Personnel:

Bill Hardman (tp), Sonny Red (as), Ronnie Mathews (p), Bob Cunningham, Doug Watkins (b), Jimmy Cobb (d)

By the time trumpeter Bill Hardman made his leader debut for Savoy with this album, his grasp of the contemporary bop idiom had established him as a prolific and reliable sideman. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1933, he gigged with Tadd Dameron while a teenager, and recorded rhythm and blues with Tiny Bradshaw between 1952 and 1954. He played with Charles Mingus in 1956, along with alto sax Jackie McLean, and their friendship led to a McLean album introducing Bill, Jackies Pal, recorded that summer.

Shortly thereafter both joined Art Blakeys Jazz Messengers, where Bill began to gain recognition as a soloist during the following two years. In this 1961 debut albumhis only chance to lead a record date until 1978he teamed up with altoist Sonny Red, pianist Ronnie Mathews, either Doug Watkins or Bob Cunningham on bass, and drummer Jimmy Cobb.

The music overall, mostly originals with Angel Eyes the only standard, is solid hard bop, very much of the period but full of the energy, fire and invention required. Urgent and edgy, with a raw, tart, and slightly pinched tone, Hardmans playing was well-suited to the soulful style. He believed in the jazz ideal of Saying Something while there is still time, and remained active until his death in Paris in 1990. His message speaks for itself.

TRACKLIST:

01. Capers (Tom McIntosh) 7:10

02. Angel Eyes (Brent-Dennis) 5:55

03. Jo B. (William Hardman) 9:50

04. Buckeye Blues (William Hardman) 10:44

05. Assunta (Cal Massey) 6:10

06. It Aint Happened Yet (William Hardman) 5:18

07. With Malice Toward None (Tom McIntosh-Jon Hendricks) 3:55 *

(*) Bonus track

Sources:

Tracks #1-6, from the Savoy album "The Bill Hardman Quintet - Saying Something" (MG12170)

Track #7, from the Savoy Jazz album "Bill Hardman Saying Something" (SJL1164)

Personnel:

The Bill Hardman Quintet

Bill Hardman (trumpet), Sonny Red (alto sax, except on #7), Ronnie Mathews (piano), Bob Cunningham (bass), Jimmy Cobb (drums). Doug Watkins, replaces Cunningham on #7.

Recorded at Medallion Studios, Newark, New Jersey, October 18, 1961

Recording Supervision by Tom Wilson

Sound Engineer: Paul Cady

Original recordings produced by Herman Lubinsky

This CD compilation produced by Jordi Pujol

Stereo · 24-Bit Digitally Remastered