesDavis drummer Jimmy Cobb among others, so it's not surprising he assembled a heavy hitting line-up for Coral Keys, includingWoody Shaw on trumpet, Reggie Jackson on bass, Idris Muhammad on drums, and Harold Vick on flute, tenor, and soprano sax. Think Herbie Hancock's '60s Blue Note recordings gently polished with a soul jazz sheen; this is some tasty stuff that's been hard to find for way too long.