Joe Venuti & Dave McKenna – Alone at the Palace (Chiaroscuro, 1977)

Joe Venuti (vn); Dave McKenna (p)

Recorded on April 27 - 28, 1977

This is a record that shows these two artists at their best.

Everything clicks perfectly into place, just so.

David S. Ware / Apogee – Birth of a Being (hat Hut/Aum Fidelity, 1979)

David S. Ware (ts); Cooper-Moore (p, ashimba); Marc Edwards (d)

Recorded on April 14 - 15, 1977

Brilliant, explosive, and beautiful.

Al Cohn & Jimmy Rowles – Heavy Love (Xanadu/Elemental, 1978)

Al Cohn (ts); Jimmy Rowles (p)

Recorded on March 15, 1977

Magnificent.  

Just listen.  No explanation needed.  

More to come from both of these masters later in the survey.

Buddy DeFranco – Like Someone in Love (Progressive, 1977)

Buddy DeFranco (cl); Tal Farlow (g); Derek Smith (p); George Duvivier (b); Ronnie Bedford (d)

Recorded on March 11, 1977

Originally released in Japan as Buddy DeFranco-Tal Farlow Quintet – The Great Encounter (Progressive, 1977).

Excellent straight-ahead jazz from the clarinet veteran, supported by a very strong cast.

DeFranco is an under-appreciated figure, I think.  He makes compelling music.

More Buddy DeFranco

I've enjoyed these DeFranco records from the 1970s too:

- Free Sail (Choice, 1974)

- Borinquin (Sonet, 1976)

- Waterbed (Choice, 1978) - with accordionist Gordie Fleming; reissued on CD as Lush Life

George Russell & the Swedish Radio Jazz Orchestra – Vertical Form VI (Soul Note, 1981)

George Russell (composer, asst cond); Carl Atkins (principal cond); Arne Domnérus (ss, as, cl); Ian Uling (ts, as, fl); Lennart Åberg (ts, as, ss, fl); Bernet Rosengren (ts, as, ss, fl); Erik Nilsson (bs, b cl, fl); Americo Bellotto (tr, flgn); Bertil Lövgren (tr, flgn); Håken Nyquist (tr, flgn, Fr hn); Jan Allan (tr, Fr hn); Ivar Olsen (Fr hn); Lars Olofsson (tb); Bengt Edvarsson (tb); Jörgen Johansson (tb); Sven Larsson (b tr, tu); Rune Gustafsson (g); Stefan Brolund (el b); Bronislav Suchanek (b); Lars-Urban Helje (b); Björn Lind (el p); Vlodek Gulgowski (syn, el p); Monica Dominique (celeste, org, el p, clavinet); Lars Beijbon (d); Leroy Lowe (d); Sabu Martinez (cga)

Recorded on March 10, 1977

Reissued as part of George Russell: The Complete Remastered Recordings on Black Saint & Soul Note in 2010.

George Russell is one of the few undeniably "important" figures in jazz whose primary role was that of a conceptualist and composer.  This LP reflects those preoccupations.  

To me, Russell's music is always worth a close listen -- if only because he approaches jazz from such a unique direction.

More George Russell

Recorded about a year after Vertical Form VI, Russell's New York Big Band (Soul Note, 1982) is another outstanding effort.

Billy Hart – Enchance (A&M Horizon, 1977)

Billy Hart (d); Dewey Redman (ts); Oliver Lake (as, fl); Eddie Henderson (tr); Hannibal Marvin Peterson [Hannibal Lokumbe] (tr, koto); Don Pullen (p); Buster Williams (b); Dave Holland (b); Thabo Michael Carvin (perc)

Recorded on February 24, 1977 and March 3, 1977

I was hipped to this great record by Ethan Iverson, whose jazz writings are compelling -- even when I don't come to the same conclusions -- because they're always informed by a love of the music.  (And his piano playing ain't half bad either.)  

But I loved Billy Hart's drumming long before I had the pleasure of hearing this LP.  In fact, Hart appears on more than 20 (!) recordings in my survey -- more than any other drummer.  That says a great deal about his musicality as well as his versatility.

Enchance is an opportunity to hear Hart focus on his own composition performed by an absolutely killer band.  Hart's music often takes less obvious routes to its destination, and that sly subtlety is very appealing.  It's a characteristic that extends from this LP -- Hart's first release as a leader -- right up to his current quartet with Iverson, Mark Turner, and Ben Street.

