Oscar Pettiford Quartet - We Get The Message (1958)

Step into the intimate jazz haven of 1958 Hamburg with Oscar Pettiford and his extraordinary quartet in "We Get The Message." These newly discovered live recordings, featuring the stellar lineup of Kenny Clarke on drums, Hans Koller on tenor saxophone, Attila Zoller on guitar, and a few special guests, capture the magic of a night where jazz aficionados gathered to witness greatness. With eight tracks pulsating with bluesy modern jazz, including Pettiford's specially crafted "Gertberg Walk" and a soul-stirring rendition of Friedrich Gulda's "Dark Glow," this album is a testament to the profound impact Pettiford had on the European jazz scene.
Born in 1922 on an Indian reservation in Oklahoma, Oscar Pettiford stands as a towering figure in the jazz world, earning a reputation alongside bass legends like Jimmy Blanton and Charles Mingus. Beyond his groundbreaking work as a musician who elevated the bass to a solo instrument, Pettiford played a pivotal role in jazz education, teaching improvisation, and composing timeless tunes like "Bohemia After Dark" and "Blues In The Closet." His influence echoes through generations of musicians, making him an enduring figure in the jazz pantheon.
The album unfolds against the backdrop of Pettiford's European tour in 1958, initially part of the "Jazz From Carnegie Hall" package show alongside luminaries like Kenny Clarke, Lee Konitz, J.J. Johnson, and Zoot Sims. After the tour's conclusion, Pettiford chose to remain in Europe, becoming a beacon of jazz in France, Germany, Austria, and later Denmark. His mission, as he often stated, was to "pass on the message" of jazz, becoming a mentor to young European musicians and leaving an indelible mark on the continent's jazz landscape.
The Hamburg concert on November 14, 1958, marked a pinnacle in Pettiford's European journey. Recorded at "Studio 10" of Funkhaus Hamburg, the quartet, with local guests, delivered a mesmerizing performance to an enthralled audience. The brilliant interplay between Pettiford's bass and cello, Kenny Clarke's innovative drumming, Hans Koller's expressive saxophone, and Attila Zoller's masterful guitar creates a tapestry of sound that resonates with both sophistication and raw energy.
The quartet's chemistry is evident in every track, from the playful "Cohn's Limit" to the intricate "Yardbird Suite." The album not only captures Pettiford's prowess but also showcases the brilliance of Clarke, Koller, and Zoller, who elevate the performance to an unforgettable musical experience. The gloomy allure of "Dark Glow" and the spirited "Gertberg Walk" showcase Pettiford's compositional genius, offering a glimpse into his multifaceted musical vision.
In the words of jazz historian Ira Gitler, "When Oscar set up to take a solo, he had that built-in thing of knowing what not to play and what's good and what's bad. Taste, I guess you'd call it." Pettiford's taste and artistry shine through in every note of this live recording, creating a lasting testament to his legacy.
So, here's your ticket to a night of timeless jazz. Press play, let the blues-infused melodies of Oscar Pettiford and his quartet envelop you, and, in the spirit of Pettiford's mission, "We Get The Message" of jazz as it was received on that magical night in Hamburg.

[@gustavoblues]

Tracklist:
Cohn`s Limit 0:00
Yardbird Suite 6:28
Dark Glow 10:30
Gertberg Walk 16:59
Stalag 414 20:58
Love Nest 25:45
Ghost Of A Chance 29:58
Willi Der Bär 33:29
Gone With The Wind (Trio) 41:16

[@JL-bu8bz]

Cool thanks

[@n.g.a.e.g.4534]

Great performances

[@joshuamarks1129]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@cybersouljah2266]

it is what the herz warm makes love it -lilskrrby

[@myjazzsongs]

Luv this material and what a history lesson around these cats.

[@smoothplatex7117]

This COOKS

[@benlandro6776]

The best!

[@mdsoulsounds]

Love Pettiford, but wish he could have recorded more of his own music.

[@JL-bu8bz]

Or no. To play classics is good too