About this Artist

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Editorial Reviews

Philly Joe Jones is featured in a Collectables compilation of two separate dates originally recorded for Atlantic. The first session, Philly Joe's Beat, is an exciting hard bop date with tenor saxophonist Bill Barron, pianist Walter Davis, Jr., cornetist Michael Downs, and bassist Paul Chambers. In addition to rousing renditions of favorites such as "Salt Peanuts," "Two Bass Hit," and "Dear Old Stockholm," a less familiar work by bassist Jimmy Garrison ("Lori," which highlights Jones' skills with brushes) and an original by the leader (the snappy "Got to Take Another Chance") are equally rewarding. This very enjoyable date is full of potent solos by each musician. One puzzling error is that the time shown on this reissue for each of the seven selections is incorrect. The sloppy packaging by Collectables also gives the impression that one is being denied several tracks from the meeting of Jones with fellow drummer Elvin Jones (no relation), originally released as Philly Joe Jones & Elvin Jones Together! From the back tray card it looks as if the three tracks feature only a bit over 14 minutes of music from the LP, whereas the timings are actually longer than shown for all three pieces (with an actual total of almost 33 minutes); the timing of "Brown Sugar," the last song, is off by almost ten minutes. The two percussionists complement one another very well, with a great band including Hank Mobley, Blue Mitchell, Curtis Fuller, Wynton Kelly, and Paul Chambers. Of course, both drummers are the primary soloists, though there are worthwhile contributions by the sidemen as well. Ken Dryden, All Music Guide

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