Arnett Cobb – Arnett Cobb Is Back (Progressive, 1979)

Arnett Cobb (ts); Derek Smith (p); George Mraz (b); Billy Hart (d)

Recorded on June 27, 1978

Arnett Cobb first made a splash with Lionel Hampton's orchestra.  In 1942, he replaced Illinois Jacquet in Hampton's band and became the second Texas Tenor associated with the hit "Flying Home."  After leaving Hampton in 1947, he led his own small units, recording frequently until 1960.

This 1978 LP is titled Arnett Cobb is Back because it ended an 18-year recording drought -- at least for U.S.-based labels.  American listeners were likely unaware that Cobb had begun making a series of excellent recordings, both as a leader and sideman, for the French Black & Blue label in the early-70s.  Recorded in 1974 and 1976, The Wild Man from Texas (Black & Blue, 1977) is especially notable.  The LP's title was one of Cobb's nicknames, based on his uninhibited and extroverted playing style.  The U.S.-based Classic Jazz label licensed the recording and released it in the U.S. in 1978.

In fact, 1978 seems to mark a burst of activity for Cobb, at least from a recording point of view.  After recording this exemplary Progressive disc, just two months later Cobb recorded two excellent LPs for Muse: Live at Sandy's (rel. 1979) and More Live at Sandy's (rel. 1983).

All of these albums represent Cobb at his late-career best.