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Ron Jefferson: Love Lifted Me

LP: Pacific Jazz ST 36
CD: Toshiba-EMI PJ0036 (Japan only)

Personnel
Ron Jefferson (d); Laurence "Tricky" Lofton (tb); Wilbur Brown (ts); Bobby Hutcherson (vib); Frank Strazzeri (p); Leroy Vinnegar (b)

Recording Date & Location
Date of recording unknown (released 1962), Hollywood, CA

Commentary
Drummer Ron Jefferson is probably most well-known for his stint in Les McCann's group. This is his debut album as a leader. It features an interesting mix of compositions, from the gospel-flavored title track to the classic "Flamingo" (featuring some wonderful work by Bobby) to uptempo swingers like "Little One" and "George's Dilemma." I should also make a special note of Leroy Vinnegar's contribution to the date. Both his time-keeping and his soloing will make you sit up and take notice, and his composition "For Carl Perkins" is sinuous and compelling.

I like this album. It's rare, but it's worth tracking down. (Apparently, Love Lifted Me has been reissued in Japan, although I couldn't find a copy. I got my LP on ebay.) On this album, Hutcherson's work seems even more assured than on the his previous outing as a sideman, Groovin' Blue. Plus, the rest of the band sounds really good too.