The Complete Imperial Sessions Explained

The Complete Imperial Sessions
Type:	Compilation
Artist:	Lou Blackburn
Cover:	The Complete Imperial Sessions.jpg
Released:	2006
Recorded:	January 25 & 31 and March 12 & 18, 1963 at United Recorders in Los Angeles, California
Genre:	Jazz
Length:	80:19
Label:	Blue Note 58293
Producer:	Michael Cuscuna

The Complete Imperial Sessions is a CD compilation of the two albums led by American jazz trombonist/composer Lou Blackburn, Jazz Frontier and Two Note Samba, which were recorded in 1963 and originally released on the Imperial label.^[1] The albums contain the first recordings of pianist Horace Tapscott.^[2]

Reception

AllMusic reviewer Ken Dryden stated: "The musicianship throughout these dates is exemplary and it is a shame that the short-lived quintet didn't achieve greater recognition. Even bop fans who are not at all familiar with Lou Blackburn will enjoy this collection of his early work as a leader".^[3] All About Jazz correspondent, Mike Keely said "The Complete Imperial Sessions presents a tight West Coast band with a bluesy East Coast sound. There is the best of both worlds in this fine quintet with its well-balanced soloists and outstanding rhythm section. Blackburn is a sharp band leader whose sophistication is evident throughout these sessions; he brings to the table eleven original compositions and a band that can turn on a dime".^[4]

Track listing

All compositions by Lou Blackburn except as indicated

1. "New Frontier" - 4:37
2. "Perception" - 5:29
3. "I Cover the Waterfront" (Edward Heyman, Johnny Green) - 3:05
4. "17 Richmond Park" - 5:07
5. "Harlem Bossa Nova" - 3:28
6. "Luze Blues" - 3:11
7. "The Clan" (Curtis Fuller) - 2:56
8. "Scorpio" - 4:26
9. "Jazz-a-Nova" - 3:46
10. "Stella by Starlight" (Ned Washington, Victor Young) - 3:52
11. "Manhã de Carnaval" (Luiz Bonfá, Antônio Maria) - 5:53
12. "Jean-Bleu" - 4:43
13. "Blues for Eurydice" - 4:45
14. "Secret Love" (Paul Francis Webster, Sammy Fain) - 3:18
15. "Two-Note Samba" - 4:09
16. "Grand Prix" - 3:49
17. "Song of Delilah" (Ray Evans, Jay Livingston, Victor Young) - 4:52
18. "Dear Old Stockholm" (Traditional) - 4:43
19. "Ode to Taras" - 4:52 Bonus track not on original albums

• Recorded on January 25 (tracks 1-5), January 31 (tracks 6-11), March 12 (tracks 12-15 & 19) and March 18 (tracks 16-18), 1963 at United Recorders, Los Angeles, CA. Tracks 1-10 originally issued as Jazz Frontier (Imperial 12228) and tracks 11-18 originally issued as Two Note Samba (Imperial 12242)

Personnel

• Lou Blackburn - trombone
• Freddie Hill - trumpet
• Horace Tapscott - piano
• John Duke - bass
• Leroy Henderson - drums

Notes and References

1. Fitzgerald, M., Lou Blackburn discography accessed February 9, 2015
2. http://www.posi-tone.com/tapscott/disco.html Horace Tapscott discography
3. Dryden, K., [{{AllMusic|class=album|id=the-complete-imperial-sessions-mw0000722199|pure_url=yes}} Allmusic Review] accessed February 9, 2015
4. Keely, M., All About Jazz Review September 9, 2009