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John Graas & Art Pepper

Complete Small Group Sessions [ CD / Album ]

Complete Small Group Sessions

SKU: CD27701 Barcode: 8436563180040
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Format: CD / Album

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  • Released Date: 07 Apr 2014

  • Genre: Jazz

Our Take

John Graas may not be a household name - unless your household is filled with jazz aficionados who appreciate a good French horn solo. But fear not, dear readers, for his Complete Small Group Sessions are a hidden gem worth unearthing.

These recordings, dating back to the 1950s, showcase Graas' undeniable talent on the French horn, a notoriously difficult instrument to master. From the moment he picks up his horn, he effortlessly weaves intricate melodies that dance around the other musicians like a graceful ballerina on a crowded dance floor.

The music on this album is a delightful mix of bebop and cool jazz, with Graas' horn taking center stage in the most unexpected yet satisfying ways. His solos are a joy to listen to, full of unexpected twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly awaiting what comes next.

The small group setting allows Graas to truly shine, surrounded by a stellar lineup of musicians who complement his unique style perfectly. The interplay between the instruments is a sight - or rather, a sound - to behold, with each musician bouncing off the other in a delightful game of musical tag.

So if you're looking for an album that's equal parts fun and quirky, look no further than John Graas' Complete Small Group Sessions. It's a musical journey that's sure to put a smile on your face and a bounce in your step. Just don't be surprised if you find yourself picking up a French horn and trying to emulate Graas' magic - but trust me, it's not as easy as he makes it look.

Track Listing
Disc: 1
1. Midnight Sun
2. Petite Poem
3. Jazz Overture
4. Jazz Chorale
5. Will Success Spoil Rock 'N' Roll?
6. You and the Night and the Music
7. Inch Worm
8. Flip-Tip
9. ID
10. Let's Fall in Love
11. Free and Easy
12. Van Nuys Indeed
13. Development
14. Land of Broken Toys
15. Swing Nicely
16. Walkin' Shoes (From EP Rock to Roll) Courtesy By Tora Tora
17. Blues Street
18. Rogeresque
19. Block Sounds


Disc: 2
1. Popo
2. Didi
3. Four Mothers
4. Over the Rainbow
5. Apropos
6. Sam and the Lady
7. Pirouette
8. Bunny
9. Powder Puff
10. The Pesky Serpent
11. Diablo's Dance
12. Indian Club
13. Morpo
14. Mambo Del Crow
15. Chaconne Part I
16. Chaconne Part II (Medium/fast)
17. Chaconne Part III (Slow in 6/4)
18. Chaconne Part I (Alternative Take 1)
19. Chaconne Part I (Alternative Take 2)
20. Chaconne Part II (Alternative Take 1)
21. Chaconne Part II (Alternative Take 2)

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About the artist

John Graas & Art Pepper

John Graas may not be a household name, but in the jazz world, he's a legend. With a career spanning from the 1940s to the 1960s, this multi-talented musician was not content to just stick to one instrument. Oh no, we're talking about a man who could play the French horn, trumpet, and trombone like nobody's business. Hailing from Los Angeles, Graas quickly made a name for himself in the West Coast jazz scene, collaborating with the likes of Stan Kenton, Gerry Mulligan, and Chet Baker. But what really set him apart was his pioneering use of French horn in jazz, a feat that would earn him the nickname "The French Horn Jazz Phenom". Graas' compositions were as innovative as his instrument of choice, blending elements of classical music with bebop and cool jazz to create a sound that was uniquely his own. Tracks like "French Horn Frenzy" and "Horn of Plenty" showcase his technical prowess and creative flair, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated following. Sadly, Graas' career was cut short when he passed away in 1962 at the age of 42. But his legacy lives on through his recordings, which continue to inspire and delight jazz fans to this day. So the next time you're feeling adventurous, why not give John Graas a listen? You might just discover a musical gem that's been waiting for you all along.

More about the artist >

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