John Gamba / Claude Williamson – Mr. Counterpoint + the Fabulous Claude Williamson Trio (2024 Remastered) (2024)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/44,1 kHz | Time – 55:33 minutes | 541 MB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Fresh Sound Records
Mr. Counterpoint
This album took its title from a club in West Orange, N.J., called Counterpoint. The club was owned by pianist John Gamba, making him one of the few jazz musicians to become a club owner. A skilled technician, the pianist managed to infuse his performances with a good deal of unexpected fire. Indeed, there were moments on “Words,” “Yesterdays,” and “Leaves” that sharply suggested the legendary Eddie Costa. Gamba had the strong percussive approach to his instrument that was a hallmark of Costa and displayed a similar concept of time. Don Cinderella kept tightly in the rhythm section and proved to be a sensitive and imaginative soloist of some measure in “Leaves,” “Things,” and “Words.” Paul Motian, Bill Evans’ drummer for the previous three years, made his presence decidedly felt in the group’s sound, and his secondary playing was very sensitive and musical, adding color and depth to John Gamba’s honest and swinging piano playing.
Claude Williamson – ‘Round Midnight (Remastered 2014) (1956/2014)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 38:10 minutes | 592 MB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Bethlehem Records
Bop pianist Claude Williamson takes on the standards on this 1956 session, recorded in Los Angeles, which included Red Mitchell on bass and Mel Lewis on drums. The highlight of the album is the often-covered title track by Thelonious Monk; Williamson’s work at the keyboard seems to channel Monk on this song.
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Claude Williamson – Claude Williamson (1956/2014)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 37:58 minutes | 412 MB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Bethlehem Records
American jazz pianist Claude Williamson, although born in Vermont, moved to California early in his career and worked with West Coast jazz heavyweights Art Pepper, Max Roach, Bud Shank and Stan Levey. Williamson also spent a portion of his career in television, starting in the late 1960s, including stints with both The Andy Williams Show and Sonny and Cher. On this 1956 release, a mix of Williamson originals and standards, the pianist is backed by bassist Don Prell and drummer Chuck Flores.
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