George Coleman - Tete Montoliu Duo – Meditation (Timeless/Timeless Muse, 1977)

George Coleman (ts); Tete Montoliu (p)

Recorded on February 22, 1977

Reissued on CD as Dynamic Duo (Timeless).

Totally satisfying duo performances from from "Big George" and the outstanding Catalan pianist.

Coleman was on a roll in the latter half of the 1970s.  We'll run into him again later in the survey.

Mal Waldron Quintet with Steve Lacy – One-Upmanship (Enja/Inner City, 1977)

Mal Waldron (p); Steve Lacy (ss); Manfred Schoof (tr); Jimmy Woode (b); Makaya Ntshoko (d)

Recorded on February 12, 1977 and May 8, 1978

Mal Waldron barely made a misstep during the 1970s, and all of his recordings for Enja are outstanding.  The quintet also features Steve Lacy, a long-standing musical partner with whom Waldron formed a special relationship.  Later, Waldron and Lacy would often perform as a duo.  But this recording features the pair with the powerful combination of trumpeter Manfred Schoof, bassist Jimmy Woode, and drummer Makaya Ntshoko.

One quick note: Be sure to get the CD version that Enja issued in 1998.  It includes three bonus tracks with this same ensemble; they were originally issued on the Enja album Moods. 

Barry Altschul – You Can't Name Your Own Tune (Muse/32 Jazz, 1977)

Barry Altschul (d, perc); Sam Rivers (ts, ss); George Lewis (tb); Muhal Richard Abrams (p); Dave Holland (b, vc)

Recorded on February 8 - 9, 1977

Drummer Barry Altschul spent much of the 1970s as the drummer in Anthony Braxton's quartet with Kenny Wheeler and Dave Holland.  (In fact, the title of this album is sly reference to Braxton's habit of naming compositions with geometric diagrams or other arcane descriptions.)  Altschul also performed with George Lewis when he replaced Kenny Wheeler in Braxton's quartet. Furthermore, Altshul often performed with Sam Rivers during the 70s. 

So, even though this is Altshcul's first record as the sole leader, it should come as no surprise that these musicians perform at an extremely high level -- with near telepathic levels of communication.

 

More Barry Altschul

The drummer made one more record for Muse in 1978, Another Time/Another Place. It's nearly as good as You Can't Name Your Own Tune and well worth tracking down.

Tommy Flanagan Trio – Eclypso (Enja/Inner City, 1977)

Tommy Flanagan (p); George Mraz (b); Elvin Jones (b)

Recorded on February 4, 1977

A tremendous piano trio performance by Tommy Flanagan, George Mraz, and Elvin Jones!

More Tommy Flanagan

Some other Flanagan favorites from the 1970s:
- Positive Intensity - with Ron Carter & Roy Haynes (CBS Japan); released as Trinity on Inner City in the U.S.
- The Super Jazz Trio - with Reggie Workman & Joe Chambers (Baystate/RCA France)
- Tommy Flanagan & Kenny Barron - Together (Denon)

Count Basie & Dizzy Gillespie – The Gifted Ones (Pablo, 1979)

Dizzy Gillespie (tr); Count Basie (p); Ray Brown (b); Mickey Roker (d)

Recorded on February 3, 1977

When fans talk about Dizzy's small-band recordings from the 1970s, the first one that gets mentioned is usually Dizzy Gillespie's Big 4.  No surprise there. It's a wonderful record. 

But I think album that Dizzy made with Count Basie is even more interesting.  The pairing works surprisingly well.  I don't understand why the record isn't held in higher esteem.  Maybe it just got lost in the shuffle.

Gary Peacock – Tales of Another (ECM, 1977)

Gary Peacock (b); Keith Jarrett (p); Jack DeJohnette (d)

Recorded on February 2, 1977

This band is of course the trio that would eventually come to be known as Keith Jarrett's "Standards Trio," since their performances -- after their first couple records -- focused on standards.  However, this LP was released under Gary Peacock's name, and all of the compositions are by the bassist. 

I've never quite gained a foothold on the "Standards Trio," despite the fact that the musicians are all giants.  For this listener, Jarrett's "American Quartet" has always been a much more compelling group.  

That said, I think this LP is exceptional.

Art Hodes – Tribute to the Greats (Delmark, 2001)

Art Hodes (p)

Recorded in 1976 and 1978

First, a quick note for those unfamiliar with this wonderful pianist:  His name is pronounced Ho-deez. It rhymes with roadies.

