John Lewis: Love Me or Leave Me
Track
Love Me or Leave Me
Artist
John Lewis (piano)
CD
Grand Encounter: 2 Degrees East – 3 Degrees West (Pacific Jazz TOCJ-6115)
Musicians:
John Lewis (piano), Bill Perkins (tenor sax), Jim Hall (guitar), Percy Heath (bass), Chico Hamilton (drums).
Composed by Walter Donaldson & Gus Kahn
.Recorded: Los Angeles, February 10, 1956
Rating: 94/100 (learn more)
How would two East Coasters (the MJQ's Lewis & Heath) match up with three West Coast jazzmen? Perfectly, thanks to most of them having Lester Young in common. Tenorman Bill Perkins was a Pres disciple, Hamilton gigged with Young in 1946, and Lewis was Lester’s early-1950s accompanist. No surprise they resurrect the laid-back swing exemplified by Pres's 1938 Kansas City Six. Bassist Heath even plays slightly on top of the beat à la rhythm guitarist Freddie Green, and Chico gets in some passable Papa Jo Jones licks near the end. Here are modernists affectionately in touch with their roots.
Reviewer: Alan Kurtz
Tags: 1950s jazz · love me or leave me
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