The Art Ellefson Trio

Art Ellefson was a Canadian jazz musician who was known for playing tenor saxophone. Although he spent much of his early career outside Canada (primarily England), he returned to his home country in 1974. During this time he seems to have based primarily in the Toronto area, and performed with several well known jazz musicians. This was the first recording released under his name. 

"The Art Ellefson Trio" was recorded in 1981 in Toronto and released by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation on its record label. The record featured Art on tenor, accompanied by Dave Young on bass and Peter Leitch on guitar. Usually, this type of recording would feature a drummer (making the group a quartet), but in this case, the lack of drummer is certainly not missed. The album swings throughout, and without drums, the bass is more prominent, and when Peter is playing rhythm, you can hear the guitar. At this point I would be remiss in not pointing out that the sound on this record while adequate, is certainly nothing to write home about. There is a lack of depth in the sound, and Peter's guitar is a little too far back in the mix when he isn't soloing. The actual performances though are well worth listening to, with the renditions of Willow Weep For Me and St. Thomas being two of my favourites. Art has a classic tone, certainly reminiscent of the more prominent tenor men of the 1950's. This is the type of jazz that isn't breaking any boundaries, but if you like a style that harkens back to the golden age of decades ago, this will be your cup of tea. 

 Ruby Braff with the Ed Bickert Trio

Featuring Don Thompson and Terry Clarke

Reuben "Ruby" Braff was born on March 16, 1927 (almost 100 tears ago!) and was a renowned jazz trumpeter and cornetist. Unlike many other brass players of his generation, he was not influenced by the be-bop movement, but rather the idiom based on the playing of Louis Armstrong and Bix Beiderbecke. He had a lengthy and distinguished musical career, recording both as a leader and a sideman with many different artists.

This particular album was recorded at Puget Sound in Toronto by Bill Smith and Don Thompson on June 14, 1979.  It was released on the Sackville Records, a small Toronto label that specialized in jazz. Supporting Ruby were Ed Bickert on guitar, Don Thompson on bass and Terry Clarke on drums. All of these three gentlemen were first call studio and club musicians, well known in the jazz community.

According to the liner notes (written by John Norris), "This recording grew out of a chance association with guitarist Ed Bickert at Toronto's Bourbon Street (a well-known jazz club). On a previous occasion at the sam club Ruby had been less than happy with an ever-changing succession of pianists." At some point Ruby and Ed joined forces, and as John relates "With Ed Bickert he established a warm musical communication almost instantly. Braff, the melodist, and Bickert the master craftsman of harmony, created music that seemed to be of one mind".  

Ruby chose all of the songs to be recorded during this session. They are all jazz "standards", some perhaps better know than others. The quality of the recording is excellent; it is one of this records where the listener feels he or she is in the control room with the recording engineer. The balance between the instruments is perfect, with a quiet intensity that never overwhelms the listener, but breaths life into all of the songs. Although this is Ruby's record, Ed gets equal billing when it comes to the solos. Don also has plenty of room when he steps out, and when it is his turn, Terry acquits himself admirably. I can't peak highly enough of how the rhythm is absolutely hand-in-glove; their years of performing together in the recording studio and on stage has enabled an almost telepathic level of musical communication. An album I would have no hesitation in recommending for fans of the older style of jazz.