Clifford Brown: Joy Spring
Track
Joy Spring
Group
Clifford Brown – Max Roach Quintet
CD
Clifford Brown and Max Roach (Verve 314 543 306-2)
Musicians:
Clifford Brown (trumpet), Max Roach (drums), Richie Powell (piano), Harold Land (tenor sax), George Morrow (bass).
Composed by Clifford Brown
.Recorded: Hollywood, August 6, 1954
Rating: 96/100 (learn more)
Unlike 16th-century conquistador Ponce de León, Clifford Brown actually found the mythical Fountain of Youth. One swig of Dr. Brown’s Magic Elixir, the aptly titled "Joy Spring," is guaranteed to refresh like a dip in the pool on a summer’s eve. Besides Brownie's invigorating open trumpet, this easygoing tonic delivers salubrious tenorman Harold Land, stimulating pianist Richie Powell and vitamin-enriched smoothie drummer Max Roach. Tragically, after a life free of drugs and alcohol, Clifford Brown died in a car crash four months shy of his 26th birthday. No good deed goes unpunished. Thankfully, through his recorded horn, joy springs eternal.
Reviewer: Alan Kurtz
Tags: hard bop · joy spring · trumpet
Joy Spring was my introduction to Clifford Brown and it still sounds as fresh now as it did then! Brown is clear and lyrical, his solos developing logically and beautifully. There is also another version recorded July 1954 but its somehow not so clear and shorter as well. I guess you love what you know!