Clifford Brown, Max Roach Quintet - At Basin Street

The Clifford Brown-Max Roach quintet was already one of the best in modern jazz, but when they added Sonny Rollins to the fray in late 1955, it became a lineup for the ages. Basin Street, recorded in early 1956, marks the studio debut of Rollins with the band, and the result is a supercharged highlight of the postbop era. The three furiously paced standards that kick off the set feature superb blowing and crafty arrangements that offer spontaneous intros and rhythmic shifts. Of special note are the contributions of pianist Richie Powell, Bud's younger brother, who not only adds three excellent compositions (the intricate "Powell's Prances," the poignant "Time," and the irresistibly catchy "Gertrude's Bounce"), but also proves himself to be a standout soloist and accompanist. Of course, Brown's bright tone and remarkably fluid ideas are in full bloom as well. Sadly, the quintet would record only once more (Plus 4, issued under Rollins's name) before the June 1956 accident that claimed the lives of Brown and Powell. --Marc Greilsamer Amazon.com

End of the line.

It's been quite a while since I've listened to this album, but the ensemble choruses and solos still ring in my ears--"Love Is a Splendored Thing" (hardly a jazz vehicle but it works), "I Remember April" (perhaps rivaled only by Erroll Garner's on "Concert by the Sea"), "Gertrude's Bounce" (one of their most inspired bebop tunes--part jingle bells, part operatic melodic expansiveness). Everybody's favorite trumpet player demonstrates why he deserves to be, and Rollins brings a new kind of power, energy, and playfulness to the group.

No doubt Sonny provided much more firepower for the group's live performances and loosened up things in the recording studio with his sportive, motivic playing. But Harold Land's precision playing and unfailing melodic logic made for a tighter ensemble sound and more consistent solos--which is the reason I'd give the edge to "Study in Brown." On the other hand, "More Study in Brown" includes another take of "I Remember April" from this same session with Rollins," a version that strikes me as superior to the master take heard here.

Not only was this the end of the string for Clifford, but it's probably the last recording by Max Roach to have a major impact or enduring significance. May 30, 2007

Fantastic

it's one thing to have a Musician on his way to becoming a All Time Great&it's another to team Up a Great Talent with a Fellow Great Talent&have there Souls Blend as one&leave such a strong mark&endless possiblitys of what could have been. nowadays artists Colab all the time with mixed results. but back in the day you put the best with the best and you got results such as this. the arrangements are top notch as well. Clifford Brown was the truth on Trumpet. he died so young but left a lasting impression. He was that Cat that Miles&Dizzy had to keep a extra pair of eyes&ears on. Max Roach has incredible timing on the Drums. His Rhythm&Timing are top notch. He has Groove in there&has nice solos on here. on Flossie Lou" at the 3:15 Mark Roach has some nice rolls going on. Sonny Rollins plays on here on the Sax. he has always had his own sound on the Sax. Richie Powell left his mark on the Piano Here. George Morrow on the Bass. i enjoy the Cole Porter Cover of "what is this thing called Love? &also Love is a many splended thing. this is the kind of album that pairs together Musicians that truly compliment one another really well. sadly we didn't get more,but this is some Great talent that is timeless. December 10, 2006

Slightly overrated...

I have to say something that may be important to some people: ¨At basin street¨ is not a live recording, is just another studio recording. Now, about the music... this time Brown offers us gems like ¨Love Is a Many Splendored Thing¨ and ¨Powell's Prances¨ (I really like these tracks) but I can't understand why he included boring and uninspired song like ¨Time¨. I recommend you to start with Brown's materpiece: ¨Study in Brown¨ June 15, 2005

Great, but not a live concert

I agree this is a great cd. But don't let the title fool you, this is not a live (concert) recording. But that makes it even beter-no crowd noise to spoil it! March 23, 2003

History was made with this recording.

This CD was recorded at a live concert. Clifford Brown, the young jazz trumpet sensation of his time, and soloist in this album, exceeds in his wonderfully melodic improvisations. This is definitely a great recording for anyone looking for some great music! October 25, 2002

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