Unlike Mike Wofford in the previous post, Art Hodes' pianistic approach is firmly rooted in the soil of early jazz and blues.  But it's also vital and convincing music.  

Each of the performances on this disc are dedicated to legendary jazz figures with whom the compositions are associated.  So, for example, Hodes performs "Jackass Blues" in honor of King Oliver, "Struttin' with Some Barbeque" for Louis Armstrong, "Apex Blues" for Jimmy Noone, etc.

One oddity: These recordings were originally made for the tiny Euphonic Records label in 1976 and 1978.  But, aside from a handful of cuts, the music remained unreleased until Delmark issued this CD in 2001.  Hodes died in 1993.  Even so, I'm sure he would be pleased to know that this music is finally available.  It's more proof that the best and most personal music can transcend style and soar beyond the context in which it was originally created.

More Art Hodes

Hodes' I Remember Bessie is another disc of powerful performances compiled from the Euphonic Records archive.  Delmark issued it in 2013.

Mike Wofford – Scott Joplin: Interpretations '76 (Flying Dutchman, 1976)

Mike Wofford (p); Chuck Domanico (b); Shelly Manne (d)

Recorded in 1976

In the latter half of the 1970s, there was an increasing trend in jazz of taking greater stock in the past.  I suppose that impetus is at work in this album of Scott Joplin's compositions.  However, you'd be wrong to assume that Scott Joplin: Interpretations '76 is Wofford's attempt to recreate the musical past.  There's nothing remotely ragtime-y about this music.  In fact, I think only a musicologist or music historian would even recognize these compositions as Joplin's.  As he states in the album's liner notes, Wofford chose to use Joplin's music as a jumping off point for performing thoroughly modern jazz.

Half of the eight cuts are solo performances.  On the remaining four tracks, Wofford is supported by Chuck Domanico (b) and Shelly Manne (d).  Wofford performed in Manne's band for more than a decade (and Domanico was in Manne's band as well), so the group sounds as comfortable as a pair of well-worn shoes.

This album is a sleeper.  As far as I know, it's never been issued in any digital format.  But Wofford is an outstanding pianist.  I think any listeners who enjoy his pianism will be pleasantly surprised if they have an opportunity to discover this LP.  It may be off-the-beaten path, but it's also a joy to hear.

More Mike Wofford

If you'd like to hear more of Wofford's solo work, you might consider Afterthoughts (Discovery, 1978).  It's another very fine disc.

Clark Terry's Big B-A-D Band – Live! At Buddy's Place (Vanguard, 1976)

Clark Terry (tr, flgn); Dale Carley (tr); Greg Bobulinski (tr); Paul Cohen (tr); Richard Williams (tr); Eddie Bert (tb); Jimmy Wilkins (tb); Sonny Costanzo (tb); Jack Jeffers (tb, tu); Charles Davis (reeds); Chris Woods (reeds); Dr. Ronnie Oldrich (reeds); Ernie Wilkins (reeds, arr); Frank Wess (reeds); Ronnie Mathews (p); Victor Sproles (b); Ed Soph (d)

Recorded in 1976

Clark Terry is one of my favorite musicians, and practically ALL of his recordings have something to recommend them.  I went round and round trying to figure out which one to choose for this survey.

At the end of the day, I choose this big band recording.  From top to bottom, I think it's his most satisfying recording from the decade. (Or at least one of them.) 

This ensemble was called the Big B-A-D Band for a reason.  Check out the line-up of musicians.  Frank Wess.  Chris Woods.  Ernie Wilkins.  Charles Davis.  Richard Williams.  Ronnie Mathews.  Victor Sproles.  And CT, of course.  

This recording captures them in full flight.

