Blues in the Closet: Treatment of the Blues

Two versions of Oscar's Pettiford's Blues in the Closet. Jim Hall is not really know for his blues playing. On this version he never moves that far away from the tune but takes a few tips from his ex boss, Sonny Rollins, and deconstructs it in various interesting ways. It's Jim at his best - spontaneous, thoughtful and witty. Attila Zoller, not exactly a conventional player himself, also plays with a lot of freedom, spinning some really interesting, swinging, bluesy lines lines. I'm impressed that both players can play so freely in front of TV cameras, but then they have a wonderful rhythm section to support them - Red Mitchell on bass and a very familiar-looking drummer (Daniel Humair I think). If only there was a jazz version of Later with Jools Holland . . .



I like the Bud version of the tune too. It's played quite slowly but is beautifully ornamented and quite Monk-ish in places.

Live Recording: Oscar Pettiford's Blues in The Closet

A duo piece with myself and Keith Baxter (Fender bass) recorded on a gig with Ela Southgate (vocals) at the Round Georges in November 2009. The quality of the recording is terrible and features accompanying toe-tapping from my right foot, placed rather too close to the mic.