Curtis Peagler & The Modern Jazz Disciples • Disciples Blues

 

Review by Ken Dryden
The Modern Jazz Disciples weren't a group for very long; 14 of the 15 masters they recorded for Prestige between 1959 and 1960 are present on this compilation of their only two releases. Praised by Cannonball Adderley and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis (the latter who helped get them their record deal), this fine quintet deserved a better fate. Leader Curtis Peagler is a Charlie Parker-influenced alto saxophonist, while the other major soloist, William "Hicky" Kelley, plays the rarely heard normaphone, a sort of valve trombone built shaped somewhat like an alto sax. Both men are strong soloists and also engage in some sensitive interplay on occasion. A snappy take of "After You've Gone" serves as a solid opener, while their arrangement of "My Funny Valentine" initially seems somewhat influenced by Gerry Mulligan's famous chart for his quartet with Chet Baker, but Peagler quickly finds his own sound. Pianist Wiliam "Billy" Brown is prominently featured on Peagler's soulful "Disciples Blues." The only real complaint with this CD is its omission of "Autumn Serenade" (from their second and final LP, Right Down Front), which will no doubt cause serious bop collectors to search extensively for the original album as well.

 

///////

 

Review by Ken Dryden
The Modern Jazz Disciples weren't a group for very long; 14 of the 15 masters they recorded for Prestige between 1959 and 1960 are present on this compilation of their only two releases. Praised by Cannonball Adderley and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis (the latter who helped get them their record deal), this fine quintet deserved a better fate. Leader Curtis Peagler is a Charlie Parker-influenced alto saxophonist, while the other major soloist, William "Hicky" Kelley, plays the rarely heard normaphone, a sort of valve trombone built shaped somewhat like an alto sax. Both men are strong soloists and also engage in some sensitive interplay on occasion. A snappy take of "After You've Gone" serves as a solid opener, while their arrangement of "My Funny Valentine" initially seems somewhat influenced by Gerry Mulligan's famous chart for his quartet with Chet Baker, but Peagler quickly finds his own sound. Pianist Wiliam "Billy" Brown is prominently featured on Peagler's soulful "Disciples Blues." The only real complaint with this CD is its omission of "Autumn Serenade" (from their second and final LP, Right Down Front), which will no doubt cause serious bop collectors to search extensively for the original album as well.

The Modern Jazz Disciples • The Modern Jazz Disciples + Right Down Front

The Modern Jazz Disciples was a group that offered a refreshing and unpretentious hard bop with deep, warm roots, performed with wit and taste. The crisp, wellblended ensembles were the platform for some superb improvising by the horn men, both of whom were exceptional soloists. Curtis Peagler was an effervescent altoist in the Parker-Stitt-Adderley mould, and his work here is outstanding for its heat and joy. The inclusion of William Kelley on normaphonea valve trombone in the shape of an alto saxophoneand euphoniuma kind of French horn, added body to the sound. Playing in a coolly understated, linear, easy-swinging way, he complemented Peaglers more dominant, coruscating manner. Pianist William Brown contributed some interesting solos, full of intensity, while Lee Tuckers propulsive bass and drummers Wilbur 'Slim' Jackson or Ron McCurdy, are well integrated and non-obtrusive, completed a solid and exciting rhythm section.

The Modern Jazz Disciples werent together for very long and this compilation gathers together the only two albums they recorded for Prestige between 1959 and 1960.

///////

Los Discípulos del Jazz Moderno era un grupo que ofrecía un refrescante y sin pretensiones hard bop de raíces profundas y cálidas, interpretado con ingenio y gusto. Los conjuntos, bien mezclados, eran la plataforma para una magnífica improvisación de los trompetistas, que eran solistas excepcionales. Curtis Peagler era un altoista efervescente en el molde Parker-Stitt-Adderley, y su trabajo aquí es excepcional por su calor y alegría. La inclusión de William Kelley en el trombón de válvula normafónica en forma de saxofón alto y eufonio, una especie de trompa francesa, añadió cuerpo al sonido. Tocando de una manera fría, lineal y de fácil balanceo, complementó los Peaglers de una manera más dominante y coruscante. El pianista William Brown contribuyó con algunos solos interesantes, llenos de intensidad, mientras que el bajo propulsor de Lee Tuckers y los bateristas Wilbur 'Slim' Jackson o Ron McCurdy, están bien integrados y no son molestos, completaron una sólida y excitante sección rítmica.

Los Discípulos del Jazz Moderno no estuvieron juntos durante mucho tiempo y esta compilación reúne los dos únicos álbumes que grabaron para Prestige entre 1959 y 1960.