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FRANK ROSOLINO Thinking about You Sackville SK2CD 5007

1. Sweet and Lovely

2. Who Can I Turn To?

3. Round Midnight

4. I Thought about You

5. My Old Flame

6. Don't Take Your Love from Me

7. I Should Care

8. I Got It Bad

9. Laura

10. Everything Happens to Me

11. Bluebird

12. There's No You

Frank Rosolino - Trombone

Ed Bickert - Guitar

Don Thompson - Bass

Terry Clarke - Drums

 

Frank Rosolino was one of the trombonists who developed the instrument to match the advances of bebop. This demanded playing that was quicker and with less vibrato than that of previous trombonists. J. J. Johnson and Kai Winding were pioneers of the style - and Kai played in Stan Kenton's band before Rosolino joined it from 1952 to 1954. I find the "Jay and Kai" style rather unconvincing, because speed often seems to be their primary aim. Frank Rosolino, on the other hand, could play with speed but also with a melodic approach and delicate tone when required.

This delicacy is present throughout this double CD, which was recorded by bassist Don Thompson when Rosolino appeared at Bourbon Street, Toronto in 1976 - two years before Frank's tragic death. Rosolino was accompanied by three of Canada's finest jazzmen: not only Don Thompson but also guitarist Ed Bickert and drummer Terry Clarke. This pianoless trio supplies sensitive backing. Having a guitar as the main accompanying instrument creates a sense of spaciousness. Ed Bickert effectively mixes chords and single-note lines in both his backings and his solos.

Many of the tracks are ballads, and Rosolino stretches out comfortably, with an appealingly furry tone. None of the tracks lasts for less than eight minutes, which gives Rosolino, Bickert and Thompson generous room for solos. Terry Clarke adds some well-judged drum breaks. On the faster numbers, Frank proves that he can play as speedily as any other trombonist, and he sounds less forced than some other bebop players.

The first four tracks were originally released as an LP, but Don Thompson managed to dig out eight more tracks to make this double album a must for Rosolino fans.

Tony Augarde

www.augardebooks.co.uk

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