Takin' Off

by Sir Charles Thompson

Overview

Pianist Sir Charles Thompson's first three sessions as a leader (all originally cut for Apollo) are reissued in full on this valuable Delmark CD. Actually, as good as Thompson plays (his main influence was always Count Basie), it is not surprising that he is often overshadowed by his all-star sidemen. The first date (four titles) finds him heading a septet that also includes altoist Charlie Parker, trumpeter Buck Clayton, and tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon. Thompson is also featured in a septet with trumpeter Joe Newman and baritonist Leo Parker that resulted in four songs and three alternate takes, plus a ten-piece group with both Newman and Taft Jordan on trumpets and altoist Pete Brown. This CD not only has the original two titles from the latter date, but two previously unissued songs and a pair of alternates. With the exception of Charlie Parker and Dexter Gordon, the music is generally swing-oriented with basic originals and concise (but colorful) solos. Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow

Product Details

Release Date:	09/18/1993
Label:	Delmark
UPC:	0038153045029
Rank:	119621

Tracks

1. Takin' Off
2. If I Had You
3. 20th Century Blues
4. Street Beat
5. Tunis In
6. Strange Hours
7. Rhythm Itch
8. Mad Lad
9. Benson Alley
10. Sir Charles' Boogie
11. Harlem Jump
12. Mr. Big Horn
13. Benson Alley
14. Strange Hours
15. Rhythm Itch
16. Harlem Jump
17. Mad Lad

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Sir Charles Thompson   Primary Artist,Piano
Pete Brown   Sax (Alto)
Bob Dorsey   Sax (Tenor)
J.C. Heard   Drums
Taft Jordan   Trumpet
Jimmy Butts   Bass
Leo Parker   Sax (Baritone)
Hank Morton   Guitar
Herman Burell Mitchell   Tuba
Tate Houston   Sax (Baritone)
Shadow Wilson   Drums
Freddie Green   Guitar
Joe Newman   Trumpet
Dexter Gordon   Sax (Tenor)
Charlie Parker   Sax (Alto)
John Simmons   Bass
Buck Clayton   Trumpet
Danny Barker   Guitar
HB Mitchell   Trombone

Technical Credits

Jimmy Campbell   Composer
Leonard Bukowski   Liner Notes
Paul Underwood   Process Engineering
Sir Charles Thompson   Composer
Charles B. Nadell   Photography
Ted Shapiro   Composer
Steve Wagner   Producer
Jack Towers   Transfers
Benny Davis   Composer
Robert G. Koester   Producer
Reginald Connelly   Composer
Randy Kling   Digital Pre-Mastering
Dave Jones   Quality Control
Al Brandtner   Package Design