Branford Marsalis - Trio Jeepy

Branford Marsalis clearly had a lot of fun during this set. On seven of the ten numbers included on the double LP (the CD reissue actually has one less selection), Marsalis romps on tenor and soprano in a trio with veteran bassist Milt Hinton and drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts; the remaining three numbers have Delbert Felix in Hinton's place. The performances are quite spontaneous (the occasional mistakes were purposely left in) and Marsalis really romps on such tunes as "Three Little Words," "Makin' Whoopee," and "Doxy." On the joyful outing that is also one of Branford Marsalis' most accessible recordings, Milt Hinton often steals the show. - by Scott Yanow, AMG

Occasionally, a musician comes on the scene who possesses the talent and courage to break the timeless tradition set way back by his elders. In jazz the tradition goes something like this... If the headman is a saxophonist his group usually features a pianist, bassist, drummer, and the occasional trumpeter. The order of the song is usually arranged thusly; head, sax solo, piano solo, bass solo, fours traded with drums, head. Now contrast that with Branford's rendition of Three Little Words found on Trio Jeepy, which implements uses of a sax and bass only. A false start begins the cut, followed by a heated argument on the favored chord changes(of which Branford wins). Branford angrily starts the head, which more closely resembles an elaborate, melodic solo rather than the classic melody, with a loud, piercing note. The late Milt Hinton is then allowed to showcase his superb musicianship on his playful, wood sounding walking bass solo (which are generally regarded by bassists). Finally, Branford rounds out the piece with his melodic solo, reminisant of his version of St. Thomas. The solos in this piece are brilliant, in the same category as So What, Giant Steps, and Maiden Voyage(in my opinion). I'm aware of the overuse of this line, but I'll say it anyways..."The song alone justifies the price of the album". The powerful drum stylings of Jeffery "Tain" Watts are added to the other cuts, of which the sententious, soothing Nearness of You and the relaxed Makin' Whoopee are the most memorable. Trio Jeepy is a brilliant, awe inspired jazz masterpiece, and what I consider to be Branford's best work. - by eric84, Amazon.com

Artist: Branford Marsalis
Album: Trio Jeepy
Year: 1988
Label: CBS (1989)
Runtime: 73:42

Tracks:
1.  Housed From Edward (Branford Marsalis) 9:29
2.  The Nearness of You (Hoagy Carmichael/Ned Washington) 10:34
3.  Three Little Words (Bert Kalmar/Harry Ruby) 5:07
4.  Makin' Whoopee (Walter Donaldson/Gus Kahn) 0:47
5.  Ummg (Billy Strayhorn) 7:09
6.  Gutbucket Steepy (Branford Marsalis/Jeff Watts/Milt Hinton) 6:18
7.  Doxy (Sonny Rollins) 7:57
8.  Makin' Whoopee (reprise) (Walter Donaldson/Gus Kahn) 9:06
9.  Peace (Ornette Coleman) 9:09
10.  Random Abstract (Tain's Rampage) (Branford Marsalis) 8:00

Personnel:
Branford Marsalis (Tenor and Soprano Saxophone)
Milt Hinton (Double Bass) - 1-6,8
Delbert Felix (Double Bass) - 7,9,10
Jeff "Tain" Watts (Drums)