Saturday, December 06, 2008

The Other Side of Chess Records

As Cadillac Records opens, billed as a "fact-based" account of now-defunct Chess Records, we draw attention to the fact that Chess Records was responsible for more than just fine blues and R&B recordings. The label also produced some classic jazz recordings that ought to be listened to yet today.

Not that they're easy to listen to. The sides are not for sale in stores. But thanks to the closet-indexing function of the internet, one can still purchase (for less than the cost of a ticket at the multiplex, if one is willing to buy the truly used item) the out-of-print compilation Best of Chess Jazz. The CD includes the magnificently ethereal "Poinciana" from Ahmad Jamal, worth any price to own, not to mention Eddie Jefferson's immortal vocalese "Moody's Mood for Love." And there are great cuts from Gene Ammons, Clark Terry, Zoot Sims, Ramsay Lewis, and even Benny Goodman.

We have listened to this recording ever since our nephew exercised his good taste (a family trait) by gifting it to us for a bygone Christmas. We recommend it this Christmas, and 364 other days in most years.

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