LS-86002: I/We Had A Ball / Various Artists

	Label Type :	green Limelight promotional
	Matrix Number :	SIDE-A	LSP 86002-A- L1    RR
		SIDE-B	LSP 86002-B- L1    II    RR

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Comments

Equivalent release: Limelight LM-82002 (mono).

original gatefold cover with silver sticker and original booklet.

promotional copy for broadcast.

Inside The Groove

An interesting compilation of Limelight recording artists, all playing compositions for the “I Had A Ball” musical.

Personal Impression (and brief notes)

Limelight recording artists plays “I Had A Ball” numbers. Some of these performances were intended for this album, and others were taken from previously-recorded sessions by various artists. As a result, playing format varies from piano trio to big orchestra.

Quincy Jones band plays rock-solid and swinging arrangements featuring gorgeous all-star Jazz players on A-1, A-3 and B-1. In the middle 1960s, Quincy Jones was already leaving from pure Jazz arrangements and was moving toward soulful and popular scene (they're all really nice, though), so this thrilling and jazzy big-band recording made in November 1964 must not be neglected for many Jazz fans.

Dizzy Gillespie presents his charming singing on a short track A-2 with his regular combo, from the same session as heard on “Jambo Caribe” (LM-82007 / LS-86007). The entire mood on the number is very relaxed but also jazzy.

Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers in the middle 1960s was struggling with confusion - included here on this album is A-4, which I think their best performance from their first Limelight album “'S Make It” (LM-82001 / LS-86001).

According to the master numbers, it seems that the Oscar Peterson Trio recorded only one tune B-2 on May 18, 1965 session. Probably Jack Tracy (head of the Limelight label) asked Oscar Peterson to record the number, especially for this album.

Milt Jackson Quintet's B-3 was recorded during his sessions which became “In A New Setting” (LM-82006 / LS-86006). Also, Chet Baker's B-4 was from the session for the album “Baby Breeze” (LM-82003 / LS-86003).

As a summary, I can say that this LP is not only a nice Jazz version of the musical numbers, but also a showcase of Limelight recording artists. A really interesting compilation.

Strictly Personal Rating (to what extent I could enjoy this album)

9 out of 10

Track Listing

Personnel

Personnel/recorded date/master numbers confirmed with the Ruppli's discography.
(“The Mercury Labels - A Discography” by Ruppli and Novitsky, Greenwood Press, 1993)

A-1, A-3, B-1: Quincy Jones and his band:
Nat Adderley (tp), Dizzy Gillespie (tp), Freddie Hubbard (tp),
Jimmy Maxwell (tp), Jimmy Nottingham (tp), Joe Newman (tp),
Curtis Fuller (tb), J.J. Johnson (tb), Kai Winding (tb), Melba Liston (tb),
Jerry Dodgion (as), Phil Woods (as), James Moody (as, ts, fl),
Roland Kirk (ts), Benny Golson (ts), Lucky Thompson (ts), Pepper Adams (bs),
Milt Jackson (vib), Bobby Scott (p), Bob Cranshaw (b), Art Blakey (ds),
Quincy Jones (cond).
Arranged by Benny Golson and Billy Byers.
Recorded in New York City on December 20, 1964.

A-2: Dizzy Gillespie Quintet:
Dizzy Gillespie (tp, vo), James Moody (ts, fl),
Kenny Barron (p), Chris White (b), Rudy Collins (ds), Kansas Fields (perc).
Recorded at Universal Recording Studios, Chicago, IL on November 6, 1964.

A-4: see LS-86001.

B-2: Oscar Peterson Trio:
Oscar Peterson (p), Ray Brown (b), Ed Thigpen (ds).
Recorded in New York City on May 18, 1965.

B-3: Milt Jackson Quintet:
Jimmy Heath (ts, fl), Milt Jackson (vib),
McCoy Tyner (p), Bob Cranshaw (b), Connie Kay (ds).
Recorded in New York City on December 9, 1964.

B-4: Chet Baker Quartet:
Chet Baker (flh), Bob James (p), Mike Fleming (b), Charlie Rice (ds).
Recorded at A&R Studios, New York City on November 20, 1964.