Thank you for this review. I have a CD reissue from 1992. It has a bonus track, "The Fuzz," a Jaspar composition. I am a George Wallington completist and that's why I bought it. Wallington added greatness to everything he touched. Sadly, 1957 marked the end of his recorded output until he reemerged in 1984. His composition Before Dawn is simply beautiful and this is perhaps the nicest recording of it. Was not familiar with Jaspar when I bought the album, but I really enjoyed his playing and would like to explore more. Thank you for highlighting this obscure gem.
Nice review, I'll have to give it a listen at some point for a Bobby Jaspar reevaluation. Sounds like he really paid his dues and things eventually worked out nicely for him. I used to have an original copy of Flute Soufflé with Jaspar and Herbie Mann, which was good and had a great lineup but the music itself was just a touch on the old-fashioned side for my ears. Eventually ended up trading it and a couple others in for a '68 reissue of Lee Morgan's Cornbread
I really enjoyed this episode and in fact I enjoy them all TBH. One of my favourites for sure Is Mr Jaspar. I have this lp on the French carrere imprint from the mid 70's and it is surprisingly great sounding. A great record as is all of Bobby Jaspar's catalogue IMHO. I also have the SAM records Chet Baker Barclay re-issues that feature Bobby too. Also great records. There is also the Prestige Flute Souffle with Herbie Mann. Great too. It was a real treat to get some well researched background on Bobby as well but of course that is to be expected. I was pleased to hear in your recent episode about your ideas for new content. I was concerned after the recent episode drought that maybe things were cooling off but my fears were ill founded it transpired. Keep up the great work and crate digging which should include looking for some early Atlantic jazz from the 1200 series. Jimmy Giuffre has some excellent work here. All the best.
Thanks very much Andrew. Yes, there are some gems in the Atlantic catalogue - just picked up Dick Katz’ Piano & Pen which I enjoy. And I continue to seek out Bobby J’s stuff. Terribly underrated which is not all bad as it keeps the price down!
A wonderful player, and a well-deserved spotlight on this particular LP. I've been avidly listening to some of the great re-issues coming out of Sam Records in Paris, and of course Jaspar figures on some of the best of them. Thanks, Allan.
Allan - in this way, I'll never manage downsize my jazz collection: A Near Mint 1976 Japanese reissue landed here today... But since the music is great and the sound quality superb, I'll forgive you for making another interesting review. Thanks - again 😇
