I'm Springing Ahead this morning with a queue of Duke Pearson LPs at the ready, with thanks to your prompt. Pearson is woefully overlooked as an arranger. 'Wonderful to hear this talent exemplified as his recording ensembles became larger over time, giving him multiple wind voices to work with. He's no slouch as a writer either. I personally love how he modulates between Latin and Swing styles within a given composition. (And let us also bow our heads in remembrance of the long lost art of the A&R role in the music business. Would that we could have it back.) 'Much appreciate your fine presentation of the artist's bio, as always, Allan. Thanks.
Looking at his discography, Pearson's got some insanely good releases that deserve as much spotlight as anyone else on Blue Note. For me personally it was his gorgeous Fender Rhodes playing on I Love the Girl from Donald Byrd's Fancy Free that really got me interested. Eventually found copies of the Phantom, Wahoo, the Right Touch and It Could Only Happen With You which really cemented him as one of my absolute favorite Blue Note piano players
It's hard not to let the erosion of the post-war democratic consensus get in the way of some vintage tropical-tinted Duke Pearson post-bop. But we do what we can -- while we still can. I had the CD but didn't get this LP re-issue until last year (or maybe the year before) and it has become one of my most re-played Tone Poets. That opening track is moody and mesmerizing. Thanks again!
That was a meaningful look at Pearson, very nicely illustrated. He's the kind of artist you turn to when you want to listen to something on the margins, no wild adventures or lapel-grabbing dynamics, but still with great soloists and inspired writing.
Thank you. I had another close listen to A New Perspective while prepping this episode, and couldn’t agree more with what you say. Daring without scaring.
@TenMinuteRecordReview My God, A New Perspective is a groundbreaking Bop-A-Nova, Gospel album that stays on steady rotation at my home. Beautiful music.
Outstanding review. I didn’t grab the Tone Poet since I have my Dad’s first press copy. The scant surface noise can’t ruin the wonderful vibe from the great lineup on this session. The Moana Surf, the hauntingly beautiful, Say Your Mine and the title track are my standouts on here.
@tenminuterecordreviews Thank you. It was nice to inherit my Pop’s collection. He’s looking down proudly at his 60 year old records and impressed on how fast and vast I grew my own vinyl stash.
Excellent review! Pearson's records go down so easy. Another delicious Blue Note one with him, though not nominally leading, nevertheless making significant contributions is Little Johnny C by Johnny Coles.
