Interesting stab at pop-jazz by longtime Mingus Associate Dannie Richmond. The album consists of about half pop and rock (Dylan's "Blowin' In The Wind", Chuck Berry's "Sweet Little Sixteen", etc) covers which actually work into jazz better than one would expect, and half light originals penned by various players and contributors to the date. Gary McFarland's loungy "Phoofnick" being a highlight. Basically it's a nice, semi-EZ jazz lp that fans of McFarland, and Impulse!'s other poppy crossover sides of this era (Szabo, etc.) should enjoy. Gotta love the cover too.
Filed under: Jazz, Weird / Neat Covers
Jeff, I really like this record – just pulled it out for the first time today. The standards actually work and on side B, “The Berkeley Underground” (a Byard composition) is about as dope as the title sounds. Scarce record too.
“Phoofnick” is one of the real class “A” gems to be found on Waxidermy. The bell-tree makes the tune sparkle. I’d like to hear “Berkeley Underground”.
Alas, living out here in Dullsville it’s unlikely I’ll ever locate the LP.