Here Comes Frank Foster/George Wallington: Showcase
Compiling two ultrarare 1954 sessions reissued on Blue Note's Connoisseur 10-inch Series, this disc includesHere Comes Frank Foster, theCount Basie-ite saxophonist's debut as a leader, andGeorge Wallington Showcase, a solid septet date fronted by the Sicilian-born pianist that also includes Foster in its ranks. Foster's a bold bopper, very articulate, hard-toned, and swinging, and he's ably assisted by trombonist Benny Powell and a rhythm team that includesModern Jazz Quartetbassist Percy Heath and drummerKenny Clarke. (Tech note: phasing problems crop up on the cymbals on "Little Red" and "Blues for Benny," an unusual misstep for engineer Rudy van Gelder.) The Wallington sides are smoother. The pianist's "Christina" verges on lite-snoozy territory, with swank big-bandish arrangements byQuincy Jones--uncharacteristic for Blue Note, though Foster shines here, too. --John Corbett