On November 15th, 1957, jazz pianist and composer Red Garland went into the studio with John Coltrane (tenor sax), Donald Byrd (trumpet), George Joyner (bass) and Art Taylor (drums). The songs recorded that day became two albums, ‘All Mornin’ Long’ which was released in April 1958 and ‘Soul Junction’ which was the next release, in 1960. It features just five numbers, the first being the extensive title track (15:29), which allows all three soloists to truly shine, plus four standards (including two by Dizzy Gillespie).
It is said that it was Miles David who encouraged Red to play more like Ahmad Jamal, and he certainly has a wonderfully deft and light touch. It is wonderful that Craft and Concord are releasing new remasters of such important albums, as it hopefully will encourage new generation to discover music which provided such an important foundation for what came later. This album is now more than 60 years old, and was recorded more than 68 years back, yet it is still fresh and exciting, invigorating to the ears. Coltrane and Garand worked together with Miles, and it clearly shows, while Byrd had been with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers and they had all played with the greats of the time and on this recording, they are just letting rip. Still essential after all these years.
Rating: 9/10
Links:
https://craftrecordings.com/