Cunningbird Explained

Cunningbird
Type:Album
Artist:Jimmy Knepper Quintet
Cover:Cunningbird.jpg
Released:1977
Recorded:November 8, 1976
Studio:C.I. Recording, NYC
Genre:Jazz
Length:58:25 CD with bonus tracks
Label:SteepleChase SCS 1061
Producer:Nils Winther
Chronology:Jimmy Knepper
Prev Title:The Pepper-Knepper Quintet
Prev Year:1958
Next Title:Jimmy Knepper in L.A.
Next Year:1977

Cunningbird is an album led by trombonist Jimmy Knepper, recorded in 1976 and released on the Danish SteepleChase label.[1] [2] [3]

Reception

The Globe and Mail wrote that "Knepper is one of the most individual stylists of mainstream jazz trombone, with a tone so soft-centred that it sometimes seems to slow down his articulation to a mumble."[4]

In his review for AllMusic, Scott Yanow said: "Trombonist Jimmy Knepper, who had not had the opportunity to lead his own record session in 19 years, is in top form during this quintet outing with tenor saxophonist Al Cohn... Knepper contributed all six compositions, which include a couple of haunting ballads, a blues, and a few songs based on the chord changes of standards. However, it is for the excellent solo work of Knepper and Cohn that this hard bop release is most highly recommended."

Track listing

All compositions by Jimmy Knepper.

  1. "Figment Fragment" – 7:41
  2. "Languid" – 5:34
  3. "Just Tonight" – 8:25
  4. "Noche Triste" [take 1] – 8:07 Bonus track on CD reissue
  5. "Spotlight Girl" [take 2] – 6:43 Bonus track on CD reissue
  6. "Cunningbird" – 6:33
  7. "Noche Triste" – 7:33
  8. "Spotlight Girl" – 7:44

Personnel

Notes and References

  1. http://www.jazzdiscography.com/Leaders/KnepperJimmy-ldr.php Jimmy Knepper Leader Entry
  2. http://www.jazzlists.com/SJ_Label_Steeplechase_1000.htm SteepleChase Records discography
  3. http://steeplechase.dk/wordpress/jimmy-knepper-cunningbird-sccd-31061/ SteepleChase Productions ApS
  4. News: Miller . Mark . Cunningbird Jimmy Knepper . The Globe and Mail . 26 July 1980 . F6.