Clark Terry - Clark Terry

Clark Terry is often seen as one of the "elder statesmen" of the bop movement. I can't argue with that. His records "In Orbit" and "Serenade To A Bus Seat" are untouchable. Perfect examples of their craft. But outside of that I have found very little Terry that has captured my attention. And lets face it, his signature tune "Mumbles" is little more than a novelty number.

Now lest you think I am bashing Mr. Terry let me tell you that he has appeared on many, many records that I dig immensely. When I had a chance to see him several years ago, in what basically amounted to a large meeting room at a local hotel, I jumped at the chance, and kick myself to this day for not sticking around after the show to meet the man personally.

I found this record while digging through the basement of an "antique shop" in Geneva, Il. many years ago. The list of records I found there would make many drool with envy, but I digress.

At the time I was snapping up anything that even sounded remotely African influenced. And so I came to own this awesome lp. Nothing like anything I had heard from Terry before. Much earlier and full of fire, this record still finds its way to the turntable far more than the "classics".

Of course the outstanding cast of characters supporting him on this lp doesn't hurt one bit. This is terry's first outing as a leader.

Clark Terry - self titled
1. Swahili
2. Double Play
3. Slow Boat
4. Co-op
5. Kitten
6. The Countess
7. Tuma
8. Chuckles

Clark Terry - trumpet
Horace Silver - piano
Oscar Pettiford - cello
Wendell Marshall - bass
Art Blakey - drums
Jimmy Cleveland - trombone
Cecil Payne - baritone sax

Recorded Jan 3-4, 1955

EmArcy MG- 36007

mono copy