Awards Night 1

Well, it's been almost 2 weeks (discounting the holiday). To tell you the truth I never thought i'd get this far. So, to mark the "occasion" here's the first of (possibly) many Daily Jazz Awards.

1. The 'Better Than It Has Any Right To Be' Award

Awarded for excellence against the odds, be they old age, dodgy sleeve art, or bringing out a record in the 1980's - or in this case, all 3.

And the winner is...

SONNY ROLLINS
NO PROBLEM
Milestone NM 3003
Stereo

Recorded Dec. 9-15, 1981

The 1980's. Not a good time for production. Not tractors, or cans of beans, but musical production. But occasionally the early electronic tools of the trade were put to good use, as in this really rather good set from 1981. It had to be worth a punt, featuring Bobby Hutcherson on vibes and Tony Williams on drums along with Sonny. The great thing is that the big man's tone has survived completely unscathed amongst the calypso rhythms and casio keyboards. There's even some decent soloing from the whole band. There's not a duff track on it, unbelievably. And the best thing - the mood of the whole set is so upbeat that you just can't help but fall in love with it. I mean, look at Sonny's face on the sleeve. This is music that makes you happy, and sometimes that's all you need.

Runner up...

Special mention has to go to Buddy Rich for the superlative "Three Day Sucker" - see this post.