Little Johnny C (180g) [LP]

Johnny Coles was not only small in stature, but was never to become a real celebrity. Although he toured for years as a sideman with jazz greats, he was never destined for a real breakthrough as a leader, and even this album under his name may be attributed equally to arranger and pianist Duke Pearson. Nevertheless, it is a fantastic album on which little Johnny may show that Miles Davis was just not the measure of all things when it came to play soulful.

In addition to Johnny Cole on trumpet, Leo Wright plays alto saxophone and flute, Joe Henderson on tenor saxophone, Duke Pearson on piano, Bob Crenshaw on bass, and Walter Perkins and Pete LaRoca on drums. The result is an exciting melange of obscure material and catchy tunes.

Although trumpeter Johnny Coles played on albums by Blue Note stars Herbie Hancock and Grant Green in the 1960s, he only recorded one album under his own name for the label: "Little Johnny C". But this album had it all! Because Coles could be heard here with original original compositions and in the interplay with some of the most progressive musicians of that time.