More Clark Terry

A few more of the many enjoyable albums that Terry led (or co-led) during the 1970s:

- Clark Terry and His Jolly Giants (Vanguard, 1975)
- Clark Terry's Big-B-A-D-Band Live at the Wichita Jazz Festival 1974 (Vanguard, 1975)
- Oscar Peterson & Clark Terry (Pablo, 1975)
- Wham: Live at The Jazzhouse (MPS, 1976)
- The Globetrotter (Vanguard, 1977)
- Summit Meeting (Vanguard, 1977); co-led with Elvin Jones, James Moody, a.o.
- Clark After Dark: The Ballad Artistry of Clark Terry (MPS, 1978); with Peter Herbolzheimer's big band
- Intimate Stories (Challenge, rec. 1978, rel. 1998)
- Funk Dumplin's (Matrix, 1979)

Bucky Pizzarelli & Bud Freeman – Buck & Bud (Flying Dutchman, 1976)

Bucky Pizzarelli (g); Bud Freeman (ts); Hank Jones (p); Bob Haggart (b); Ronnie Traxler (d)

Recorded in 1976

I suppose it's not surprising that this LP has overlooked.  Neither Pizzarelli nor Freeman are especially "sexy" names.  

But it really is a special recording!

Take my word on this one.  Find the LP.  You won't regret it.

Carmen McRae – At the Great American Music Hall (Blue Note, 1977)

Carmen McRae (vo, p); Dizzy Gillespie (tr); Marshall Otwell (p); Ed Bennett (b); Joey Baron (d, perc)

Recorded in 1976

Carmen McRae was and is one of THE great singers in jazz.  She should be far more well-known -- as should this record, which is one of her very best.

More Carmen McRae
For more Carmen in the 1970s, you might consider seeking out:

- The Great American Songbook (Atlantic, 1972)
- It Takes a Whole Lot of Human Feeling (Groove Merchant, 1973)
- As Time Goes By: Carmen McRae Alone - Live at The Dug ‎(Victor Japan/Catalyst, 1974)
- Ms. Jazz (Groove Merchant, 1974)

Richie Kamuca Quartet – Richie (Concord)

Richie Kamuca (ts, vo); Mundell Lowe (g); Monty Budwig (b); Nick Ceroli (d)

Recorded in 1976

Originally issued as Richard Kamuca Quartet 1976 on the short-lived Jazzz label

This is an exquisite recording of small-group jazz.

Neither this LP nor the two subsequent LPs that Kamuca made for Concord have ever been reissued in any digital format.  That's a pity because more people should hear this music.

Yet another good reason to keep your turntable spinning!

Kamuca's other two records for Concord:

- Drop Me Off In Harlem ‎(1977)
- Richie Kamuca's Charlie (1979)

Irakere – Grupo Irakere (Areito, 1976)

Chucho Valdés (p); Arturo Sandoval (tr); Jorge Varona (tr), Paquito d'Rivera (as); Carlos Averoff (ts, fl); Carlos Emilio Morales (g); Carlos del Puerto (b, el-b); Enrique Plá (d); Jorge “El Niño” Alfonso (cga); Armando Cuervo (perc, vo); Oscar Valdés (perc, vo)

Recorded in 1976

Reissued as JazzCuba, Vol. 5: Irakere by Rumor Records in 2007 (with two bonus tracks).

Irakere made a huge splash outside of their native Cuba in the late-70s, releasing two explosive and wonderful LPs for Columbia Records.  

But I think their most powerful statement came on the LP simply titled Grupo Irakere, which they made in Cuba before their worldwide breakout.

More Irakere
For more of Irakere in the 1970s when the band still featured their three most famous soloists, Chucho Valdés, Arturo Sandoval, and Pacquito D'Rivera:

- Irakere (self-titled) (Columbia/Areito, 1978)
- Chekeré Son (JVC/Milestone, 1979)
- 2 (Columbia/Areito, 1979)

Graciela y Mario - La Botánica (Lamp/Coco, 1976)

Graciela (vo); Mario Bauzá (as, tr); Victor Paz (tr, fghn); Charlie Camilleri (tr, fghn); Mario Rivera (bs, fl); Lolly Bienenfeld (tb); Alfredito Valdés (p); Guillermo Edgehill (b); Joe Santiago (b, 1 trk only); Papo Pepin (bgo, tim); Rolando Diaz (cga, perc); Osvaldo "Chihuahua" Martinez (guiro); Cristina Mosquera (vo); Nancy Rodriguez (vo); Marcelino Morales (vo)

Recorded in 1976

Amazing Latin jazz!

Graciela Pérez-Gutiérrez and Mario Bauzá spent many years in Machito's orchestra.  Graciela was the primary singer with Machito, and Bauza served as the orchestra's Musical Director.  

The pair made this terrific record shortly after leaving Machito.

Sam Most - Flute Flight (Xanadu, 1977)

Sam Most (fl, cl); Lou Levy (p); Monty Budwig (b); Donald Bailey (d)

Recorded on December 28, 1976

Beginning in the 1950s, Sam Most was one of the first jazz musicians to focus primarily on the flute. 

