Beautiful copy of this rare Cecil Payne LP (recorded in 1956) released on the small Signal label. I only have one other album on this label and that would be the wonderful Red Rodney session. These records are very hard to find. You almost never see them for sale. The music on this album is nice, very smooth hard bop. Cecil Payne has a lovely tone. Dark, sultry, like molasses, and he plays very lyrical. I have a couple of 7” on the Metronome label with him and he’s on Kenny Dorham’s “Afro-Cuban” album on Blue Note, but that’s it. I must check out more stuff that he released. The album is made up of two sessions, one with a quartet setting and one with a quintet. The quartet is: Payne on baritone, Duke Jordan on piano, Tommy Potter on double bass and Art Taylor on drums. Kenny Dorham on trumpet is added and completes the quintet. The two sessions have each their own flavor. Dorham making the difference. Both the quartet and quintet sounds wonderful though.
I must say, this record is in astonishing condition. It sounds like new. And the cover is in amazing condition, which for these Signals is pretty unusual I believe. Love the design of the jacket and the clean deep groove labels. It always feels pretty unreal when a vintage jazz LP from the 50’s is in this condition. Dreamy.
All tunes on this album are great, and if you haven’t heard this one do yourself a favor and check it out. I think you’ll dig it. If you like lyrical, smooth hard bop then you’ll not be disappointed.
I have just concluded a deal for three new records and I’m very excited about that. Two Blue Notes and one Prestige. I wanted to make sure I added some Blue Notes to the collection, cause it’s been a while since I did that. There are a plethora of titles that I want from the Blue Note catalogue and it’s time to try and secure some of them. The Prestige title is a long time want that I finally pulled the trigger on. It’s been waiting for me. Look out for these titles which will be posted on the site in due time.
Questions for my readers: Are you familiar with the work of Cecil Payne? If so, what are some of your favorite titles with him playing as a sideman or leader? Have you got any other albums on the Signal label that you can recommend?
I have the album on display on the turntable, it’s Friday and the weekend starts now which is so nice. I’m aiming to get some rest and enjoy time with my family. Enjoy your weekend guys and stay tuned for more vintage treasures from the collection. Cheers… and stay safe!