Name: Jazz Station Runaway
Brand: TCB Records
SKU: 1458253
Price: 29 USD
Availability: InStock

Performer Notes

Personnel: Jerome Richardson (saxophone); Howard Aiden (guitar); Dennis Mackrel (drums); Frank Colon (percussion).
Audio Mixer: Roy Clark.
Recording information: Chung King Studios, New York, NY (06/1996-02/1997); Electric Lady Studios, New York, NY (06/1996-02/1997).
Unknown Contributor Roles: David Hazeltine; George Mraz ; Lewis Nash ; Russell Malone.
Jerome Richardson, a valuable reed player since the mid-'50s, has been on a countless number of recordings, often in an anonymous or barely featured role. He has led very few record sessions of his own throughout his career, yet has long been a talented soloist on alto, tenor, flute, and soprano. In 1996, when he had the opportunity to lead a date, Richardson made the most of the opportunity. Although the music is mostly straightforward, no-nonsense bebop, eight of the numbers are Richardson's; the others are Dizzy Reece's midtempo blues "Con Man" and a pair of Duke Ellington ballads ("Warm Valley" and "In a Sentimental Mood"). Of the originals, only "Groove Merchant" (easily Richardson's best-known song) has been around a while. The newly composed pieces each have catchy and hummable melodies, along with viable chord changes. Pianist David Hazeltine, who sometimes plays in more modern settings, comes across here as a classic bebop player in the style of Barry Harris. The rhythm section includes bassist George Mraz and either Lewis Nash or Dennis Mackrel on drums; they swing supportively under the occasional solos from either Russell Malone or Howard Alden on guitar. Richardson is mostly heard on alto but also playing a bit of soprano and flute; whether jamming bop, putting plenty of warmth into "Warm Valley," or interacting with the rhythm section, he has rarely sounded better. ~ Scott Yanow

Professional Reviews

Down Beat (4/98, p.53) - 3 1/2 stars (out of 5) - "...as a soloist, Richardson comes out of Bird, with references to Cannonball and Johnny Hodges and a vertical, skippitty-hoppetiness all his own."

Album: Jazz Station Runaway
#	Song Title	Time
1)	Jazz Station Runaway
2)	Lady Rowena
3)	Midnite Strut
4)	Warm Valley
5)	Con Man
6)	Autumn Lites
7)	Freedom & Salvation
8)	Nouveau You Know
9)	Gumbo Robo
10)	In a Sentimental Mood
11)	Groove Merchant

Album: Jazz Station Runaway
#	Song Title	Time
1)	Jazz Station Runaway
2)	Lady Rowena
3)	Midnite Strut
4)	Warm Valley
5)	Con Man
6)	Autumn Lites
7)	Freedom & Salvation
8)	Nouveau You Know
9)	Gumbo Robo
10)	In a Sentimental Mood
11)	Groove Merchant