In the late 1970s, he made several excellent recordings for Xanadu.  Flute Flight is the one that I like best.

Other Most recordings from this period include:

- Mostly Flute (Xanadu, 1976)
- But Beautiful (Catalyst, 1976)
- Flute Talk - with Joe Farrell (Xanadu, 1979)
- From the Attic of My Mind album (Xanadu, 1980)

Randy Weston - Vishnu Wood Duo – Perspective (Denon, 1977)

Randy Weston (p); Vishnu Wood (b)

December 14, 1976

I could listen to Randy Weston all day ... and I often do!  This duo session with bassist Vishnu Wood is a consummate example of Weston's artistry.

More Randy Weston

In addition to the solo piano disc Blues to Africa (Freedom, 1975), covered earlier in this survey, here are some more Randy Weston recordings from the 1970s that I have given me much enjoyment:

- Blue Moses (CTI, 1972) 

- Tanjah (Polydor, 1973)

- Carnival (Freedom, 1974)

- African Nite (Owl/Sunnyside, 1975)

- Randy Weston Meets Himself (PAUSA, 1976)

Hal Galper Quintet – Reach Out! (SteepleChase/Inner City, 1977)

Hal Galper (p); Randy Brecker (tr); Michael Brecker (ts, fl); Wayne Dockery (b); Billy Hart (d)

Recorded on November 11, 1976 

Another outstanding straight-ahead session on SteepleChase!  

Hal Galper made a series of excellent recordings in the latter half of the decade.  

It's fun to hear Michael and Randy Brecker in this context, and the whole band cooks.

More Hal Galper

Three of Galper's recordings, made around the same time as this SteepleChase disc, are also easy to recommend:

- Now Hear This (Enja, 1977) with Terumasa Hino, Cecil McBee & Tony Williams

- Redux '78 (Concord, 1991) with the Brecker Brothers, Wayne Dockery & Bob Moses

- Speak with a Single Voice (Enja, 1979) with the same group heard on Redux '78

Jimmy Knepper Quintet – Cunningbird (SteepleChase, 1977)

Jimmy Knepper (tb); Al Cohn (ts); Roland Hanna (p); George Mraz (b); Dannie Richmond (d)

Recorded on November 8, 1976

Given the fact that Jim Knepper, Roland Hanna, and Dannie Richmond all worked in various bands led by Charles Mingus, it's not surprising that the music on Cunningbird bears the influenced of their former boss. 

Al Cohn's tenor work was at its peak in the second half of the Seventies.  Along with Knepper's distinctive trombone sound, they make a formidable front line.  Plus, it's harder to imagine a more sympathetic rhythm section.  Hearing Roland Hanna paired with George Mraz is always a pleasure.

Everything comes together perfectly on this SteepleChase session, making it one of of the finest straight-ahead sessions of the decade.

Albert Mangelsdorff, Jaco Pastorius, Alphonse Mouzon – Trilogue: Live! (MPS, 1977)

Albert Mangelsdorff (tb); Jaco Pastorius (el b); Alphonse Mouzon (d)

Recorded on November 6, 1976

Reissued as part of the 2-CD set Three Originals (MPS, 1993), paired with The Wide Point and Albert Live in Montreux

An amazing concert performance by three virtuosos.  But it's not the chops-fest that you might expect.  Surprisingly subtle and creative music.

Arild Andersen – Shimri (ECM, 1977)

Arild Andersen (b); Juhani Aaltonen (ts, ss, fl, perc); Lars Jansson (p); Pål Thowsen (d, perc)

Recorded in October 1976

Reissued as part of Blue in Green: Early Quartets (ECM, 2010)

Persuasive European jazz led by Norweigan bassist Arild Andersen his group of fellow Scandinavians.  

The sound and their music is characteristically "ECM" -- in the best sense of the word.

Anthony Braxton – Dortmund (Quartet) 1976 (hatART, 1991)

Anthony Braxton (sss, as, cbsx, cl, e-flat cl, cb cl); George Lewis (tb); Dave Holland (b); Barry Altschul (d, perc)

Recorded on October 31, 1976

Recorded shortly after George Lewis joined Braxton's group, this music captures the band performing an incredible concert.  

