The Kai Winding Trombones, "Don't Panic",
Sesac
Recordings #AD-76 (1963).[Extended Play Picture Sleeve Record
- Marked on the Label as "Demonstration Record"]
Side A:
Don't Panic
A Waltz on the Wild Side
Side B:
The Raven
Blues for Indian Jim
From the back EP cover:
Kai Winding's rich, burnished trombone sound
has been a solidly acclaimed feature of the jazz scene for
many
years. Benny Goodman, Charlie Parker, Stan Kenton and Charlie
Ventura
are among the leaders he has worked for. In 1954, he cut a
dual
trombone date with J.J. Johnson which eventually made the "J
& K"
team "the most widely recorded duo in jazz history."
While
with Kenton, Kai created a "trombone
sound," the logical
extension of
which, is featured in this album. After experimenting with
many
different groups, Kai found that the "trombone sound" at its
peak can
best be represented by four trombones and three rhythm. Each
of the
four trombones, here, have individual characteristics.
Performing
together, their instrumental byplay is fantastic; the muddied
section
sound of yore is replaced by an enlightening, steady stream of
musical conversation that blends beautifully and blows up a
big band
storm. The rhythm is equally deft and exhilarating. A colorful
compliment to the brass, the piano-bass-drums trio dispenses a
communicative spirit and a propulsive vitality that constantly
keeps
things moving. Pianist Ross Tompkins, in fact, composed two of
the
tracks - "A WALTZ ON THE WILD SIDE" and "THE RAVEN." So,
contrary to
the album title - "DON'T PANIC" - you will be panicked
by the
versatile Kai Winding Trombones in these modern-mannered
selections
that are full-bodied and swinging. Which reminds one that Kai
Winding
has been musical director of the Playboy Club in New York
City, since
its inception in December, 1962.
Personnel: Trombones - Kai Winding,
Billy Byers, Tony Studd, Pete Vivona; Piano - Ross Tompkins;
Bass -
Russell George; Drums - Gene Young. Note: on "BLUES
FOR
INDIAN JIM" substitute Bill Watrous for Byers; Jake Hanna for
Young.