Elvin Jones • Puttin’ It Together
Music Matters/Blue Note MMBST-84282
Two 45-RPM 180 g LPs
The casual jazz fan is probably aware that Elvin Jones was an integral part of the legendary John Coltrane quartet. His six year stint with Coltrane brought him the wider acclaim, and acknowledgement he deserved. His passionate, relentless drum solos were lauded by fans and critics alike. One song that really highlights Jones’ skill set is The Drum Thing from Coltrane’s Crescent LP. The song features Jones’ improvisational drumming for more than seven minutes, with periodic, melodic accompaniment by Coltrane on the tenor sax, and Jimmy Garrison on the bass. The song was meant to be a showcase for Jones, and it delivered.
Subsequently, Coltrane continued to play with Jones in this manner off and on, until his death.
Apart from being part of the Coltrane Quartet, Elvin Jones was also known as the younger brother of fellow jazz giants, Hank Jones and Thad Jones. Less celebrated by the casual jazz fan (perhaps, because they don’t know) is his stellar work as a leader. Some of his finest dates came when he was at the helm, leading his own bands, instead of being relegated to sideman duties.
One such date that has Jones shining is his Puttin’ It Together LP on Blue Note records, with a newly formed trio in tow. The album was recorded in the spring of 1968, less than a year after the death of John Coltrane. Joining Jones on the LP was his former Coltrane Quartet alum, Jimmy Garrison, on the bass, and Joe Farrell on the tenor sax, soprano sax, flute, and piccolo. I was thrilled to see that Music Matters decided to reissue it.
The music here is nothing short of breathtaking. On paper, Farrell seems to be out of his element performing with heavy hitters like Jones and Garrison. However, Jones seemed to have brought the best out of Farrell, because he delivers what is arguably one of the best performances of his career to date. The opening track, Reza, has Farrell playing some melodic, enchanting notes on the tenor, as he tries to keep pace with Jones and Garrison. He does so successfully. Other highlights include Keiko’s Birthday March, which starts off with Jones’ drumming, leading way to Farrell’s amazing piccolo playing, Jay-Ree, and Jimmy Heath’s Ginger Bread Boy. There are no duds here, but with a lineup like this, that should be expected.
Like all Music Matters 45-RPM reissues, Puttin’ It Together comes in a thick, glossy, gatefold jacket. Inside are Francis Wolff session photographs. The quality of the LP jackets are really the best in the business. You will not find an LP sleeve like this anywhere. In terms of fidelity, this is where this reissue truly shines. For lack of a better term, everything just has an organic sound and feel to it. The sound of Jones’ drumming will catapult your mind back to Rudy Van Gelder’s studio. You’ll think you’re there with Jones, Garrison, and Farrell. The Francis Wolff session photos only add value to this already great package.
I highly recommend this title, even for the casual jazz fan. If all you’ve heard from Elvin Jones is his work as a sideman for John Coltrane, then do yourself a favour and get this Music Matters reissue. You won’t find a better version of this LP anywhere, certainly not for $50.