Complete Blue Note 50's Sessions
Gil Melle is often awarded less acclaim for his chops than for his groundbreaking achievements (he was the first Caucasian signed to Blue Note; he built and played the first electronic horn; he built and played the first drum machine and started what many consider to be the first electronic "band," the Electronauts). OnThe Complete Blue Note Fifties Sessionswe are afforded a portrait of Melle as more the cool-era combo leader than the trail-blazing innovator. That's not all bad. After all, Melle had the formidable Blue Note stable from which to draw. Highlights here include Tal Farlow's tasteful guitar figures on a number or tracks as well as appearances by Oscar Pettiford, Red Mitchell, and Max Roach. Don't be put off by Melle's out-cat reputation. This is slinky, easily-digested cool swinging.--S. Duda