For a many reasons, Braxton's protean music can present formidable barriers to those who are unfamiliar with it.  Braxton and his music are truly singular.  But his music can also be incredibly rewarding as you make your way "inside" it. 

For anyone who's looking for more insight into Braxton's musical goals and intentions, I would also strongly recommend Graham Lock's book Forces in Motion: Anthony Braxton and the Meta-reality of Creative Music, recently re-published by Dover.  It's an extremely persuasive work of advocacy, providing insights into both the man and his music.  Honestly, I would even recommend it to listeners who aren't even particularly drawn to Braxton's music.  It's a fascinating portrait of a musical artist at work.

More Anthony Braxton

Since Braxton recorded so prolifically during the 1970s, I've only heard a fraction of his records.  Regardless, here are a few more that I've particularly enjoyed:

- New York, Fall 1974 (Arista)

- The Montreux/Berlin Concerts (Arista)

- Five Pieces 1975 (Arista)

- Creative Orchestra Music 1976 (Arista)

- Creative Orchestra (Köln) 1978 (hatART)

There's more Braxton to come later in my survey -- as a co-leader -- as well.

Don Pullen – Healing Force (Black Saint, 1976)

Don Pullen (p)

Recorded on October 23, 1976

Reissued as part of Don Pullen: The Complete Remastered Recordings on Black Saint & Soul Note (2012).

From this listener's point of view, among Don Pullen's most impressive recordings are the two solo piano discs he made for Black Saint, Healing Force and Evidence of Things Unseen (1984). 

The music on the Healing Force is vital, soulful, and personal.  It ranges from quietly inward to pounding, Taylor-esque dissonances.

Jim McNeely Quintet – Rain's Dance (SteepleChase, 1978)

Jim McNeely (p, el p); Larry Schneider (ts, ss); Mike Richmond (b); Bob Merigliano (d); Sam Jacobs (perc)

Recorded on October 4 & 6, 1976

Over the years, McNeely has become most well-known for his big band work, leading various European ensembles.  But this set is an outstanding example of his work with a small unit.  Strong playing and strong compositions.

Cal Tjader – Guarabe (Fantasy, 1977)

Cal Tjader (vib, mar); Bob Redfield (g); Clare Fischer (p, el p); Bob Fisher (b, el b); Pete Riso (d); Poncho Sanchez (cga, perc); Carmelo Garcia (tim)

Recorded in September 1976

Reissued as part of the CD Here and There (Fantasy, 1996)

Contributions from band members Clare Fischer and Poncho Sanchez make this Cal Tjader set one of his strongest of the decade.

More Cal Tjader

Listeners may associate Tjader with his earlier records from the 1950s and 60s, but his music from the 1970s represents an incredibly strong body of work.  Along with Guarabe, I have enjoyed every one of these:

• Tjader (Fantasy, 1970)
• Agua Dulce (Fantasy, 1971)
• Descarga (Fantasy, 1971)
• Live at the Funky Quarters (Fantasy, 1972)
• Primo (Fantasy, 1973) - with Tito Puente and Charlie Palmieri 
• Puttin' It Together (Fantasy, 1973)
• Amazonas (Fantasy, 1975)
• Last Night When We Were Young (Fantasy, 1975) - with strings arranged by Frank Strazzeri
• Grace Cathedral Concert (Fantasy, 1976)
• Here (Galaxy, 1977)
• Cuban Fantasy (Fantasy, 2003; live recordings from same '77 concert heard on Here)
• Breathe Easy (Galaxy, 1977)
• Huracán (Crystal Clear, 1978; reissued on LaserLight Digital)

Enrico Pieranunzi – The Day After the Silence (Edi-Pan/Alfa Music, 1976)

Enrico Pieranunzi (p)

Recorded on September 8 - 9, 1976

Pieranunzi is one of the most interesting pianists to emerge in Europe during the 1970s.  This early solo set demonstrates many of his strengths.

Al Grey – Struttin' and Shoutin' (Columbia, 1983)

Al Grey (tb); Jimmy Forrest (ts); Cecil Payne (bs);  Ernie Wilkins (ss, 1 track only); Waymon Reed (tr); Danny Moore (tr); Jack Jeffers (b tb); Ray Bryant (p); Milt Hinton (b); Bobby Durham (d)

Recorded on August 30, 1976

This LP sat on the shelf for several years before it was released in 1983.  But the delay is no indication of the quality of the music.  Don't pass this by.  It's powerful stuff!