René Thomas

GUITAR GROOVE (2 LP ON 1 CD)

Personnel:

JR. Monterose (ts), René Thomas (g), Hod O'Brien (p), Teddy Kotick (b), Albert 'Tootie' Heath (d), Doc Severinsen (tp), Nat Adderley (cnt), Rolf Kuhn (cl, as), Bobby Jaspar (ts, bs, fl), Toshiko Akiyoshi (p), John Drew (b), Bert Dahlander (d)

Reference: FSRCD 898

In 1960, Belgian guitarist René Thomas (1926-1975) had his much-anticipated leader debut in the US with the album “Guitar Groove”. He had appeared on record before, on Toshiko Akiyoshi’s “United Notions” (included here as a bonus) and on Sonny Rollins’ “Big Brass”, but “Guitar Groove” was a more informal encounter. It showcases René at great length, establishing him as one of the most fluent and articulate guitarists in jazz.

With him, tenor saxophonist J.R. Monterose—a robust, intensely focused swinger—shares the solo spot, and contributes three originals, Spontaneous Effort (based on Out of Nowhere), the quick-moving M.T.C., and Green Street Scene, an upbeat blues with some Oriental riffing fore and aft. Pianist Hod O’Brien contributes some assured, flowing solos, while Teddy Kotick’s solid bass and the tasteful timekeeping of drummer Tootie Heath provide consistent and unobtrusive support.

With Monterose and Thomas matched in fluency and expressiveness, the tenorist swinging with typical forcefulness, it has to be said that the set also provides ample scope to display Thomas’s inventive and emotional playing in ballads such as How Long Has This Been Going On? and Ruby, My Dear. Throughout, he is imaginative and full of confidence, developing his solos, regardless of tempo, with an unpretentious, swinging conviction that adds credence to the belief that he deserved much more eminence and praise than he ever received.

Tracklisting:

01. Spontaneous Effort (JR. Monterose) 5:18

02. Ruby, My Dear (Thelonious Monk) 4:47

03. Like Someone in Love (Burke-Van Heusen) 5:52

04. M.T.C. (J.R. Monterose) 4:23

05. Milestones (Miles Davis) 5:49

06. How Long Has this Been Going On? (G. & I. Gershwin) 5:59

07. Green Street Scene (JR. Monterose) 7:36

08. Introduction 0:30

09. Broadway (Woode-McRae-Bird) 6:48

10. Sukiyaki (Bobby Jaspar) 6:30

11. Swingin’ Till the Girls Come Home (Oscar Pettiford) 6:51

12. United Notions (Toshiko Akiyoshi) 6:23

13. Civilized Folk (Bob Freedman) 4:15

14. Strike Up the Band (George Gershwin) 4:22

15. Jane (Bob Freedman) 4:17

Sources:

Tracks #1-7, from “René Thomas - Guitar Groove” (Jazzland JLP 927)

Tracks #8-15, from “Toshiko Akiyoshi: United Notions” (MGM MM 2087)

Personnel on #1-7:

JR. Monterose, tenor sax, except #3 & 6; René Thomas, guitar; Hod O’Brien, piano except #6; Teddy Kotick, bass; Albert “Tootie” Heath, drums.

Recorded at Nola Penthouse Studios, New York City, September 7 & 8, 1960

Personnel on #8-15:

Doc Severinsen, trumpet on #1-3 & 5; Nat Adderley, cornet on #4, 6 & 7; Rolf Kuhn, clarinet, alto sax; Bobby Jaspar, tenor and baritone saxes, flute; Toshiko Akiyoshi, piano; René Thomas, guitar; John Drew, bass; Bert Dahlander, drums.

Recorded at Beltone Studios, New York City, June 13, 1958

Original recordings produced by Orrin Keepnews (#1-7) and Leonard Feather (#8-15)

Cover photo: Don Silverstein

Produced for CD release by Jordi Pujol

Stereo · 24 Bit Digitally Remastered